Dear Friends,

The first hour that you husband comes home either goes one of two ways. It’s either a Happy Hour, or it isn’t. Some of you are nodding your head with me about how that hour can go. I have heard it called the Arsenic Hour or worse. How can we make it a Happy Hour?

When you have lots of small children in the house, you count down the hours until Daddy gets home. It means reinforcements are coming. It means you will have another adult to talk to. It means that you will see your beloved.

What I have also seen is that you are ready to unload your day’s cares on your husband. The kids want attention. You are likely working on dinner preparations. There is generally a lot going on in that hour. Your husband is coming home tired from a day at work. He is ready for a little relaxation before dinner.

Your daily routines can help you with this hour of the day. You can plan to do the things that bring peace to your home. If you are stressed about getting dinner on the table, do your prep work early in the afternoon. Get your meal started. Wash and chop your veggies for the salad. Prepare your side dishes. Have the children set the table. These can all be done before your husband gets home.

If the kids are young and tired by this time of the day, see if you can adjust nap time. Offer a small snack right after nap time and give them water to drink. This may help with their crankiness.

If you are the one who is tired and cranky, add a short relaxing activity to your afternoon routine. Put your feet up for 10 minutes and drink some water. Play with your kids and give them some attention before you start your kitchen preparations.

The first hour you husband gets home from work should be a peaceful time for the family. Tell me of any roadblocks you have encountered during the hour of the day. Any funny stories to share?

Your Home Blessing for today is to empty the trash, sweep, and mop.

My menu plan for Friday is take out.

Have a wonderful weekend!