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Caregiving Help Managing Time and Tasks

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09 babyStart by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible. ~ St. Francis of Assisi

It is a fact, you cannot do it all.

It is true, caring for family is a full-time job; you will never be completely caught up. Let me ask you: If you have a list of things to do today; which will you do first? I can tell you, you will do the easier task first—the task that appeals to you most. That will leave the more difficult, time-consuming tasks until last.

You must be prepared for inevitable interruptions.

On a day when I was facing more work than I could get done, the telephone rang. (At least this time it wasn’t a telemarketer!)

“It’s a beautiful day, how about going to town with me for some coffee? We’ll not be gone long and you need a break. You work so hard.”

“I’d love to but I need to catch up a few things; perhaps another time.” As I hung up the phone, I was angry with myself that I could not make time for coffee with a friend.

As I wilted into the chair for my private pity-party, the choice became clear, I could sit and moan and groan or I could take action. I chose the latter.

Armed with a pad, pen, and determination, I listed my tasks. First I listed all the things that absolutely were necessary to get done today. Then I listed those things that could be done in steps—bite-sized chunks instead of the entire project at once. Lastly, I listed those things that someone else could do for me (if they would) or things that could be left undone.

Here are some helpful hints from my planning time:

  • 1 Accept the truth in the statement: A woman’s work is never done; you never catch up!
  • 2 Develop a simple plan that will work for you and stick to it.
  • 3 Instead of going to the store, consider adjusting the menu and using what’s on hand.
  • 4 Shake the habit of piddling with papers; if you can’t tend to them immediately, put them in a basket to work through later (maybe while you are watching television.)
  • 5 Choose only one or two books to leave out; put the rest away until those are finished.
  • 6 Take time to reward yourself for a day well spent.

I was now on a mission.

In record time I made a casserole for dinner using items in the pantry and freezer instead of going to the store. While the casserole baked, I quickly chopped up a salad and washed what dishes I had used. Then I cleaned the kitchen and finished what was necessary in the bedroom and bathrooms and swept the front porch.

I saw that I had time now to clear off the books and “stuff” that had made a home on the dining table. Here is where I often get bogged down; I read every piece of paper on the table and browse the inviting books. Today my priority was to accomplish my goal and clear the table.

I discovered much of my concern was projects that I would not get done anyway; there will always be something left undone. On my third list dusting the blades on the ceiling fans, some mending, and washing the quilts could wait until a more opportune time.  I could add mending to tomorrow’s list and make sure to include it in my schedule.

Wow! It’s still early in the afternoon and I am through with today’s chores. Where is my telephone?

“Cindy, are you still game for a get-together? Why don’t you come over and we’ll have coffee and cookies on the deck and enjoy this beautiful day? See you soon.”

“To everything there is a season, and a time for everything under the sun … “Ecclesiastes

Hugs,

Have you read MY MOTHER MY CHILD? If so, please follow this link and leave a comment. Thanks so much. Be sure to share copies with your friends and family.

Use Summer Grilling for Winter Menus

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summer grilling for winters menuUse summer grilling for winter menus for variety to plain meals. As snow flies and grills are tucked away, we’ll miss distinct aromas and flavors. Or, will we? With little effort, foods can be frozen and kept to enhance winter menus.

Note:simple tips to prepare foods for freezing with little or no freezer burn.
As we use grilled foods to enhance our winter menus, we want to be sure to package the meats properly. At the end of this article is an easy way to prepare foods for freezing; be sure to read entire article for freezing tips.

Follow these easy steps for cook-out flavors in winter.

1. While you have the grill fired up this summer, cook extra meats for the freezer. Right now summer meats are often on sale so purchase with winter menu in mind. Our son knows when he fires up our grill, he will be cooking extra for the freezer.
2. Choose quality meats; especially hot dogs. It is worth a few cents extra now in order to have plump, juicy meat when thawed.
3. Plan to freeze meats the day they are cooked or following morning. This insures a fresh product when ready to use.
4. Consider how you might vary your winter menu with grilled meats. Think beyond sandwiches! Grilled hot dogs, brats, burgers, or other meets will add flavor and zest to casseroles, soups, eggs, pastas and other dishes.
5. When Old Man Winter raises his head, plan an indoor picnic. Spread mustard on buns, toast them in a skillet and prepare hot dogs or hamburgers with all the fixings. Toss a salad and enjoy the fun.

Easy way to get the air out of a bag for freezing.
For this example, we will use about six grilled wieners in a quart zip lock bag. Place cooled wieners in bag and get as much air out as you can. Leave bag open about one inch at the top. Immerse bag and contents in a large bowl of water. Hold on to the open part of bag and do not let any water get in. As you immerse the bag and contents, the water will push the air from the bag through the tiny opening. Quickly close bag, remove from water and dry.

This will work especially well when freezing small amounts of leftovers such as casseroles. Spoon food into bag, fold bag until you are left with just the top. Again, hold the open corner and immerse before closing. I freeze spaghetti and such as that and it works well with no freezer burn. Mark the bags well with date and contents and toss them in freezer.

I trust you are enjoying God’s beautiful creation this time of year; taking time to rest; and getting lots of hugs and encouragement.

I am sending you blessings and hugs,

Did you know My Mother My Child is available as e-book? Click here for more information.

A Dose of Laughter is Good Medicine

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a dose of laughter is good medicineCaring for family may mean creating your own sunshine!

“Good morning, Sunshine! Are you sunshiny this morning? It’s a new day…wake up– let’s you and me go cheer up the world! We got one fun day ahead of us, are you ready? Move ‘em, Mommy, move ‘em!”

My happy voice and spring in my step let Mother know we were in for a great day. Her little tired eyes slowly opened and the wrinkled frown on her face was gently transformed into a big, enthusiastic smile. Those beautiful blue eyes sparkled as if she were a child once more anticipating a day at the carnival.

I knew the day would be long and hard.

It took one or two hours to get her out of bed, cleaned up and into the living room for her breakfast. My body was tired before the day began yet no one else was available to help with so much of her care. Many of the personal, tedious, routine tasks are left for caregivers to do themselves. I knew from experience my day as well as hers would go much better if it began in the right way. Mother had become so much like a child, living in and for the moment at hand. She seemed to reflect the atmosphere around her. I worked hard to keep her happy and cleaned up.

Another story began to unfold as our children and family in the other room picked up on the levity. I could hear the conversation drift from concern and sadness to laughter and excitement as they, too, anticipated a delightful morning.

Not only am I reminded again how very infectious a simple laugh can be, I also recognize the overwhelming responsibility I have, not simply to the one I’m caring for, but also to those around me. God has given me a unique opportunity to share my love for Jesus in a real, tangible way by living out the love He has put inside me.

I am praying for each person reading this post that God will put a spark inside you; that you will re-discover the joy of laughter. Laughter is, after all, good medicine! God said it; now scientists have proven it—isn’t that just amazing?

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure… You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” From Psalm 16:9-11 NIV

Hugs,

My Mother My Child is an account of my personal walk through eight years of caring; of learning to laugh in the hard times; of learning to cry; and mostly, learning to lean on the One Who has all the answers for us.