i <3 my blog

…But not as much as my family.

I often get asked how I “do it ALL.”  Here is a little secret:  I DON’T.  It certainly may appear that way & I may even think I am at times, but the dirty truth is that I don’t.  Somewhere, something is lacking – usually & sadly it is either my relationship with God, my husband, or one of my kids.  And to keep it real for ya, all these relationships in my life need a little TLC.  Don’t worry, there isn’t any major problems – I just want to nip it in the butt before that happens.  I really need to manage my time better & focus on my priorities. 

We started back to school last week & as I expected it’s going to take some time finding our new groove & taming a wild 2 year old.  In order for this to be successful I am going to have to have a lot of self-discipline.  The night before we started school I made a list of the things that were truly important to me & next to them listed “rules” to keep me in check.

• God
1. Devotional Time
2. Prayer Time
3. Bible Reading
4. Bible Study

*Here is my confession:  Instead of waking up first thing in the morning & spending time with God – I’ve developed a bad habit of checking my e-mail & facebook first, then doing a little online browsing.  So, in order to break this nasty habit NO online activities until I’ve read my devo & spent time with the Lord.  Nursing also has been a time I have wasted online, instead I’m going to use this time to read – either the Bible or an encouraging book. 

• My Kids
• Tyler
1. For my personal relationship with Tyler I really really need to make reading an encouraging book with him a daily priority.
2. For school – his independent reading has been slipping through the cracks, so I’m putting this at the top of his morning work.
• Tucker
1. For my personal relationship with Tucker I’m going to make a bigger effort to praise him & encourage him with his school work.
2. For school – math & reading are at the top of the list & he is the first one I’m going to work with individually.
• Trevor
1. Trevor needs me to spend some time just playing with him.  At least once a week I’m going to do this (hopefully with each of them).
2. For school – math
• Truman
1. I’m going to say more positive words & make it a priority to keep him busy before he makes me crazy!
2. For school – establish a routine & consistent discipline.
• My Husband

I have got to get dinner done earlier & the kids in bed at a reasonable time so the house is more peaceful when he gets home & so we can have a little time alone together.

• Homeschool
• I’ve got to make sure we are starting at a reasonable time. 
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• No computer or cell phone while we are schooling! *This includes texting & facebook updates!!

As much as I have learned not to over schedule our day, I know we need a more structured routine at this point in our lives. 

• AM Routine: 
• Me up 1 hour before the kids (pray, devo, dress, chores – start laundry, check bathroom, 15 minutes in a “zone”).
• Kids up by 7:30 – dress & make beds, I’ll get Truman & Tara dressed
• Breakfast & Bible reading, then dishes & table
• Kids chores, 1-on-1 with Truman in schoolroom (circle time, story)
• School Routine
• Core subjects in the morning, start with child that needs the most help (Tucker) & most difficult subject.
• Instead of working until the page or assignment is done, I’m going to allot a set amount of time to each subject & whatever isn’t done, will be there the next day.
• Each kid is going to spend 30 minutes with an “assigned” activity to do with Truman.
• I’m thinking we are going to revise our workboxes & I’m hoping my mother-in-law will get Truman on Monday’s so I can spend more time & focus on introducing the weeks lessons with the boys so they can work more independently throughout the rest of the week.
• Afternoon Routine
• Outside play, afternoon walks, or quiet time!!! (*at least on days we aren’t doing science)
• Science & history in the afternoon
• After school Routine

*This is where I really fall apart, loose my motivation & really mismanage my time, but when I need to stay focused the most!!  Instead of getting on the computer I need to spend time playing with or watching my kids play.  Just because I’ve spent the entire day to this point schooling my kids, doesn’t mean I’m off work.  They still need me to be their mommy, my house still needs tending to, & as “fun” as online socializing, shopping, or blogging might be – it isn’t “filling me up.”  I’m not saying these things are bad, but certainly not a priority.  At this season in life, I need to break a few habits & develop some new ones.

• PM Routine
• I have got to get dinner done by 6pm
• Bedtime Routine
• Truman – bath, book, bed by 8:30
• Tucker & Trevor by 9:00
• Tyler – 9:30
• Me – 10:30 *no more late nights on the computer.  I’m nursing & up in the middle of the night so I need my sleep.

On that note – I’m out.  Not sure if I’ll continue to blog regularly.  I really enjoy blogging, but in the scheme of things it isn’t important.  I’m still thinking & praying about this area, but I feel like I need to set boundaries more than I need to just give it up completely.  I’m think I will only blog 1-2 days a week, 2-3 posts a week, no “reviews” or unmemorable posts …. My family needs me & I need me & “me” time is limited & should not be solely computer time.