I feed the baby at 5am and slip soundlessly back into bed, managing to catch one more hour of sleep before the boys’ bedroom door creaks open. Two sets of footsteps trace the outline of the bed, and I open my eyes to see two little heads right at my level, asking what’s for breakfast.
So I feed them. And I feed the baby. I change the baby’s diaper, get everyone dressed. I unload the dishwasher, wipe down the table, and kiss my husband goodbye. I grab that tube of mascara, then load everyone into the van. Dash back into the house to search for my missing cell phone. Arrive at preschool at 9:31.
This is what my life looks like these days, and it doesn’t slow down much until bedtime. I consider myself a mom who keeps it simple, but ever since my daughter was born three months ago, I’ve let go of even more. So whether you have a new baby or a new job or are just plain beat at the end of each day, I hope this list gets you thinking about what you, too, can let slide.
To read the five things I’m NOT doing right now, hop over to my guest post at The Dwelling Tree, in one click! Thanks so much for following me over—I appreciate the support!
Linked up with Grace at Home and Desire to Inspire.
Cute! Here’s my take:
1. I only clip nails once they start scratching me–they both scream bloody murder.
2. I don’t clean! Ok, I do some but not as much as I should. And I’m okay with that.
3. I don’t volunteer either. Its all I can do to keep my own house together.
4. Entertain. We’re not huge on that but we did have a friend over yesterday and family on Sunday. But our plan is simple: if it can’t be tidied up in 15 minutes, too bad. They are lucky to get the floor swept cleaned from yesterday’s hot dog lunch. 🙂
5. I need to work on this. I’m still trying to find the balance between taking time for myself and watching too much Lightning McQueen.
I think you do a great job of summing things up nicely. You seem to have found that happy medium of balance in your life. 🙂
I keep thinking about your “tidy in 15 minutes” guideline and the hot dog lunch. I love how much that helps keep things simple, and you’re still able to have friends/family over! Really I probably just need to lower my expectations for myself in the entertaining department! Genius.
I think you have a pretty good balance going on! I don’t know how some women do it “all”, somethings gotta give, right?!
It is so nice to see your smiling face again! I’ve missed talking with you every week. I love this post, especially #5. It really reminded me how important it is for us to take care of ourselves and when we do, we’re giving our children and husbands the best mom and wife that we can be. I need to do better at this especially now right after a big move when my list to do is never ending!
Aw, it’s wonderful to hear from you! Your comment brought and an even bigger smile to my face! You have the best family. I honestly wish I could just move in nextdoor to you and stay that way till we’re all good and old. I know I would learn a ton from you! Anyway, I hope you’re settling in and that your to-do list starts magically shrinking!!
Amen! Just what I needed to read today! Bless you and your beautiful family, Erica!!
Erica, I was clipping my daughter’s nails today and could not help but think… How soon before this goes to the wayside (especially with another on the way)? But, thinking about how candid you were brought a huge smile to my face.