Are you a stressed out Caregiver???

Just read an interesting statistic: Most Americans will be caregivers at some point in their lives, outside of typical parenting. Whether it's caring for a parent, a disabled child or sick spouse, nearly 44 million Americans are considered informal caregivers in any given year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. Most caregivers are middle-aged, and most are women. (The Daily Gazette, June 30, 2013, page B1)

The same article has a link to the Family Caregiver Stress Relief website where there is a link to a caregiver stress test and links to resources to find some help.  Although most of the resources are targeted toward helping seniors (parents), some of the information is also useful for being a caregiver to others.

Last month the NNPDF posted 12 ways to "Care for the Caregiver", especially targeted toward those caring for sick children:

Day 1 - Take Care of Yourself Physically
Day 2 - Don't Overload Your Daily "To Do" List - Be Realistic
Day 3 - Give Yourself Permission to Have a Good Cry
Day 4 - Getting Adequate Rest
Day 5 - Seeking Professional Help if Needed
Day 6 - Take a Break Every Day
Day 7 - Explore Community Resources and Connect Yourself to Them
Day 8 - Learn relaxation techniques to help alleviate stress!
Day 9 - Give yourself a special treat at least once a month!
Day 10 - Regularly attend (or connect on-line) with support groups and/or education workshops.
Day 11 - Know Your Limitations
Day 12 - Give Yourself Credit for All the Good You Do 


Please take a minute and think about yourself.  If you aren't taking care of yourself, you can't take care of them.

5 for Five - Jan 6

So what is 5 For Five? In the short form, it is 5 goals you want to achieve this week. Next week, I will report on my success (or failure). Jenn does a better job of explaining it here.

Here were the goals from before Christmas:
1. Enjoy Shelby's first Christmas!
2. Start to map out a plan for next  year.
3. Read, read, read!! (It took almost 2 weeks, but I am done with the June newspapers!)
4. Spend time with family.
5. Have a Merry Christmas!

As you can see, I made them fairly doable and easy - why not????  I have to say, that made it easy to have a 5 for 5 week!

So what are my goals for the first full week in January???
1. Tackle some of Crystal's 7-Day Challenge!
2. Re-read the preview version of her book and start implementing the ideas.
3. Read some newspapers.
4. Enjoy watching Shelby explore her world.
5. Do some NNPDF work.

Ok, who is with me?  Let's start off the year with some goals and keep each other on track to a better year!

Gratitute Jar

I saw this picture on Facebook a few weeks ago and shared it to my wall.  Several people wanted me to remind them when the year began, so here is your reminder:

And it's cold....

So this is what it was last night around my house.  The screen shot was about 1am, the digital display was taken by a friend in her car about 2am a few miles away.  Yes, it was cold. This is not normal weather for my area.

Tackle the Home Front - Part 2

On Christmas Eve I posted the latest daily challenge in Crystal Paine's 7-Day Challenge, part of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode.

Since it was a holiday week, I decided to make that one day (or for me, one week) challenge last for 2 weeks. So I am still working on it.

To help, Crystal just posted a free printable chore planner to keep the home organized. You can get it here if you pre-order her book.

So, go check it out! The book will be available for purchase on January 21, but pre-order your copy now and you get lots of freebies - including the one above!

Thumping Thursday Blog Hop - Jan 2 - Guest Co-Host

Welcome to the 

Thumping Thursdays Blog Hop!

Click on the badge to grab the code and help grow the HOP!!

Happy New Year!
A New Year - A New YOU!
Thank you for joining us this week.  It's great to have you link-up.  If you are new, WELCOME!
For previous featured posts, please see the
Thumping Thursdays Blog Hop Pinterest Board.

 

Megan
Follow @EphesiansWife

Jill

April @100lb. Countdown
Follow @100LBC

Suzanne @Baltimore Mom

Rea @Home For 4 Sweet Home

NOW.....on to the hop. 

Karina - Mom In The USA

Please leave a comment if you are a new follower!

Simple Rules:
1. Follow your hostess and co-hostesses.   2. Add the badge somewhere on your blog. Click here to grab the code. 4. Visit at least the two blogs before yours in the link set-up.   Let's spread the word about this blog hop.
5. Share the Hop so others can join us and we can grow! Tweet

 
Have Fun! By linking up to this party, you are giving Mom in the USA permission to share your posts and pictures via social media.  All features will be linked back to the original site. I am glad you have shared your links here and will try to promote as many of your lovely posts as possible each week.

Happy New Year

Stationery Card

View the entire collection of cards.

What a year 2013!

We welcomed our healthy daughter Shelby Lynn on August 7.
Faron became the Exalted Ruler (CEO) of our local Elks Lodge.
It has been 2 years without Dan, and we continue to adjust.
Jill has continued her blog: And Life Goes On at immovingalong.blogspot.com

Wishing you a wonderful 2014!