Procrastination vs Priorities

There are days I look around my house and am simply disgusted by the messes everywhere.  I get anxious and overwhelmed and feel there is so much to do that it's easier to just do nothing.  Then there are days that inspiration hits me and I find myself flying through the house organizing and cleaning and yelling like a drill sargent to get my family to follow suit.  Especially if people are coming over.  Yeah, not a proud trait but a truthful picture none the less.  I've mellowed down quite a bit over the years and have come to accept that my house will always be less than perfect and that is ok.  I have 3 kids and often a million things on my plate for goodness sakes!  But come on, you know you do it too.  Someone's on their way and you do the sweep through to make sure everything looks ok and in place.  Relate much?

It must be ingrained somehow to care about what other people think...and it's frustrating sometimes.  As much as I want to say "Hey this is me, the real deal, what you see is what you get" I can't help but run around straightening and picking up. 

For me personally, it stems from the realization of all the things that aren't done, that should have been done when I lacked the self-discipline to do them.  

Ouch.  Talk about a reality check.  

So ok, let's solve the problem.  How can we avoid this situation?  Get our homes in working order enough on a daily basis to avoid ninja jumping over the coffee table to sweep the last of the kids' toys cars under the couch before we open door?  Easy.  Have a plan.  Then, and this is important so take notes because if you only have a plan and ignore the second step the plan will become obsolete.  Ready?  EXECUTE THE PLAN.  

It will be different for everyone but let's start with a basic layout here.  And remember this is only to help in keeping the house presentable.  This isn't touching on the day to day chores we, ahem, "should" be doing alongside.  

1. Assess the parts of the house that people see.  Go ahead, take a walk through.  Front door to living room/kitchen.  What do you  notice?  Is it kids' toys strewn about?  Papers?  Mail?  Dirty dishes here and there?  All of the above?  (*raising hand*)
2. Identify your three biggest obstacles to having a neat looking home.  For me it's the toys, papers and dishes (hence my examples above, they are staring me down at the moment).
3. Figure out a system for each obstacle.  
• Example:  Is there a location for toys in this area of the house?  Does there need to be?  Sometimes adding a bin here or there can make a world of difference.  I love those little square ottoman things that you can use for storage inside.  Lovely toy boxes and no one will ever know. 
4. Choose a time of the day to go through and do a quick sweep of each area for your biggest obstacles.  This can't be done at night.  It must be during the day.  That's the key to helping you take control of it. 
• Example: If the kids are playing with toys most of the day then it will probably just be silly to do a sweep at noon while they are playing.  But you can monitor and make sure the unused ones are put away at a particular hour (or time frame).
• Example: If you have a habit of throwing the mail on the counter everyday, then after you normally get it would be a great time to tackle the mail/papers.  Sort the mail immediately:  Throw away.  Needs attention.  File.  Shred.   
5. Write it all down!  Stick it where you'll see it.  Putting it in writing helps to serve not only as a reminder but a commitment.  

Remember, they say that to develop  a habit it takes 21 days.  You can do this for 21 days!  Once you get it down each simple task will be just that = simple!  It will take all of a few minutes each day to keep your home looking organized and YOU more stress free.  Sit back and see how much this helps you take back some control (but don't sit too long).

Overwhelming at first?  Heck yeah.  But hey, all growth comes with a bit of a price and a push out of our comfort zone doesn't it?  If it helps (and things are really that bad) choose just ONE area to tackle.  Once the habit is formed, your confidence will be up to tackle the next one.

Can you relate?  Are you ready for the challenge?  Let's do this together!

50 Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer.

Summer always worries me a little bit.  It means kids home all day, everyday.  It might mean boredom, laziness, and more sibling quarrels.  But it can also mean quality time, memories made and lots of laughter.  Summer can either be a time of survival - or it can be a time to expand on the very foundation you dream of building in your kids.  You can rack up ideas to send your children out of your home to "make things easier" or you can allow God to use the everyday moments to grow every family member and create magical moments together.  As parents we all deserve, and NEED, our breaks, don't get me wrong, but this summer will you commit to using the time given you to grow together as a family?  50 ideas right here that are simple, easy and cost efficient.  Feel free to add your own in the comments! 

(PS I will be editing and adding links and pics as I dig them up but I thought I had better get this posted sooner rather than later!  My kids' friends are wishing they lived with us to take part in our 50 things.)

1. Take them to the local pool.  Park districts, a friends house, the YMCA, local gym.  Make it a weekly thing.
2. Sprinkler fun outside.  Use your imagination and gather water balloons, water guns, spray bottles.
3. Family movie day.  Don't forget the popcorn!
4. Head to the local museum.
5. Hit the zoo.
6. Choose a place to hike - a local national park or any trail will do.
7. Set up a tent - INDOORS!  Complete with blanket forts, sleeping bags and let the kids "rough" it out of the heat of summer.  They will love it!
8. Have a "snow ball fight".  Don't throw away your used paper anymore.  Save it and tear it up into differing sizes, crumple it up and have a paper snow ball fight!  Couch cushions work great as forts.
9. Sidewalk chalk paint!
10. Set up an obstacle course outdoors.  Use items you can find in your garage.  Think balance beams, crawling over and under, stepping through and around.  Once kids get the hang of it they'll start rearranging and making their own unique course (make sure the items are safe).
11. Learn a new language together.  Write out simple object words on post it notes and label items in your house.  As the kids start to learn, rearrange them and have them "fix" the mistakes.  Watch how they start to work together as a team to figure it out.
12. Buy some seeds and grow some plants!  Put the kids in charge of watering and checking in on their "babies".  They'll learn basic gardening skills (you might too!) and enjoy seeing something grow from almost nothing.
13. Scavenger hunts are always fun.  You don't have to make it complicated.  Make out a few lists of some random items that can be found outdoors (different leaves, birds, sticks, rocks, bugs, flowers, etc) and head out into the neighborhood or a local park to check off the items.  
14. Ice hockey on a hot day!  Make up some extra ice cubes and create a couple of sticks and kids will have fun batting the "puck" back and forth on the driveway until it melts.  Just pull out another cube and keep playing.
15. Ice sculptures/castles.  Chunks of ice or small cubes can make great castles.  Ice is easily held together with salt.  
16. Budget a dollar amount and head to the Dollar Store.  Have the kids gather supplies to come up with creating a gift for grandma or grandpa.
17. Make a game.  Cardboard, markers and a plan.  Let imagination go.  
18. Buy each child a disposable camera and choose a theme - maybe it's letters of the alphabet, simple things in nature, shapes or animals.  
19. Start a question jar.  When your kids ask you a question of how something works or what something does that you aren't sure of, write it down and add it to the jar.  When you're stuck in a "bored" day, pull one out and teach your kids about research and learn something new together.
20. Hit the library and join a summer reading program.  Each child can read separately or you can choose a harder book to devour as a family.
21. Devotional time can be fine tuned during the summer.  Grab a kid friendly devotional book, set a daily time and watch your kids' hunger for God grow.
22. Learn to play an instrument.  Sign up for a class or simple figure it out at home.  No perfection necessary.  Experiment!
23. Speaking of experiment, science experiments are awesome.  Lots of ideas on the internet depending on the age of your kid that are hands on and fun.
24. Crafts!  Who doesn't love craft projects?  Walmart has some great boxed projects to do together.  No thinking required.  
25. Art!  What kid doesn't love painting and getting messy?  Head to the butcher shop and ask for some paper.  Give your kids a huge space to work on and see what they can create.
26. Make your own bubbles.
27. Got a video camera?  Have your kids make their own TV show, commercials and all.  You will all laugh watching it on the big screen later!
28. Sign the kids up for a sport through the park district.  Stay there with them during classes.  If everyone can't do the same class, yes it means lots of sitting for you and other little ones that can't yet participate but you know what?  Your kid will remember you being there and will appreciate it more than you know (unless of course they are older and begging you to leave them on their own, then by all means, just use your judgement.)
29. Check into the local VBS programs at other churches you know and trust.
30. Bake together!  There are many no bake recipes that don't require the use of a hot oven in the midst of summer (thank goodness for that).  Settle on a few and spend half a day whipping some up.
31. Grab a map and mark off a 75 mile radius around where you live.  See what falls into the circle and what new places you might be able to explore in a day.  If your kids travel well, expand your distance!
32. Find a local lake or park with water and plan a picnic.  Maybe while there you can learn to fish too?
33. Homemade play doh!
34. Tie dye shirts.  It's messy but fun.  My kids still wear the ones we made a few summers ago even though they are way too small on them.  
35. Wash the car together!  Bathing suits and hoses = fun!
36. Go ice skating.  Not so cost efficient but it's something to save up for.  It will be well worth it in the heat of summer.
37. Make and fly a kite.
38. Head out with a missionary mindset.  See who you can bless.  Load up the car with cold bottled water to hand out in the heat of summer.  Candies for children.  Notes and cards made by the kids to hand out.  Watch people's surprised looks seeing your family bless them.  If you can bless financially, do that too!  Pay for someone's gas, groceries or coffee.  What a great example for your kids to witness and definitely makes for great conversation later as you reminisce about the day.
39. Visit a local dog park.  Many owners welcome someone else to throw the ball of slobber for their pooch.  Just make sure you approach the OWNER first to ask if it's ok and avoid dogs with yellow ribbons on their leashes (this is a signal the dog needs more space or doesn't react well to other animals or children).
40. Learn to make soap!  
41. Grocery shop.  Yes, that's on my list.  Give each child a mini list of things to find and a budget.  Teach them to read labels and compare costs while choosing items on their list.  A great way to practice math skills.  Plan on your trip taking thrice the time it normally does!
42. Make mud pies!  Oh come on, get out some pie tins and molds and let the kids have at that dirt in the backyard.  They can hose themselves off when they are done.
43. Build something with your own two hands.  It's easy to find some plywood, nails and a hammer.  Be careful with the little hands and definitely requires adult supervision.  From birdhouses to see saws - there are lots of things that can be done!
44. Volunteer at a nursing home.  Many nursing homes welcome children and pets to visit the elderly.  Call around if you think your children would enjoy the opportunity to love on grandmas and grandpas.
45. Mid-summer bash!  Why not plan a party, just for fun?  Call a few friends with children, put your money together to rent a bounce house, bring a few appetizers and bam, you got yourself a party!
46. Make a pinata.  Learn paper machie.  Learn how to SPELL paper machay.  Fill it with whatever goodies you like.  Use it for the party mentioned in #45 or whenever the mood strikes.
47. Write a story.  Work together on pictures and a story.  When complete, take it to Office Max where you can bind it up like an actual book.  Trust me, the kids will think it's the coolest thing ever and want to do it everyday.
48. Visit local recycling center, many will give tours.
49. Make sock puppets and hold a puppet show.  Use buttons, felt, hot glue and old socks.  
50. Tour a firehouse and/or police station.  If you have friends that work there, even better.  :)

Parenting: Between servanthood and responsibility.

Today I am challenged by walking the fine line between demonstrating a servant heart to my children...and teaching them responsibility and obedience.  The task seems daunting.  I want to demonstrate Christ's compassion and heart because let's face it - kids will do more of what they see than what they are told to do.  And yet at the same time there are times I expect them to help out when asked.  I am still human and can only do so many things at once and when one child is crying for milk while another is spilling it I expect the one playing on the ipad to get up and help one of them.  Do I gently ask?  Or harshly demand?  I haven't figured out it yet and it seems to be one of the hardest parts of this journey as of late.  No deep thoughts today...only the ones milling around in my mind.  

Where is the line for you as a Christian parent?

All I Want for Mother's Day...

Is a house that stays clean and organized for more than a few hours....

Is an entire day of everyone getting along and loving on eachother....

Are meals, nutritious and ready, served and gobbled up without complaints....

Is quiet...

Is to be served...All. Day. Long...

Is for no one to get hurt, no cries to be heard, no voices raised...

Ah who am I kidding?  A perfect day cannot exist amidst the confines of an imperfect life.  Being a Type A kinda gal this used to bother me.  I longed for the Hallmark type of Mother's Day.  The kind you see on TV.  And then I woke up.  I am certainly not a perfect mother, who am I to expect a perfect day?  Instead, I will wrap myself up in the reality that is my life and embrace the things that make life MINE.

I will be thankful for the messes that remind me of the family I have to love...

I will use the sibling arguments as lessons in patience, long suffering and love without boundaries...

I will thank God for the food in the fridge waiting for hands to prepare it and little mouths to eat it....

I will be lulled into the noise and loudness that makes my home alive...

I will choose to serve my family as if serving God Himself and be honored to do so...

I will tend to the boo-boos and be ready with hugs and kisses for the pains that life brings...

And at the end of the day I will look back and realize that it's exactly all the imperfections of my life that make it all worthwhile.  A smile will emerge as I ponder how God has chosen ME to mother these children and though some days are exasperating the journey is exhilarating and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Raising Children...or Producing Mini-Me's?

As a mother, raising my children is one of the top priorities in my life.  I believe that motherhood is more than just "taking care of the kids".  It is a calling.  And any calling that God places on an individual He also anoints to complete the task.  Isn't that great news?

You are not just surviving through your days with your children, you are walking in an ANOINTING!  

Yes, sometimes that anointing gets drowned out easily in the bickering, spills, and boo-boo fixing but deep down,we must acknowledge that it's there and so much bigger than ourselves.  Ultimately, I want my children to grow up in the Lord with hearts to serve Him and the world around them.  I pray they will see needs and find creative ways to meet them.  I hope that compassion will flow from them along with all the fruits of the spirit and that they will live their lives committed to a higher calling.  But sometimes I forget this.  Too often I focus on the "be nice to your sister" "don't do that" and "pick that up" and fail to use the small life lessons handed to me to teach far bigger principles.  There are days I yell in frustration, lack joy, and become distracted by things that aren't really a priority at all.  Some days all I want to do is countdown until bedtime and be done.  But thank God for His grace to start anew when I realize I am off track!  Though daily I will continue to strive to have my actions meet where my heart is, one lesson has been ingraining itself deeply in my being recently:  

If you want your children to grow into a certain somebody - 

you must first BE that certain somebody. 

How can I expect my children to walk in love when I yell at them?  How can I hope they learn compassion towards others when I am too busy in my own life to reach out to someone that needs my help?  How can I strive to teach them patience when I am anything but?  It's a known fact that children copy what they see.  It's important to ask forgiveness when we are in the wrong but we must constantly strive to be the people we visualize our children to one day become.  

Raising children is less about rule following than it is about example setting and relationship building.  

And that is where I plan to start - each day and each moment.  Focused on my calling as a mother and on placing my heart in the hands of my Father so that He will mold me and make me into the person He wants me to be.  Everyday I see my children learning and taking steps closer to the destinies they have in their life and I choose to focus on that rather than the small battles that we all face as humans.  

How about you?  How can we better walk out our 

callings as parents?