Dear Friends,

Did you notice how quick Plan and Play Day on Tuesday came around this week? If you do not have a regular Plan and Play Day in your week, I want you to start this week. It will help you with the flow of your home to have this time set aside. Because many of you procrastinate the planning part, I want you to remember that the reward for spending time planning is that you get a little play time afterwards.

What’s the last thing you did that was fun for you?

I am hearing crickets from some of you.

What did you enjoy doing before you became a mom (or homeschool mom)? Many times, we abandon the things we used to do as we care for young children. When you add in the extra time spent homeschooling, you suddenly realize that you can’t remember the last time you read a book for fun, did needlework or a sewing project, or just went with a friend for coffee.

Some of you have not been able to have a date night in some time either.

I get it. Life is busy. Budgets are tight. Everyone has needs in your home, and you strive to meet them.

But you also need to have a little bit of time to do something you really enjoy. I can remember as a child how hard my mom worked in the house and in cooking, but I also remember that she took time to sit down and do some crocheting or needlework each day. She enjoyed it. It was her relaxation time.

Look on your nightstand. Do you have a stack of books you have been meaning to read?

Today, I want you to spend 15 minutes on your weekly planning. That can be budgeting, bill paying, or menu planning. Then spend 15 minutes reading that book you have been meaning to read or something else that you enjoy doing.

If you have not been out on date night in a while, start today and plan one. It can be whatever you want it to be. If you are on a tight budget, have a date night at home. If you have the extra money, hire a babysitter and go out.

Jump into Plan and Play Day and have some fun today!

Your Zone Mission today is to declutter from the kitchen pantry. Reach all the way into the back and toss something that you find that is out of date.

Your Home Blessing for today is to dust and vacuum.

My menu plan for Tuesday is pork roast.

Have a great day!