It's 5 Minute Friday with The Gypsy Mama again. We write for 5 minutes on the prompted word for the day without stopping and with no editing. Today's word is: community.
Go!
I cannot think of the word 'community' without a host of memories from my childhood at Community Bible Church. We started going there when I was 11, but to me it feels like it was my whole childhood. CBC truly is a community of Christ followers. Having been gone for about 10 years now, I still get surrounded by loving faces every single time I return (which sadly these days is less and less). This body of believers truly taught me what it was to live in community - whether it was our crazy youth group 'stupid' Alan games made up by our creative youth pastor, or everybody's adopted grandparents, I'll call them, "Mr. and Mrs. R." CBC isn't and wasn't just a place to 'do' church, but it was the hands and feet and heart of Jesus to a rebellious teenager. They were my cheerleaders the day Pastor Tim baptized me in the river, and the days they sent me off...to college, to Mexico, and later on to marriage. Community Bible Church, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Stop.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Update: 4 More Weeks to a More Organized Home
I haven't done so well with the pictures these last few days, but that is because I have been working like a madwoman to get this project from Money Saving Mom done! Here are some pictures from the last few days' projects:
I almost forgot to snap a 'before' picture, so this was mid-way. Apparently my oven REALLY needed this!
Almost done...
Ahhh!!! Half a box of baking soda, probably a few gallons of water, lots of elbow grease, and a little over an hour later...isn't she perty?!
I forgot the before picture here...but look at my clean cabinets! To be honest, I rarely even wipe down the upper cabinets because I guess I figure they don't get as much splatter as the rest. Well...
Look at the handsome man I found to help me clean the top of the fridge! For the record, I did what I could, but unfortunately even standing on a chair doesn't do too much for a shortie like me. Even Hubby had to stand on a chair for this one. (Mom was right when she told me I'd marry a tall one ; ).
...here's the evidence on my rag. That's from the top and bottom, but they sure needed that if this is what my 'white' rag looked like at the end of it. (Ahem, this rag didn't start out perfectly white to begin with by the way...)
Again, I forgot my 'before' pictures from the inside of my cabinets, but you can see I got rid of a ton of stuff. Not pictured is a bunch more stuff that isn't used on even a monthly basis but is still needed every now and then. That pile found a new home on a storage shelf in the basement.
And now for some other stuff I've been getting rid of...
This was my '7 things to get rid of' pile from yesterday. I cleaned out a drawer in a closet. Yes, I am getting rid of my brushes because I no longer brush my hair (that is still so very weird to say, but that's a long story for another day...)
So I have to admit, it's been pretty nice hearing my husband compliment me on all the hard work I've been doing from this project lately. Has anyone in your house noticed your re-doubled efforts?
I don't know about you, but all this hard work reminds me of a day I'm going to really enjoy celebrating this year, as a result of all this along with everything else that's been going on...yep shameless admission coming right at ya: I am SO looking forward to Mother's Day and getting spoiled by my hubby and kids. I have to admit: when it comes to stuff like this and showing appreciation, I have the best man on the planet. He knows I work hard and appreciates my efforts to care for our home and children. (Clarification: I am not doing this to be spoiled, but who doesn't enjoy the added bonus every now and then? : )
Speaking of Mother's Day, head on over to The Gypsy Mama and check out her sweet list of gift ideas! I know I was definitely inspired by it, and I think my mom is going to flip when she sees what she's getting.
So I have to admit, it's been pretty nice hearing my husband compliment me on all the hard work I've been doing from this project lately. Has anyone in your house noticed your re-doubled efforts?
I don't know about you, but all this hard work reminds me of a day I'm going to really enjoy celebrating this year, as a result of all this along with everything else that's been going on...yep shameless admission coming right at ya: I am SO looking forward to Mother's Day and getting spoiled by my hubby and kids. I have to admit: when it comes to stuff like this and showing appreciation, I have the best man on the planet. He knows I work hard and appreciates my efforts to care for our home and children. (Clarification: I am not doing this to be spoiled, but who doesn't enjoy the added bonus every now and then? : )
Speaking of Mother's Day, head on over to The Gypsy Mama and check out her sweet list of gift ideas! I know I was definitely inspired by it, and I think my mom is going to flip when she sees what she's getting.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Update: Morning Routines
Well, after about 3 or 4 weeks (I don't remember when exactly we got started), our morning routine is well under way. I started with just a couple of simple things that were really 'set in stone' (get dressed/breakfast and Bible, then clean up) and have added 1 or 2 new things every week. I will be honest: my kids wondered what planet we were on at first. However, after a few weeks of consistency (read: resolve and obedience to the Lord) from me, they have pretty much come to know what to expect and genuinely enjoy our daily routine. Here's what it looks like presently:
1. Get up/dressed.
2. Eat breakfast/read the word and pray as a family (note the change: Daddy has taken over this part and we do it during breakfast, instead of after. This has been a phenomenal change in the plan. There is just something about Daddy leading Bible that works so well, and of course I have my theories for why that's so, but I digress).
3. After breakfast (when Hubby is headed to work), we head to the living room and do Bible memory. We are currently working on Ephesians 6, which is going very well. Yes, even 2 and 3 year olds can memorize passages of scripture! : ) We also sing a new hymn/song of praise every week.
4. I then look around the main living areas and assess the level of straightening up that needs to be done. Based on that, I set the kitchen timer for 5-15 minutes and we all get to work. This is largely a training session right now, but the children are catching on well and doing a great job. They are even helping me clean the kitchen floor once a week (I 'mop' on my hands and knees with a rag since we have a small kitchen).
5. After cleanup, we do a reading lesson for the almost-4 year old and sometimes a letter lesson for the 2 y.o. if she wants (because she sometimes asks). I try to keep it no more than 15 minutes.
6. The next part depends on the day. Sometimes we may have plans with friends or errands to run and so we'll get ready to go. Other days we may have a variety of activities to do around the house such as: games, free play, crafts, tactile/kinesthetic toys (playdough, bendy sticks, do a dots, etc), play outside, and of course a snack. Most days, it's a combination of many of these things - sometimes changing every 5 minutes (no joke!).
7. Late morning we do another quick clean up and have lunch. Then it's off to nap time routine and a much needed couple of quiet hours for everyone.
Next week, I hope to add some discussion about the weather and calendar. We'll see how that goes.
1. Get up/dressed.
2. Eat breakfast/read the word and pray as a family (note the change: Daddy has taken over this part and we do it during breakfast, instead of after. This has been a phenomenal change in the plan. There is just something about Daddy leading Bible that works so well, and of course I have my theories for why that's so, but I digress).
3. After breakfast (when Hubby is headed to work), we head to the living room and do Bible memory. We are currently working on Ephesians 6, which is going very well. Yes, even 2 and 3 year olds can memorize passages of scripture! : ) We also sing a new hymn/song of praise every week.
4. I then look around the main living areas and assess the level of straightening up that needs to be done. Based on that, I set the kitchen timer for 5-15 minutes and we all get to work. This is largely a training session right now, but the children are catching on well and doing a great job. They are even helping me clean the kitchen floor once a week (I 'mop' on my hands and knees with a rag since we have a small kitchen).
5. After cleanup, we do a reading lesson for the almost-4 year old and sometimes a letter lesson for the 2 y.o. if she wants (because she sometimes asks). I try to keep it no more than 15 minutes.
6. The next part depends on the day. Sometimes we may have plans with friends or errands to run and so we'll get ready to go. Other days we may have a variety of activities to do around the house such as: games, free play, crafts, tactile/kinesthetic toys (playdough, bendy sticks, do a dots, etc), play outside, and of course a snack. Most days, it's a combination of many of these things - sometimes changing every 5 minutes (no joke!).
7. Late morning we do another quick clean up and have lunch. Then it's off to nap time routine and a much needed couple of quiet hours for everyone.
Next week, I hope to add some discussion about the weather and calendar. We'll see how that goes.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Together: For Eternity
I'm linking up with Gypsy Mama's 5 Minute Friday again today. The word is: together. Go!
We had the best conversation together yesterday. My almost 4 year old initiated the conversation of a lifetime. Though he is young I have mourned over his sin time and again because he is very strong willed and at times just has not seemed to get it no matter what I do. So the prayer God has given me these last few months has been the same it has been his whole life, though more fervently: LORD, please save this child. Convict him of sin and give him new life in Christ. He needs you God. This is your child, on loan to me in covenant.
In my desperation, he heard my cry of a few weeks ago...and promised me this child's salvation through Psalm 20. I knew with all my heart this was God's affirmation - I just didn't know when it would come to pass.
Now I utter the words in my heart...oh ye of little faith...
For several days now he's been asking questions, figuring things out, gaining understanding...we have entered the question stage.
Then yesterday, quite by surprise...he did his fact checking. He wanted to be sure he really understood everything...
"So Jesus is God's son?"
"Jesus died on the cross for my sins?"
"Jesus is the way to heaven right Mama?"
"Trust and obey Jesus, Mama...right?"
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!
"Do you believe that?"
"Yes Mama, I believe that."
I asked some clarifying questions...and he knelt down of his own accord...putting his faith to action as he said...Mama, I need to tell Jesus I'm sorry because I was naughty this morning, and the most heartfelt, simple, honest, humble prayer of repentance poured forth and I knew in my heart.
We had a family party last night to celebrate, just as all heaven is doing now - for one sinner who has repented and come to faith in Christ! Thank you God! - for I am certain - he will be TOGETHER with you for eternity. Together just doesn't get any better than that.
We had the best conversation together yesterday. My almost 4 year old initiated the conversation of a lifetime. Though he is young I have mourned over his sin time and again because he is very strong willed and at times just has not seemed to get it no matter what I do. So the prayer God has given me these last few months has been the same it has been his whole life, though more fervently: LORD, please save this child. Convict him of sin and give him new life in Christ. He needs you God. This is your child, on loan to me in covenant.
In my desperation, he heard my cry of a few weeks ago...and promised me this child's salvation through Psalm 20. I knew with all my heart this was God's affirmation - I just didn't know when it would come to pass.
Now I utter the words in my heart...oh ye of little faith...
For several days now he's been asking questions, figuring things out, gaining understanding...we have entered the question stage.
Then yesterday, quite by surprise...he did his fact checking. He wanted to be sure he really understood everything...
"So Jesus is God's son?"
"Jesus died on the cross for my sins?"
"Jesus is the way to heaven right Mama?"
"Trust and obey Jesus, Mama...right?"
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!
"Do you believe that?"
"Yes Mama, I believe that."
I asked some clarifying questions...and he knelt down of his own accord...putting his faith to action as he said...Mama, I need to tell Jesus I'm sorry because I was naughty this morning, and the most heartfelt, simple, honest, humble prayer of repentance poured forth and I knew in my heart.
We had a family party last night to celebrate, just as all heaven is doing now - for one sinner who has repented and come to faith in Christ! Thank you God! - for I am certain - he will be TOGETHER with you for eternity. Together just doesn't get any better than that.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Ahem...correction!
Re silverware drawer: I stand corrected. I did find a few items to clear out, and then I vacuumed out the drawer and washed the silverware organizer.
Okay so...yeah, that was admittedly a little gross! I didn't even realize it was like that...eek! (boo...blogger won't let me comment on the picture below...see the items no longer in use, which are now in storage w/ other infant feeding items).
All organized and put away nicely...
Today's '7 things' I got rid of:
Okay so...yeah, that was admittedly a little gross! I didn't even realize it was like that...eek! (boo...blogger won't let me comment on the picture below...see the items no longer in use, which are now in storage w/ other infant feeding items).
Today's '7 things' I got rid of:
- another pile of magazines (forgot picture)
- 2 raggedy stuffed animals from my childhood (my kids could care less about them... telling myself they are *unnecessary clutter)
- a jacket no longer in use
- a broken picture frame (complements of my little destroyer, aka the 2 yo)
- a book
- a Christmas tin I never used
- a container w/o a lid
- 2 old phone books that are never used
Update on the '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge'
I'm trying to get a few pictures posted and well...yikes. Apparently there are over 500 on the card that haven't been put on the computer yet. Let's just say apparently someone hasn't been good w/ that recently (or...in the last 10 ish months, woops).
The first 2 are mixed up but oh well. This is the empty and now switched out purse, from which the pile of mostly junk came out of below.
This is 2 bins worth of stuff I sent off to my friend's re-sale shop. I earned $55 worth of credit for her new store, and I'm pretty sure I earned all my cash back - score! I am a dedicated garage sale shopper so I doubt I spent much more than that on the clothes I got rid of.
Again, not sure how to move the pics around yet sorry...but this is a look inside the current purse being used. Yes, it still looks like this. : )
A pile of books/magazines to give and throw away. I have rid myself of a few more such piles since this was taken last week. Since I love bringing in 'new to us' books, I have to get rid of various piles from time to time in order to make room. What can I say? I'm a home schooling mama - I/we love books!
Yow...guilty here. Yes, I threw ALL of that expired food and even some empty containers, away (why oh why did I have empty containers still in the fridge?!).
Oh well. Update on organizing around here: Money Saving Mom's challenge for the day is to clean out the silver ware drawer. Since my drawer is so small, that is not an issue I have. I think instead, I'll clean all the old food out of my fridge today. That is certainly an area that can use some more attention, especially because those IV students are finally coming this Saturday to clean out my fridge. Pay someone else to clean my fridge while supporting a local Christ-honoring ministry? Why yes sir, don't mind if I do!
Now for that 'update' I promised of some of the '4 weeks to a more organized home' project:
The first 2 are mixed up but oh well. This is the empty and now switched out purse, from which the pile of mostly junk came out of below.
This is 2 bins worth of stuff I sent off to my friend's re-sale shop. I earned $55 worth of credit for her new store, and I'm pretty sure I earned all my cash back - score! I am a dedicated garage sale shopper so I doubt I spent much more than that on the clothes I got rid of.
Again, not sure how to move the pics around yet sorry...but this is a look inside the current purse being used. Yes, it still looks like this. : )
Friday, April 13, 2012
Goodbye...
5 Minute Friday with www.thegypsymama.com, the word is goodbye...Go!
I had to say goodbye before I ever got to really say hello. I look forward to the day when I will see her face to face in all her glorious redeemed beauty. Someone said if I were to see her now, in my un-glorified state, she would be so beautiful that I would sinfully fall down and worship her. I wonder if that's true.
Although I am still at times gutwrenchingly saddened at the lack of her presence, I am eased by a few things...
1. One is that there are others to whom I have said goodbye that I know are with her and enjoying her right now. I think of my Aunt Katy who never had any children on Earth, and I imagine that she is assigned with the job of raising this beautiful little member of her family who had to go home 'too soon.'
2. Then there is Grandpa Schwanke, whom I like to think of as the head of the comedy club. I'm sure he's enjoying this sweet little great grand baby more than he was ever able to enjoy any of the others.
3. Finally there is my Savior, last but not least as we say. Because of Jesus, I have hope of resurrection and heaven. Because of him, so many of my hopes and dreams for my children are coming to pass in little Noelle Faith's life. I am sad that I don't get to see her growing in the knowledge of God now, but I know that one day I will. And I am comforted in knowing that is probably even more wonderful than all I "ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephes. 3:20b).
Stop
I had to say goodbye before I ever got to really say hello. I look forward to the day when I will see her face to face in all her glorious redeemed beauty. Someone said if I were to see her now, in my un-glorified state, she would be so beautiful that I would sinfully fall down and worship her. I wonder if that's true.
Although I am still at times gutwrenchingly saddened at the lack of her presence, I am eased by a few things...
1. One is that there are others to whom I have said goodbye that I know are with her and enjoying her right now. I think of my Aunt Katy who never had any children on Earth, and I imagine that she is assigned with the job of raising this beautiful little member of her family who had to go home 'too soon.'
2. Then there is Grandpa Schwanke, whom I like to think of as the head of the comedy club. I'm sure he's enjoying this sweet little great grand baby more than he was ever able to enjoy any of the others.
3. Finally there is my Savior, last but not least as we say. Because of Jesus, I have hope of resurrection and heaven. Because of him, so many of my hopes and dreams for my children are coming to pass in little Noelle Faith's life. I am sad that I don't get to see her growing in the knowledge of God now, but I know that one day I will. And I am comforted in knowing that is probably even more wonderful than all I "ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephes. 3:20b).
Stop
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Still Working Out the Kinks
The title just about says it...I am writing this blog and I am committed to it, but I'm still working out the kinks so forgive me if you're reading...(is anyone reading?...I know I haven't been too outspoken about it yet). I do hope to start adding pictures eventually (though not of kiddos, sorry) and just generally keeping up with things a bit better. I'm all about Baby Steps. : )
For example I know I said I was starting that '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home' challenge (see below) that I posted about several days ago. Well, I am, but I haven't exactly kept up with it every day since this has been a busy week or two for us, and when I have kept up I haven't necessarily had time to post about it. I have taken pictures of some parts of it though, and maybe I'll just do a few random posts here and there to 'check in' w/ my progress when I get the chance. I can still say though, even when I haven't kept up with it, it has been more motivating to do something to get/stay a little more organized around here - which has been great - as well as noticed by my family! : )
For example I know I said I was starting that '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home' challenge (see below) that I posted about several days ago. Well, I am, but I haven't exactly kept up with it every day since this has been a busy week or two for us, and when I have kept up I haven't necessarily had time to post about it. I have taken pictures of some parts of it though, and maybe I'll just do a few random posts here and there to 'check in' w/ my progress when I get the chance. I can still say though, even when I haven't kept up with it, it has been more motivating to do something to get/stay a little more organized around here - which has been great - as well as noticed by my family! : )
T.R.U.T.H.
Sigh...it's been a frustrating day...
We are trying to do some things that we know the Lord is calling us to and we (myself in particular) keep getting push-back for them. I know in the long run it's good because we wouldn't be having difficulties if we weren't trying to do what's right, but it does get very exhausting in the process.
Although sometimes I wonder...am I getting too stressed about this? Am I pushing too hard for something that will come eventually if I can just relax? How much of my attitude and "ability" to rest is tied up in the eventual success of this situation (In other words, am I not trusting God for the process...)? Will I see results now/soon or do I need to wait for a later time to evaluate?
Yikes...this mom stuff is not for the birds, that I know for sure. I am not giving up on what I know God has called me to, but I do wonder if I should be doing it differently at times.
For me, I think the most challenging thing is that I am afraid of the unknown. I want to know that everything is going to be okay and that I'm doing what's right despite what things may look like at times. Bottom line: I want control, and it really gets under my skin when I can't have it...which is, in reality...never. The truth is that's okay, because Someone Else is already in control. He already knows the outcome, and he's got the Victory.
Father, you see my heart and you know my desire is to obey you and do your will. I'm sorry for attempting to take control of everything instead of entrusting all things to your perfect plan. Your will be done, Lord. Thank you for reminding me that you never leave or forsake me, and that your will will be done in the end, despite my mistakes.
______________________________________________________________________
All this reminds me of something I heard on the radio yesterday that really spoke to me. I don't know who the author was, but she was on Midday Connection on Moody Radio. Basically, God gave her an acronym for the word Truth, and it's a really great tool for pretty much any problem. Since it came to my mind now, I might as well share it here in my own words...maybe it will help someone else too.
T stands for Trouble...What is the trouble I am in or dealing with right now?
R stands for Respond... How do I/did I/will I respond to the situation?
U stands for Underlying idols...What about my response uncovers any underlying idols I have that may color the way I see this situation, as compared to...
T stands for (God's) Truth...How does God view the situation?
H stands for the Heart of God. I need to get into his Word and be reminded of his heart. What most concerns him about this situation? How may I glorify him and know him better as a result of coming to terms with His TRUTH?
We are trying to do some things that we know the Lord is calling us to and we (myself in particular) keep getting push-back for them. I know in the long run it's good because we wouldn't be having difficulties if we weren't trying to do what's right, but it does get very exhausting in the process.
Although sometimes I wonder...am I getting too stressed about this? Am I pushing too hard for something that will come eventually if I can just relax? How much of my attitude and "ability" to rest is tied up in the eventual success of this situation (In other words, am I not trusting God for the process...)? Will I see results now/soon or do I need to wait for a later time to evaluate?
Yikes...this mom stuff is not for the birds, that I know for sure. I am not giving up on what I know God has called me to, but I do wonder if I should be doing it differently at times.
For me, I think the most challenging thing is that I am afraid of the unknown. I want to know that everything is going to be okay and that I'm doing what's right despite what things may look like at times. Bottom line: I want control, and it really gets under my skin when I can't have it...which is, in reality...never. The truth is that's okay, because Someone Else is already in control. He already knows the outcome, and he's got the Victory.
Father, you see my heart and you know my desire is to obey you and do your will. I'm sorry for attempting to take control of everything instead of entrusting all things to your perfect plan. Your will be done, Lord. Thank you for reminding me that you never leave or forsake me, and that your will will be done in the end, despite my mistakes.
______________________________________________________________________
All this reminds me of something I heard on the radio yesterday that really spoke to me. I don't know who the author was, but she was on Midday Connection on Moody Radio. Basically, God gave her an acronym for the word Truth, and it's a really great tool for pretty much any problem. Since it came to my mind now, I might as well share it here in my own words...maybe it will help someone else too.
T stands for Trouble...What is the trouble I am in or dealing with right now?
R stands for Respond... How do I/did I/will I respond to the situation?
U stands for Underlying idols...What about my response uncovers any underlying idols I have that may color the way I see this situation, as compared to...
T stands for (God's) Truth...How does God view the situation?
H stands for the Heart of God. I need to get into his Word and be reminded of his heart. What most concerns him about this situation? How may I glorify him and know him better as a result of coming to terms with His TRUTH?
Friday, April 6, 2012
Productivity, Kiddos Under Foot, and Being a "Yes" Mom
My kiddos are gone for the day. Grandma picked them up yesterday, a bit early for a weekend w/ family for Easter, and we'll be following later today. I am taking advantage of the time I have and attempting to insert some major productivity w/ the clutter and laundry monsters that constantly need battling.
I don't know about others, but I just don't do well in keeping everything in order w/ kiddos under foot. As hard as I might try, I just don't tend to keep things very well cleaned up and organized when they are around. Of course, they are almost 4 and 2 1/2 so I'm sure that has something to do with it. While I might tend to get discouraged by this sometimes, I figure it's the season of life we are in right now so I do my best to live with it.
Along with that, I do my best to try and be a 'yes' mom. This doesn't mean my kids don't hear the word no, because they do on a daily basis, but what it does mean is that if I can say yes, I try to as much as possible. I heard this encouragement for moms on the radio one day, and it gave me so much relief and freedom as a stay at home mom. For me personally, this often means letting some things go and saying, "Yes, I'll play with you, read with you, help you, etc." even when I might prefer to do something else. As long as the major things in life are taken care of, I try to be flexible, even though in some ways this is not my nature. I am not a neat freak or the type of person that likes to be over-scheduled, but when I get my mind set on something, it does tend to be 'my way or the highway' (working on that one by the grace of God, btw). In light of that, I am learning to let go.
Conversely, this does not mean that I am never productive or that I let my kids just do whatever. Since they are getting older, and because one of them is particularly strong-willed, I am also learning that it's good for us to have a morning routine. I'll be honest. After a few years of babies and pregnancy (and with the realization that we could re-visit that stage at almost any time, Lord willing), I have really gotten out of a morning routine. Of course we've had a routine to our day..we wake up, eat, take naps, and do certain things at roughly the same times from day to day, but I have not been in the mode of going beyond that for a long time, if ever. I am not the most naturally organized person, but I am learning the benefit of learning to be that way, at least more-so.
All that to say...I have begun to establish a morning routine over the last several weeks and we are learning together. My goal is to teach them that I can be even more of a 'yes' mom and we can have more fun together if we understand that our day goes a little easier if we plan our day and make certain things a priority. That way, we recognize the importance, blessing, and balance of work, rest, and play. Additionally, it teaches them that there is a healthy balance to the times when Mama says, "Now we are going to do this," or, "I need you to do X while I am over here doing this." I think, too, that it will be good preparation for our homeschooling days which loom ever nearer day by day.
For now, this is what our routine looks like:
Get up and get dressed.
Eat breakfast.
Read the Word and pray as a family for the coming day.
Memorize scripture together (presently Eph. 6)
Morning clean up (10-20 minutes of general pick up of living room and kitchen)
'School' time, which consists of a reading lesson for the almost 4 yo and letter/sounds lesson for 2 yo if she wants to that day
play (could be outside or inside, games and/or crafts, varies day to day)
snack
play
late morning pick up
lunch
naps
My present goal is to get this down to a roughly timed schedule, and it generally is (wake up, meal times, etc), but there are certain parts of this that are new to us and so we (truly all of us) are just learning to be willing to stick with it for now. Yesterday is a good example. It was the first day in the couple of weeks since we started this, that the 2 yo didn't present some kind push-back at my insistence that: yes, we are going to have Bible time now, and you must at least remain quiet (and you are encouraged to pay attention to the best of your ability).
**Side note: Some might wonder why I insist that a 2 1/2 year old stay quiet and pay attention during Bible, prayer, and memorization (yes, of a whole chapter of the Bible, this is a long-term goal, even if it takes several months). Although she is young, we have been reading, reading, reading since Day 1 (literally), and have watched very little television (which has been proven/understood to shorten the attention spans of our children today). She often, on her own, will sit and read with me for at least 30 minutes and sometimes more. I don't expect her complete rapt attention, but I do believe that children are capable of much more than what we tend to expect of them these days.
I don't know about others, but I just don't do well in keeping everything in order w/ kiddos under foot. As hard as I might try, I just don't tend to keep things very well cleaned up and organized when they are around. Of course, they are almost 4 and 2 1/2 so I'm sure that has something to do with it. While I might tend to get discouraged by this sometimes, I figure it's the season of life we are in right now so I do my best to live with it.
Along with that, I do my best to try and be a 'yes' mom. This doesn't mean my kids don't hear the word no, because they do on a daily basis, but what it does mean is that if I can say yes, I try to as much as possible. I heard this encouragement for moms on the radio one day, and it gave me so much relief and freedom as a stay at home mom. For me personally, this often means letting some things go and saying, "Yes, I'll play with you, read with you, help you, etc." even when I might prefer to do something else. As long as the major things in life are taken care of, I try to be flexible, even though in some ways this is not my nature. I am not a neat freak or the type of person that likes to be over-scheduled, but when I get my mind set on something, it does tend to be 'my way or the highway' (working on that one by the grace of God, btw). In light of that, I am learning to let go.
Conversely, this does not mean that I am never productive or that I let my kids just do whatever. Since they are getting older, and because one of them is particularly strong-willed, I am also learning that it's good for us to have a morning routine. I'll be honest. After a few years of babies and pregnancy (and with the realization that we could re-visit that stage at almost any time, Lord willing), I have really gotten out of a morning routine. Of course we've had a routine to our day..we wake up, eat, take naps, and do certain things at roughly the same times from day to day, but I have not been in the mode of going beyond that for a long time, if ever. I am not the most naturally organized person, but I am learning the benefit of learning to be that way, at least more-so.
All that to say...I have begun to establish a morning routine over the last several weeks and we are learning together. My goal is to teach them that I can be even more of a 'yes' mom and we can have more fun together if we understand that our day goes a little easier if we plan our day and make certain things a priority. That way, we recognize the importance, blessing, and balance of work, rest, and play. Additionally, it teaches them that there is a healthy balance to the times when Mama says, "Now we are going to do this," or, "I need you to do X while I am over here doing this." I think, too, that it will be good preparation for our homeschooling days which loom ever nearer day by day.
For now, this is what our routine looks like:
Get up and get dressed.
Eat breakfast.
Read the Word and pray as a family for the coming day.
Memorize scripture together (presently Eph. 6)
Morning clean up (10-20 minutes of general pick up of living room and kitchen)
'School' time, which consists of a reading lesson for the almost 4 yo and letter/sounds lesson for 2 yo if she wants to that day
play (could be outside or inside, games and/or crafts, varies day to day)
snack
play
late morning pick up
lunch
naps
My present goal is to get this down to a roughly timed schedule, and it generally is (wake up, meal times, etc), but there are certain parts of this that are new to us and so we (truly all of us) are just learning to be willing to stick with it for now. Yesterday is a good example. It was the first day in the couple of weeks since we started this, that the 2 yo didn't present some kind push-back at my insistence that: yes, we are going to have Bible time now, and you must at least remain quiet (and you are encouraged to pay attention to the best of your ability).
**Side note: Some might wonder why I insist that a 2 1/2 year old stay quiet and pay attention during Bible, prayer, and memorization (yes, of a whole chapter of the Bible, this is a long-term goal, even if it takes several months). Although she is young, we have been reading, reading, reading since Day 1 (literally), and have watched very little television (which has been proven/understood to shorten the attention spans of our children today). She often, on her own, will sit and read with me for at least 30 minutes and sometimes more. I don't expect her complete rapt attention, but I do believe that children are capable of much more than what we tend to expect of them these days.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
4 Weeks to a More Organized Home
I'm taking this challenge from Money Saving Mom.
Yesterday's challenge was, in short to: clean out your purse and gather up 7 items to remove from your home that are not needed and/or no longer wanted. I didn't do that part, but I hope to make up for it today.
For day 2 of the challenge, we are supposed to clean out the fridge. I am going to do a pseudo job of that (get rid of old and expired food), because I have someone else coming to do the actual cleaning of it sometime soon (no, I don't get a cleaning lady, it's for a scholarship donation). So no offense, but I will not be posting pictures of that on here. : )
Anyway, this is something that has been on my mind a LOT lately so I'm jumping in and going for it. How about you??? Care to join us? Click on over to MoneySavingMom's website to learn how to join us!
For day 2 of the challenge, we are supposed to clean out the fridge. I am going to do a pseudo job of that (get rid of old and expired food), because I have someone else coming to do the actual cleaning of it sometime soon (no, I don't get a cleaning lady, it's for a scholarship donation). So no offense, but I will not be posting pictures of that on here. : )
Anyway, this is something that has been on my mind a LOT lately so I'm jumping in and going for it. How about you??? Care to join us? Click on over to MoneySavingMom's website to learn how to join us!
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