Shaping a Home - Even When You're Not Home

I recently read a post where the author described a mom's role as "shaping a home."  That is so true!  Moms are the ones who set the tone of the home, who adjust the emotional thermostat, and we're usually the ones who set the schedule as well.  For working moms, though, shaping a home can be a little harder...okay, let's face it, it's a lot harder.  It's hard a shape a home when you're away from home for hours every day.  It can be overwhelming and discouraging. 

There are a lot things you can do, though, to help keep your home and your family headed in the right direction.  Let me remind y'all: I am not a supermom.  I don't do all of these things, every day.  I'm trying to put all of them into practice on a daily basis, but it takes time, and it's hard work.  But these are all ideas that I'm working on and that are helping me shape my home and my family into what I dream of...

1. Start your days off right.  I can't say enough about how much the Hello Mornings Challenge at Inspired to Action has changed my life!  Starting every day with time alone with God and time to think through my plan for the day makes things run smoother, even when I have a crazy busy day ahead of me.
2. Know your mission.  While you're visiting Inspired to Action, download Kat's ebook on family mission statements.  I had never really thought about family mission statements, until I started reading her blog.  That's when I realized - if you don't know what your goals are, how are you going to plan to reach them?
3. Have daily family mealtimes.  I realize that this may not be possible every day, but family mealtimes are so important, especially when you're a working mom.  Plan to sit down to dinner together as a family at least three nights a week - more often if possible.  Plan some special nights, too - my boys love Italian nights - when we eat spaghetti at a "fancy" table (set by them, including hand-written menus) and listen to The Godfather soundtrack on our iPod.  It doesn't have to be complicated to be special.
4. Get into a routine.  This one is really tricky for me, because my schedule often changes from week to week.  I'm trying a new approach starting this week, though - I have four things that are on my daily must-do list.  Things that need to be done weekly will be divided up according to this week's schedule.  I have it all written out on two index cards - nothing complicated.  I'm hoping it will help keep us all more organized and make sure the house isn't a disaster zone routine jobs are getting done.
5. Spend daily quiet time with your kids.  Take a few minutes out each day to read the Bible and pray with your kids.  For us, it's at bedtime.  My boys look forward to reading and cuddling before bed, and I look forward to hearing their prayer requests and having a few minutes of one-on-one time with them.  If you're looking for a good place to start, Keys for Kids devotionals are great.

What do you do to help shape your home?  I would love to hear your ideas, resources you love, and things that have worked for you!  Please leave a comment, tweet me @amandablogs, or email me at amandablogs79(at)yahoo(dot)com.