Friday, June 13, 2008
Gimme A Break
Last week, when I was talking to Heather about the rough time I seem to be having with my kids lately, she asked me something... "Pam, how long has it been since you've been by yourself?" Tears came to my eyes as I choked out the answer, "Over a year." "You need a break," she said. Oh, how right she was. I need a break. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids. And I love being a stay at home Mom. I wouldn't want it any other way. But there comes a time when you just need a few minutes alone. I'm not sure yet when that will be, but I hope that soon you will be hearing from a refreshed Pam. :)
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13 comments:
I definitely understand how you're feeling. When my children were smaller I had many days like that. It's important to have the quiet time. When mine were small and no babysitter was handy, I would make sure I had that time by keeping a strict bed time or nap time. Depending on my dear hubby's schedule. Even when they became "too old" for naps, I made them have quiet time. That was my time to do what I wanted to do for myself. And then Bruce and I would take turns watching the kids while the other would take "me time." For him, it was golf with a friend or visiting his favorite music stores in the area (he's played every guitar this side of the Carolinas. LOL) For me, it was a lunch date with a friend or two, or just window shopping.
I hope you find YOUR "me time" soon. And there's nothing wrong with saying you need it. When you're feeling rested and happy, the home is happy too.
~Kristi
Us men often don't mean to be unkind or seem uncaring but we just get to busy in our own busy-ness to notice everyone else going crazy around us. I would encourage you to talk with your husband and let him find a way to get you a 'day-off' or at least a few hours off!
I'm praying for you!
Like Kristi, I needed more "me" times when my children were little, but even now I need times to be alone. My husband is good at seeing when I need those times and will send me out to the library alone or something like that. Even just getting up 1/2 hour earlier than anyone else helps - that early morning quietness is wonderful!
I hope you can get away (wherever that might be for you) for a few minutes of down time soon. You'll be so refreshed! Praying for you today!
Pam I understand 100% and I feel 100% that you need just a little time for yourself otherwise you will go crazy. I am going to say this not to brag but in hoping it helps. For my birthday this past month Ryan got be trip to a local day spa for 4.5 hrs. By the time I was done I was ready to tackle the world. That quiet time gave me a chance to think pray and just talk to God with everything going on in my life. I came out of it revived and refreshed and loving my family even more.
SO I know there is probably nothing like that there but do a search or have lunch and see a few sites.
Love you my dear and I will be praying for you.
Hi, Pam!
I TOTALLY Understand what you are going through. I have faced that for the past 5 years with 4 children. With Jeff working full-time and was going to school and homework being done at school, I was basically a single mom. If he was home for any length of time, he was sleeping. I finally decided while he was working night shift that I would get up during the night and do my chores. Even if I was doing work, at least I was doing it by myself and not having to worry about anyone else bothering me or having to stop to discipline, make lunch, etc. I usually turn on the radio website I listen to so I can hear some music that keeps me going. Jeff has been working 2 jobs the last couple of weeks so he could finish out his yr at Nasa. Today is his last day at Nasa and will only have the one job now and NO SCHOOl yeah!!!!Now maybe I will be able to get some me time. He is able to play basketball with the guys at church on Sunday afternoons. Do u feel a little resentment there? :( Shame on me. He occasionally will let me leave the kids with him so I can go grocery shopping. There have been times when he took the kids out to do something fun on a Sat so I could stay home and clean which was nice cause I was able to get the whole thing done. :) But you know what comes to my mind when I get to feeling sorry for myself, is think of all the single moms and widows who never get a break. Who am I to complain? It does get overwhelming at times and we all do need a break but hopefully our next dwelling on it won't be a pity party and we think of all those who never get a break.
Pam, Just today we had a sitter and spent 3 hrs together, (My husband and I) as we celebrated our 11th anniversary! When I returned home my children were so beautiful, so sweet and so loving. I was reminded how precious they truly are.
I know it is rough, I do. I have been in similar places to what you are doing now. I might go against the grain a bit here but hear me out please. Your hubby is working crazy hours and I know he probably wants to help you but he might not be able to right now. It takes a special kind of family to accept this duty because of the strains you can come under. Take a long bath, put them to bed early, make some quiet time for you during the day. I think of Philippians 4, 1st 4:6. then 4:11, 4:13, and 4:19. I want to encourage you to stay strong, ask God what it is you need and he shall supply that need. He can make a way when no way seems obvious. It is not that I don't sympathize, I do, I have been in the same position many a time, me and my shadows, everything, all the time It is rough but try and make a way to do this at home. I know there is nothing to compare to being away but it justs seems close to impossible right now for you. I will pray that God will give you peace and supply all your needs according to his riches...
Love you
Laura
will email you privately
Enjoy your time of rejuvination. We all need it from time to time. =)
I have learned that when I had those "me" times when my children were young that I was a much better mom when I returned even if it was just for an afternoon. We all need that time. Praying for you, Pam. You are loved. connie from texas
Thank you, all of you, for your advice and prayers.
I should have known better than to write a blog post at the end of a hard day!! Everything seems better in the morning. I know the LORD will provide a refreshing for me; whether I get away or not. (thanks, Laura)
Thank you for praying for me!!
Praying that you wake up refreshed. Might be a good idea for the kids to have 2 hours of quiet time in the afternoon..they can have books but must stay in their room....and low Christian music.....and IF they don't abide, consequences.
a time for you ...to get into a book,take a bath,sew whatever slows you down ..
God knows your heart ..praying.
Deby
aww...now you've made me cry. How I MISS you...and I know Heather and others you have spent time with do also.
I agree..as I had to do in Switzerland...MAKE a time for YOURSELF..EACH DAY..a QUIET TIME.
My eldest son to this day..says.."I hated that GATE" LOL..he laughs..but it was essential for my sanity and time not only in the WORD but also to be by myself and have a breather.
Gates aren't so bad...mine could SEE mom..when they PEEKED out! They had to color or play quietly with LEGOS..etc.
We know how one day can overwhelm us too..and I'm glad the morning brought you a HAPPY HEART again as you always have...and always looking well to her household and always with the law of kindness!!
HUGS for you always...
So true! I rejoice with you in that you can at least be confident and content in the truth that sometimes we need a little alone-time (which is different that "me" time, IMHO). Some Christian women can't admit it, much less afford it to others, I've discovered. It would seem that needing anything of the sort is a badge of dishonor, in their opinion.
My favorite alone time is when my husband leaves with the children so that I can pray or sing in a loud voice and undisturbed. I pray the LORD shows you some refreshment soon...and often! :)
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