Patrick and I headed to the park the other day to play baseball. That means we take turns pitching and hitting-thankfully mostly ME pitching and HIM hitting. The first time I hit, he “made” me run the bases (run for me right now means a fast walk) and then said, “Mom, why aren’t you sliding? You have to slide!” It reminded me of the shin guard comment I got the other day and made me laugh. I said, “Patrick I can’t slide, I have a baby in my tummy!” He looked at me like that was sort of a cop-out excuse.
Someone emailed me and asked me how I get everything done on my to-do lists and manage to not feel like I am going crazy. Sometimes I DON’T get everything done on my to-do list and it just keeps getting transferred on down the line of days, which is OK because I know it will get done eventually. And sometimes I DO feel like I am going crazy keeping up but I know I don’t have to feel that way, and if I do consistently, I need to make changes in my life.
But I thought about the answer to that question and I’ve said it hundred times, but I feel best when I am ahead of the game, so I try really really hard to do that-to stay ahead of the game.
1. I try not to waste time. On this here computer, on too-long phone calls, or errands that aren’t necessary.
2. I try to have a daily to-do list or schedule for the next day…that I make in the evening, NOT the morning when I almost feel like the day gets away from me if I don’t start out with purpose.
3. I stay home as much as I can. I keep ahead on cleaning and laundry, doing a little here and there every day. I say no to lots and lots of things that pull me away from my family life here. I try to live my life knowing that being a mother and a wife and a house keeper is a huge job on to itself and I want that huge job, the most important one I’ll ever have, to be enjoyable.
Thank you for the constant reminder that it's okay to say "no" when something will take us away from being a wife, mommy and homemaker. So many people that we encounter have the "we can have it all" mentality…and I really don't think we can have it all. Each thing comes at a price-and that price is usually at the expense of something else.
I agree. 🙂
Amen! And I so agree with carebear about the "we can have it all" mentality. It's all over the place.
So many of my to do lists carry over into the next day and the next! I think starting with a purpose is key…going to get one now 🙂
Amen! My sentiments exactly. Your lists sound like mine.
Thanks for the advice! It's helpful! I'm so amazed at how much you do: homemade cookies, playing baseball at the park, clean organized home, painting and decorating your home, planning parties and family gatherings, beautiful landscaped back yard, new art supplies for your kids, riding your bike with your kids,keeping track of your spending, spending slow time focus time with your kids, buying clothes for your kids, dressing cute yourself, laundry for a big family, organizing family pictures, Dr's appointment for kids and yourself, planning beach family vacation and being pregnant, etc!
I'm hoping to grow in my roles at home! I'm still struggling with the basics like laundry, dishes, and meals! 🙂 I need to learn how to manage my time, motivate myself to do a better job, to organize photos, and the preschool artwork that is piling up on my dining table, and learn how to organize paperwork! I have troubles with stacks and stacks of paper work, kid art work, school work – just not sure what to keep and what to toss. If its a keeper how do I store? Do you keep your kid's art work from preschool on? How do you store? I'm off to do a a little research on your site! 🙂
But, first I'm going to schedule a dentist apt for my oldest son! 🙂
Thanks for the great posts! I'm hoping to learn how not to waste time! I have a hard time not running unnecessary errands and wasting more time! I need help with prioritizing my to do list!
~ Ali
Inspiring as always. You are among my very favorite people. I love how you have chosen to embrace your life as a wife and a mother. Truly there is no greater job. Thank you for posting. I will continue to read and learn and apply.
Can we be neighbors? Really, everyone thinks I'm crazy for staying home so much, but I have a lot to do! Pool, huge garden, homeschool (only 9 days left!) And all my kids take lessons so we have those and housekeeping errands. I need a good neighbor who likes to stay home, but have breaks of chatting with a cool drink and watching the kids play:) Want to move to South Carolina? It's very sunny here…
Great post! I think it is truly about prioritizing, and finding what works best for you and your family. They are all different, so what works for one doesn't always work for the other.
I make so many To Do lists but end up deviating and procrastinating. Kudos to you for sticking to it!
I loved reading this posts and all these wonderful comments!!! Sometimes as a stay at home mom, I feel like I am the only one who thinks like this! I feel this even more now that I have older kids. Thanks ladies!
A "cop out"? That is a true boy through and through and you are one amazing mom.
Enjoy your day.
Sarah,
I've been reading your blog forever, but just recently started my own, so now I am able to follow! You are such an incredible mother, and I just love every post, all are so insightful, and hilarious! Thank you!
Kylie
So inspiring, especially because of what is NOT on your list – volunteering,yoga class/gym class/"mommy me time" activites, finding home accessories/decorating, meeting someone for lunch – not that any of those things are bad but I find so many "sahm" are hardly home and hardly making a home for their families. I love your priorities. and on the baseball…I tell my kiddos that I don't have the proper "uniform" for sliding and that usually got me off the hook.
I'm coming up on my 35th week of pregnancy and love reading your blog! Thanks for all the great mothering tips you provide 🙂
Great post Sarah! I was just telling Kenny yesterday that I don't think we should schedule any activities for the girls next year after school. It's too much for them and for me! They come home tired and want to just play. Then with homework, baths, dinner, bed… no time to play if we are running around to activities. Plus I can't stay on top of housework! I have had to say no to a lot lately and it feels nice. Thanks for the great reminder. And those cookies look SO good. I may need to break down and bake some this weekend. 🙂
So true Sarah! I love being home with my 4 month old while the others are at school. It's so nice for him to take his little time nursing, and just being home with Mommy!
I'm making those cookies this weekend for sure!
I love posts like these. I have two in elementary & two at home, and I'm already getting the question, "So, what are you going to do when all your girls are in school?" Already the 6 1/2 hrs they're gone are chock full of laundry & housework, cooking & appointments… just the regular detritus of life. I wholeheartedly believe that Homemaker is a full-time job if we choose to do it mindfully & well.
You're "spot on"!! There's something about the comfort of home and routine that gives kids and adults a sense of calmness and peace of heart. It's hard to say no sometimes, but it often feels like a big load's been lifted that you didn't know you were carrying. Taking time to enjoy these precious moments is so important.
Love the pics of Patrick playing baseball…reminds me of my "boy" at that age (he's 18 now and I would love to go back for a day in time!).
All I can think of after reading your post is the old saying "Less is More". : )
Thanks so much for saying it's okay to stay home. I have two little ones and love to be at home but I feel so much pressure to be out and about that sometimes I feel lik I'm depriving my children of something.
Amen to all of that! Today a mum at school couldn't believe I baked a slice and made a little skirt for my daughter! but being home all day meant I'd done my jobs on my list, had a quick visitor and kept all the kids entertained!
I also am not a fan of long phone calls and thankfully someone is always noisy in the background which is my excuse to get off the phone!
We have number 5 on the way and I kind of like that I'm not running around to the gym or doing much more than the school run, activities and dr appointments as it means more time at home!
corrie:)