Ever since I had accepted the job as a mom, I realized that being prepared before the celebratory events is a stress reliever. My experience in the mall during the summer months turns a good experience into a nightmare. The lines are long, kids are restless, I have too many bags, and my spouse is calling on the cell.

Out of my frustration, I created something called the ‘Sanity Calendar.’ It helps me stay focused and prepare for the family’s upcoming events in advance.

Summer months are full of beach fun, BBQ’s, and family outings. By being prepared for the festivities before they get near, I’m able to stay sane and avoid the shopping rush, sale anxiety, and last minute pickings.

If you are looking to rest this summer, plan ahead. What do you have planned for the month of July— what trips are you going to take? Pray, plan, and be prepared.

Lucinda Cross is author, coach and founder of , a book, blog site and a lifestyle.  Find out more about Lucinda at . Follow her on .

Wipe, Wipe, Wipe

I In the morning I wipe up
the spilled cereal milk,
then I wipe off the milk mustaches.
When the baby cries,
it means she needs wiping.
Later I'm wiping dirty hand prints off of the walls.
It's raining when the kids get home from school...
I'm wiping off damp heads
and wiping up muddy footprints.
Dinner includes wiping as well:
the stove, the counter top, the table.
The baby cries again. More wiping.

At last it's bedtime,
which means the bathroom sink
where my little regiment brushed their teeth
probably needs wiping.
Is it any wonder after all this wiping,
I'm the one who feels wiped?
Yet when I look back over my day,
and bow my head to You,
there's one last bit of wiping --
those tears of gratitude;
those shining jewels of thanks.

"WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MOM?"