Time Management and Household Tips

Time is valuable! I am a wife and currently a stay-at-home mama but have also had the experience, for 4 years, of being a full time working mom. No matter what season of life you are in – your time is precious and valuable. If we manage our time wisely, we don't have to feel as burdened with all the things that need to be done in a 24 hour period.

I'd love to share some of my favorite time saving hacks. Now, take into consideration, the things that I do may not work with your kids or the season of life your family is currently, each one of us is different, and that's great. You have to find what works for you.

So, here goes...

1. Become a morning person, if you are not already one.

The basis of this is to complete, in your day, what matters most, first, when there are little to no distractions. If that seems completely impossible and you are a night person through and through, then simply use the most of the time that works best for you when there are minimal distractions or interruptions. For me, that means getting up by 5:00am, most mornings. Setting an alarm, not hitting snooze, and making it a routine. When I get up early, and my husband is already gone to work and the girls are still asleep, I am truly at the most peace I feel all day – everything is quiet and calm. So, why not sit in peace and quiet and focus on things that must get done when there are no other distractions. By getting these things done at the very start of the day, I have more attention to give to the girls. Also, I don't like to wake up to my kids; I like to wake up for my kids – awake, refreshed, and ready to pour into their lives.

For me, it looks like this:

• Husband leaves for work at 4:45. Alarm goes off at 5:00. GET UP.
• Go to the bathroom, wash my face. (This helps me feel awake and refreshed)
• Make a warm cup of coffee.
• Sit down with my Bible and have some quiet time with Jesus (this is what I truly need to get me through the day!)
• Scroll through my social media feeds.
• Make my to-do list for the day
• Tackle the most important task I have for the day – this could be work that needs to be done; responding to emails; menu planning; laundry, etc.
• If I still have time, before my girls awake, I will either do a home work out or use the time to read a book. 

2. Sleep is important – Make the most of it!

In order to complete number one, you have to enough sleep. That means backwards planning – set a goal for a time. Example: I want to be in bed by 10:00pm and wake up at 5:00am. That will give me seven hours of sleep. In order to be in bed by 10pm, I need to have dinner ready by 6:00pm, have the kids in bed by 8:30pm, relax with David from 8:30 – 9:30, do my bedtime routine and wind down from 9:30 – 10:00. 

3. Get your kids on an early bedtime.

This takes some time and skill, but is totally worthwhile. We all know that kids are different, some kids do bedtime great and for others it can be a struggle. I have found that the more kids are on a routine, the easier it will be for bedtime. There is so much research and tips on bedtime routines - for us, we typically watch a show as a family and then do pajamas, teeth brushing, prayers, and lights out. I also wake my kids up by 7:30 each morning and only let them nap until 3:30 in the afternoon, because I want them to be tired and ready for bed by 8:30. Whatever your routine is, stick with it so that you know they'll be down at the same time every night (we have some exceptions for church nights and special occasions). Bedtime routine is very important for setting the stage for the rest of your night and the next morning. 

4. Use Naps Wisely

I am still in the season of life where 2 out of 3 of my girls still nap in the afternoon and my oldest enjoys quiet time activities during nap sessions. Nap time can be the best time all day to get stuff done. But, it can also be the one time you have a moment to sit and relax. So, the use of this time is up to you! Right now, the girls are down for a nap and this post is being written. If you have something that must get done, use nap time for that. Most days, I use nap time to drink another cup of coffee, read a book, or binge watch a show. If you need to work during nap time, then work. If you need chill time during nap time, then chill.

5. Don't let things pile up

This means dishes, laundry, mail, toys on the floor, etc, etc, etc ,etc. I think nearly everyone has that one chore that they just don't like doing. I am really good at throwing laundry in – I am not a fan of folding and putting laundry away. Chores don't have to be so bad if you tackle them little by little throughout the day versus after a week (or couple weeks) of letting them pile up. I complete one load of laundry a day. It works well for me to collect all of the laundry at the end of the night, after I put my girls to bed. This gives me time to wash it and place it in the dryer before I go to bed. Then, in the morning, I bring the laundry up and my goal is to have it folded by nap time, each day. Doing it this way, only takes me 5 or 10 minutes to fold and put away and isn't as intimidating as a mountain of clothes.

When we are done eating, my oldest daughter does our dishes now, we immediately wash our plates and put them in the dishwasher.

For us, we have taught our girls to clean up after themselves when they play. Typically, we make them clean up their toys and play areas before meals, before nap time/bedtime, and before we leave the house. I believe this gives them ownership and responsibility for their own things and rooms.

We also clean the kitchen and living room every night before we go to bed (it's really not bad, because the kids have already taken care of their things). It is so sweet to wake up to a clean house!

By completing the tasks that seem overwhelming little by little saves so much time and energy in the long run. Little piles are a lot easier to conquer than big ones, that's for sure. 

6. Don't let your car get out of control!

Why is it such work to bring stuff in from the car? With three kiddos in and out of our van everyday, it is crazy to me how easy a mess is created. Every time I come in from the car, I always bring everything in with me. That includes shopping trip bags, trash, restaurant to-go cups and bags – everything. I also require my kids to do the same – you wanted to bring your water bottle, baseball hat, hello kitty blanket, barbie doll, and magic wand; you need to bring it all back in the house, even if it takes you 3 trips. It is nice and refreshing, to me, to step into a clean car. 

7. If you want to procrastinate – do a one minute task, instead.

I got this idea from a blog that I follow, Small Notebook. If there is something that needs to get done that will only take a minute, just do it. The small, itty bitty tasks are the ones that tend to add up. Anytime you find yourself thinking “I'll do that later” just do it now. It feels so good to get the little things done. It only takes a minute, so just get it done. If you let 10x1 minute tasks pile up, then 10 minutes can be a lot harder to tackle. Here is a list of some of things the Small Notebook suggested can be done in one minute.

• Wipe crumbs off the table and counter
• Take something to another room where it goes
• Empty a Trash Can
• Check the Toilet Paper Supply
• Wipe Spots off a Mirror
• Bring Empty Dishes back to the kitchen
• Swish a brush around the toilet bowl
• Hang the towels up off the floor
• Throw dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• Pick up Shoes and Put them Away 

8. Prioritize your daily tasks list with goals

I am a lister, through and through. I make lists in my head for everything. I enjoy checking off checklist. So, for me, making a list of what I need to accomplish each day helps me stay focused and on task. (I don't need to sit 20 minutes scrolling through my Facebook feed, when I have menu planning that needs to be done!)

What I've noticed is that just like in creating a budget, there are things you want to get done and there are things that you need to get done. When you are planning your day, be sure to separate the wants from the needs. For me, I actually write these things out, because it helps me stay focused instead of things just floating around my head. I am also able to post my list on the refrigerator or bulletin board, to be a constant reminder of what I want to accomplish. I make a list of 5 things that I'd like to get done. Next to three of the items, I draw a star. Those are the things that must get done that day. That way, if I don't get all 5 things finished, I still feel accomplished because I was able to complete the 3 most important items.

Doing this means, we have to plan out our days, weeks, and months in advance. If there happens to be a week that looks crazy busy, having a list written out will assist in moving things around to find better balance. 

9. Automate where you can.

Like I said at the very beginning, time is valuable and there are so many handy ways to save time! Some say that time is money – and I believe it is completely true. We are now more willing to pay others to do things we don't want to do, simply to have more time with our family.

There is no shame in that – it is perfectly okay!

Like I mentioned in my last post, I use Walmart's grocery pick up service – it is wonderful! On the days where we are out running errands, I plan a grocery pick up on the way home! It saves time and it saves my sanity! :) Our family also uses a lawn service. My husband works 50-60 hours a week, and so when he is home, he doesn't want to spend 2 hours maintaining our yard. Locally we use Grass Monkey Lawn Care. Dennis and his team do a great job in mowing, edging, and taking care of weeds. 

10. Work out “baby sitter trade days” with family and friends.

Recently our community has grown and we have been able to do this more and more – its been awesome! We are always trying to save money where able, so we've worked out with a few friends and family “sitter trade days.” We are all busy in our own ways and we all need days to get stuff done with out kids or even go out on a date with your significant other! Somebody watches your kids for you, and in return, you watch their kids for them! 

11. Get ready early!

I always feel like I can get more done when I feel awake and refreshed. This doesn't mean you have to be all glammed up by 5:00am. This can look like you putting on gym clothes and throwing your hair in a pony tail. But whatever you do, try to wash your face, brush your teeth, and change out of your pajamas when you get out of bed - you will feel a lot more productive! 

12. Plan meals ahead of time

In my previous post, I wrote about how I do meal planning and grocery shopping for our family. 

13. Clean the bathroom while giving baths

Keep in mind, this tip is for those with kiddos that are more independent in the tub. Our bathroom at home is set up where I have a clear view of the tub, without being far from them, while they are taking a bath. Since kids typically like to play for a bit before being cleaned, take the moment to wipe down the counters and toilet. 

14. Remember that everyday is brand new. You set the tone. Joy and new mercies come in the morning.

I don't share all these tips and tricks for you to think I have everything all together. For me, writing things down puts them into practice. If you are struggling with juggling all the things in one day, pick a few things, try them, and see if they work for you and your family!

But, hey, if they day turns the wrong direction and nothing goes as planned, - remember - always, always, always remember – joy comes in the morning. Give yourself grace, lots and lots of grace. Each day is a fresh start!

Motherhood is hard, but God designed you for this moment and this season. You got this! 

Meal Planning Process

Hello Busy Friends,

I have had a lot of people recently ask about how I complete my family's meal planning each week. So, I figured I would dust off the blog, write it out, along with some of my favorite staple recipes, and hopefully it can help you be more organized and feeding your family won't feel like such a chore. Note, I don't think there is any exact way to do this as each family and schedule is different, but my hope is that you can take a piece of what I do and it can maybe help you in your unique situation.

I am a huge advocate for family meal time. Statistics and science show the importance of it in a child's development. It doesn't have to be dinner, but I would encourage at least one meal day with your whole family eating together, all distractions put aside. If you can't do this, at least a couple times week, I believe that you are too busy and may need to do a schedule evaluation.

The biggest advantage, to me, about meal planning is that it helps save money. Our family doesn't eat out too often, because I know that I have enough meals planned for the week, at home, and the ingredients for those meals are purchased and already on hand. It also helps save money when I go to the store, because I am not wandering around, just picking random items up, but instead, I know exactly what I am getting and I stick to my list. Another perk of meal planning, is that it takes away the stress and guessing game each day of what to cook and eat. I only have to think about it one day a week and then I am done.

I currently do meal planning once a week. I have done it two weeks at a time, but, as my husband's pay schedule changed, so did the days that I go grocery shopping. Let's Dive In!

Step One: 

When I sit down and plan my meals, I use good ole paper and pen to list a spot for 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, and then 3 or 4 snacks. There are a lot of neat apps and downloadable meal planners you can use, but, I just prefer this way – its simple and easy. If you have a certain day of the week that you go grocery shopping (for example Friday), then you will want to make sure you have enough meals to get you through to that day

At this point, I also pull out my calendar for the week. If you have a day(s) that is full, you might want to consider planning a crock-pot meal on that day, or something you can prep the night before, instead of a casserole that takes 25 minutes to prep and an hour to bake. 

Step Two:

Then, I open my cabinets and freezers and see what foods I already have to use and try to incorporate those things into my menu, if possible, so not to waste food and to save money in shopping.

To make planning easier, typically once a week we do a Mexican themed meal (nachos, fajitas, tacos, etc.), a leftover meal, Italian theme (pizza, spaghetti, etc.), breakfast for dinner, and in the warmer months I typically grill once or twice a week and in the colder months I plan, at least, a day or two a week for soup. I also usually plan for one meal to “feed a crowd” in the case we get together with friends or family.

Some days, I make 1.5 meals. I am currently eating a low-carb diet and eating limited pasta and breads so 'll make the whole family the same meat and then substitute vegetables or some other side dish for myself. I have learned that food is not a battle I like to fight with my kids [or husband – he doesn't care for cauliflower rice or healthy alternatives :)], so, this way works for us.

Step Three:

Once I list out the meals we will be eating, I then go through each one and list the ingredients needed for each meal. I put duplicate ingredients together, so I know I need to buy enough of that
item to cover multiple meals. I then open my cabinets and freezers, again, to ensure I do not already have what I need (things like spices, ketchup, dressings, etc.) and cross of things that I have and don't need to buy.

Then, I add to my grocery list other essentials that may not be apart of my recipes – milk, coffee, creamer, toilet paper, other household supplies.

Step Four: 

I have been using the Walmart Grocery App to shop recently, and I love it. 1) I can shop at home while my kids nap 2) It helps me budget because it tallies your total on the same page and it is easy to go back and delete things if I go over my allotted grocery budget 3) I don't have to take all of my kids intothe store, I just drive up and the kind Walmart employee loads it into my car 4) It's Free!

If you have never used Walmart Grocery before, here is a $10 coupon for you to use! 

I also shop at Aldi. If I go into a store to do my grocery shopping, I will typically rewrite my list in order of the store (if I know the layout). If not, I write it so that similar items are all together: for example all refrigerated items, boxed food items, produce dept., etc.

In shopping, I only buy items on my list. No Distractions. No impulse buying. The only exception to this rule is if an item is a REALLY good price and I want to stock up – such as ground beef, chicken, laundry detergent, etc.

Step Five:

Once I get home, I cut and prep all of my fruits and vegetables, put them in storage containers, and then keep them in the refrigerator crisper drawer.

This saves time in having to cut fruits and veggies each time you want to eat. I also find that my kids will eat more if they are already prepared and ready to go. If I have any recipes that require browned meat, I will go ahead and brown it, now, and then put it in the freezer – a meal step already done!

Step Six: 

I have a dry erase board in my kitchen were I write out all of our meals. If you don't have this, hang a piece of paper on the fridge with your meals for the week. I don't like to specify what I eat each day, because I might have scheduled pizza on a Monday, but my Friday casserole sounds better to eat. Be flexible! Deciding what to eat should be stress free because you'll know that all of the meals listed, you have the ingredients for already in your house, so you can eat it whenever you want without having to make a mad dash to the grocery store before cooking. 

You can also add a “meal idea” paper to your fridge. Family members can add to it- helps kids to be more likely to eat what you make. Whenever you come a cross a yummy looking recipe – write it on the list and say where you found it (I use Pinterest a lot!). Whenever you get a craving for something, write it down. If you are eating someone's else's cooking and it is delicious, ask for the recipe, and write it down. This will take so much pressure of you, and sitting down to make a meal plan will only take minutes. 

I think that covers my process. It seems like a lot, but it's simple and easy to do.

If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! :)

Here are some of our favorite recipes: 

Crockpot Meals

Beef Stroganoff

BBQ Pulled Pork

Baked Potatoes

Beef and Broccoli

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garlic Alfredo Chicken 

Casseroles

(These are great to make ahead and then put into the oven to bake when ready)

When I was working fulltime, the night before, I would make the casserole. David got home before me, he would put the casserole in the oven and then it would be ready when I got home.

Chicken Spaghetti 

Ham & Cauliflower Casserole

Pizza Casserole

Crustless Quiche

Ham and Hashbrown Casserole

Sheet Pan Meals

(You can make these ahead too - I love meals I can prep ahead of time. It saves time and stress at meal time)

Cauliflower Nachos

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Stir Fry

Italian Sausage & Veggies

Miscellaneous Meals and Snacks

Tex Mex Shells & Cheese

Flourless Pancakes

Dijon Baked Salmon

Cheesy Sausage Puffs

Avocado, Bacon & Eggs

Chicken Caesar Wraps

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Egg Muffin

Mom Life - Trial and Error

The last year, really the last 2 years, has been a blurry cascade of tears, laughs, pumping, feeding, trying to sleep, working, chasing babies on all four (and then on twos), and more. But mostly I cannot believe I am where I am because the last couple years have been a blur of one memory fading into the next with the only constant being that "this too shall pass," whether I want it to or not.

As Grace turns one in a couple of weeks – it has me thinking about all the things I have learned so far, in my motherhood journey.

Babies and kids aren’t really the hard part – marriage is. After 5 years of marriage – I have someone else competing for my attention. I have to tell you – being a mommy to my sweet girls, it is so easy to give them all of my time and love and energy. I have to be intentional about remember that my husband is my #1. And of course, loving me looks different now that I am a mom. So, there are some growing pains there – learning to love each other well in a new season of life. It is a good and healthy and necessary challenge, but I definitely think it is the harder one.

Running out the door is a thing in the past. With or without kids there is no fast way to get everything together.

I can’t do it all – and that’s okay. It is true; I am a control freak. I have never been good at asking for help, because no one else is going to do it the way *I* would do it. And also, I just want to be self-sufficient. Well, along comes three kids, three and under, in 14 months, and suddenly you just physically cannot do it all anymore. I’ve always been a doer, it is very rare that I am just sitting around doing nothing. So, I have had to learn how to just “be” with my family. The laundry may be piling up, but the couple of hours of play I have with my girls after work and before bedtime is so precious. The laundry can wait. And before things truly get out of control, I’ve learned (and am still learning) to ask for help.

Never underestimate the power of mom-friends. No one “gets” what I’m going through quite like them.

Parenting involves some serious teamwork. I always referred to a husband and wife as being a “team” but never has that proven itself so important before now. I have a whole new respect for single parents after these past couple of years. I love that David and I have different “roles” with the girls that play into their routine. But we also tag- team a lot when it comes to the small stuff like diaper blow outs, or just getting the girls ready and out the door for the day. Watching my husband be a daddy and love on our girls warms my heart to no end. But, I am also thankful for the heart that God has grown in me for my single mom friends – being a mom is no joke.

Every child is different in so many ways.

Flexibility is the most important trait I learned that I needed. I didn’t realize how inflexible I could be until becoming a mom. And sheesh, there were some tough moments of frustration if my plan for the day got thrown off. I still feel that a regular routine/schedule for my girls has made parenting easier. But in hindsight, I wish I was more flexible on days where the routine got thrown off.

Every parent is different in so many ways.

Breatfeeding is hard. Especially when it doesn’t work out the way you had planned. Due to latching issues, I was never able to physically nurse Grace – what I had desired, planned, and researched the best methods for prior to her birth. A reminder, that some things in life just do not go as planned. So, for the last year, I have been exclusively pumping – time consuming, painful at times, time consuming (worth mentioning twice), counting ounces, trying to keep my supply steady, and creating a freezer stash (just in case my supply dwindled). I am quite proud of my accomplishment of keeping it up for a whole year, and will even be able to give her my extra stash beyond a year – but I am even more excited to stop and to have some of my time back; being able to quit carrying the heavy pump and supplies around with me 24/7; stop washing so many bottles and accessories; etc. As hard as this process has been, it has been time well spent – breastfeeding didn’t go in the way I had planned – but I was still able to do it (thankful for technology!).

It’s amazing how my definition of “sleeping through the night” has evolved. 4:30 am used to be the “middle of the night” – now, it is the start to my day.

Never underestimate the power of non-parent friends. No one can remind me that I am more than “just” a mom, quite like them.

God REALLY loves me. If God could ever give us a tiny glimpse at how much he loves us, I now know it's through our children. The endless love I feel for my girls is nothing I've felt before. It's unconditional. There's nothing they could do to make me love them more. There's nothing they could do to make me love them less. And that's exactly how God feels about me and you. There's nothing I could do to make God love me more. There's nothing I could do to make God love me less. I finally get it. And to think he loves my girls even more than I do? Wow.

It was all worth the wait. My path to being a mom certainly was not the path I would have chosen to parenthood. It's funny to think about how different our lives might look today had things gone according to our plan. But I truly believe that God never makes us wait without reason. More than anything, he allowed time to mold me into the person I am today. And I am grateful for that time. Was it painful in the midst of it all? Absolutely. If you are still on your journey, hold tight, and keep fighting. However your story ends, God is doing a good work in you.

I know it is such a cliché saying, but time truly does slowly creep up and fly by.

I am so blessed to be the momma of my girls, and can't wait to see what other things I learn through trial and error (because really that is what parenting is) over the next years.