P is for People Changing the World

Not long ago, I posted several messages on MMC's Facebook page encouraging everyone to vote for the Time 100. If you aren't familiar with this list, Time publishes an entire issue each year dedicated to spotlighting the top 100 most influential people in the world. 

Note: I did not say the most famous. I did not say the wealthiest. I said the most influential. And not necessarily an influence for good...

These are people that are changing the world around them through their example and/or actions. The world around you. These are important people, especially in the eyes of us who want to see some big changes happen, some specific changes even. The Time 100 is a list of people that we all should know about and keep an eye on. 

Time chooses the final 100. However, they use our votes as a guideline so we definitely influence their decisions. 

Time released the final 100 today, April 18, at www.time.com so head over and check it out. 

Is anyone missing that you think should definitely have been on the list? Are there others that you would remove? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

Mama Time

Does your family make a point of spending time together? I mean to do you actually purposefully put down your phone, your computer, your remote control and spend time interacting with each other? We rarely did this... until recently. We homeschool so I thought I was spending plenty of time with her, but it isn't always fun time. In the evenings, I am often distracted by housework, blogging, etc. while she is on the computer, watching television, or on her phone. 

Now my daughter and I have made a commitment to each other. I will spend a minimum of 30 minutes of intentional time each day with her. I will put not text or answer the phone or check on my blog during that time. I will focus on her. Maybe we will sit on the porch and talk while the dogs play in the yard. Maybe we will play cards, which we both love to do. Maybe we will watch her favorite television show. The point is that I am making a point of spending time with her that is not shared with anyone else. 

She has made a commitment of her own. She will give me 15 minutes of intentional alone time each day. I will probably just do laundry or dishes, but she will find something else to do for at least 15 minutes without calling my name or following me from room to room. 

So far it's working really well! I get a break every day and she gets my undivided attention every day. I hope we continue to do this and do it well. 

Do you have intentional time with your kids? Or your spouse? What about breaks? Tell me about it! How often and what kinds of activities do you do?

Mama's To Do List

There are so many things that I keep wanting to do and never quite getting around to actually doing. There are changes I want to make, but life gets in the way sometimes. Being a single mom, homeschooling and working...well, there just isn't a lot of time left over. 

But I have an idea! 

I'm making a list! 

Something like a bucket list should do, just not quite so long term. Then I can check things off as I get to them. I can post it on the refrigerator. Actually, I think I'll post on my mirror instead! The mirror over my dresser is the place where I start my day and finish my day. Perfect for reminding me!

Let's start with a list of things I'd like to do before the end of this year...

• Make bread from scratch. Sourdough and sandwich bread at least. With my daughter.
• Try that recipe for homemade cheese crackers that's been lying around here for months. 
• Can something. Anything. Canning mastery can be on a later list. Hey, ya gotta start somewhere.
• Make shampoo and conditioner. I really am excited about trying this one. 
• Plan and take my daughter on an excellent, educational, fun field trip that doesn't cost much.
• Have friends over for dinner. No reason necessary except the want of good company. 

I think I better stop or it may not be practical to get through the list before the end of the year! I could keep going, but I thought carefully about what I listed and what I put off for a later time. 

What would be on your list? What have you been wanting to get to, but can't quite seem to find the time?

"You never will "find" time for anything. 
If you want time you must make it." 
-Charles Buxton