A Day in My Life...

A little glimpse into my daily life...

6:00-6:45- Wake up, dress and have my Quiet time

6:45-7:00 Prepare breakfast

7:00- 8:00 Eat breakfast with Eric, clean up kitchen, start laundry, check e-mail and google reader

8:00- 9:00 Feed and dress the kids, pick up around the house, exercise, Olivia usually watches a video in the morning or plays in her room.

9:00-10:00 Noah naps, Olivia and I read together/color/playdough, Tuesday's we go to my parents for the day, go swimming, work on laundry, etc.

10:00- 12:00- Playdates, run errands, grocery shopping, doctor visits, clean house, visit family, etc

(These are just some ideas of what we might be doing on any given day of the week)

12:00-1:00 Lunch with Eric

1:00-1:30 Read with Olivia and nurse Noah

1:30-4:00- NAPTIME for kids, I usually finish laundry, blog, work on schedule or pay bills, read or work on some things around the house.

4:00-5:00 Play outside with the kids, supper prep, nurse Noah, etc.

5:00-5:30 Finish getting supper ready, Olivia and Naoh watch a video or play with Eric when he comes home.

5:30-8:00 Family time ( clean up supper, play outside, swim, visit with family, go for a walk or bike ride, or go to church on Wednesday's)

8:00-9:00 Bath time, nurse Noah, Bible time together, read fun books, bedtime for kids

9:00-11:00 Eric and I spend time together (read, watch a movie, or TV show season on DVD)

11:00 Bedtime (sometimes this is sooner or later)

Hope you were not to bored :-)

Making Your Home a Haven: Errands

My new chore schedule has worked really well for me this week. I imagine a lot of this had to do with being snowed in for several days. When I stay home I seem to accomplish so much more.

We woke up to snow on Monday and it is just starting to melt off today.

Here is the new schedule:

Monday- Laundry day (This is my catch up day from the weekend.)

Wednesday- Organization day

Friday- Cleaning day

I also do 1 load of laundry every weekday but I let the washing machine and dryer rest on the weekend unless it's necessary to wash something. :-) Tuesday is my Hospitality day and I either spend the day at my parents house or invite someone to our house.

I also started the Flylady's Zone cleaning this week. Her focus this week was the Kitchen but I really needed to work on my Master bedroom ( it was a mess!!) so I swiched rooms. I plan to start back on her schedule next month.

The topic this week is Errands. Just like Monica, Thursday is my errand day. I try to accomplish all my errands (grocery shopping, bank, post office, etc.) on this day. I also plan my doctor's appointments for this day. Thankfully we live close to all of our family so Olivia always stays with one of her grandma's on this day. I take Noah with me now but he will stay behind when he stops nursing.

Hope you all have a great weekend and a productive week!!

Goals for 2010

All around the blogging world people are sharing their goal/resolutions for the year 2010. I love to organize and make list so this is something I enjoy reading and participating in each year. Even though each goal might not be accomplished I enjoy the challenge. So here are my list of goals for the year.

Spiritual:

1. Read through the Bible in a year
2. Purpose to spend at least 30 minutes in Bible study each day
3. Become more involved (serving) at our church

Personal:

1. Exercise for 30 minutes 4 days a week (I will start this after my 6 week post-baby checkup)
2. Lose back to pre-baby weight
3. Read at least 1 book a month (I hope to read more but this is just a goal)
4. Look into online college courses
5. Learn how to use my new camera and improve my photography skills
6. Learn how to use my sewing machine

Homemaking/Organization:

1. Keep up Home Management Binder
2. Clean out all drawers and cabinets and organize them
3. Decide on a cleaning/laundry system that works for me
4. Spend more time in the kitchen coming up with more meal ideas and working on my baking skills
5. Keep my coupon binder organized
6. Follow the FlyLady's routine and deep clean one room each week (I hope to start this in February)

Financial:

1. Pay off all debt by May 2010
2. Continue saving for a house
3. Save for college courses
4. Continue building up medical/emergency fund
5. Pay cash for all our "big" purchases (We will continue to use our debt card for things like groceries and eating out)

Blog:

1. Limit my time on my blog as well as the time I spend reading blogs (30 minutes each morning and during nap-time each afternoon)
2. Fast from the computer every Sunday
3. Spend time off-line coming up with blogging ideas (pen and paper)
4. Begin reading up on expanding my blog into a business one day

For the month of January I will be taking a bit of a break and adjusting to my new life as a mother of two. After spending a week in the hospital with Noah my children as well as my home need some attention. I will still be blogging but regular posting as well as a few of these goals will be on hold till February.

I hope everyone will experience a blessed 2010!!

My Daily Schedule: December 11

My schedule for December 11

1. Quiet time
2. Breakfast- Fried eggs and biscuits
3. Wash dishes
4. Make chili for my mom's birthday lunch today
5. Shower and dress Olivia and myself
6. Sweep floors
7. Tidy house
8. Wash rugs
9. Decorate a little for party
10. Lunch- Chili for mom's birthday
11. Play time
12. Nap time/ Blog
13. Work on Home Management Binder
14. Supper- Reheat leftovers
15. I'm going to a friend's baby shower
16. Family time/ Advent study
17. Bedtime

My Daily Schedule: December 10

My schedule for December 10:

1. Quiet time
2. Breakfast- Leftover cinnamon rolls and bananas
3. Shower and dress Olivia and myself
4. Start a load of sheets
5. Take Olivia to my moms
6. Doctor's appointment for me
7. Errands- bank, Jcpenny's, post office, and my grandma's to drop off a present
8. Pick up Olivia from mom's
9. Go each lunch with Eric at his office- Subway
10. Check laundry
11. Nap time- Blog
12. Sweep floor
13. Supper prep- Marinate chicken, put potatoes in oven
14. Work on Home Management Binder- The baby is scheduled (induction) to arrive on the 16th so I need to make sure all the bills, menu plan, and appointments are set up before then. I will probably work on this all weekend.
15. Supper- Grilled Chicken, baked potatoes, and green beans
16. Family night- watch Lord of the Rings together (or at least some of it)
17. Advent study
18. Tidy house
19. Bedtime

My Daily Schedule: December 9

My Schedule for December 9

1. Quiet time
2. Breakfast- Cinnamon Rolls
3. Shower and dress Olivia and myself
4. Wash dishes
5. Start a load of laundry
6. Walk through the house and tidy
7. Visit my mom and siblings
8. Lunch- Chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese
9. Nap time/ Blog
10. Check laundry
11. Dust house
12. Finish addressing Christmas cards
13. Supper prep
14. Supper- Hot dogs w/ french fries and corn on the cob
15. Mid-week church service
16. Family time/ Advent study
17. Tidy house and fold laundry
18. Bedtime

My Daily Schedule: December 8

My schedule for December 8

Quiet time

Breakfast- Reheat leftover biscuits and gravy

Dress Olivia and myself

Wash dishes

Start a load of laundry

Do a quick pick-up around the house

Clean house- Sweep floors, vacuum, clean bathroom and mop

Lunch with Eric at his office

Check laundry

Nap time/ Blog

Paint trim in Master Bedroom

Get ready for dinner date

Supper- Dinner Theater

Family time/ Advent study

Tidy house/ fold clothes

Bedtime

My Daily Schedule: December 7

I love being organized!! After participating in the Lady Wisdom series Monica hosted at The Homespun Heart I felt the need to continue on using a schedule. I had really become lax in many areas of my home and last week gave me the nudge I needed to get back on track. And with baby # 2 soon to arrive this couldn't be a better time to begin.

My schedule for Monday December 7:

Quiet time

Breakfast- set out cereal and bowls, make toast, and cut up oranges

Shower and dress Olivia and myself

Start a load of laundry

Wash dishes and sweep floor

Do a quick walk through every room and tidy

Grocery shopping

Check laundry

Lunch

Nap time- Blog time for me

Address Christmas cards

Wrap gifts

Wash baby swing padding

Start supper prep

Supper

Go to a funeral visitation for a classmate of Eric's

Family time/Advent study

Fold clothes and tidy house

Bedtime

I'll be back tomorrow with Tuesday's schedule.

Making My Home a Haven: Fun

I had a busy but productive day yesterday. My project that I choose was to finish wrapping some Christmas presents and make a list of stocking stuffers for Olivia and Eric. Since I had to go out for the afternoon I choose something simple and quick and enjoyed the rest of the morning by watching a Christmas movie with Olivia!! Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

Enjoying my morning quiet time.

Here is the laundry that I had to fold and put away. Thankfully it was all accomplished!!

Today's list:

1. Bible study time
2. Breakfast
3. Wash dishes
4. Dress Olivia and myself
5. Visit the library
6. Lunch
7. Pick up my younger sister for the afternoon
8. Olivia naps
9. Bake cookies with Lacey
10. Craft or do some more decorating for Christmas
11. Supper: Going out to a birthday dinner for my brother
12. Watch a Christmas movie with Eric
13. Advent study

I think I have included several fun things to do today!! Saturday will be a really fun day for us since I have several activities to do that day. We will be going to a Christmas craft fair in the morning, a bridal shower in the afternoon, and our annual Christmas parade that evening!!

Making My Home a Haven: Cared for

Well I once again accomplished all but one item on my to-do lists from yesterday. I sympathize with Monica in understanding why I can't be this organized on any given day. It is so easy for our focus to be drawn away from our home and family into outside things or selfish ambitions. I do believe their is a time and place for others as well as enjoying time to ourselves but they should not come before our ministry in our homes. So with that thought in mind I'm going to start another day with a list in hand and hopefully a heart for my home.

1. Quite time
2. Breakfast
3. Shower and dress
4. Start a load of laundry
5. Get Olivia ready for the day
6. Fold laundry
7. Wash dishes
8. Project for the day (undecided)
9. Lunch with Eric's grandparents
10. Hair appointment for me
11. Doctors appointment for me
12. Deposit at the bank
13. Supper: Leftovers
14. Church service
15. Advent study before bedtime

Making My Home a Haven: Clean

I'm proud to announce that I accomplished all but one item on my list from yesterday!!! It was a rather ambitious list but I work well under pressure. Here are a few pictures of my now TIDY house. :-)

Christmas totes are now in storage.

And all of my Christmas decorations are spread throughout the house!!

Here is my list for today:

1. Bible study time
2. Shower and dress
3. Breakfast
4. Feed and dress Olivia
5. Start a load of laundry
6. Grocery shopping
7. Clean out fridge
8. Wash dish
9. Lunch
10. Check laundry
11. Dust
12. Sweep and mop floors
13. Wrap gifts
14. Go to in-law's for supper (Venison Chili)

Be back tomorrow with an update!!

Making My Home a Haven: Tidy

When I ran across Monica's post this morning at The Homespun Heart I was so excited. I had already decided today would be a de-clutter (tidy) day for me and I had even started a list. We have been on the road this past weekend and my house was in desperate need of a good cleaning. Well after reading her blog post and finishing up my list I started in on all my major messy areas. Here is my list and a few before pictures:

1. Bible study time
2. Breakfast
3. Start a load of laundry
4. Quick clean bathroom
5. Wash dishes
6. Bath and dress Olivia
7. Fold laundry on couch
8. Vacuum bedrooms
9. Re-check out library books online
10. Put laundry in dryer and start another load
11. Run an errand to my moms and visit for awhile
12. Lunch
13. Check laundry
14. Make a menu
15. Make a grocery list
16. Wrap presents sitting in dining room :-)
17. Organize bill payment
18. Take Christmas totes back to storage
19. Prep supper: Poppy Seed Chicken, green beans, corn, and rolls
20. Prep for advent study tonight
    

I will post an update with pictures and what I accomplished tomorrow morning.

WFMW: Daily Chores

A couple of months ago I had in my weekly schedule a specific day for house cleaning. Since Olivia arrived last fall it seemed like cleaning day was my stressful day. Trying to get everything accomplished with a crying baby on my hands just wasn't going to work. So I decided to spread my chores out to individual days of the week.

Daily Chores:

Monday- Grocery Shopping and clutter-free the house

Tuesday- Clean the bathroom

Wednesday- Dust and clean mirrors and windows

Thursday- Mop and Vacuum

Friday- Wash and change sheets

Saturday- Yard work

For more tips check out WFMW at WEARETHATFAMILY.COM.

My To- Do List for Jan 26-Jan 30

1) Organize drawers and cabinets in laundry room.

2)Finish up my 2 books for the month

3)Work on raking the yard (weather permitting) It is suppose to sleet and snow tonight :-)

4)Search the Internet for planting and gardening ideas/tips

5) File bills and important papers that are in mail drawer

I am also trying a different cleaning schedule this week. I did a quick clean on Saturday so here are the plans for this week:

Monday- Clean bathroom and wash, fold or hang most of the laundry

Tuesday- Dust furniture and vacuum

Wednesday- Clean all mirrors and windows

Thursday- Sweep and mop floors

Friday- Wash sheets and check on laundry

My Plans for Today.

ORGANIZING!! This little house is in desperate need of a makeover. Eric has plans to working outside (raking the zillions of leaves in our yard!!) and that gives me an empty house to work with today. So with a list and camera in hand it is time to get started. I'll be back later with pictures and progress.

Back to Blogging for the Year 2009.

These are a few before and after pics of my cleaning today.

Sorry about the order of the pictures. I am still learning how to use this blog :-)

I am so excited to be home and back to blogging again!! We have been here and there for the last 2 weeks and I am so relieved to be at home and back to somewhat of a routine. Having been inspired by Crystal's post, I am ready to start the New Year off with a list of goals and things to get done.

Personal Goals for 2009:

1.Read through the Bible this year.

2.Begin working on Bible and baptist Catechism memorization again. (This was something I did with my family faithfully before Eric and I were married.)

3. Exercise regularly and lose weight back down to pre-pregnancy weight.

4. Read at least 2 books a month. ( I plan to post a book list later)

5.Plant a garden this spring and can in the fall.

6. Pull out the sewing machine I have and learn to sew.

7. Begin work on a scrapbook for Olivia.

8. Have a garage sale this spring.

9. Have a Home Organization Week soon. ( I want to clean out every closet, cabinet, and drawer in this house and organize them)

10. Learn how to budget and coupon better.

And so it began today with Eric back to work and my house in desperate need of a good cleaning and organizations.

I am planning to post some more goals we hope to set for our family this year as soon as I can.

Here and There.

I definitely had a sporadic cleaning day. Baby O wanted to be held all day so I pretty much just got what I could done. This morning I cleaned all the the floors (sweep, mopped, and vacuumed), washed dishes, and started a couple loads of laundry. After lunch I cleaned the bathroom (Baby O was in her bouncy seat right beside me), changed the sheets on our bed, and folded laundry. So all in all I think it was pretty productive day.

It was very cold outside today. The snow and ice we got yesterday never melted off. I think snow is my favorite part of winter. I'm hoping for a White Christmas this year!!!

Well we are about to head to my parents for supper soon so I will say goodbye for now.

Laundry, Laundry, Laundry!!

I let it pile up a little to long :-)

This is what I did for most of the day.