Still plugging away with my book, The House That Cleans Itself. So far, so good. There is some serious thinking and habit to put into this, but I am liking the end results, so it is worth it so far! My next tip I have found helpful...
Do a 5 minute walk through of your house every day. Yes, every day and ONLY 5 minutes. Set your timer if you have to. This is when you will pick up those socks, hang up and straighten those towels, and put last night's newspaper into recycling. During this time do only light straightening and no heavy cleaning. Don't let your mind wander, don't get distracted by the wet clothes in the washer or the Internet pulled up with all your emails. 5 minutes of quick straightening. It becomes a habit after a couple weeks and a pretty good one if I don't say so myself. I have even added this to my kids list of chores they help with. Often it is the kid's toys or blankets thrown around on the floor. It's good for them to offer a hand for 5 minutes and return things to their home.
Wa-la! Tip #2 worth trying! Straighten away!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Today
Today I began my morning convincing my toddler that he needed to go back to sleep when I found him standing beside my bed at 4:30am. It was a day to get up and head to the gym with my girlfriend and I strongly thought about texting her and bailing. By 5:45, little one was finally back to sleep, but I was now wide awake even though I felt exhausted. I half walked, half slugged to my bathroom to slip into my gym clothes, pull my hair back, and try to stick my contacts into two half open eyes. Needless to say my work-out was about a C average and my body just kept trying to convince me to run straight to the nearest coffee shop and then find a place to nap. And soon. Days like today, I am so thankful for an accountability work-out partner!
After the gym I headed home to find two boys hungry and a husband off to work. 4 pieces of toast, 3 glasses of OJ, and 2 bowls of cereal later we were all three planted on the couch reading books and petting the family dog. Mmmmm, life felt good. Shortly after this and getting dressed and picking up toys from last night and cleaning dishes from this morning and of course finally drinking a cup of coffee, we were out the door. You see, my oldest is headed back to school soon and today I had all the time in the world with him and I wanted to do something fun.
After a quick stop at a little shop we made our way across the bridge to check out the "cool water" as my toddler calls it. Next was a morning of surprises. And even better, with my ever so faithful work-out buddy and her sweet toddler full of great comments to keep us laughing and blue eyes to warm anyone's heart. We spent the next hour playing at a fun little park across town that we never take the time to trek over to. After swings and slides and a sweaty game of "You're it!" we surprised the kids with lunch. Not that getting lunch is a surprise for our kids, but what was on the menu sure was. Today, like no other days we indulged in ice-cream for lunch. It tasted so good and I am now sitting here a bit jittery after ice-cream for lunch and my second cup of coffee for today, but oh well...we only get today's like today every so often.
Now here I am with my sticky faced toddler napping soundly in his bed, while I listen to the rain drop softly outside, and my big boy is having a last minute play-date with a friend from school. My cup of Vanilla Raspberry tastes especially yummy today (you know, since I am going off little hours of sleep) and I can't help but think about how my day could be going so much different.
There are days I choose to not get out of bed and go work-out, I don't take time to read books and snuggle after breakfast so I can clean the kitchen, I turn the TV on so I can "quick" do some laundry, I don't add any ridiculous idea to my agenda ( AKA ice-cream for lunch), I don't take time to just have my kids hang out with our friends or myself even, and so on. You get the picture... well, I like today. And I am thinking more often then not, if I would just choose the more relationship building, physical healing, time pausing, ridiculous idea implementing, and the good cup of coffee (always the goof coffee, always) that my today's could be an awful lot like this one.
Today, I feel connected to my kids so much, my heart is warm from doing random things with my dear friend, my body is feeling good from even a C average work-out, and my brain is even a bit clear....even off little sleep. We never know how many today's we get in this life. Today has been good. I could have chosen differently at 5 this morning, but it has been good. I hope I choose to have more today's like this. Life is filled up with today's, some just become old and some are yet to come. When I look back at my life I hope I feel like I spent my today's right where I was at and not thinking back at old ones or worrying too much about new ones. Live your life for today while those little ones are around and those friends are free to make it the best days of your life.
After the gym I headed home to find two boys hungry and a husband off to work. 4 pieces of toast, 3 glasses of OJ, and 2 bowls of cereal later we were all three planted on the couch reading books and petting the family dog. Mmmmm, life felt good. Shortly after this and getting dressed and picking up toys from last night and cleaning dishes from this morning and of course finally drinking a cup of coffee, we were out the door. You see, my oldest is headed back to school soon and today I had all the time in the world with him and I wanted to do something fun.
After a quick stop at a little shop we made our way across the bridge to check out the "cool water" as my toddler calls it. Next was a morning of surprises. And even better, with my ever so faithful work-out buddy and her sweet toddler full of great comments to keep us laughing and blue eyes to warm anyone's heart. We spent the next hour playing at a fun little park across town that we never take the time to trek over to. After swings and slides and a sweaty game of "You're it!" we surprised the kids with lunch. Not that getting lunch is a surprise for our kids, but what was on the menu sure was. Today, like no other days we indulged in ice-cream for lunch. It tasted so good and I am now sitting here a bit jittery after ice-cream for lunch and my second cup of coffee for today, but oh well...we only get today's like today every so often.
Now here I am with my sticky faced toddler napping soundly in his bed, while I listen to the rain drop softly outside, and my big boy is having a last minute play-date with a friend from school. My cup of Vanilla Raspberry tastes especially yummy today (you know, since I am going off little hours of sleep) and I can't help but think about how my day could be going so much different.
There are days I choose to not get out of bed and go work-out, I don't take time to read books and snuggle after breakfast so I can clean the kitchen, I turn the TV on so I can "quick" do some laundry, I don't add any ridiculous idea to my agenda ( AKA ice-cream for lunch), I don't take time to just have my kids hang out with our friends or myself even, and so on. You get the picture... well, I like today. And I am thinking more often then not, if I would just choose the more relationship building, physical healing, time pausing, ridiculous idea implementing, and the good cup of coffee (always the goof coffee, always) that my today's could be an awful lot like this one.
Today, I feel connected to my kids so much, my heart is warm from doing random things with my dear friend, my body is feeling good from even a C average work-out, and my brain is even a bit clear....even off little sleep. We never know how many today's we get in this life. Today has been good. I could have chosen differently at 5 this morning, but it has been good. I hope I choose to have more today's like this. Life is filled up with today's, some just become old and some are yet to come. When I look back at my life I hope I feel like I spent my today's right where I was at and not thinking back at old ones or worrying too much about new ones. Live your life for today while those little ones are around and those friends are free to make it the best days of your life.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
roots & wings
Being a mom is a BIG job! We all know that, don't we? It requires a lot of work, time, and energy. Doing this mom job though is much more then changing diapers, feeding their bellies, washing their faces, and car pooling to soccer. As mom's we have the opportunity to give the world little people who grow up to be positive, influential, serving, loving, and faith centered adults. These little one's we are molding will shape generations, near and far. They will set the bar for your great grandchildren and beyond.I truly believe this and strongly believe as mom's we have such a task ahead of us of doing our job to help get our kids there. I am sure you have heard the words "roots and wings" used together before, but as a mother it holds so much understanding as we are child rearing.
Once our little bundles of joy arrive we begin our journey of giving them solid roots. Roots that will help them stand tall and firm when life gets hard for them, confusing, or difficult to get through. Roots will give them a place to be landed on the ground and not blowing aimlessly through the winds of life. Roots will give them a secure place to make mistakes. Roots will guide them as they go on and try to fly on their own. And that time will come. We want it to come for them, hard as it is at times, but God intends for these little ones to fly away someday. By giving them deep roots, we also give them wings. Wings to try new things. Wings to see the world from a higher place. Wings to speak up when they need to, be humble when it's right, to reach bigger goals, to love better, to have the confidence to try and succeed, to be a positive, influential, serving, loving, and faith centered adult.
As mother's we can be a great disservice to our children by not taking the time now to help them plant their roots deep into a healthy, loving, faith filled, grace filled, encouraging, patient, kind, and hope filled ground. Roots planted deep in this kind of rich soil is the building ground for helping our little ones fly when the time comes.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what I am doing now at home to help my kids dig deep into their roots. I want them to be able to fly someday, on their own. That means I have to work hard now to set the foundation for having a rich soil for their little roots to dig deep into. I only get this chance once with them. Not only do I need to help my kids get grounded with long, strong, deep roots...but I also have to be able to keep my roots planted deep in rich soil. Lately I am finding I need to be planted deeper in God's word and with God. Time away from both of these only make my roots wilt a bit. I want to see my kids fly away someday, but I won't get them there without keeping my own wings afloat. I am challenging myself to do what it takes to keep my roots planted deep in God's rich soil. Along the way, I have a feeling I will be pruning my kid's roots too.
Once our little bundles of joy arrive we begin our journey of giving them solid roots. Roots that will help them stand tall and firm when life gets hard for them, confusing, or difficult to get through. Roots will give them a place to be landed on the ground and not blowing aimlessly through the winds of life. Roots will give them a secure place to make mistakes. Roots will guide them as they go on and try to fly on their own. And that time will come. We want it to come for them, hard as it is at times, but God intends for these little ones to fly away someday. By giving them deep roots, we also give them wings. Wings to try new things. Wings to see the world from a higher place. Wings to speak up when they need to, be humble when it's right, to reach bigger goals, to love better, to have the confidence to try and succeed, to be a positive, influential, serving, loving, and faith centered adult.
As mother's we can be a great disservice to our children by not taking the time now to help them plant their roots deep into a healthy, loving, faith filled, grace filled, encouraging, patient, kind, and hope filled ground. Roots planted deep in this kind of rich soil is the building ground for helping our little ones fly when the time comes.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what I am doing now at home to help my kids dig deep into their roots. I want them to be able to fly someday, on their own. That means I have to work hard now to set the foundation for having a rich soil for their little roots to dig deep into. I only get this chance once with them. Not only do I need to help my kids get grounded with long, strong, deep roots...but I also have to be able to keep my roots planted deep in rich soil. Lately I am finding I need to be planted deeper in God's word and with God. Time away from both of these only make my roots wilt a bit. I want to see my kids fly away someday, but I won't get them there without keeping my own wings afloat. I am challenging myself to do what it takes to keep my roots planted deep in God's rich soil. Along the way, I have a feeling I will be pruning my kid's roots too.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
absent in one way or another...
You may have noticed I have been a bit absent lately from this blog...or maybe you haven't. I have no great excuses other then this simple one that I let roll around in my brain weekly...
"Do not give away what you have not given at home first."
I read this when I first became a mother and it has sunk deep into my soul. I think of this often when I'm trying to choose between saying yes or no to something. I think of this when I think about sitting down to blog too. I enjoy blogging and writing and connecting, however lately my days have been filled with summer fun, my boys, cooking, getting ready for school, listening to my husband, chatting with friends, cleaning, and just being here...in my home...head, heart, and body. It's been good and even though I've let up a bit on some "outside" things, it's been right for all of us here in this household.
This does not mean I will always be absent! I've just had a period where I needed to really be at home...all of me. So this blog has seen a little break :) Time is priceless and lately I've been using mine up on who and what is in my home. More posts to come.... soon, I promise :)
"Do not give away what you have not given at home first."
I read this when I first became a mother and it has sunk deep into my soul. I think of this often when I'm trying to choose between saying yes or no to something. I think of this when I think about sitting down to blog too. I enjoy blogging and writing and connecting, however lately my days have been filled with summer fun, my boys, cooking, getting ready for school, listening to my husband, chatting with friends, cleaning, and just being here...in my home...head, heart, and body. It's been good and even though I've let up a bit on some "outside" things, it's been right for all of us here in this household.
This does not mean I will always be absent! I've just had a period where I needed to really be at home...all of me. So this blog has seen a little break :) Time is priceless and lately I've been using mine up on who and what is in my home. More posts to come.... soon, I promise :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
tip #1
If you've been reading you know I am working my way through the book "The House That Cleans Itself". Loving it, but man is it some serious leg work to get to where I want to be! At any given time right now you may walk into my house and see hoards of "things" in one room or the other. Tackeling every square inch of my house, while ridding of some, and reorganizing of others makes for a bit messy looking home. It's temporary I keep telling myself. I know all this hassle right now is going to be worth it once I get things in a functionable order for our living arrangements here and now.
So, here it is... tip #1 I want to pass on! Set up "cleaning stations" in every main living area of your home. A cleaning station consists of Windex easy wipes and Clorox or off brand wipes. So far I have 5 stations. Upstairs bathroom, downstairs bathroom/laundry room, living room, family room, and kitchen/dining room. When I have 5 mintes to clean a room my basic supplies for a quick clean are right at my fingertips tucked away in cute baskets unseen to the human eye. And lets not kid ourselves...5 minutes is pushing it for time I have to clean rooms most days! For example, I sneak away into the bathroom to do my morning deeds and without my kids even noticing I'm really gone yet, I quick clean the mirror, wipe down the counter, toilet seat area, and bathtub. It's not "deep cleaning", but it is maintaining until I take advantage of my main cleaning time scheduled on it's own bathroom day. 5 minutes tops and I'm back playing Candyland and painting choo choo trains. Easy enough!
What I like about it? I don't spend those first few minutes walking over to get my cleaning tub with all my supplies, cleaning, and the putting everything away back in the downstairs closet. It's quick, simple, and done! So far the only negative I've noticed is buying the wipes can add to cleaning expenses, but it seems to be worth my sanity for this season of life. My family room has never stayed so clean since I added it's own cleaning station!!
Try it out! Set up a few stations and let me know how it goes! More time for playing with our kids! Whoo-hoo!
So, here it is... tip #1 I want to pass on! Set up "cleaning stations" in every main living area of your home. A cleaning station consists of Windex easy wipes and Clorox or off brand wipes. So far I have 5 stations. Upstairs bathroom, downstairs bathroom/laundry room, living room, family room, and kitchen/dining room. When I have 5 mintes to clean a room my basic supplies for a quick clean are right at my fingertips tucked away in cute baskets unseen to the human eye. And lets not kid ourselves...5 minutes is pushing it for time I have to clean rooms most days! For example, I sneak away into the bathroom to do my morning deeds and without my kids even noticing I'm really gone yet, I quick clean the mirror, wipe down the counter, toilet seat area, and bathtub. It's not "deep cleaning", but it is maintaining until I take advantage of my main cleaning time scheduled on it's own bathroom day. 5 minutes tops and I'm back playing Candyland and painting choo choo trains. Easy enough!
What I like about it? I don't spend those first few minutes walking over to get my cleaning tub with all my supplies, cleaning, and the putting everything away back in the downstairs closet. It's quick, simple, and done! So far the only negative I've noticed is buying the wipes can add to cleaning expenses, but it seems to be worth my sanity for this season of life. My family room has never stayed so clean since I added it's own cleaning station!!
Try it out! Set up a few stations and let me know how it goes! More time for playing with our kids! Whoo-hoo!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
really...only 5 minutes?
I read today that getting outdoors can really brighten a person's mood. Do you know how long it takes to be outside to do this? FIVE minutes! Wow. Who doesn't have 5 minutes each day to step outside and breath in God's creation? As moms, we have many days that feel long and hard and never ending. We typically love these long days with our little one's pitter pattering through our homes, our minds, and our hearts... but for the days when you get a bit crabby, yell at your kids too much, spill your coffee, get no laundry done, and forget to take the video's back... step outside. Five minutes to take in your surrounding, see some green or some white depending on the season (around here anyways), and just listen to nature. Ahhhh, I feel more peaceful just visualizing it.
Today it is 94 degrees here and humid. Stepping outside sounds.... yuck a little bit. Unless of course I can step out into this....
...but I can't. So, I settled for the community pool instead and came home just as refreshed! It's amazing what being outdoors does for one's spirit. Next time you need a little something to help your day go better... take 5... and you know where! Get outdoors!
Today it is 94 degrees here and humid. Stepping outside sounds.... yuck a little bit. Unless of course I can step out into this....
...but I can't. So, I settled for the community pool instead and came home just as refreshed! It's amazing what being outdoors does for one's spirit. Next time you need a little something to help your day go better... take 5... and you know where! Get outdoors!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
sweet corn time!!!
There are many things I love about the Midwest. There are also many things I love about living surrounded by farmers and agriculture. I have many memories as a little girl, following my dad up and down corn rows in my bare feet as he rips off ear upon ear of sweet corn. We would then sit on turned over 5 gallon buckets and husk sweet corn all night and throw the fresh ears of corn into a tin bowl that my mom would come and get every 10 minutes or so. As my mom worked to boil and freeze corn, we would eat multiple ears of corn dripping in butter for dinner. Mmmmmmm, so good!I love sweet corn and I'm not sure if it has to do with the fond memories of the project it was for me with my parents or because it taste so darn good! Either way, summer and sweet corn go hand in hand at our house. I made a call today to a local farmer and was thrilled when he said I could bring my boys to come pick our own corn and take home with us. What a great trip it will be to have my own children follow me up and down the corn field as we work together to gather our own yumminess. Some childhood traditions are sure worth passing on!
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