Here a few ways I find time alone (super-important, since I'm an introvert at heart):
--I actually enjoy doing dishes. I know, I'm weird! :) After the family has helped bring dishes to the sink and my oldest has cleaned the table, everyone scatters and I have a few moments to pray and think, listen to worship music, etc. while I'm scrubbing away. (The best part is that my hubby cooks, so I feel privileged to be the cleanup gal. It's a great arrangement!)
--After the boys are in bed, my husband likes to check his email and surf the web. This is "my" time...and I enjoy it to the fullest. I curl up with a cup of hot tea, a good book or magazine, or the remote and a Food Network of home decorating show. I read or "veg" to my hearts' content for half an hour or an hour. It's even better if there's a fire in the fireplace, but that's not necessary.
--When my 5 y-o was a preschoolers and I had been in too much and get cabin fever, and it was too cold to go to the park, I'd drive around and look at the cute houses in our charming town while my little one sat in his carseat and listened to music (I put a CD of his tunes in and set the speakers so he hears it and I don't). Sometimes we'd stop and get a soda at Sonic. It's fun for both of us.
I thought I'd let you know how this mom keeps her sanity! What about you? How do you find time alone as a busy mom?
