Institute "Mama Mondays"

     You have heard me mention the balance.  The sandwich.  The many roles of a weary woman.  Well, last week I started to feel yet another shift.  I did a mild test for something I thought might be a good way to spend some time.  See I'm a fixer.  Give me a mess and I'll try to organize it.  I don't mean just the regular kind of tidying either...give me a real challenge and see how I start to buzz.  The new year brings an energy to life that I absolutely love.  Forecasts for 50° days in January in the Poconos don't hurt either.  Put these things together and a new idea will sprout the same way a seed will pop through the dirt when the conditions are just right. 
     Days are busy for us.  Tuesdays and Thursdays have turned into karate night.  It means running around to get things done, zooming to an hour class, eating dinner, doing homework, etc.  Wednesdays are piano.  Fridays are reserved for a night off with Dad.   Add work, laundry, budgets and bills, home cooked meals, housework and a zoo of pets.  Never mind that next week there is a goal to start attending the gym on a regular basis.  That leaves a woman void of quiet time...but that's ok.  I signed up  happily and heartily for these roles.  But where I do NOT want a loss is with my children.  I don't want a blur of activity and events to replace the special time that a mother needs with her child.    Last week I had a heart to heart with each child.  They are growing up and every so often I put life on hold and have a sit down.  I ask how they are and how they would like to be.  I live for my children and they are well aware of this but it never hurts to remind them of just how much they mean to me.   Did they want more toys?  More tv?  A pony?  Nope...they wanted time with Mom.  How was I to do this? 
     "Mama Monday" is the title for how we are kicking off the week in this household.  Months ago I decided that homework was to be done with them separately.  When Emily decided  not one, but two instruments needed to be played...I adjusted yet again.  I adjust.  I move.  I squish.  I make it work.  But now it is not just function...it is fun as well.  All because I gave it a title.  First, while Emily practices her baritone with the aid of her Pop Pop...Ethan and I can do homework.  Then we move onto a cooking project.  Last week it was an Indian lentil crock pot recipe.  This week I went back to the basics.  We made egg salad.  I take that back.  HE made egg salad.  He chopped and mixed and seasoned.  He took his time and I did not rush him.  In between learning some great new little things we chatted.  He is excited that he has made tomorrow's lunch for all of us. 
     Then the switch off.  Pop Pop gets time with him while Emily and I go over homework and projects.  We then made dinner.  She learns the basics of cooking, the timing that goes with it and the fun little details that make things even better.  It also gives us a chance to catch up if needed.   Dinner is a little bit later.  Things are a little less rushed.  Moods are peaceful. 
     Just a few years ago I called them "Maid Mondays".  It was a day that I worked from one end of the house to the other.  The kids were in school and I started my week off with a cleanse.  I still clean but it is all shifted.  I do things in little spurts now.  I find time to be with the ones I love.  Children.  Family.  Friends.    Now as long as the new hamster doesn't need special alone time I think I should be able to make the adjustments necessary.  As for now...I'm feeling pretty good.