The Accidental Pastor's Wife

I think that when I am feeling worn out, regular time doing something I like is very helpful. For instance, I'll go scrapbook on Friday night at the scrapbook store which has a cropping area. My husband is on duty to watch the kids (it's a small price to pay for having a happy wife). It is time away and when I get back I'm much happier. I also find myself looking forward to it all week long, so I am happier.

Ouchie! I remember a few times when my husband has said something like that to me and it really woke me up. (after I was done being mad as a hornet and had a good cry)

He can probably help you to get your joy back. When I had 3 kids under 6, we lived far far away from any family and we lived half an hour from our friends at church who could have helped with child care. So my freeeeeeeee time would be in the evening or on his day off when he would watch the kids at home and I would go run errands, all by myself! Grocery shopping or garage saling became a life saver for me mentally! Just a little time out by myself each week was so invigorating. Maybe you guys could work it out. AND after he stays with the kids for a couple hours by himself, he'll realize why you need the break!

I hope that helps. Something else I learned a long the way is that a straightened up room made me feel better emotionally. (not clean....*as if I had time* just straightened up) I would do a quick pick up in late afternoon or evening, then I could feel more at ease in the evenings when dh was home.

Another thing that helped at that time of life was finding another mom or 2 that I could get together with at the park or in one of our homes. The kids would play and we could visit about mom things and then we'd have lunch and go home. Having a peer who understands and is going through the same time of life as you is so encouraging!

Hope these ideas help!!! Remember too that you are probably having some post partum emotional issues. It is very real and in time that will ease up.

Love you!

Keep the ideas coming!

a sahm, homeschooling mom of three under 6 here. You are NOT alone and I am sure you know that. :o)
One thing that has helped me is taking a day off. When I feel overwhelmed I leave my kids with my husband and go either to a yard sale or just walk in the mall. Get a free makeover, a manecure or a pedicure(although didn't try either one of them). My husband has 2 other jobs outside the pastorate, so that leaves Saturday to be my "off" day. It's good enough for me and I always come home refreshed. :o)
Hugs!

Cristina