So...I told you several weeks ago I was starting a new book called Early To Rise: A 30 Day Challenge. I encourage you to check it out. Whether you are a stay at home mom like me who needs a little more motivation in her day or a busy work woman who doesn't find enough time in her day for herself, this book is REALLY good!
So far I have not met my challenge for myself, but that's okay, I'm setting goals, I'm learning what will work for me, and I'm getting there. What is really frustrating is that it always seems like someone is trying to stop me from meeting my goal...Satan maybe?
Of course to rise early you must first go to bed early...that rarely happens at our house. Whether it is Alan's busy schedule, the kids' busy schedule, or the night owl in me, I just can't seem to get in bed before midnight!
The author of the book says that with the extra hour or so that you have before everyone else in your house wakes up you should do something for yourself...sit down and have a cup of whatever wakes you up, pray, meditate, have a moment with God, read; whether it be this particular book, the Bible, or something else you are studying, write; make your list for the day, write a blog, write a letter. We all have some form of "art" in us...he says this is the time to use that art.
When I first starting reading the book I thought I would use that extra hour or so to get started on my housework that I can never seem to get done with my little monsters running around, but he says not to focus on that stuff just yet. You are to use that hour for YOU.
Last night I tried really hard to get to bed earlier. I laid down at about 10:30. I read a little bit trying to relax my mind. The book says to do something relaxing before bed, not something that causes you stress or worry. Lots of people watch the news before bed...that causes worry and stress. Anyway, so I'm reading my happy little book and in walks my dear husband starting up a conversation about what all needs to be done to get this house ready to sale. This causes me MUCH worry and stress and this conversation turns into a 45 minute discussion about everything under the sun. Ugh! I got so worked up and stressed out thinking about all of the things going on these next few months and how much money all of that was going to take.
I did eventually roll over and fall asleep, but for absolutely no known reason I was wide awake by 3:15. Now...I want to rise early, but not quite that early! I laid there with a sleepy body and sleepy eyes, but a mind full of busy stuff. At about 4am Landon came to bed with us. I snuggled with him for a little while, got up and got a drink, laid back down, tossed and turned. Then by about 5am Ella joined us. She of course needed more milk and some strange conversation about the fan. I tried to get up once and just go ahead and start my day, but she started crying so I laid back down to keep her from waking everyone else up. She finally got back into a good sleep by about 6:30 so I came to the living room and picked up the laptop.
I'm not in the habit yet of going to bed early and getting up early, but I've set my goals and I'm working on it. The author encourages readers to publicly post their progress, so I figured I'd use this blog to do so. I really feel like getting into this healthy habit is going to help me reach those goals I sat at the beginning of the year.
I guess I'll move onto another part of my day since my poor son seems to really be struggling with getting dressed this morning...he's so sleepy...gee...I wonder why?!?!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Get Going!
Yo...haha...I say yo because I'm currently catching up on tonight's American Idol. Oh my goodness I love this year's competition! I will say...Kree Harrison is my pick! And alot of people would think I was crazy, but I love Nicki Minaj...she is so funny and I feel like I could actually be freinds with her, lol!
Well, I was called out again about my blogging tonight...that's what I need sometimes, a good swift kick in the bottom to hold me accountable. And I'm here to admit to you all that I've been pitted out again. What does this to me? I hate it. When describing it to one of my friends she assured me I'm not the only one who feels this way sometimes. Honestly it's a vicious cycle, it starts when I miss just ONE day of my routine, which is horrible because it happens all the time! But if I miss one day of picking up after everyone, doing several loads of laundry, keeping the kitchen clean, etc, I lose it! It all happens so fast. The house gets cluttered, the laundry piles up either needing to be washed, needing to be folded, or needing to be put away. So when the house looks like that I want to stay in my little cave (my bedroom) and not get up. I don't want to come into the living room and see how messy it is. I don't want to step into the kitchen and smell last nights supper still sitting on the stove. I don't want to try to find clothes to put on in my piled up laundry room. I don't want to go into the bathroom to try to put on makeup or fix my hair with dirty pull-ups and pajamas laying in the floor. Then, if on top of that, there are a million things going on that I'm SUPPOSED to be doing it gets even worse. I nearly make myself sick stressing out instead of getting up off my butt and doing something about all of it. I feel like it all just sits on my shoulders and weighs me down and makes me tired to just think about it! The last several weeks have been crammed packed with things going on, things happening around us, and I just got bogged down.
I told you in one of my previous blogs about all that we have going on from now until the end of the year. I wish I could block some of it out and just focus on a week at a time, but so many of those things on my "list" require weeks and weeks of preparation. I'm not saying I have any more on my plate than anyone else, I know I don't, but there's this quality (or defect) about me that makes each one of those things on my "list" seem to be a much bigger deal than they really are. So then I overwhelm myself thinking about them and feeling like I have so much to do. I wish I could capitalize I more than it already is, because I'm trying to emphasize that I feel like I'm doing all on my own. This blog is helping me to realize I'm NOT doing it alone. When I feel overwhelmed all I need to do is stop, take a deep breath and give it to God. Pray about it. He WANTS to help me. He doesn't want me to try to do it all on my own.
Several things are helping me come out of my pit this time.
1. I HAVE to get my house in order, not only to get me back on track, but because spring break is coming and I refuse to go through it in a messy house!
2. My son. I'm telling you, just to see him at school, or a church, or any other activity, you can NOT possibly see how mature he is. He is so smart and observant. He sees me when I'm up and he sees me when I'm down. I want to be better for him!
3. Summer is coming and I want to lose weight like everyone else. I have two best friends who want to lose weight and what a better way to do it than together?!?
4. Our spring break trip is nearly here and that will be a revitalizing trip to help me come back home and carry on with all I need to accomplish.
5. I started a new book called Early To Rise. You should check it out. It's a 30 day challenge to show you how much better you days can be if you just get up out of the bed EARLY. I'm never early for anything and this is about to change. Getting up early is going to help me with house work, weight loss, my spiritual walk, and my ability to be a blessing to others. You know...you have to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to be able to help anyone else. It's okay to help yourself first so that you can be better for others.
6. Plans are coming together quite nicely for Landon's birthday party and that will be a big task off my list.
7. I AM starting an energy supplement. I have to do something to get going!!!
Still on the list:
1. Getting our taxes done ( I know...)
2. T-Ball practice starting, getting our team registered, getting uniforms ordered
3. Soccer practices every Monday and games every Saturday until May
4. Spring Break trip
5. Landon's Birthday party
6. Easter
7. Upcoming consignment sale
8. Selling our home
9. Closing on our new place
10. Moving.
11. Beginning the building process
My eyes are starting to cross from fatigue, so I apologize for any typos, but I can't possibly proof read tonight.
Until tomorrow (or whenever)!
Well, I was called out again about my blogging tonight...that's what I need sometimes, a good swift kick in the bottom to hold me accountable. And I'm here to admit to you all that I've been pitted out again. What does this to me? I hate it. When describing it to one of my friends she assured me I'm not the only one who feels this way sometimes. Honestly it's a vicious cycle, it starts when I miss just ONE day of my routine, which is horrible because it happens all the time! But if I miss one day of picking up after everyone, doing several loads of laundry, keeping the kitchen clean, etc, I lose it! It all happens so fast. The house gets cluttered, the laundry piles up either needing to be washed, needing to be folded, or needing to be put away. So when the house looks like that I want to stay in my little cave (my bedroom) and not get up. I don't want to come into the living room and see how messy it is. I don't want to step into the kitchen and smell last nights supper still sitting on the stove. I don't want to try to find clothes to put on in my piled up laundry room. I don't want to go into the bathroom to try to put on makeup or fix my hair with dirty pull-ups and pajamas laying in the floor. Then, if on top of that, there are a million things going on that I'm SUPPOSED to be doing it gets even worse. I nearly make myself sick stressing out instead of getting up off my butt and doing something about all of it. I feel like it all just sits on my shoulders and weighs me down and makes me tired to just think about it! The last several weeks have been crammed packed with things going on, things happening around us, and I just got bogged down.
I told you in one of my previous blogs about all that we have going on from now until the end of the year. I wish I could block some of it out and just focus on a week at a time, but so many of those things on my "list" require weeks and weeks of preparation. I'm not saying I have any more on my plate than anyone else, I know I don't, but there's this quality (or defect) about me that makes each one of those things on my "list" seem to be a much bigger deal than they really are. So then I overwhelm myself thinking about them and feeling like I have so much to do. I wish I could capitalize I more than it already is, because I'm trying to emphasize that I feel like I'm doing all on my own. This blog is helping me to realize I'm NOT doing it alone. When I feel overwhelmed all I need to do is stop, take a deep breath and give it to God. Pray about it. He WANTS to help me. He doesn't want me to try to do it all on my own.
Several things are helping me come out of my pit this time.
1. I HAVE to get my house in order, not only to get me back on track, but because spring break is coming and I refuse to go through it in a messy house!
2. My son. I'm telling you, just to see him at school, or a church, or any other activity, you can NOT possibly see how mature he is. He is so smart and observant. He sees me when I'm up and he sees me when I'm down. I want to be better for him!
3. Summer is coming and I want to lose weight like everyone else. I have two best friends who want to lose weight and what a better way to do it than together?!?
4. Our spring break trip is nearly here and that will be a revitalizing trip to help me come back home and carry on with all I need to accomplish.
5. I started a new book called Early To Rise. You should check it out. It's a 30 day challenge to show you how much better you days can be if you just get up out of the bed EARLY. I'm never early for anything and this is about to change. Getting up early is going to help me with house work, weight loss, my spiritual walk, and my ability to be a blessing to others. You know...you have to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to be able to help anyone else. It's okay to help yourself first so that you can be better for others.
6. Plans are coming together quite nicely for Landon's birthday party and that will be a big task off my list.
7. I AM starting an energy supplement. I have to do something to get going!!!
Still on the list:
1. Getting our taxes done ( I know...)
2. T-Ball practice starting, getting our team registered, getting uniforms ordered
3. Soccer practices every Monday and games every Saturday until May
4. Spring Break trip
5. Landon's Birthday party
6. Easter
7. Upcoming consignment sale
8. Selling our home
9. Closing on our new place
10. Moving.
11. Beginning the building process
My eyes are starting to cross from fatigue, so I apologize for any typos, but I can't possibly proof read tonight.
Until tomorrow (or whenever)!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Rambling
Gasp! I'm finally blogging again. Things have been weird. I've been weird. I guess I just need to admit to myself and everyone else that there is just going be a week out of every month that I'm going to be...not myself. "Duh!" says most women reading this, but wait...I have an IUD, and I don't have...ewww...periods. I have a day or two that I may spot a little bit, but that's about it. But even that really does something to me. I get insanely exhausted and have absolutely no motivation to do anything. I feel so guilty when I get that way. I WANT to get up and do something, but I just DON'T. I apolgize to my children and to my husband because I feel like a failure during this time, which in turn sends me into a tad bit of depression. I'm wondering if it's not time to get rid of the IUD. I'm sure that probably has something to do with the nasty headaches I get. Anyway, I had a few days like that this past week and first part of this week, then I got sick...yucky sick...thought I was dying sick! I went Sunday and got a prescription and I'm doing much better. I got my mojo back yesterday and caught my household back up today. I'm just so thankful it didn't last any longer. I looked back at my last post and I know my hatefulness was related to that and the fact that I was getting very sick. Sorry for venting!
Anyway, I celebrated my 30th birthday in bed, but it was much needed rest and I know that's what made me feel better.
I'm laying in bed typing tonight because this seems to be the place that all of my ideas pop into my head...you know...when I'm supposed to be SLEEPING. Alan used to tell me there was like a button in my head and when I laid it on the pillow I flipped my on switch and started talking...about everything. LOL! Anyway, the last two nights I've found it hard to sleep, and not just because I've slept all day! I lay down and I realize just how much is going on from now until the end of the year. I know that time goes by faster the older we get, and this is going to be the fastest year ever! Starting in March, we have our spring break trip with friends that is much needed, Landon's birthday party, Easter, beginning soccer practice, beginning t-ball practice, then soccer games, t-ball games, summer fun...much welcomed, selling our house, closing on our land, moving, adjusting to a temporary home, breaking ground, building a house, Ella's birthday party, a new baby in the family, Thanksgiving, Christmas, moving into our new home...oh, my goodness!!! Then add in all the usual duties and activities. I'm going to need to stay in the Word, in prayer, and have lots of support from friends and family. I know this is LIFE, but when you lay it all out there it just sure sounds like alot. I think about all those things and think about how weak I am, but at the same time I remind myself who is strong, who can handle it all, who tells me I don't have to do it all alone, well...my husband, yes, but even stronger than him...my Lord. Knowing that he will take those burdens and give me the strength I need to get through makes me smile. I know His way is perfect and even when I think things are going wrong, as long as I give it all to him, his will shall be done. He makes all things good. If I can keep that perspective I'll survive. I was hoping to lose some weight before summer...maybe the stress will take it off of me!
Well, I think that's enough rambling for tonight. I've gotten caught up and if I stay up much later I will get behind tomorrow.
Terra
Anyway, I celebrated my 30th birthday in bed, but it was much needed rest and I know that's what made me feel better.
I'm laying in bed typing tonight because this seems to be the place that all of my ideas pop into my head...you know...when I'm supposed to be SLEEPING. Alan used to tell me there was like a button in my head and when I laid it on the pillow I flipped my on switch and started talking...about everything. LOL! Anyway, the last two nights I've found it hard to sleep, and not just because I've slept all day! I lay down and I realize just how much is going on from now until the end of the year. I know that time goes by faster the older we get, and this is going to be the fastest year ever! Starting in March, we have our spring break trip with friends that is much needed, Landon's birthday party, Easter, beginning soccer practice, beginning t-ball practice, then soccer games, t-ball games, summer fun...much welcomed, selling our house, closing on our land, moving, adjusting to a temporary home, breaking ground, building a house, Ella's birthday party, a new baby in the family, Thanksgiving, Christmas, moving into our new home...oh, my goodness!!! Then add in all the usual duties and activities. I'm going to need to stay in the Word, in prayer, and have lots of support from friends and family. I know this is LIFE, but when you lay it all out there it just sure sounds like alot. I think about all those things and think about how weak I am, but at the same time I remind myself who is strong, who can handle it all, who tells me I don't have to do it all alone, well...my husband, yes, but even stronger than him...my Lord. Knowing that he will take those burdens and give me the strength I need to get through makes me smile. I know His way is perfect and even when I think things are going wrong, as long as I give it all to him, his will shall be done. He makes all things good. If I can keep that perspective I'll survive. I was hoping to lose some weight before summer...maybe the stress will take it off of me!
Well, I think that's enough rambling for tonight. I've gotten caught up and if I stay up much later I will get behind tomorrow.
Terra
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Slacking
-Sorry! I'm slacking again...this whole week was a whole bunch of doing nothing! Monday-Thursday I did the bare minimum to get by. Hubby had a class in OKC all week and Landon wasn't feeling well, so we were just lazy at home! Thursday night I was informed my husband and two friends had planned a birthday party for me for the next night at our house (I'll be the dirty 30 on Monday). So Friday I did house work and got caught back up.
I wonder sometimes if we expect too much of ourselves and then others pick up on our high expectations for ourself and then they begin to believe we can conquer the world, or if it's the other way around. This is not just a woman thing either...men are that way too. As women we are to live up expectations of our husbands, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, friends, children, co-workers, bosses and teachers. Men have their wives, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, friends, children, co-workers, bosses and teachers to answer to. If we are not the perfect friend, mother, wife, husband, employee, etc. then it seems we've let someone down and have to explain ourselves. I want to be myself and not explain that. I want to be all that I can be and hopefully those around me will be happy. Just a random thought.
I have had more than one person this week get upset with me because I was not where they wanted me to be when they wanted me to be there...not a responsibility type thing...a leisure type thing...well, I apologize, but my priorities are my husband, children and household. If they are sick, upset, or need attention, that's where I'm going to be. I would hope that you could love me for being dedicated to my family, not expect an apology or explanation and certainly not be ugly to me. Here's something else about me...not very often (almost never) will you see me without one or both (sometimes all 3) of my children. I understand wanting to get away ever now and then...who doesn't...and I know my husband and I need more alone time...but I can NOT just drop my kiddos off on a whim and expect myself to have a good time knowing they are upset or wanting me. I don't have a 9-5 job, I work 24 hours a day and nobody wants a break any more than me, but when I go out to eat, or spend time with church ladies I either have my kids with me or my husband has them, and that last one happens very seldom due to his schedule. It's exhausting and I complain about it sometimes, but they are babies...they need me, and I need to be there for them. They depend on me more than any other human and that makes me feel pretty darn important.
Another random thought I've had this week is about people who starve for attention. We see kids like this all the time, but why do adults act like that? Why do they embellish everything that comes out of their mouth so that we will listen to them?
Geez...I'm sounding really ugly tonight...I think it's time to go bed...just a little frustrated I guess. Everybody gets their grumpy day right? Here's my apology!
Until tomorrow!
Terra
I wonder sometimes if we expect too much of ourselves and then others pick up on our high expectations for ourself and then they begin to believe we can conquer the world, or if it's the other way around. This is not just a woman thing either...men are that way too. As women we are to live up expectations of our husbands, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, friends, children, co-workers, bosses and teachers. Men have their wives, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, friends, children, co-workers, bosses and teachers to answer to. If we are not the perfect friend, mother, wife, husband, employee, etc. then it seems we've let someone down and have to explain ourselves. I want to be myself and not explain that. I want to be all that I can be and hopefully those around me will be happy. Just a random thought.
I have had more than one person this week get upset with me because I was not where they wanted me to be when they wanted me to be there...not a responsibility type thing...a leisure type thing...well, I apologize, but my priorities are my husband, children and household. If they are sick, upset, or need attention, that's where I'm going to be. I would hope that you could love me for being dedicated to my family, not expect an apology or explanation and certainly not be ugly to me. Here's something else about me...not very often (almost never) will you see me without one or both (sometimes all 3) of my children. I understand wanting to get away ever now and then...who doesn't...and I know my husband and I need more alone time...but I can NOT just drop my kiddos off on a whim and expect myself to have a good time knowing they are upset or wanting me. I don't have a 9-5 job, I work 24 hours a day and nobody wants a break any more than me, but when I go out to eat, or spend time with church ladies I either have my kids with me or my husband has them, and that last one happens very seldom due to his schedule. It's exhausting and I complain about it sometimes, but they are babies...they need me, and I need to be there for them. They depend on me more than any other human and that makes me feel pretty darn important.
Another random thought I've had this week is about people who starve for attention. We see kids like this all the time, but why do adults act like that? Why do they embellish everything that comes out of their mouth so that we will listen to them?
Geez...I'm sounding really ugly tonight...I think it's time to go bed...just a little frustrated I guess. Everybody gets their grumpy day right? Here's my apology!
Until tomorrow!
Terra
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Moving a Little Slow
Well...I've let a few days go by without blogging and I'm sorry, but I'm back tonight and hoping to once again get back on track!
Thursday of this week Landon woke up all stuffy and coughing his head off, so when he cried to me I told him to crawl back in bed. I had an appointment at the chiropractor that day...which, so far, has gotten rid of my headaches! We then spent the afternoon all together...best Valentine's Day ever! We got good news this week that added to the joys of our Valentine's Day...we got a contract on some land we had been looking at! We will be working on selling our house and then we'll close on the new place in May. We will be moving into a little farm house there on the land while we build our home!!! I am so excited! I'm also a little nervous. I'm nervous about things like cabinets and counter tops and paint colors...Alan is nervous about things like payments...yuck! I've told my mom she has to keep me positive about living in the little farmhouse...and you readers have to help me through the building process!
Friday was Landon's Valentine's party at school, so Ella and I attended that and took lots of pictures of the fun they had and then brought him home with us afterward.
The reason I've been away from blogging is because I've been exhausted! I worked late on Landon's Valentines for his class...I did the ones from pinterest that had the kool aid and silly straws...big hit! Then Friday night Landon had a friend over to spend the night. They were so good and went to bed at a decent time, but woke up several times in the night ready to play some more...then it seemed like everytime they settled down Ella would wake up. I slept late this morning since Alan was home, then, since the kids had gotten up so early, we all took a good long nap this afternoon. My house had gotten out of control from just one day of not doing anything in it, so tonight I took the time to clean the kitchen, living room, bathroom, do laundry and dishes, sweep, and vaccum. I'm already ready for bed again...since Sundays always make me sleepy, but becasue of the big nap, the kids are still going strong!
I don't really have any deep thoughts for tonight...my brain is still pretty mushy, but I had to at least type a little since it had been a few days.
Until tomorrow...
Terra
Thursday of this week Landon woke up all stuffy and coughing his head off, so when he cried to me I told him to crawl back in bed. I had an appointment at the chiropractor that day...which, so far, has gotten rid of my headaches! We then spent the afternoon all together...best Valentine's Day ever! We got good news this week that added to the joys of our Valentine's Day...we got a contract on some land we had been looking at! We will be working on selling our house and then we'll close on the new place in May. We will be moving into a little farm house there on the land while we build our home!!! I am so excited! I'm also a little nervous. I'm nervous about things like cabinets and counter tops and paint colors...Alan is nervous about things like payments...yuck! I've told my mom she has to keep me positive about living in the little farmhouse...and you readers have to help me through the building process!
Friday was Landon's Valentine's party at school, so Ella and I attended that and took lots of pictures of the fun they had and then brought him home with us afterward.
The reason I've been away from blogging is because I've been exhausted! I worked late on Landon's Valentines for his class...I did the ones from pinterest that had the kool aid and silly straws...big hit! Then Friday night Landon had a friend over to spend the night. They were so good and went to bed at a decent time, but woke up several times in the night ready to play some more...then it seemed like everytime they settled down Ella would wake up. I slept late this morning since Alan was home, then, since the kids had gotten up so early, we all took a good long nap this afternoon. My house had gotten out of control from just one day of not doing anything in it, so tonight I took the time to clean the kitchen, living room, bathroom, do laundry and dishes, sweep, and vaccum. I'm already ready for bed again...since Sundays always make me sleepy, but becasue of the big nap, the kids are still going strong!
I don't really have any deep thoughts for tonight...my brain is still pretty mushy, but I had to at least type a little since it had been a few days.
Until tomorrow...
Terra
Monday, February 11, 2013
Making progress
Hey all! I didn't blog Saturday night because we had company late after our little birthday party, which went great. Like I said, I love to host, especially when it's my parents, sisters, and all the kiddos! We ate, and ate, and ate, and the kids played, and played, and played. Then Sunday we were all exhausted by bedtime and I crashed out before I cold even sit down with the laptop!
But here we are...Monday! Monday was a LAZY day for me. Ella and I stayed in my bed watching Nick Jr until about noon, then we took a nap! Today was karate, so after school we came home and just vegged out until time to go. When we got home I fixed a quick and easy dinner and then we played a while before the kiddos' bedtime. My poor hubby is STILL working on paperwork from last week. I'm just hoping the next few days are good to him so he can get caught up.
I don't want to speak too soon, or sound like I'm tootin' my own horn, but I feel like I have come a long way on two of my goals. I feel very close to my husband right now. I feel like I've learned to speak his love language and keep communication open. Felt like it had shut down there for a while...like we were just kind of here, loving each other, but a little distant. I'm doing more for him, and with him, and I feel like we are both happier right now than we've been in several years. The other thing I feel like I've mastered is maintaining my house. For what ever reason I LOVE laundry these days. I love having empty hampers and full drawers. I love the way my house smells while it's all going. And since Ella has been staying home with me she is learning to help with laundry too and she loves it! I am keeping my kitchen clean, which is usually the dirtiest part of my house. My goal every night is to not have any dirty dishes in the sink when I go to bed. This is challenging because you really have to stay on top of switching over the dishwasher, which is always my least favorite thing to do...I don't know why. We have one of those big long bars in our kitchen that is our catch all when we come in from the garage. I have made it my goal to take about 5 minutes everyday to sort through whatever has been tossed up there and put it where it belongs or throw it away. I have been wiping down the table and sweeping the floor every night after supper too. The kids' are doing great with their chore charts and keeping up with things like dirty clothes and toys. Landon, being my little genuis has memorized what is on his chart and makes sure he's done it all by bedtime. Ella is becoming quite a little mommy and she just likes helping me do whatever I'm doing. One thing we are still having to work on is, when taking toys from the living room back to the bedroom, putting them away instead of just dropping them in the doorway. Ella is still not quite old enough to really CLEAN her room, but I'm trying hard to help her realize that all of her toys have spots and she needs to put them back in their spots. I've decided that Landon is responsible for his room unless he has friends over and then I will help him clean it up one day a week. I found some Scrubbing Bubbles flushable disinfecting wipes which are great for quick maintaince on the bathroom counters, and of course, Ella loves them, so we wipe those down and swish the toilets a couple of times a week. I find an easy way for just quickly cleaning the toilet is to keep some kind of cleaner down in the little toilet brush holder thingy, then you can just grab it, swish it and be done! I used to have a real problem keeping sheets clean...I would take them off the bed, put clean ones on and then pile the dirty ones somewhere until they were eventually all dirty. Not anymore! They are all clean, all blankets are clean and I'm changing sheets once a week.
Now, I'm sure some of you are reading this and going..."okay, lady, isn't this just what you're supposed to do," I mean, I AM a stay at home mom...but let me tell you, when you get behind, just one or two days, it's overwhelming where to start...let alone if it's been weeks or months since you;ve done some of this stuff. Now, I'm not saying I didn't clean my house for months, I'm talking about EVERYTHING being clean all at the same time...and not just when you know you're having company. Then you have to take into consideration a crazy hubby schedule, karate, dance, gymnastics, ballgames, church, Scentsy, birthday parties, shows, blah, blah, blah. I've laughed before and said that I really don't think I have time to have a job. I know, I would make a schedule and it would all work, but I love being with my kiddos and teaching them and being there when I need to be.
With all of that being said, I told you early on that February was a busy month because of all the birthdays, Valentines, etc. Well, that brings up another one of those goals that I need to work on that is starring me in the face tonight...I want to make Landon's Valentine's for his party which is Friday. I already have them picked out, and part of the supplies, but I have to go to Scraptopia (local scrapbooking store) to complete them. Today was the day I should have done that. Hubby was gone with one of his buddies this morning until about noon, then, like I said, sister and I took a nap. Then he went to work between 2 and 3. Tomorrow he will go to work at noon, they don't open until 10...I'm hoping I can get there and get done and back home in time. Maybe I should just MAKE Ella go back to school because of things like that. I also have to prepare Valentines for my little church kiddos, my kiddos, my hubby, grandparents, teachers and secret sister. I also have a Scentsy order I need to place, and a treasurer's report to get done. We also have a realtor coming to see our house on Wednesday afternoon. When am I supposed to do all of that, with Ella in tow? Ugh! Time management is what I'm talking about and I stink at it!
Well, since I'm preaching about time management and how busy I am this week I think I should go to bed since it's almost 1am!
Until tomorrow...
Terra
But here we are...Monday! Monday was a LAZY day for me. Ella and I stayed in my bed watching Nick Jr until about noon, then we took a nap! Today was karate, so after school we came home and just vegged out until time to go. When we got home I fixed a quick and easy dinner and then we played a while before the kiddos' bedtime. My poor hubby is STILL working on paperwork from last week. I'm just hoping the next few days are good to him so he can get caught up.
I don't want to speak too soon, or sound like I'm tootin' my own horn, but I feel like I have come a long way on two of my goals. I feel very close to my husband right now. I feel like I've learned to speak his love language and keep communication open. Felt like it had shut down there for a while...like we were just kind of here, loving each other, but a little distant. I'm doing more for him, and with him, and I feel like we are both happier right now than we've been in several years. The other thing I feel like I've mastered is maintaining my house. For what ever reason I LOVE laundry these days. I love having empty hampers and full drawers. I love the way my house smells while it's all going. And since Ella has been staying home with me she is learning to help with laundry too and she loves it! I am keeping my kitchen clean, which is usually the dirtiest part of my house. My goal every night is to not have any dirty dishes in the sink when I go to bed. This is challenging because you really have to stay on top of switching over the dishwasher, which is always my least favorite thing to do...I don't know why. We have one of those big long bars in our kitchen that is our catch all when we come in from the garage. I have made it my goal to take about 5 minutes everyday to sort through whatever has been tossed up there and put it where it belongs or throw it away. I have been wiping down the table and sweeping the floor every night after supper too. The kids' are doing great with their chore charts and keeping up with things like dirty clothes and toys. Landon, being my little genuis has memorized what is on his chart and makes sure he's done it all by bedtime. Ella is becoming quite a little mommy and she just likes helping me do whatever I'm doing. One thing we are still having to work on is, when taking toys from the living room back to the bedroom, putting them away instead of just dropping them in the doorway. Ella is still not quite old enough to really CLEAN her room, but I'm trying hard to help her realize that all of her toys have spots and she needs to put them back in their spots. I've decided that Landon is responsible for his room unless he has friends over and then I will help him clean it up one day a week. I found some Scrubbing Bubbles flushable disinfecting wipes which are great for quick maintaince on the bathroom counters, and of course, Ella loves them, so we wipe those down and swish the toilets a couple of times a week. I find an easy way for just quickly cleaning the toilet is to keep some kind of cleaner down in the little toilet brush holder thingy, then you can just grab it, swish it and be done! I used to have a real problem keeping sheets clean...I would take them off the bed, put clean ones on and then pile the dirty ones somewhere until they were eventually all dirty. Not anymore! They are all clean, all blankets are clean and I'm changing sheets once a week.
Now, I'm sure some of you are reading this and going..."okay, lady, isn't this just what you're supposed to do," I mean, I AM a stay at home mom...but let me tell you, when you get behind, just one or two days, it's overwhelming where to start...let alone if it's been weeks or months since you;ve done some of this stuff. Now, I'm not saying I didn't clean my house for months, I'm talking about EVERYTHING being clean all at the same time...and not just when you know you're having company. Then you have to take into consideration a crazy hubby schedule, karate, dance, gymnastics, ballgames, church, Scentsy, birthday parties, shows, blah, blah, blah. I've laughed before and said that I really don't think I have time to have a job. I know, I would make a schedule and it would all work, but I love being with my kiddos and teaching them and being there when I need to be.
With all of that being said, I told you early on that February was a busy month because of all the birthdays, Valentines, etc. Well, that brings up another one of those goals that I need to work on that is starring me in the face tonight...I want to make Landon's Valentine's for his party which is Friday. I already have them picked out, and part of the supplies, but I have to go to Scraptopia (local scrapbooking store) to complete them. Today was the day I should have done that. Hubby was gone with one of his buddies this morning until about noon, then, like I said, sister and I took a nap. Then he went to work between 2 and 3. Tomorrow he will go to work at noon, they don't open until 10...I'm hoping I can get there and get done and back home in time. Maybe I should just MAKE Ella go back to school because of things like that. I also have to prepare Valentines for my little church kiddos, my kiddos, my hubby, grandparents, teachers and secret sister. I also have a Scentsy order I need to place, and a treasurer's report to get done. We also have a realtor coming to see our house on Wednesday afternoon. When am I supposed to do all of that, with Ella in tow? Ugh! Time management is what I'm talking about and I stink at it!
Well, since I'm preaching about time management and how busy I am this week I think I should go to bed since it's almost 1am!
Until tomorrow...
Terra
Friday, February 8, 2013
Just One Word
It's Friday! Yay! I took a day for myself today! I went and had a 50 minute massage, in hopes it would ease the tension in my neck that I believe is causing my headaches. It was great, and yes, my neck feels better, but as soon as I left the headache was back! Then, I headed to the salon and tanned...I thought, maybe that warm few minutes would relax me a little bit more and help those muscles. Then, I came back to reality and went to the grocery store! Hahaha!
My thoughts today have to do with one word...sometimes I think if we can focus on one word that really really means something to us we can do great things. Today, the word is GLORY. Everything we do is supposed to be for the glory of God. Everything. There's a good song by Steven Curtis Chapman called Do Everything that explains it well. It's really something to think about, everything that we do within our day needs to be for the glory of God. That means in my normal day, taking care of Ella and Landon and cooking supper for my husband, and cleaning the house for my family and cleaning their clothes...should all be for the glory of God. No matter what you do during your day, everything you do can be done for the glory of God. Thinking about glory can help keep your head screwed on right during your day...maybe even keep you in balance throughout the day. One way to help you keep glory on your mind all day is to make your to do list at night before you go to bed, then pray over each item on that list. Ask God to not only help you complete the tasks, but to make sure it's for his glory, for his kingdom. Anything else has no eternal meaning and does not deserve your time or energy. Then, the next day as you work your way down your to do list pray again over each task. When you keep God right there on top of your list your day is sure to be blessed. Now...I'm not saying I'm perfect at doing this, it's hard. It's hard to keep those happy, good thoughts flowing all day, because we all have bad days. It's hard when you're so totally busy you can't even hardly think at all, but take just a few minutes ever now and then and think about these things. I'm going to work much harder on this for my days...I'm hoping it helps me just a little more to keep my energy up and my temper down.
I don't know if you've ever heard of the Fly Lady, if not, check her out..but one thing she says about house work is it's never too late to start...don't try to catch up, just start where you are...God says the same thing. It doesn't matter where you are, how low you've gotten just start there to get back to where you need to be.
That's about all I have for tonight, tomorrow I'm preparing to have my sisters, their kids, their husbands, and my parents all over for the February Birthdays party. I love to host and I can't wait!
Until tomorrow...
Terra
My thoughts today have to do with one word...sometimes I think if we can focus on one word that really really means something to us we can do great things. Today, the word is GLORY. Everything we do is supposed to be for the glory of God. Everything. There's a good song by Steven Curtis Chapman called Do Everything that explains it well. It's really something to think about, everything that we do within our day needs to be for the glory of God. That means in my normal day, taking care of Ella and Landon and cooking supper for my husband, and cleaning the house for my family and cleaning their clothes...should all be for the glory of God. No matter what you do during your day, everything you do can be done for the glory of God. Thinking about glory can help keep your head screwed on right during your day...maybe even keep you in balance throughout the day. One way to help you keep glory on your mind all day is to make your to do list at night before you go to bed, then pray over each item on that list. Ask God to not only help you complete the tasks, but to make sure it's for his glory, for his kingdom. Anything else has no eternal meaning and does not deserve your time or energy. Then, the next day as you work your way down your to do list pray again over each task. When you keep God right there on top of your list your day is sure to be blessed. Now...I'm not saying I'm perfect at doing this, it's hard. It's hard to keep those happy, good thoughts flowing all day, because we all have bad days. It's hard when you're so totally busy you can't even hardly think at all, but take just a few minutes ever now and then and think about these things. I'm going to work much harder on this for my days...I'm hoping it helps me just a little more to keep my energy up and my temper down.
I don't know if you've ever heard of the Fly Lady, if not, check her out..but one thing she says about house work is it's never too late to start...don't try to catch up, just start where you are...God says the same thing. It doesn't matter where you are, how low you've gotten just start there to get back to where you need to be.
That's about all I have for tonight, tomorrow I'm preparing to have my sisters, their kids, their husbands, and my parents all over for the February Birthdays party. I love to host and I can't wait!
Until tomorrow...
Terra
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