Balance

This week I have been busy trying to juggle the many different things I have to do. Actually, I don't HAVE to do all of them, because if that were the case, I'd be in big trouble. I have lots of aspirations about things that I want to do. I WANT to cook a homemade dinner every night. I WANT to keep my house clean. I WANT to read my Bible every day. I don't HAVE to, so I don't. :( I struggle with balance. I don't know exactly how to efficiently accomplish all of the goals that I have. I think that my expectations and goals are a little too high sometimes, maybe not even realistic. Someone out there must be a talented time-juggler! Any hints on time management would be much appreciated!

Here are some questions that I have:

1) How do you keep your house clean and still have adequate one on one time with your kids? I try to include the kids in my daily activities (letting them help me mop the floor or dust, etc.) and that works for a short while, but lots of time they end up messing up more than they help. I sometimes feel like if I actually kept my house super clean, I would not be able to spend good quality time with my kids. When do you find the time to clean your house---from top to bottom??? My house is always in a state of partial cleanliness. If the laundry is done, the floors need to be mopped. If the floors are mopped, the laundry needs to be done. You get the point.

2) Does anyone have any good ways to keep kids things from being strewn about all over the house? Mary Alice has to pick up everything that she gets out. Major is starting to have to pick up a little bit, but he mostly just creates messes. I am tired of finding various sports equipment all around the house.

3)It is very important to me that my family eat quality, healthy foods. I don't always feel like chopping vegetables for an hour or spending lots of time preparing. I am tired of two combos that our family eats way too often: grilled salmon with steamed veggies and grilled chicken with steamed veggies. Does anyone have any other quick, healthy, but easy dinner ideas?

4) I know that my friend Tamra rises before the crack of dawn to get ready for the day and read her Bible. Does anyone have and OTHER suggestions for carving out necessary study time each day? I admire super early risers, but don't think that is for me.

5) Other things that I WANT to do and feel like I NEED to do, but can't seem to do: work out, take the kids out for service related things (visiting nursing homes), have friends over for lunch, update my blog. I want to take advantage of the "fun" things about being a stay at home mom (lunch picnics at the park, making crafts together, playing dolls with Mary Alice, playing ball with Major.) I also would like to help Josh out a little bit. I have been wanting to mow the lawn for him for a few days. Surprise!!! I haven't done it. I can do one or two of these things, but then the others fall behind. It is a constant battle for me.

I try not to look around and compare myself to others too much, because I that makes me discouraged. It seems like lots of my friends have their act together. Any of you ladies have any ideas of how I can get a handle on this full time job??