Especially since we moved. When we lived in Nebraska, I had a rhythm and routine to life. I still was hopeless at details, but I had back up plans and back up people. I really hoped that moving to Florida I would get my act together a bit more. Instead, I have lost my rhythm and routines. I lost my back up plans and back up people. And, quite frankly, I think I have lost my mind. It's feels like my weaknesses are on full display. I spend a lot of my time late, lost, and looking for things.
I know we are still transitioning to a new place, so I want to give myself grace. And I know I can't change my essential nature. But a little input never hurt anybody. So, I am opening it up to my little corner of the blogosphere. What things help you to manage your home and family? I can use help in ANY area...meals, laundry, scheduling, etc. You name it, I am struggling with it. :)
Though the move may have me drowning in sea of details, it also has meant we have many forms of escapism right at our fingertips. So instead of meal planning or laundry we can do things like take a day to go to Sea World with friends...
Having a good time seems to be the only thing I can successfully manage in life. Well, at least I got that!
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14 comments:
You DEFINITELY got that, sista!! My first piece of advice would be: you are already great at the things that matter--being there for your kids, celebrating well, pointing them to Jesus, even in your brokenness, loving and respecting your husband. So, don't lose sight of that.
My second piece of advice is this: keep giving yourself grace and time. You haven't had that much time to get those new routines and back up plans and people in place yet. It took you time to establish those in Neb, too. You'll get it figured out. I heard Steve Sellers give a talk when we were on LHS and he mentioned that even when change is chosen, it still has stress involved. You are experiencing the stresses, but they will get less--not as soon as you want them to, but they will.
Oh, and third, if they keep Mama sane, lots of escapism days to Sea World and definitely in order!!
I LOVE you, sweet friend!
Kel
gotta run to pick up kids from school--I'm late--and I HAVE a routine~!!
I think you are going to be so good for me! You sound like my opposite. When I am in new, stressful situations, I go into crazy schedule, no fun mama mode. (but don't worry - I'm told that I am still capable of fun!) I might have some ideas for you out of all my craziness if you really want them. But I would say in the meantime celebrate the little victories - not only the things that "should" get done when they do, but all the life that is happening in its own way. :)
PS I'll probably need someone to tell me to quit working and escape to Sea World for the day. Feel free to be that person. :)
Hmmm...currently I am visiting with you right now to escape the million and one things I need to do, so I think it might be hypocritical of me to give you advice right now!;) we've been in a (smaller) transition season here and I sympathize with everything you're saying sister. I'll tell you what I am revisiting right now (upon the wise counsel of others). Put everything else aside and just whip out your Bible. Even if you are steady Freddy and read everyday now is the time for a little extended fellowship before figuring out what your new normal looks like. Cause if you're like me, the tendency is to rebuild what is familiar when maybe God is asking you to step into the new itch Him. Choose Mary over Martha for one afternoon...maybe even see if your hubby will hang with kids while you go for a drive and then park with your Bible and some worship music...journal down some thoughts and ideas and then have a follow up meeting with your hubby. You guys seem to have such a great, godly relationship that sitting down after kids are in bed and praying/discussing what your new normal is gonna look like will be a joy because God as been guiding your every steps. I am pretty impatient sometimes and prone to emotional hijacks by the enemy of my soul. My hubby brings such a voice of wisdom and direction that I need when I am in a stressful situation and feeling overwhelmed. Praying for all the pieces of your puzzle to just start clicking! Love you bunches and pray that you will sense every step being ordered by The Lord.
Pick two days a week that are dedicated laundry days. At our house it's Wednesday and Saturday. All dirty cloth-like items in the house get washed on those two days.
Not always folded though. Ahem.
P.S. Your blog has the hardest captcha on the planet. I never get it on the first try.
I love you, Miss!
Kendra Kammer told me about this website helping to organize meals...looks to be FREE!
http://www.foodonthetable.com/
Check it out! She showed me the app and it's awesome! For example, when you pick a meal, it automatically posts on your grocery list (inside the app) what you need to buy!
Sounds cool!
I'm going to check this out...when I've got a little extra time! :)
Mom says to do a load of laundry every day. Throw it in in the morning dry it and put it away ASAP!
Each evening, try to run and unload your D/W . Prep your coffee maker to automatically make coffee in the morning. Set the table for breakfast (bowls, napkins, spoons, cereal choices)...so welcoming to come down to.
Make your beds every day. Feels like I can function if this is at least done.
Check out these AWESOME PRODUCTS from Norwex! (www.norwex.com). Makes cleaning HEALTHY AND FAST!!!
We can talk about that in more detail later!
Carve out a special place (like a kitty in the window) where you can spend time with Jesus every day.
LOVE YOU!!!
Em
alcohol? with a glass of wine i can laugh in the face of dirty laundry and dusty bunnies. also i love lists. it prevents me from going round and round in my head. i like to put really easy things on the list to create a sense of accomplishment. example "get out of bed? check! stay in pjs all day, including when picking kids up from school? check!" you can also put wine drinking ON the list which kills two birds with one stone. when all else fails you could read a book on "letting go of perfect" i bet it would make you feel lots better. ha, ha.
Sea World is so much fun!! It used to be that as a Florida resident you could pay for a day and get a whole season...you might want to look into that! :)
I just said to my husband the other day that sometimes I just wanted to move to a completely new place and start over where no one knows us! I said,"There is a problem, though...," and we both said at the same time,"We'd still be there." :P I will check back for ideas...I don't really have any to share!
Dearest Missy! I have no idea except I just read a great article on iphone apps that help moms. I downloaded several to try. It is worth looking through and finding ones that help with calendars for families, grocery list, the shared to-do list of husband/wife, reminders for kids pick ups etc.
love you!
Brownie
oops - distracted and forgot to put the link!
http://www.babble.com/mom/mom-products/top-50-iphone-apps-for-moms-3/50-best-iphone-apps-for-moms-e-nag-reminders/
Dearest Missy,
I totally get you, new beginnings, new season to try something better. One thing I know that has worked for me, and a family of six, is a big monthly wall calendar near the kitchen (so you can see it and it is well traffic-ed). The family of six had a different color for each of the kids and the kids are weekly responsible (if old enough) to write down their major school projects and extra curricular commitments on the calendar. They were to put down what time they start AND what time to be there. They updated it every week.
I do that for myself (when I have appointments or have to work late) and what chores I did/need to do for the day. I'm not going to remember the last time I dusted - I can't imagine you will either. So I write them down to help me keep track of house work without going crazy trying to keep on it.
Also, when you keep track of who needs to be where, it helps meal planning. You're not going to make a huge meal if you know it's a football game night. You might do leftovers or a "fun" meal of concession stand food!
Hope this helps.
Love this post! We are built pretty much the same. Lately I have tried this and it has worked great! Buying meals that are flexible and easier. Crock pot, trader joe's pre-made ready meats, etc.....and that way I am able to be flexible in what we do during the day because I can throw something in the crock pot and go! Then dinner is ready to go when we come back to reality. I tend to throw in laundry around late afternoon and finish it out at night so that my days are not bogged down with laundry....or I forget to swish from the washer to dryer and then need to wash all over again because it isn't smellin oh so fresh anymore ;) Also getting up early and getting myself ready to go and having my sweet time with Jesus makes all the difference of how everything else lays out the rest of the day! Excited to see what other tips you get!
Hey new friend,
this fall in the midst of crazy life and schedule for myself, i compiled a list of crock pot recipes...some new some not, it has helped me just put the food in and "Forget it!" -one of my past times when it comes to preparing dinner:0 I gave them to a couple of friends if you'd like the file.
Remember, many of us here in Otown have come here and had to adjust so my advise is ASK...hard for most of us but, just ask for everything, best shopping, restaurants, beaches, etc. Directions especially! Every road around here runs around lakes, retension ponds, etc. So i can tell you some crazy stories of my first couple of years getting trapped on the toll ways with no change and screaming babies:0 May be later.
Anyway, glad to read your story. Thanks for reminding us about where we all have been (in transition) and the need to just reach out!
Love,
Stephanie
Meal planning is one of my weak spots. But I created "the list" which helps me. I have on one sheet of paper a list of 30-40 easy main dishes (and yes p,b,& J does count); about 15 side dishes; and a short list of fruits and veggies. I use this one page cheat sheet to help me quickly put together a weekly meal plan which gets posted on the fridge. It helps me avoid serving the same foods for supper all the time and helps make meal planning quicker.
When I feel like getting fancy I just pick out one new recipe to try sometime during the week. But more often than not my challenge with meal planning is a sort of writer's block - so "the list" has helped me break that barrier.
Don't be too hard on yourself - a new home and a new place means new routines, new grocery stores, etc.
I remember you sometimes would pick up a few Jimmy Johns sandwiches and some extra bread for a change up... maybe you can give yourself homework like finding a replacement for your favorite pizza and sandwich places for those emergency meal plan days???
I agree that you have the important stuff covered. Mt. Laundry will always be there.
Hi My name is Jenna
Your kids are beautiful princesses, handsome prince’s, cute blessings, special earthly angels, and precious gifts and miracles. Looks like u had so much fun at sea world!
I was born with a rare life threatening disease, developmental delays, and 14 other medical conditions.
Here is a new poem I wrote, it’s called it takes courage:
It Takes courage to love
Like a dove
It takes courage to fight,
It takes courage to do what’s right
It takes courage to stay strong,
When things go wrong
It takes courage to write a song
It takes courage to live
It takes courage to give
It takes courage to fight this beast
It takes courage to be brave
It takes courage to smile and wave
It takes courage to keep positive
Keep on fighting!
It takes courage to win!
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