Well, Monday I was going to post about laundry day and stuff like that, but I also knew that if I wanted to have a coherent post I was going to have to wait until after the small fry went to bed. However, Rock got energetic and took the carpet and tack strip out of the kids bathroom. This being done we decided that we needed to go to our local Home Depot and Lowe's to get ideas on how to paint the bathroom and the bathroom floor. Needless to say we didn't get home until late, and I just didn't feel like posting.
Tuesday morning Rock got up and took Professor to Wal-Mart to buy a new baseball glove. Professor was not happy about it. You see, he has now learned a very valuable lesson about taking care of his stuff. Two weeks ago he left his glove at the ballpark, last week we hoped that it would still be there or that the coach had found it and picked it up - it wasn't and he hadn't. So, Professor had to buy a replacement glove with his own money. I'm thinking he is going to keep a closer eye on this one.
Today, I have a migraine so needless to say I'm done for the day.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Home-Working
In response to my darling Sis-in-Law's request, I have decided to go ahead and post about how Rock and I run our household. We live in a reasonably clean and tidy home, with four children aged 8 to 8 months, we homeschool our children, and also have the care of another boy during the week. Now, here is the big reveal, I am absolutely not perfect in respect to running a household. I was born to a family of planners and organizers, I mean, after all I am descended from my Mother and Grandfather. However, the planner and organizer that I am, I have a hard time staying on track, and will often find myself up to my chin in stacks of paper, old toys, and school work that needs to be graded. This will result in a breakdown of the tearful type, followed by 3-4 days of me raging through the house cleaning and organizing everything in site, and basically driving poor Rock up the wall. So, while I offer these steps, please do not feel that I am some Superwoman or that I have arrived, because that particular destination is not even in sight.
Schedule, schedule, schedule
I have a schedule for keeping my house clean. Actually, I have a schedule for pretty much everything. It is short and simple and includes daily and weekly chores. I've had this schedule since Rock and I got married simply because I will forget to do something or let something slide if that something is not written in list form for me to check off . Actually, it is more like this, I believe that my head will explode if I do not check off everything that is on my to-do list for the day.
The first thing I did was to make a list of chores and put them in the categories of daily, weekly, and occasionally. As in, daily - make beds, feed dog, clean kitchen, etc; weekly - laundry, vacuum, etc; occasionally - clean window blinds, clean out coat closet, wash base boards. Now some of you are saying, "This chick has a serious problem keeping to her tasks." Well, yes and no, I do have a tendency to procrastinate, but it drives me nuts to think that there is something on my to-do list that is not done. Plus, there is something very satisfying about actually marking something or anything off of a to-do list. I mean face it folks, there are days when you seem to get absolutely nothing done, and trust me with five children in the house all day long, some days I am surprised that I even manage to brush my teeth in the morning. So by making a list like this I am able to cross even the little daily chores off my list and know that I accomplished something for the house that day. Now I won't bore you with my daily list today, but I will give you the highlights of my weekly list.
Monday - change sheets on beds, laundry
Tuesday - dust, vacuum, sweep, mop
Wednesday - bathrooms
Thursday - dust, vacuum, sweep, mop
Friday - occasional chore
Saturday - vacuum, sweep (Hey, I've got a shedding dog and dark furniture)
Recently I tried doing these weekly chores all in one day, but care of the children turned into a frustration with the children. So, I am back to my good old schedule. Why is my schedule this particular way? Well, it just works with our family schedule. There are somethings that need to be done more than once a week, but not necessarily every day, and there are somethings that need to be done that I hate doing - the person who invents the self-cleaning toilet will win a Nobel Prize. Some of those things take longer than others, so they are put on days when our daily schedule is lighter and the reverse is also true.
For my occasional chores, I made a revolving list. Then at least one gets done per week and then it moves to the bottom of the list. Eventually, it will reach the top of the list again.
About this time all of you good parents are asking, "Why doesn't she teach her children to help her with the chores?" I do, but in case you have forgotten or just didn't know, it takes just as long and sometimes longer to teach and supervise the chore process as it does to do it yourself. Professor and Princess are only sometimes on auto-pilot, you have to work alongside Warrior, and for some reason Baby J is using the excuse that he can't walk to get out of doing work.
Well, this post is getting long, and the children are awake and seem to think that they need to be fed and supervised. Your assignment: make a list of your daily, weekly, and occasional chores and see if you can put them in place for your weekly schedule.
Schedule, schedule, schedule
I have a schedule for keeping my house clean. Actually, I have a schedule for pretty much everything. It is short and simple and includes daily and weekly chores. I've had this schedule since Rock and I got married simply because I will forget to do something or let something slide if that something is not written in list form for me to check off . Actually, it is more like this, I believe that my head will explode if I do not check off everything that is on my to-do list for the day.
The first thing I did was to make a list of chores and put them in the categories of daily, weekly, and occasionally. As in, daily - make beds, feed dog, clean kitchen, etc; weekly - laundry, vacuum, etc; occasionally - clean window blinds, clean out coat closet, wash base boards. Now some of you are saying, "This chick has a serious problem keeping to her tasks." Well, yes and no, I do have a tendency to procrastinate, but it drives me nuts to think that there is something on my to-do list that is not done. Plus, there is something very satisfying about actually marking something or anything off of a to-do list. I mean face it folks, there are days when you seem to get absolutely nothing done, and trust me with five children in the house all day long, some days I am surprised that I even manage to brush my teeth in the morning. So by making a list like this I am able to cross even the little daily chores off my list and know that I accomplished something for the house that day. Now I won't bore you with my daily list today, but I will give you the highlights of my weekly list.
Monday - change sheets on beds, laundry
Tuesday - dust, vacuum, sweep, mop
Wednesday - bathrooms
Thursday - dust, vacuum, sweep, mop
Friday - occasional chore
Saturday - vacuum, sweep (Hey, I've got a shedding dog and dark furniture)
Recently I tried doing these weekly chores all in one day, but care of the children turned into a frustration with the children. So, I am back to my good old schedule. Why is my schedule this particular way? Well, it just works with our family schedule. There are somethings that need to be done more than once a week, but not necessarily every day, and there are somethings that need to be done that I hate doing - the person who invents the self-cleaning toilet will win a Nobel Prize. Some of those things take longer than others, so they are put on days when our daily schedule is lighter and the reverse is also true.
For my occasional chores, I made a revolving list. Then at least one gets done per week and then it moves to the bottom of the list. Eventually, it will reach the top of the list again.
About this time all of you good parents are asking, "Why doesn't she teach her children to help her with the chores?" I do, but in case you have forgotten or just didn't know, it takes just as long and sometimes longer to teach and supervise the chore process as it does to do it yourself. Professor and Princess are only sometimes on auto-pilot, you have to work alongside Warrior, and for some reason Baby J is using the excuse that he can't walk to get out of doing work.
Well, this post is getting long, and the children are awake and seem to think that they need to be fed and supervised. Your assignment: make a list of your daily, weekly, and occasional chores and see if you can put them in place for your weekly schedule.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Encouraging Words
Have you ever had one of those days where you just can't seem to get anything done...even though you got up at 5:30 am, and haven't stopped working since then? This was my day this past Thursday. I was in my PJ's until noon, and it seemed that the work was mulitplying instead of getting done. Now mind you the kids were helping me. They finished their school work and chores in record time, and were running all those little errands around the house that seem to take up most of your time. However, they were also bickering, getting on each others nerves (and mine), and just not getting along. I think this was my biggest problem.
By the time that naptime/quiet time rolled around that afternoon, I was almost in tears, I was irritated at my poor husband (who was driving back from Oklahoma) because he wasn't home, I was impatient with the kids, I was tired and cranky, and basically feeling like a total failure as a wife and mother. Then God sent me a message from the sweetest Sister-in-Law in the whole world, mine. She didn't know what kind of a day I'd had, but simply sent me a request to post something about how I run our household along with the compliment that I am good at what I do. That was the end of the holding back the tears. I remembered, it is not my strength, knowledge, wisdom, etc. that keeps my home going. It is God and God alone, doing his work through me that keeps things on track. God runs my home inspite of me. What an encouragement her words were for me. I was then able to remember to seek the face of God and have a true quiet time. After I had taken that time, I was able to complete the tasks that God had set before me, and I finished just in time to greet my husband - cheerfully.
By the time that naptime/quiet time rolled around that afternoon, I was almost in tears, I was irritated at my poor husband (who was driving back from Oklahoma) because he wasn't home, I was impatient with the kids, I was tired and cranky, and basically feeling like a total failure as a wife and mother. Then God sent me a message from the sweetest Sister-in-Law in the whole world, mine. She didn't know what kind of a day I'd had, but simply sent me a request to post something about how I run our household along with the compliment that I am good at what I do. That was the end of the holding back the tears. I remembered, it is not my strength, knowledge, wisdom, etc. that keeps my home going. It is God and God alone, doing his work through me that keeps things on track. God runs my home inspite of me. What an encouragement her words were for me. I was then able to remember to seek the face of God and have a true quiet time. After I had taken that time, I was able to complete the tasks that God had set before me, and I finished just in time to greet my husband - cheerfully.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day Weekend
This past weekend was a terrific one to be sure. Rock, who had been gone since Sunday night, came home on Thursday bringing my parents with him. We went to Professor's ball game, and they won.
Friday, Rock and I got up early and went to the Homeschool Book Fair. It was really alot of fun, as Rock and I perused the booths and decided on the minor little things we wanted to use for the kids for school, and decided which books we wanted to buy for simple reading purposes.
Saturday brought the Ladies Luncheon at our church. Accompanied by my Mother and my beautiful daughter, we had a terrific time of fellowship with our church family. And I managed to make it though the little devotional I had prepared without passing out. Mom and Dad had to head back home that afternoon as they needed to be in their church on Sunday.
Sunday was a glorious day. The weather was beautiful, and it was Mother's day. My children woke up and greeted me with "Happy Mother's Day, Momma! I love you!" Then they gave me a card that made me cry, and a enamelled cast iron dutch oven that I have had my eye on for quite a while now.
After a weekend like that, I am giving thanks to God above for the wonderful life he has so graciously given me.
Friday, Rock and I got up early and went to the Homeschool Book Fair. It was really alot of fun, as Rock and I perused the booths and decided on the minor little things we wanted to use for the kids for school, and decided which books we wanted to buy for simple reading purposes.
Saturday brought the Ladies Luncheon at our church. Accompanied by my Mother and my beautiful daughter, we had a terrific time of fellowship with our church family. And I managed to make it though the little devotional I had prepared without passing out. Mom and Dad had to head back home that afternoon as they needed to be in their church on Sunday.
Sunday was a glorious day. The weather was beautiful, and it was Mother's day. My children woke up and greeted me with "Happy Mother's Day, Momma! I love you!" Then they gave me a card that made me cry, and a enamelled cast iron dutch oven that I have had my eye on for quite a while now.
After a weekend like that, I am giving thanks to God above for the wonderful life he has so graciously given me.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Momma's Growing Up
There are many things that hint at you growing up, age, number of children, mortgage, etc. And all of these things are pretty easy to take in stride as they come up on you slowly. However, there are some things that just take you by surprise and make you realize that you are actually an adult.
The first time this happened to me was when we first brought Professor home from the hospital. I had done alot of babysitting, and Rock and I had done some babysitting together as well. But when we brought Professor home, I just kept feeling like I was waiting for the parents to come pick up their baby. Then I would realize that I was the parent, and no one was coming to pick up this baby. I was responsible for him. Scarry!
The next event I remember was when I turned 30. 30! That is like an adult! Never mind that I had been married for 7 years and had 2 children with another one on the way...turning 30 was what made me realize that I was a adult. The feeling soon passed.
Because the next event that solidified my journey into adulthood was in August of 2004. The church where I had grown up, where my father had been an Associate Pastor for 25 years split. It broke my heart, but I got to see Rock for the man he had become and not just the boy I had married. And I began to appreciate him all the more.
Now, I am facing one of those moments head on, and while it may seem a little silly to some, to me it is a real wake-up call. I have been asked to lead the devotional at the Women's Luncheon at my church. I was more than a little taken back when I was asked. I mean, this is what my Mother and her friends do, not me. I'm not old enough or mature enough to lead in this way. But apparently our Elders' wives think I am. Although, I am very anxious about the devotional, I am really enjoying preparing for it. I have started and stopped, written and rewritten, picked a topic and changed the topic many times, but I am learning so much. I am also anxious. I want to make sure that what I say is Biblicaly correct, and in doing this I am having to examine my beliefs and practices to make sure they are Biblicaly correct. I really have new respect for my Pastors and my Daddy, and do not envy their position even the slightest bit.
I know that there will probably be many more events that make me realize that I am no longer in my early twenties, but for now I am taking this next maturing thing one step at a time.
The first time this happened to me was when we first brought Professor home from the hospital. I had done alot of babysitting, and Rock and I had done some babysitting together as well. But when we brought Professor home, I just kept feeling like I was waiting for the parents to come pick up their baby. Then I would realize that I was the parent, and no one was coming to pick up this baby. I was responsible for him. Scarry!
The next event I remember was when I turned 30. 30! That is like an adult! Never mind that I had been married for 7 years and had 2 children with another one on the way...turning 30 was what made me realize that I was a adult. The feeling soon passed.
Because the next event that solidified my journey into adulthood was in August of 2004. The church where I had grown up, where my father had been an Associate Pastor for 25 years split. It broke my heart, but I got to see Rock for the man he had become and not just the boy I had married. And I began to appreciate him all the more.
Now, I am facing one of those moments head on, and while it may seem a little silly to some, to me it is a real wake-up call. I have been asked to lead the devotional at the Women's Luncheon at my church. I was more than a little taken back when I was asked. I mean, this is what my Mother and her friends do, not me. I'm not old enough or mature enough to lead in this way. But apparently our Elders' wives think I am. Although, I am very anxious about the devotional, I am really enjoying preparing for it. I have started and stopped, written and rewritten, picked a topic and changed the topic many times, but I am learning so much. I am also anxious. I want to make sure that what I say is Biblicaly correct, and in doing this I am having to examine my beliefs and practices to make sure they are Biblicaly correct. I really have new respect for my Pastors and my Daddy, and do not envy their position even the slightest bit.
I know that there will probably be many more events that make me realize that I am no longer in my early twenties, but for now I am taking this next maturing thing one step at a time.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Varoom! Varoom!
Well here it is folks...gas prices have gotten so bad that my poor husband had to buy a motorcycle so as not to send us into the poor house while doing his job. I know it broke his heart to have to do such a thing, but I think he will get over it.
Now before all you Momma's out there have heart attacks...Yes, those are our children on the motorcycle getting ready to take a ride. No, Baby J doesn't ride with him. and Yes, I'm okay with it. The only problem is that I haven't been able to go on a ride yet as someone has to stay with the children. Stupid responsibilities.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
More Gaps in Education
Guess what I did today....Go ahead...guess....You will never guess in a million years because it is one of those things that most people just do and don't think about.
I told you you wouldn't be impressed, but I am severely allergic to grass and have asthma. When I was growing up, I would have an asthma attack if I went outside to give my parents a glass of tea while they were mowing. Needless to say, I have simply left that chore to the other members of my family. However, today, Rock was needing to mow, but he also needed to check on one of his managers who is in the hospital, and have a conference call, and take Professor to his Little League game, and, and, and...he was a little overwhelmed. So, I volunteered to mow, he was a little leery, but agreed when I found some dust masks in the garage. So to shorten a long story...I mowed the yard today, have a real sense of accomplishment, and only had one short sneezing fit. Now that I have learned this chore, it is time to teach Professor so that maybe I won't have to do it again.
I mowed the lawn today!
I told you you wouldn't be impressed, but I am severely allergic to grass and have asthma. When I was growing up, I would have an asthma attack if I went outside to give my parents a glass of tea while they were mowing. Needless to say, I have simply left that chore to the other members of my family. However, today, Rock was needing to mow, but he also needed to check on one of his managers who is in the hospital, and have a conference call, and take Professor to his Little League game, and, and, and...he was a little overwhelmed. So, I volunteered to mow, he was a little leery, but agreed when I found some dust masks in the garage. So to shorten a long story...I mowed the yard today, have a real sense of accomplishment, and only had one short sneezing fit. Now that I have learned this chore, it is time to teach Professor so that maybe I won't have to do it again.
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