Fitting it all in & keeping my priorities - PRIORITY!

When I look at the things I am doing in life, my number #1 goal is to always be doing what God would want me to do. For example, as I am currently pursuing a degree, I have to manage my time so that my kids are not neglected & pushed to the side.

It's true, I can work at home, because I am a stay - at - home mommy. However, I will admit that during the summer when I set the goal to make my business boom...my kids got a little whiny and fussy in the a.m. - because I was on the computer too long or too often. When I saw that my kids were responding this way, I knew I was no longer doing what God would want me to do. How did I know this?

I always come back to the question: WHY AM I A Stay-At-Home MOM?

To be with my kids, play with them, read to them, and manage my home. When I am not doing these things...then I'm not fulfilling my role as a stay-at-home mom. See, I'm at home to be with my kids...not them be in front of the t.v. and me be on my computer. They'd be better off in preschool, all day/morning get attention and learning & me 'working' OUT in the workplace...right?

I say all that to support my claims of the importance of transparency. On another note, I am also a child of God...before I'm a mom/wife. And looking at my life this summer, I really felt a conviction on my heart that I needing to devote more of my time to serving God! And while I want to be doing 'something' while I'm in this full-time stay-home season, I decided to chase my original goal (from 3 yrs. ago) to go back to school...at a Bible college - more for personal goals & personal development for ministry later.

So school added something to my plate...in addition to my BB biz...and in the midst of all of it, I had a strong desire to serve at my church. And since this desire was from God, I didn't have to go out and sign up for the first need...in fact, I got the call to be a MOPS table leader. (The phone call actually came 20 min. after a conversation I had w/ God as I did dishes...it went something like this: "God in all these things I am doing (school & BB), I really have to find a way to stay connected to Christian women/moms in the same season of staying home as I". No joke, those were my words exactly. And 20 min. after saying that, our MOPS coordinator called me to invite me to be a table leader. WOW! Right on time!)

My participation in all of these activities take time-management. Staying on task. Focusing on my priority of being a MOM & WIFE first. I devote my days to what needs attention. How do I do this all? I don't know really. I don't want to sound cliche & say, "God's strength & grace"...but I'm pretty sure that's the only way!

Here's what my week looks like:

Mondays: I try to catch up on chores/laundry or errands & fit in playtime/storytime w/ the boys. I do this by either going to the park, a picnic there...or in the backyard. Swing w/ them, play on the slide w/ them (help Jakey down)...chase them, race them...pick pomegranates off the tree, find the source of ants, look for frogs, etc. Or we even do a chore outside 'together'.

Tuesdays: Check emails, weight tracking for my 100 day battle folks. Then lunch w/ boys...clean up a room together (go thru toys, clothes) - something with them. Sometimes the park for lunch. Daniel gets dropped off at school in the afternoon and when I get home - Jake naps...and that's when I do a big chunk my reading for school. (I also fit reading in from 5-5:30 a.m. daily, before my workout at 5:45/6 a.m.)

Wednesdays: This is the day I help a relative w/ their mail/bills/filing. My boys get to spend this hour or so w/ their Nana. Then when I'm done, we're off to run errands. I try to fit a visit to the Bookstore or a park if they need a breather from the carseats. Then we're home in time for Jacob's nap (have to stay consisten w/ that). This couple hours w/ Jacob sleeping, we are gearing toward 'homework-practice' time for Daniel and fitting in a chore (like mopping while the little one is out of the way).

Thursdays: This is MOPS time. Usually 2X month we get to see our MOPS friends. After that...we fit in errands/chiro visit. And if there's no MOPS this week...and we haven't been out to the park yet, for the week - we make to the park. And then I get those 2 1/2 hrs. in the p.m. to read while Daniel is at school & Jakey is sleeping.

Fridays: This is my stay home, catch up on it all kind-of day! Or, make it to the Bike Path...or something out of the ordinary for the boys!

Weekends are reserved for time w/ DAD! However, from 5-6:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings, I devote to doing my reading tests, while everyone is asleep. Our workout is handled as soon as I am done.

Alot of my stuff, I do when they are sleeping. All that means is that I have to be productive, on task, and off the computer during the rest of the day! :)

So as I am always saying, 'stay accountable', 'stay transparent' - and this is my way of doing it! I know that my first goal is to serve the Lord. Then be the best mom and wife I can...then pursue my dreams.

For me, I have to be working on some personal goals for myself...otherwise, I get depressed, in a funk...and it makes all the things 'I have to do' feel like a burden. But because my husband supports my pursuits...and I fit it in to time slots that don't rip off my kids/husband - and all things around the house are managed - Istay in a great mood and my family benefits!

Sticking TO-DO LISTS help us manage our time!

How many of you struggle with TIME-MANAGEMENT? Have you ever tried using a TO-DO LIST - consistently?

I make my to-do list every night. Last night as I sat down to write it out before bed (so that I can rest with peace), I created a 'template' that I am going to type up & print out. There are a few things that are daily to-dos for me, and then there are 4 areas in which there are items to complete daily.

I thought I'd share what I am implementing. I'll use Word to create a document with 2 columns on my worksheet for 2 days (to save paper, right). I'm practical & systematic. Here's an example of how mine will look:

TO-DO LIST for: ________________(day/date)

Morning Routine:

1. Daily devotional/quiet time (5:15 a.m. @ the start of my day)
2. Workout
3. Personal Blog time
4. Emails (personal)

Work: (Include 3 action items to reach goals)

1.  Emails
2. Add customers to FB list
3. Set appt. with prospect(s)
4. Follow up with advertising co.

Errands: (List errands that must get done today)

1. Costco (completely out of food)
2. Car Wash (Hurricane Cheerios hit the back seat!)

Chores: (List chores that must get done today)

1. Declutter kitchen counter (company coming later)
2. Clean bathrooms (see above)

Activity with kids:

1. Weed out the pumpkin patch (it's looking overgrown)
2. Read some books
3. Wrestle & tickle

Evening  Routine:

1. Start dinner (by 4:30 p.m.)
2. Dinner w/ boys & hubby
3. Clean up kitchen
4. Unwind w/ family outside
5. Bathtime
6. Bedtime (8:45/9ish)

Not sure if your day can look like this. Each of my days does not always include chores AND errands, however, most times it does. Sometimes the #1 priority & the first thing we do in the a.m. is get out of house to the park. This is a template form that I'm going to print out & use w/ blanks under the work, errands, chores, and activities areas to fill in each day according to what is priority.

Arming ourselves with a to-do list, with blanks to fill in will help us be better managers of our homes, and that's the goal, right?

If we use budget sheets to direct our money, why don't we use TO-DO lists to direct our time?  Stick to the list, control your time on the internet & phone, and you will have better days of getting more done! When we use a TO-DO LIST & have better TIME-MANAGEMENT, then our day will flow with greater peace & patience.

(The above is what I typed up for the BakersfieldMom.com blog...but I couldn't wait for them to share...so since it's mine :) I thought I'd share it with my peeps TODAY. Also, I want to add that I have always used a to-do list, all throughout my life. Only after doing Chalene Johnson's www.30daypush.com did I realize that many have no idea about the power of to-do lists, making them consistently & sticking to them. They have the power to change your life!)

REMINDERS for the week!!!

• Make time for your workouts - put it on your list of to-dos!
• Count your calories and track them.
• Schedule time to pay bills & keep your checkbook balanced.
• Pay cash for items - DON'T swipe the card everywhere you go.
• Stick to the budget! Stick to your shopping lists!
• What's your # 1 priority today! This week!
• Who are your # 1s?
• Keep margins in your time.
• Pack healthy snacks when running errands.
• Make time to play in the backyard w/ the kids.
• Make time to listen to your spouses heart & pray for him/her.
• Be responsible today & don't procastinate.
• Start the week out strong & focused!
• Smile on the inside & out! 

I work hard to play hard...but sometimes I focus on the work part a lot more than the play part. And when these 2 are my playdate buddies....how can I not stop what I'm doing and have some fun?

My #1s!!!!



This is what I needed to remind myself of today before I start another week a little disorganized & in a hurry!

ORGANIZED TIME = ORGANIZED LIFE

Today is Friday, the last day of a week that I implemented a new strategy to get my life more organized and efficient. I touched on some things that I was doing in my posts this week, but thought I would recap in case you missed it:

Here's some new things I am doing to be a better time-manager:

1. Up at 5 a.m. to workout. I was working out at 9 or 10 a.m. which was a primetime for either the park/playing with the kids, or running important errands (without suffering 100 degree weather).
2. Start my 'work' at 6:30 a.m. to about 8 a.m. while the kids sleep. Blog, emails, FB stuff done when they wake up hungry.
3. Get self in gear & showered by 9ish. Out the door by 9:30/10 a.m.
4. Write out my to-do list the night before to wake up w/ a plan for the next day.
5. Practice laser-beam focus when on the internet to get 'work' done & not get sidetracked.
6. Plan a fun activity w/ my boys & follow through. This week we made it to a spray park & a museum. Planning something else today.
7. Home by 4 p.m.

The results of this new strategy:

1. Increase in productivity. Gained ground and momentum with business & increase in sales.
2. Time available to friends in need.
3. DAILY workouts...no hit or misses.
4. Home in time to have dinner hot & ready for hubby.
5. And most importantly: more QUALITY time with my kids.

What's awesome about this is...these are my priorities: Husband, kids, personal fitness, a successful business, and time left over to help others.

I'll say it again: ORGANIZED TIME = ORGANIZED LIFE!

What is your secret? Don't let it hold you back!

What is your secret? What is your secret re: food? What is your secret re: money? What is your secret re: your marriage?

I by no means am perfect, but I strive to be my best in my personal life, with my kids, my husband, my fitness and finances.

I live on a budget. I don't shop impulsively w/ credit cards. Groceries, utilities, mortgage payment, and personal need items are FIRST...anything else is covered when we NEED it.

My marriage is the thing that challenges me most because I can be very implusive w/ words, overly independent, and outspoken about it! I work on this daily as I pray for husband, try to be more understanding with him, and as selfless as possible in our relationship.

When it comes to my kids, my greatest challenge is making special quality time WITH them. When I go to the park w/ them, I try to play WITH them there. In the backyard, I swing WITH them. This is something that is so high priority to me, I have gotten myself on a better schedule of getting up at dark:30 a.m. to have more time with them. Today, I have something planned for Daniel that is going to bless him sooooooo much. And I am excited to make him feel so excited & happy!

My workouts are priority as well. I now get up at 5ish to workout. This has brought so much peace to me because my kids are asleep, no interruptions...and I am fitting one in DAILY, no hit or missing. I made the adjustments w/ my sleep to make this happen (by going to bed at 9ish pm). The peace in me & my home is worth going to bed earlier to start my day ahead of the game.

My food...Well, it's no secret that I have a problem w/ eating too many Fiber 1 bars (they are my Snickers), but since my 'cleanse/detox' last week, I basically kicked the habit. It's so worth getting stuff out of my diet that holds me back.

It so worth getting anything out of our LIVES that hold us back! What is the secret in your life that holds you back? Is it an unhealthy relationship with certain people who are negative, complainy, gossipy, or all drama? Is it an unhealthy relationship w/ your credit card? Food? Drugs & Alcohol? What is it that is holding you back?

Identify it & find a way to get rid of it NO MATTER WHAT! Why let some outside circumstance or habit hold you back? For once, get stubborn against the negative things in your life & take yourself to the next level of success in all areas of your life!!!

You can do it...if you want to! Let your want be the driving force to change your life for the better! You will be so glad you finally did it! Do it today!!!!

Time-Management - What step have I taken

If you keep posted on my life, you know I am a goals-driven person. Yesterday, I highlighted my latest huge goal. I believe setting goals are essential to achieving something in life...but most of us don't take the time to achieve anything. Why not?

Lack of time-management maybe? (Lack of motivation is another...I could spend a season of time on that one, maybe soon I will).

But what is time-management? Managing your time. (No brainer, right?) But really, do you manage your time? We get on FB, 'to check something' right? And 15 min. later our kids are having meltdowns because we haven't left to the park yet...that's what was happening in my home too often recently.

In addition to my apparent lack of time-management, I went and set a huge goal for myself. This could easily become something that would rob further time from my family, if I wasn't careful & responsible. My family is my top priority. But to have a goal that is beyond my family...I've got to master this time-management thing!!!

How often do we say, "I need more time"? We all say it right? What if you were to get up an hour or 2 earlier to get more done. Not sit in front of FB, or maybe you do make that your one hour of social media for the day. But I'm talking about get up early to fold some laundry, declutter the kitchen, balance your checkbook, or workout.

In order for me to be more productive w/ my kids, I needed more time of the day to be w/ them. I have been working out around 9:30 a.m., but in order for us to get to the park or out of the house w/out the heat of summer cookin' us, I had to make a change. 

Solution: Wake up & GET UP to work out at 5:30 a.m.

My change does 2 things:

• Allows me to work out, which is a top priority.
• Allows me more time in the morning hours to spend w/ my kids...which are my top of the top priority!

What's also happened is, I get my work and blog done, usually by the time they wake up. Lucky for them, they do not have witness mom sitting in front of the computer too long or too much.

It's 8: 30 a.m. and so far today I've:

1. Folded 2 loads of laundry
2. Checked my email & FB
3. Followed up w/ current BB members
4. Completed my workout
5. Completed my blog

So with that said, the baby is now awake, and it's time to "start"our day! I am starting the day off w/ such sense of accomplishment. Most of "my work" is done.

Next stop: Breakfast, some Word & then a spray park!!!! Living life w/ ease as I fight to manage my time.

Managed TIME = Managed LIFE!

What does your day look like?

I was thinking about life yesterday, as I watched my family outside playing in the mud. And I thought to myself, "how do I do what I do now, when a year ago I had way less commitments?" Then I thought, 'wow, 2 years ago, I had 1 less child and was overwhelmed then'. What has changed?

The first year or two of life with Daniel, my first son, I was unorganized. I had no goals written out. Never used a to-do list, was always feeling like I was behind with chores. And this was before I was ever on FB. I hated feeling frazzled. Then a light bulb went on, 'why not use a to-do list like you did when you worked?' That was the problem...the 10 years prior to having a child, I used lists. My lists had lists, but staying home was such a culture shock I lost sight of things that worked. So immediately, I implemented a daily list of things I HAD to get done that day!

Then comes my second son, and life...well, it got harder again, it seemed. When Jacob was 5 months old, I was told of this Beachbody coaching opportunity, I signed up, then canceled, afraid that I could not handle it. Oh, if would've just hung on for a minute then, how much farther along I would be...errrrrr. Ever feel like you missed an opportunity? I felt like that for a few months following...I could hear Cher singin'....'if I could turn back time'...But I can't.

Fast forward to now. What does my day look? I have things to do...but I don't appear 'soooooooo stressed out'...(Unless of course I drink too much coffee in the a.m. Then my heart is racing in my chest, and it can get pretty ugly.)

But here's how my days seem to go:
I get up as early as I physically can. Some mornings 5:30 a.m., some may be 6 a.m. This is my chunk of time for the computer (FB, blog, BB stuff). Trying to remove the image of 'mom at the computer' from children's memory. Then in the Word before they wake up...or even after. (I'll admit, missed a lot of devotional time in the beginning with Daniel, but I've realized 'apart of Jesus, I can do nothing'.)

Upon my kids' rising, I feed them & myself, dress them, do the needed asthma stuff, get their teeth brushed...and then it's on like donkey kong.

Then, I blast my Turbo workout and burn a ton of calories (and any pent up stress) while my kids play together and amuse themselves. I will admit I have to pause my workouts for a diaper change or to check on them, but I don't think those quick interruptions are really interfering with my results.

Once I'm done working out, it's shower for me, snack for the kids and errands time. Or on some days, time for the park, play outside. I've learned that because of my 'task-oriented' nature, it is best for my kids for us to get OUT of the house. We'll do lunch wherever we are, most times I pack a lunch to go for us.

Nap-time comes....Somewhere along the way, Jacob falls asleep, and I try to devote this time to reading to Daniel, flashcards, painting, and fun stuff for just him. Some days, it's me racing the clock to fold some laundry, clean some restrooms, or mop floors...and a couple minutes to check my email stuff.

Afternoon arrives and by now, we're outside playing. Or if we didn't get out of the house in the a.m., we run for some last minute groceries.

By 4 p.m. my attention is focused to prepare dinner. This is engrained in my head. My kids are hungry by 5 p.m. and my husband is ready to eat around 6ish. So to avoid melt-downs, I am ready to feed them when the the hunger pains strike!

This is key. A lot of families I've learned recently, eat out for dinner most nights a week. I eat out when on the run & stuck away from house when we get hungry, but hardly, hardly ever dinner...any day of the week. Not condemning you for eating out, but for many of you who know that my husband lost 200+ lbs. - this I believe is why he's been so successful: WE EAT AT HOME/HOME-COOKED MEALS 99% OF THE TIME!

After dinner, the kids are outside playing while I clean up the kitchen.

Then it's nightime routine of asthma meds, baths, teeth brushed, and to bed. If I'm wide awake when everyone else is sleepy, this is when I've been taking time for some FB time and some googling (like 'children and bad dreams', 'pre-k material', 'boost metabolism', etc.) But this week, I decided, I really want to finish my 'life-changing' book, so I'm going to bed at 9 p.m., when everyone else does, and then reading until my eyes are too heavy to keep open.

THIS IS KEY HERE: During the evening or right before bed, I write out my list of to-do's for the next day. I take note on calls I have to make, errands I have to run (included is the list of things for purchase @ what stores), chores I need to do, and usually toward the bottom I have '4 p.m.: Make dinner' there. This helps me know that I have to get it all done by a certain time, I have to be home by 4 p.m. in order for my family's dinner to be ready when they are hungry.

It's my list that keeps me organized. Just like a written out budget keeps my money organized and devoted to where it needs to go, a list of to-dos keeps my time organized & devoted to where it needs to go.

Two years ago, I made a 'Goals Board' for our family...and we reached some of those. In December of 2010, I made a new goals board and I have it hung in my office, over my computer...and I look at it daily. This keeps me mindful of where I want to go, which keeps me focused on where I want my time to go too. This helps tremendously when making my list of to-dos.

What I do around my home isn't heart surgery, and it doesn't take a degree in 'rocket science' to figure out. However, if I want to be successful at home and manage our lives with meaning, I've got to be a great 'life manager'. I've got to be responsible with my time, my money, and my loved ones.  

MY KIDS ARE PRIORITY - I HOPE MY LIFE REFLECTS THAT IN THE END!

It's only because I chart out where my time is going to go that I can do all that I do in one day. Waking up before my family and falling asleep after them is what gives me the extra time to pursue my dreams and manage my Beachbody business, all while devoting time to them when they are demanding it! :)

I think it's John C. Maxwell that my husband has forever quoted around our house, 'In order to be more, you have to become more'... and in my mind, 'in order to be more, I have to do more'. But how would I do that without my 'handy-dandy' notebook of lists????

So this week, I challenge you: sit down and make a list of goals you want to reach by the end of the year (set some to complete by the end of your life). Make them realistic, achievable, measureable goals. And then, put 1 thing on your calendar - daily - to do to get you there. It can be as simple as 'Read 5 pgs. in my life-changing book'. 'Get transcripts from junior college to go to the 4 yr. university', 'fill out job application', 'exercise for 20 min.', 'call a relative I haven't spoken to for...too long'. When you start making time (by managing it) to reach your goals, you don't have to feel this giant pressure of 'achieving something huge'...you just have to show up daily with your list of telling your time where to go!