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A Heart For Home: My Life–Let’s Break it Down

Thursday, March 1, 2012

My Life–Let’s Break it Down

Many days my life seems slightly chaotic as I juggle all the demands of my very busy schedule. I’ve read that the mothers of little boys work from son up to son down. Oh, how true! Then you throw three little girls into the mix as a mother hen, an independent child, and a baby not quite 6 months old and you’ve got yourself a regular circus on some days.

I’ve found that the only way I get anything really accomplished, as opposed to simply putting out fires all day, is by establishing priorities and setting realistic goals.

setting weekly goals
This year I’ve found that setting yearly and even weekly goals has been such a wonderful exercise for me.

Without the framework of goals I often feel like I’m spinning my wheels; At the end of the day I’m exhausted but have very little to show for it.

I find it helpful to set goals as they relate to the various aspects of my life. While there are many more—housekeeper, cook, laundry lady, homeschool mom, crafter, and wannabe tree hugger—I’ve decided just to focus on the top three for today.

Having clear goals makes it easier to make and stick to my daily schedule.

daily scheduleSo, let’s break it down, shall we?

Child of God

This is the biggest part of who I am. In fact, without this, you really don’t have me. This year I’m striving to spend more time in God’s word, the Bible. I’m also striving to make what I read applicable to my life and then—the hardest part—live it out!

Wife

Let’s just say it, being married is a big deal! Every decision you make can directly impact the person you love the most, but all this loving doesn’t always come naturally. With busy lives and demanding schedules it is so important that spouses capture the little moments and take time to reconnect.

If I don’t schedule these in they easily get crowded out by the mundane, daily tasks. So, I write them on my schedule, because I’d really hate to tell my husband that I can’t kiss him because I have to finish the laundry!

Mom

Mother, maid, nurse, cheerleader, counselor, referee—whatever you call it, it’s hard work. In our family there are four precious little ones all under the age of 5. Yes, I know, it’s a little crazy, but it definitely is helping to break down my selfish nature.


As a stay-at-home mom, my days are filled with the delights of being a mama, but they are also packed with dirty diapers, temper-tantrum (mine and theirs), messy faces, messy floors, messy clothing. Okay, just a whole lot of messy!

living in a townhouseBut, I know that even more important than feeding and clothing their little bodies is for me, their mama, to feed and clothe them with God’s love. Not that my kids are starving (no one who knows our kids would ever accuse them of not eating) or running around the neighborhood naked (although an occasional streaker might be spotted at home), but their hearts are what I’m striving to focus on.

children reading togetherDo they love Jesus, are they kind to their siblings, are they concerned about those who have less than they do, are they learning gratitude—am I turning their little hearts toward God, and not being a huge stumbling block of hypocrisy along the way.
So, what are the top priorities in your life? How do you make sure that they get the time and focus they deserve?

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73 Comments:

Anonymous Pamela / Pamela's Heavenly Treats said...

This is a wonderful post, you said it all, I also make a weekly schedule of what to do, who needs to go where, etc. There are somedays here I have me time, Thats where I go out by myself, it could be to the library, grocery store, but its just with me. For example this week i have been under the weather but I am still moving, we as mothers/wives we know what we have to do , and even when we fall ill, the Lord still helps us to maintain our household. Thanks for this post :-)

March 1, 2012 at 7:11 AM  
Anonymous Melinda said...

Thank you for the encouragement to focus on what is important! Right now, I'm working on focusing on my relationship with God and managing my home well.

March 1, 2012 at 3:11 PM  
Anonymous Angie Nelson said...

It sounds like you have a great thing going. I have been trying to focus more on enjoying the simple things these days.

March 1, 2012 at 3:14 PM  
Blogger penguinsandladybugs said...

I am also one who sets goals and review them periodically (which can be fun to do on a blog). It can be overwhelming to see the many roles we play but it can be rewarding to prioritize those roles!

March 1, 2012 at 7:11 PM  
Blogger Shabby Chic Mom said...

what a great post. I am a believer in lists and menus, it really makes your life easier. cute kiddos!

March 1, 2012 at 11:40 PM  
Blogger Jill said...

My priority is my family - and at the expense of the housework or other things, we always make sure and spend time together, and I try to support our kids in all their school activities by going to watch whenever I get the chance.

March 2, 2012 at 2:44 AM  
Blogger Hopkins family said...

This post pretty much sums up my daily life as well. It's great to find a "coworker." Keep working hard for Him!

March 2, 2012 at 11:00 AM  
Blogger Starlene @ GAPS Diet Journey said...

I am great at making lists, but I have a tendency to have so much to do that I can't get around to half on the list and then I feel guilty. My top priorities in life are to spend a few minutes in conversation with my Lord and Saviour each day, meet the needs of my husband and children, get enough sleep (harder than one would think when insomnia is a factor), keeping my boss happy and blogging. Sometimes these priorities shift, but this is the order I prefer them to be in on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing with us today!

March 2, 2012 at 11:39 AM  
Blogger My Little Bit of Life said...

Very lovely! I blog about my goals, it helps keep me accountable. I do a weekly post, a monthly post, and a yearly post on my goals. If you haven't already checked it out; MoneySavingMom.com writes a lot about goals. I understand all of the craziness, I laughed when I read the part about not being able to kiss your husband because there is laundry to do; I'm pretty sure I've been guilty of that in the past. My top priorities right now are: Spiritual, Marriage, Parenting, Self, Home, and Blog.

March 2, 2012 at 3:35 PM  
Anonymous Katy @ Experienced Bad mom said...

First off, I like the *look* of your blog! Second, I can only get things done, mostly the little things, by writing them down on a post-it by my bedside the night before. Otherwise, everything swims together in my head and can get lost!

March 2, 2012 at 4:09 PM  
Anonymous Judith said...

Yes, as a mother we definitely have several roles! I make to-do lists that I add to every day and put the names of days next to - I don't force myself to do everything I plan to do - because some days are more hectic than others. But I like to aim for something every day.

March 2, 2012 at 5:14 PM  
Blogger Eschelle Westwood Mumfection said...

scheduling is a mums best friend!! Never loose track of anything if you write it all down.

March 2, 2012 at 6:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Being a new blogger, I find that scheduling my time is very important. I have to keep track of everything that is supposed to be going on, or I'll never remember it all - especially events like this 100 comment event :)

March 2, 2012 at 8:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have to have a plan, goals and lists or else I just run around and do not get much done. lol Thanks for sharing. Easy2Save

March 2, 2012 at 10:37 PM  
Blogger Kangaroo Mama said...

I feel like we have similar priorities. I am a WOHM so sometimes it can feel like the day job is becoming a priority because I am there most of my day (all the "good hours"). But ultimately, it's God, my husband, then my daughter. I know she is still young (16 months) but she is soaking in everything we are doing so if I don't set an example for her of how to have God as our foundation, our help, and peace, then she won't know what that looks like in our home. Thank you for sharing (I have no idea how you do it with 4 kids, it's hard with just 1 for my household)!

March 3, 2012 at 8:57 AM  
Anonymous Dawn Storey said...

Goals are so very important to keep us focused on what we need and want to do. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

March 3, 2012 at 6:36 PM  
Blogger Changes Next Exit said...

Setting goals is so important - planning to achieve those goals is a big part of that too! I commend you for being a SAHM! Have a good evening!

March 3, 2012 at 7:16 PM  
Blogger Jamie O. said...

Motherhood is such a challenge, it is important to keep your goals within reach and in sight.

March 3, 2012 at 7:41 PM  
Blogger Jamie O. said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

March 3, 2012 at 7:43 PM  
Blogger Robin said...

I used to be really good at prioritizing and establishing different levels of goals. I need to get back into it. Thanks for the thoughtful post!

March 3, 2012 at 9:36 PM  
Blogger heidi said...

I am horrible with making priorities. Every week I make myself a to-do list and every week there is always one or two items left. I've found that it is usually cleaning. Of course, skipping it week after week makes it that much worse when I do get around to doing it, but I still can't seem to make it a priority!

March 3, 2012 at 11:17 PM  
Anonymous Clarinda said...

I make God a priority in the morning my first part of the day. Then my kids come next for homeschooling and my hubby at night where we watch tv together and even play board games together. I have a schedule and try to stick to it so that I can get the duties as daughter to the KING, wife to my hubby and mother of my five all done and get up the next morning to do it all over again. :)

March 4, 2012 at 1:15 AM  
Blogger Julie Baswell said...

It's true that setting goals helps in the long run. Thanks for reminding me that I need to do this also.

March 4, 2012 at 11:20 AM  
Blogger Glenda said...

For me I seem to get busy and forget that he needs me so I really do need to get a schedule and stick to it as he is the reason I work from home and if he where not here then I would be working outside the house so I need to stop neglecting him and I also need to stop working when my husband gets home from work as a lot of time I ignore him as well and that is not a good thing to do to the person I choose to spend my life with.

March 4, 2012 at 1:47 PM  
Blogger BrettBMartin said...

i think its always good to take a moment sometimes and think about our priorities. sometimes being a mom beats out being a wife. sometimes the wife part gets priority.

and that's ok.

March 4, 2012 at 4:21 PM  
Blogger Mrs. Accountability said...

Very cute picutre of the littles reading a book together. Mothers definitely have a lot of hats to wear! You forgot housekeeper, cook and about ten dozen others. :-)

March 4, 2012 at 5:28 PM  
Anonymous Daily Citron said...

I absolutely agree that setting weekly goals can help tremendously in terms of moving forward towards those goals. I started that this year and I've already noticed a difference in terms of what I'm accomplishing.
-Viva recently posted Homemade Pizza Dough

March 4, 2012 at 6:29 PM  
Anonymous kristin said...

I'm very big on goals too. I like to set big goals and break them down into monthly and weekly goals. It helps keep you focused and keep your priorities straight.

March 4, 2012 at 7:25 PM  
Blogger Warrior MAMA said...

I love how to break down your goals in to catagories like housekeeper and cook. :)

I have purposed this year to really prioritize my husbad as well. It is so easy to focus on our children.

:)
Lisa

March 4, 2012 at 8:30 PM  
Blogger Busy Mom on the Go said...

My top priority is being a great mom to my 10 month old baby girl. It is hard sometimes because I work full-time outside of the home and I struggle with being away from her a lot. My husband and I have researched our finances, but for me to quite working altogether is not an option right now. Not to mention I carry the health benefits through my employer.
In an effort to try and work towards being a working stay-at-home mom I started putting a lot more monetary touches on my blog. My sister and started Busy Mom on the Go without the idea of monetizing it, but recently we have put together a great summer e-book that we plan to sell in April. If this goes well then I will feel like the opportunity to work from home could be a reality.
if you or anyone else would like to join our affiliate marketing program to review and host a giveaway of our summer e-book please e-mail me for more details. Thank You!!!

March 4, 2012 at 8:52 PM  
Anonymous andrea said...

that's what i need to start doing - setting goals and stuff..... :D

March 5, 2012 at 1:59 PM  
Anonymous Anjanette said...

I've found comfort and encouragement in goal setting this year, too. I'm due with #3 this Summer and, to my surprise, a little bit of the "overwhelmed by little ones" phase has subsided now that my oldest is 4. Obviously he's still little, but there's so much he can do on his own! And he's survived 4 years! Gives me hope for the future. :)

I'm focusing this year on being more intentional with teaching my little ones about the love of God as well. They already absorb so much, I want what they get from me to be life-giving.

March 5, 2012 at 3:22 PM  
Anonymous Lou Lou said...

Super hero. That is what I think of you! 4 kids under 5 and time to run a blog...now that is amazing. My focus this year is on having another child and being more creative...

March 5, 2012 at 3:47 PM  
Blogger UntrainedHairMom said...

I think it is an excellent idea to write down weekly, monthly and yearly goals for all priorities...I will definitely be doing this.

March 5, 2012 at 6:04 PM  
Anonymous Amanda said...

I really have to start writing my goals down. My kids are my priority, but as a newly-single mom, I also have to focus on an income. Finding the balance is really hard.

March 5, 2012 at 7:13 PM  
Blogger life...just saying said...

Great post. Sounds like you have a handle on all things family. Good tools. Thanks for sharing

March 5, 2012 at 9:27 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

This year I am working hard on meal planning. It has been something I need to be more disciplined about!

March 5, 2012 at 9:58 PM  
Blogger Corinne Rodrigues said...

This year I made a vision board and find it easier to keep to my goals than ever before. I like how you're breaking things down to be more accountable!

March 6, 2012 at 11:51 AM  
Anonymous Nikki said...

I love how you schedule in your goals and not just your "to do" list. I think "goals" inspires more get-up-and-go than a regular list of chores.

March 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM  
Blogger Favorite Little Princess said...

I need to get better at tracking my goals, but that is one reason why I started blogging. My children are my #1 priority, but if I'm not taking time for myself, I'm just grumpy and I don't want that to be their only impression of me.

March 6, 2012 at 3:59 PM  
Blogger Adelina Priddis said...

I love your priorities. I think they should be top on most peoples lists. When I got married we were shown a diagram of a triangle. God at the top, with husband and wife in the corners. When we focus on God I think everything else falls into place.

March 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM  
Anonymous Keep It Thimble said...

Thanks for sharing - sounds like you have a busy household! I like the idea of focusing on the top three goals a day/week. I'm sure most people have more than 3 goals, and can get sidetracked by trying to accomplish too many goals at a time!

March 6, 2012 at 7:31 PM  
Anonymous Stephanie @ One Sleepy Mom said...

Your priorities are right where they should be. It sort of reminds me of a poem that was hung in my friends house when I was young. Unfortunately, I can't remember the beginning but the end said "dust settle down, cobwebs go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep". Raising good, honest, thoughtful and giving human beings is more important than anything else in my opinion.

March 6, 2012 at 9:14 PM  
Anonymous Shelly said...

I have been focusing on setting goals each week. I need to do this so I can stayed focused on what needs to be done but it also allows me time for what I want to do which is to do thing with my family. Which may be planning our garden, watching a show together or just acting silly.

March 6, 2012 at 9:41 PM  
Anonymous Mary @ The Mommy Job said...

Thank you for sharing your goals! Your priorities are right and I love your honesty and humor- great post!

March 6, 2012 at 11:31 PM  
Anonymous Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com said...

You stay very busy and have a heart for your family. Continue using time wisely as you invest in the lives of those around you.

March 6, 2012 at 11:37 PM  
Blogger Dianna said...

My biggest goal priority is strengthening my relationship with God. My relationship with God is the stepping stone for theirs.

March 7, 2012 at 12:49 AM  
Anonymous cooking lady said...

I've just now started setting goals, just hope I can stick with them. Great post!

March 7, 2012 at 8:31 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have been trying to set goals for myself as well. I think what my biggest obstacle in sticking to them is that I don't put them someplace where I can easily see them. They always get lost in the shuffle under a pile of papers or shoved in a drawer. Then several weeks later I find these goals and realize that I never got to what I wanted to!

March 7, 2012 at 8:50 AM  
Anonymous Kelley @ Never a Dull Day in Poland said...

Time management is one important skill that should be taught a very young age! Good job.

March 7, 2012 at 9:13 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks for the great post, your children are adorable!

I try to start each day with a short list of what has to get done that day. Time management is an important skill for everyone and one that I am continuously working on.

March 7, 2012 at 9:38 AM  
Blogger Suzy Myers said...

With a family as large as yours, I would imagine scheduling is very important! I try to do the same at my house, even though it is just my husband and me.

Thanks so much for sharing!

suzy

March 7, 2012 at 10:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My daughter is my #1 priority!

March 7, 2012 at 11:20 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Being a mom is the hardest job ever but I would never change my job...ever.

~Allie

March 7, 2012 at 12:49 PM  
Anonymous Erin @ My Mommy World said...

Wow, we pretty much have the same goals each day! I am also trying to read more of my Bible every day and to really surround my kids with God's word and prayer. I have made trying to make more alone time with my hubby a bigger priority, and focus on my housekeeping and meals.

Thanks for the great post! I signed up for email updates...can't wait to read more :)

March 7, 2012 at 3:44 PM  
Blogger Wendy said...

Raising my kids and being a good wife are my #1 priorities..everything else comes second!


Wendy
Around My Family Table

March 7, 2012 at 3:46 PM  
Blogger Becca said...

I'm your newest follower... I thoroughly enjoyed this post. You're an excellent writer. :)
I'm striving to keep Jesus as my top priority, by staying in the Word, becoming better at prayer, and living as He desires.

March 7, 2012 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Maura said...

Take a deep breath, set aside some time at night to reflect on the day. Take note of short term and long term goals and make a written plan. If I write it down, then it gets done! That's just how I work.

March 7, 2012 at 4:25 PM  
Anonymous krystle said...

Yes, mothers do so much. That's the theme of blog...the many jobs of a mom. I try to keep a schedule but it doesn't always happen. I need to make a book like yours to help me out!

March 7, 2012 at 4:35 PM  
Anonymous Katie said...

My top priorities are my kids, husband, and other family members. Then would come school and job. I make lists often to make sure I get everything done.

March 7, 2012 at 9:05 PM  
Anonymous Michelle said...

Love how you share your priorities up front! Mine are the same. God willing everything else will fall into place!

March 7, 2012 at 9:29 PM  
Blogger Just Jaime said...

I'm just starting to get into a daily to-do list on my phone. It makes me feel so much more productive! Good luck with your goals!

March 7, 2012 at 9:56 PM  
Anonymous Yannie said...

Aside from leaving comments for 100+ blogs there are other things that needs to be done. So I make a list of my priority each day so that I'll be able to finish everything and it helps.

March 7, 2012 at 10:16 PM  
Anonymous Marian said...

My priorities are my family, my BF, myself, and my work. I'm awway from my family and my bf. So it's through chat that I am able to connect with them. So I see to it that I spend time with them.

March 7, 2012 at 10:25 PM  
Anonymous Carrie said...

Sounds like we have very similar priorities and goals. Thanks for sharing how you pull it all together. One of my goals for this year is to make more time for myself. It may sound selfish, but my husband pointed out that when I don't get some "me" time, I'm not nearly as effective with everything else. He's right. Even basic things... I'm behind on dentist appointments for me, eye appointments, etc. I always make sure the kids have their appointments, but never seem to get around to doing them for myself. This year I'm biting the bullet and doing some necessary "me time" as well as taking care of everyone else! :)

March 8, 2012 at 10:06 AM  
Blogger Tiffany said...

I am going to have to start doing the weekly goals...i think it will keep me sane...or at least a little less insane ha :)

March 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

How great that you are able to set goals. My goal is usually to make it through the day. But honestly, we do have goals. I'm a homeschooler so we do set goals, I just like the way you put it down on paper.

March 8, 2012 at 5:46 PM  
Blogger tonyknuckles said...

Great idea for keeping the children even closer to their mom and dad.

March 8, 2012 at 9:55 PM  
Anonymous See You In the Garden said...

I may not be the best person to ask this, as I sometimes need my DH to remind me of what is important. I try to keep it in focus by removing the things that are getting in my way. If I can keep it somewhat simple, then there are less things to distract me.

March 8, 2012 at 11:42 PM  
Blogger SalemMomma said...

Great post! It's so important to not only make a schedule, but prioritize everything. You seem to have it down!

March 9, 2012 at 2:12 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I create a "To do" list for myself each day. I set a list of tasks to get done for that day. This also includes the cleaning, food, homework, husband time, and play time.

It helps me prioritize my day with what is most important and if anything form my To do list doesn't get done, it won't be the playing with the kids or the husband time!

March 10, 2012 at 8:32 PM  
Blogger LaVonne said...

I only have one, I know I need to work on time management. You have four! Amazing! I have one on the way, so I need to have these weekly goals as well.

Time with Jesus, and family (including "dates" with hubby) is more important than a clean house. I try to remember the really important things. (Our house is always pretty clean thankfully.)

March 10, 2012 at 11:56 PM  
Anonymous Heather @ My Mothermode said...

My top 3 priorities are the same as yours....and for some dumb reason, I easily forget. But I always get right back to them.

March 13, 2012 at 2:16 PM  

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