5 Things That Saved My Sanity This Week

May 1st, 2015

This week I’ve had the privileged title of “Fort Holder-Downer”, while Brad is across the country. It comes with responsibilities of transporter, homework overseer, meal provider, house manager, conflict revolutionist, and a 4,127 other roles.

And YES, I do these every single day, I just usually have back-up. 

I have the best teammate I could ask for, so it’s HARD when he’s gone. It’s good in lots of ways too for all of us. It stretches us and forces us to step up, and our appreciation grows for one another, but I’m not going to lie and tell you it’s no big deal.

I know that I have it made. And every single time I “single mom” it for a few days, I spend time praying for single mom friends. Y’all are the champions, because this load was made for more than one.

You know the wives that the husband goes away and she like remodels the basement, harvests kale, and finishes the kids scrapbooks from birth to age 17 while he’s gone for like 2 minutes? So not me.

I’ll just be thankful at the end of the week that all limbs are intact and there was no vomit involved. That’s when I pat myself on the back for a job well done.

I will say that this has been my best “Fort-Holder-Downer” run so far. Perhaps it’s because the boys are in school and that takes some of the load off – but Hello, homework x4 is no cakewalk. Perhaps it’s because I’m finally finding my stride as a mama. Perhaps it’s because the boys are older and able to help out more. Or more than anything it’s probably God’s grace just carrying me through as I’m learning to depend on Him more.

But I also gave myself some grace too…I gave myself a break, because we all need those sometimes, right?

Here are 5 Things That Helped Save My Sanity This Week:

1. Simple Meals

No pizza or fast food was consumed, but I did go easy on meals since I was *just* cooking for five, and we had commitments every evening right after dinner. Chicken Tacos, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Smoothies, and Soft Pretzels were on the menu and no one complained that I didn’t spend enough time prepping their dinner.  Note to self – do this more! 

2. Getting My Zzzzz’s

Usually I’m tempted to go to bed late when I’m on my own, because I CRAVE that alone + quiet time after a long day, but I did much better about getting to bed at a decent time. And usually I sleep horrible without Brad, but I used my lavender + cedarwood combo this time and slept like a baby!

3. Non-Guilty Pleasures

 I snuck in an episode of Call the Midwife, and read some light-hearted pages of this great read, and I didn’t feel guilty that every load of laundry wasn’t put away at the end of the day.

4. Getting In Some Steps and Sunshine

Every day a 1/2 hour before I left for the afternoon pick-up, I took a walk in our neighborhood. The weather has been gorgeous this week and the trees in Indiana are showing off like magic right now, so it was a great time to take it in, clear my mind, and pray.

5. Tidy Over Spotless. 

I kept things picked up and orderly, because that’s just how we function best around here. There’s a lot going and if we start getting lazy there will be no finding the the soccer cleats, homework folder, beloved stuffed animal, etc. There’s something about making the bed that starts the day off well and something about putting things in their place that ends the day well.

How about YOU? What are some ways you’re saving your sanity and giving yourself some grace? I’d love to hear about it, and learn from each other!