The Life of Jennifer Dawn: Printable: Daily Planner Page for Moms

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Printable: Daily Planner Page for Moms


Being a mom is the best job I could have, but it is also one of the hardest. In the midst of diaper changes, sippy cups, kissed ouchies, snuggles, and pleas for this and that, it's easy to lose sight of someone else who needs care--me! Wow, I feel guilty even typing the words out and putting that kind emphasis on myself. Therein lies the problem though...

I love being a mom! It is a tremendous blessing, and I cherish every moment. But in this 24/7 job, a few little breaks are necessary. Right? I feel like I'm still trying to convince myself of that. Confession: I am guilty of not taking that time for myself. The idea of having someone else (even the hubby) watch my kids, so I can step away for even just a bit makes me feel guilty. I know! I know! I shouldn't feel that way because taking those little mommy breaks can actually help me be a better mom to my kids. (My friend Pam even wrote about the importance of taking some "me time" on her blog.)

I know how important it is to enjoy a little time to myself, but it is something I struggle with. In fact, the blog conference I attended a few weeks ago that I'll tell you more about later was the first time I had gone anywhere overnight without my kids since... Let's see... When was Lydia Grace born? Yes, that's right! It was the first time in over six years I had gone somewhere without kids.

On the first night of my trip, I went out to eat with a group of ladies who were also attending the conference--new bloggy friends! During the meal, it occurred to me that this was the first time in a very long time where I wasn't going to have to wipe off sticky fingers with a baby wipe, cut up someone else's food, or have to worry about whether my kids were disturbing other diners. Don't get me wrong! I'm a nurturer, so I thrive on caring for my family. It was just that it was disorienting to not have to focus on those things. The clothes I purchased to take with me to the conference were the first ones I had purchased for myself in over two years. Y'all, I actually put make-up on again on a day other than Sunday morning! Doing those things for myself felt strange. It also felt very needed, and not just because many of my old clothes were starting to get holes in them.

There's not enough time in the day.
The chores will pile up.
I'll be fine without a break.

Oh, I could come up with several excuses why not to take a little mommy break, but there are some extremely BIG reasons why I should... Three of those reasons are Lydia Grace, Eli, and Caleb. They need a mommy who is happy, refreshed, and ready to tackle the day's adventures whether that be keeping up with them during a game of tag, pulling wriggling worms out of little pockets (BOYS!), or just being there for them. I adore motherhood, but it is important to take those breaks every now and then. Another important reason is that we are designed to take breaks--to rest and take refuge in our heavenly father.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
For these reasons, I'm making up my mind to be more intentional about enjoying some "me time." I'm also going to set aside more time to spend in prayer and devotion. Rising a little earlier to savor some quiet moments to read my bible and taking more time for myself is just what my soul needs. I'm putting these goals down in writing and scheduling them into my day.

Printable!
Perhaps you, too, have been caught up in the busyness of life and struggling to find time for yourself. If so, I'd love to share this little printable with you that I made to better plan my days. Save it, print it, fill it out, and enjoy the benefits that come with stealing quiet moments away for yourself.


Daily Planner Page
(Right click the image to save it to your computer. Open up the saved image and print it off.)

Happy planning!

Image Map

27 comments:

  1. I am so glad you took the time to do something for yourself and attended Haven so we could meet! Great post, Jennifer! And I am totally with you on getting up early to get in some quiet time. That's the only time of the day my house is ever quiet, and I notice a difference in my attitude when I get up before the kids. I love your printable and am definitely going to implement it. Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. You are so kind! It was wonderful meeting you at Haven too!

      I'm glad you like the printable, and I hope it's useful!

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  2. Love the colors of the printable, Jennifer! Pinning.

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  3. I'm not a mom yet but my husband and I have definitely laid out some rules for when that time comes. WE both agreed that at least once a month we must have date night! After all, to be better parents we should be willing to work on bettering our relationship. Until then I'll continue with my weekly Friday night pampering in which I paint my nails, sip some wine, put on my facial mask, take a bubble bath and watch a movie.

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    1. Yes, the date nights are so important. My husband and I need to do better about carving in time for those too.

      That sounds like a lovely way to pamper yourself. Take some "me time" is important for everyone!

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  4. Love the printable! Awesome design framing the text.

    I just picked up a copy of the latest HGTV magazine to treat myself when I was at Target yesterday. Maybe I'll be reading it later today.

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  5. I'm not the best at "Me Time" but I love how you included a box for that on your daily planner sheet!

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  6. I love this planner, I try to not be a paper and pen planner but that is the best way for me not to forget something. Phones are great unless you forget to set the alert.

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  7. Bless you it must have felt liberating being away from your kids well done you deserve it.http://www.fadedspring.co.uk

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  8. I really need to get back into the habit of planning with pen and paper. I got away from it when I got my tablet, and am definitely NOT as productive as I could be. I really need to change that! So thanks for the push with the planner page.

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  9. That printable is so cute. My problem with printables is losing them... lol. My mommy time is wine and shows at the end of the day...idk what i'd do without my dvr. lol.

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  10. Wonderful post! I love all the colors. It looks like you had a nice relaxing time.

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  11. Great post! I need to make an effort to take more time out for myself. I really need to devote some time to daily exercise. Thanks for the printable!

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  12. I love that daily planner! It looks like it has all the necessities! I'm actually pretty good about forcing myself to look past the guilt and spend some "me" time pretty often! It definitely helps to clear your mind and regain any lost patience. ;)

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  13. I love your printable. Adding the special memory will make it a keepsake! Pinning now!

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  14. This is such a great printable! I definitely need to start incorporating me time into my day. It never happens. Then I realize it's 11pm and I finally get to put my feet up, but I'm exhausted and go to bed.

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  15. I love the design of this planner, so cute and super easy to manage!

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  16. I love planners and this design is cute! I couldn't live without my planner!

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  17. This planner is awesome! It's so important to schedule me time yet it's often the easiest thing to overlook as well!

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  18. Hi Jennifer! I found your link on this week's link party palooza. I love this printable and will be printing it! I have struggled with the same "mom guilt" but this past year I've worked harder on fitting in more time for myself. It really does help me be a more productive and happy mom when I'm taking care of me. Thank you for sharing! :-)

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    1. I'm glad you'll be putting the printable to good use. Yes, it really is important. I'm so guilty of not always making time for myself, but I'm trying to do better. I hope 2016 is off to a great start! Have a wonderful week!

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  19. I laughed at the MUSTS! Shower and dress- so important... yet here I sit un-showered in half gym clothes and half pj's because I was interrupted en route to getting dressed! hahah! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little "me time for mom" section. Would love for you to link up http://www.akreativewhim.com/100-happy-days-12/

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  20. What a cute printable planner sheet! Thanks!

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  21. This is darling and so practical. I would use every part of it! Thanks for sharing it at THe Creative Circle, I enjoyed featuring it this weekend!! xoxo

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Each and every one of your comments means so much to me. I love to hear from friends both old and new. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my little corner of the world and thanks for taking the time to let me know you were here.

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