This post is for my new blog-friend.... She asked how I manage my home with so many kids. That is a really big question! I wasn't sure exactly what info you are interested in so, I'll just give you what prayerfully comes to mind and you can ask anything more specific.
First of all, I have a wonderful husband who comes to my rescue anytime I get in a bind (like scheduling conflicts, doctor appointments). He also takes the girls to school every morning and when his schedule allows it he calls me and offers to pick up the girls and run them to violin or to cheer at a game ect.... He is also really wonderful about dinner. I try to cook nice meals but, sometimes it is just Schwans or last night we picked up take-out. We go out to eat about once a week.
I also have a wonderful Christian woman come to my house for three hours a week during the school year to clean the floors and the bathrooms (this is new for me). In the summer the girls help me with the cleaning. They also are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and picking up after themselves around the house. Riley my oldest has started doing her own laundry. My first and third graders are starting to help me with their own laundry. The girls also get their own breakfast and make their lunch if they don't want what is offered at school. I really think it is important for my kids to know how to take care of themselves when they leave the nest. I want them to know life is about balancing work and play. When you finish the work then you can play!
It is my goal each day to spend time with my Lord(about an hour). Reading His Word and Praying. I wish I would get up every morning and start my day with Him, but I'm not consistent. So, I spend the day looking for that uninterrupted hour. I usually find it. I can't do life without Him! I need His wisdom, encouragement, forgiveness, and perfect love. Another one of my daily goals is to do something nice for someone. Taking too small clothes to someone, mail a card or a package, having people over for dinner (about once a month), sometimes my days are so busy just praying for someone other than myself is enough.
When you are a mother of little ones it is so difficult to continually be pouring into others. Some days it feels as if there is nothing left to give. That is why it is so important to run to the Lord to be filled up again.
AND TO KNOW THIS LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE-THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD.
Ephesians 3:19
Let me know if you just wanted to know how I organize my cabinets and closets! Or when I change my kids clothes from summer to winter? Or how to remove a sucker stain from a leather couch?
9 comments:
You make me laugh. Thanks for relying. I love knowing how people make their home lives work. Ex. laundry. Do you do it all the time or do you have a specific day?
I know it sounds odd that I love to know these things. But I figure if I hear how others do things I might come across something that works really well for my family.
Some days I am so on top of things and other days you can't walk through my house! :) I love the chaos that three kids make for me. Wouldn't change it. But I take pride on how I run this house and I love to learn new things from people.
You don't know how wonderful it was for me to read that. You have always been a wonderful example to me, and now I have your widom in writing! :) I may hang that one on my fridge for daily reference. Love you!
"I really think it is important for my kids to know how to take care of themselves when they leave the nest. I want them to know life is about balancing work and play. When you finish the work then you can play!"
I love this! Thanks for sharing insight into your day. I knew without a doubt that time with God would be on your daily list, but I was curious, too, about the rest of your schedule with five kids!
carrie,
When I lived in the big city, I did all my laundry on Mondays then as our family grew I did it on Monday and Friday. However, we do actually live in the middle of nowhere and have a septic tank and it cannot handle all of our laundry at one time, in fact I can only do two loads a day. It was hard for me to change at first but, now I like it. Something is always needing to be washed at the last minute.
I'd love to read your best management tips, what are some time savers you use?
Okay, WOW!!! Since you are sharing I would like to know how you break down your hour or so with God. I must admit that I do have the time to devote an hour however, as lame as this sounds that after 15-20 minutes I've sort of fizz out. I know it's a personal thing but any guidelines???Love,
Tara
ok - let me think on it today and I'll post tips on my blog tonight. I have a child with the stomach bug at the moment..... so I'll write down things as I think of them. I'm sure there aren't a ton of things. I'm just now learning to be organized. My oldest is still young!!!
Very inspiring!
Love ya!
Read Proverbs 31 if you haven't in a while and you will see how she does it. She is truly more precious than than gold, rubies, new shotguns, HD TV, ......
I always say that women were meant to be moms. As a dad, it seems to be chaos when taking care of the kid and house, but Meg just has a way with it. I think it is a God-given charachteristic in women. Thanks for sharing, Vicki!!
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