Keep Calm, Christ is Coming.

There's been a lot going on recently. Our house is under offer, and we in turn have offered on a new home. We're awaiting my husbands visa, all being well, we should be in our new home some time in January. I'm very much looking forward to it. This is a time of waiting, for the visa, for official moving dates, for the first snow of winter.

As Advent approaches, it's also a time of waiting for Christ, for the Light of the World, and the Word who became flesh, and dwelt among us. I've been reflecting the last few days, and releasing how badly my relationship with God needs renewal. During this stressful time of negotiating house moves, and toddlers who have started climbing. Of house, and work, of child care, and marriage, I have not turned to God as I should. I cannot remember the last time I sat down and prayed with real focus. We have missed Mass, and we need to go to Confession.

When my relationship with God is lacking, so is my relationship with others. I become impatient with my husband and children, I think selfishly, I do not love as I ought. When focused on God, I in turn become more focused on my family. I'm reminded of my vocation to love and serve them. I pray for patience and kindness, rather than snapping at them. I remember that we are called to be Joyful.

By nature, I'm an impatient person. I have a tendency to be self-critical, and to stress where stress really isn't necessary or helpful. Ultimately, this portrays my lack of trust in God, and this is what I want my focus to be on - fully trusting God, serving him and his people, and believing with all my heart that no matter what happens in life, we should Keep Calm, because Christ is coming.

Things I Ought To Do (but never quite get round to)

I am not the most organised or methodical person. I've had to teach myself over the years, and sometimes, good habits fall by the way side. The thing is, I know that by being more organised, I would have far fewer last-minute panics, or evenings sobbing 'I don't know what's for dinner! Stop pressuring me!' and more time for fun stuff.

So, in no particular order, here's a list of Things I Ought to Do (but never quite get round to).

1) Taking stock of the fridge, freezer, and kitchen cupboards - I'd know what we have to work with, and what we need to buy, and wouldn't have 3 bags of green beans, all open, and with varying amounts having been consumed from each bag.

2) Meal plan and make a grocery list. -  I don't always do this, and I don't know why because I love it when I do. I like cooking, but I hate having to think every.single.day. about what's for dinner. Plus, when I meal plan, I spend less, and get through the grocery store much quicker. Win win!

3) Batch cook, and put meals in the freezer - Let's face it, with the best will in the world, when you have kids , things happen. Even if the day has gone smoothly, sometimes you really just can't be bothered cooking something from scratch. Having something in the freezer ready to pop in the oven or crock pot will greatly reduce the need for those last minute emergency pizzas.

4) Have a housework rota - Much better and less stressful to do a wee bit each day, than to leave it all, and have to do it one big disapproving-relative-coming-for-last-minute-visit bout. Besides, the times I'm lax about these things are always the times people just drop by.

5) Get hair cuts more than twice a year - No practical reason really, just might help me feel more like a chic and pulled together mama, and less like a dishevelled old bat.

6) Laying my clothes, and the twins' out the night before - no morning panics, or trying to find clothes in the dark because I don't want to disturb my husband.

7) Take the twins to toddler groups - Fun and games for them, perhaps useful advice from other mums for me.

7) Start the Christmas shopping early - because, frankly, there's never less peace and good will than in the 2 weeks before Christmas.

So, what things do you know would make life easier, but never quite get around to?