Practice Makes Perfect

If you missed my last post I wrote about how overwhelming it can be to try to have a clean house while small children still live there. I got some wonderful feedback that made me happy and it encouraged me to write again! Thanks guys!

Through Pinterest I have found many charts for age appropriate chores for children. I looked at my favorites and put together something that works best for us.  My schedule is written on a piece of paper (how boring!) that will hang on the refrigerator so I see it multiple times a day. 

The chores are simple. Make the beds. Pick up the dirty clothes. Pick up the toys. Zoe has a little more work like putting the silverware away, helping feed the animals, and cleaning her own room since she is the oldest. 

Every day I hear the same excuses. 

I have to go to the bathroom!

My finger hurts really bad. 

I just need to dance to this song real quick...

Will you read me a story?

Practice makes perfect.  Even though it takes a whole hour for the kids to make their beds and pick up the laundry, one day it will take them 45 minutes.  Half an hour.  15 minutes.

For more experienced moms, how did you encourage your toddlers to do their chores?  Is there anything that makes the job a little more fun?  I would love to hear some feedback!

When the kids and I came home from church last night, she asked me what I was going to do once everyone went to bed.  I casually said I would probably fold the clothes on the couch.  She said, "If I was a mommy and I had to fold clothes at night, I would be so bored I would just fall asleep!"  I laughed so hard because that has happened!  Please tell me I'm not the only one who has done that!

Being a mom is so much fun!

The Kitchen

If you didn't see my post yesterday about living in a laundromat, click here! It felt so good to get all that laundry folded and put away that I had to take a picture of my success!  Doesn't this look so much better?

The funny thing about laundry is that your success is short lived. I already have to wash, dry, and fold another load!

The next chore that needs tackled is the kitchen. I should be embarrassed for even posting such horrible pictures! But I'm not.  So here you go.

I started one load in the dishwasher last night, but I have at least one or two more before all the dishes are clean. The floors need swept and mopped. Poor Mr. Blue probably needs fed! Good grief. Maybe I am a little embarrassed to show such pictures!

When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, I love to listen to Focus on the Family's Daily Broadcast while I'm working.  If you have a smart phone, check out their app! You won't be disappointed! This helps pass the time while I clean and it doesn't seem to be such a boring chore. What do you listen to while you clean?

Next chore to tackle: The Living Room

Love to all!

Gracie

I live in a laundromat

I had my gallbladder removed last Thursday. It was a minor surgery and the healing process has been amazing! Yesterday was the first day I attempted to get some things accomplished around the house since it had fallen apart while I have been resting.

The first chore I decided to tackle: Laundry

Why? Because I didn't have any clean underwear!

One section of my couch is piled high with clean clothes that I have been folding for the past two days. I think this is pile #5.  I have one more in the washer and one in the dryer. Once I am caught up I plan on washing, drying, and folding one load per day so I can (hopefully) stay on top of it.

I am starting a new chapter on September 1st. Zoe officially starts preschool and I will be a home school mom! I am nervous and excited about it. I know Zoe is going to do amazing and we are going to have a lot of fun together -- but what about the house cleaning? How do other home school moms do it? Please comment below and let me in on your little secret!

Next chore to tackle: The Kitchen

Love to all!

Gracie

So long, 2012!

Source: christmasfiles.com via Viana on Pinterest

 

Yesterday while I was at church some of the ladies asked if people were doing things for New Year's Eve and wanted to plan a get together.  I was confused at first because I thought we still had plenty of time to think about it.  Uh.. no.  TODAY is New Year's Eve. =D  Where have I been?!  Raising three under 3 -- that's where I've been!

 

I DID write down my New Year's resolutions, though!  I'm not a total loss yet.  I just happened to look at this post and noticed that they're very similar.  Except I'm actually going to do this stuff in the next year. ;)  Promise!  Ooh.  Now I have to do it..

 

So here they are:

 

2013 New Year's Resolutions

·         Read your Bible, pray everyday. Even though I am doing better, I want to continue to keep up the good work of reading my Bible daily and studying the scriptures. I need to also remember to set aside time to pray during the day.  The mini conversations are great throughout the day, but I still need to get on my knees and spend time in prayer.

·         Lose weight. I need to continue watching what I eat and WORKOUT. Working out is what's really going to whip my body into shape. It will help me get stronger, help my back pain, and help me lose weight even faster.

·         Be more organized. I feel like I've come a long way when it comes to keeping my househould somewhat clean, but I have a LONG way to go yet! This year I'm going to try even harder to make this a clean and organized home.  I will go through each room and completely purge it of the junk we do not need/use.

·         Date nights. My mom told me before I got married that even after there were babies, I need to always put my husband first. Well this past year it feels like I have hardly seen him what with him graduating from college, becoming an assistant manager, working 12-hour shifts for months because the manager has been sick, etc. At then end of the day we're both tired and slightly frazzled. I don't want us to slip into a roommate relationship. We are husband and wife! We need to make sure we still stay romantic and fun!

·         Spend more time with my kids. It is so easy to just turn on the tv and let it entertain the kids while I try to get the house clean. But after the shootings in Connecticut it made me realize that one day I won't clean up little socks anymore. One day I won't have smudges on the window or dried frosting on my cupboard doors. I don't know, it just made me realize I need to have fun with my kids while they're still kids! Thanks to Pinterest I have tons of fun crafts and games for us to do! And since I plan on being more organized, I will have a clean house AND happy, creative, imaginative kids -- not couch potatoes. :)

·         Read a book. It it so hard to have any ME time with three babies under three, but if you can, try and read a book every once in awhile. Even if it takes you months, read a chapter before you go to sleep, or even in the quiet in the morning before the kids wake up! Don't miss out on different worlds through books.

·         If you start something, finish it! I have noticed that I have a horrible habit of starting something, like crafts, 30-Days-To-Whatever, books, etc and NEVER finishing them. I annoy myself! So if I start something -- I need to finish!

·         Send out Birthday/Holiday cards out on time for Pete’s sake! Can anyone guess where my Christmas cards are? Yep, they’re on my counter. I’m the worst person ever.

So there you have it!  I think I'm even going to pring these out and put them in a few places in my house that way I'm constantly reminded of the changes I want to make in my life.  Ooh that's a good idea..

 

What resolutions do you have?  I'd love to read all about them!

Let's try this again!

Source: imperfecthomemaking.com via Grace on Pinterest

So I didn't do very well on organizing over the weekend.  On Saturday I enjoyed hanging out with my cousin -- we went and checked out the new Rue 21 Etc! that opened this past week at the mall.  I think I'm going to love that store.. once I am no longer pregnant.  One more thing to make me eager to pop this baby out! =D  I don't get anything done on Sundays.  Ever.  It's Paul's one day off so we take advantage of it!

So now it's Monday.  TODAY I will work on organizing all of the clothes and getting rid of half!  I'll take pictures of my piles for the nosey ones who would like to see. =)

Source: food.com via Grace on Pinterest

Because I have a lot to do around this house thanks to the weekend, AND I plan on going through everyone's clothes, I found a recipe that will be slow cooking in the crock pot.  This is cheesy chicken, bacon and tater tot bake.  Doesn't it look yummy?  I thought so.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

First Project

Source: imperfecthomemaking.com via Grace on Pinterest

So my first project was to organize the coat closet.  Here is our "coat closet":

As you can see it wasn't crazy unorganized.  Just a little bit of clutter.  It was a perfect first project, though!  The second tip on this gal's site is the 3 baskets tip for the laundry room.  You may be thinking,
"Easy!  Whites, dark colors, light colors."  That's what I thought of anyways.  As a matter of fact, one is for items that need to be hand washed, another for clothes that need mended, and the third for items you intend to donate.

I think I'm going to revamp this a little bit..  We don't own much that needs hand washed, but I will make a place for clothes that need mending.  Also, I plan on going through everyone's clothes and donating a bunch that we do not wear anymore -- or they simply do not fit.  Not really something to take a picture of, huh?

So today will be my clothes day.  Fun, fun, fun!

This and that.

Source: bigicetees.com via Grace on Pinterest

We were able to get a sneak peek at our third beautiful little baby.  By looking at his profile we wonder if he will look like Max -- with Zoe's forehead.  We will know for sure soon!  Watching him move and kick on the screen made my heart yearn to hold him and give him snuggles!  Since Zoe has a nickname for Max (Bubba) we asked what the baby's name was.  She has been calling him Bobo.  Paul doesn't care for the nickname, but I think it's adorable!  We'll see if it sticks after he's born.

I look at the pictures I took of Zoe and Max yesterday (above) and I just melt!  I am so thankful God has blessed Paul and I with two amazing children so far.  I could not have asked for a better life!

Source: adammclane.com via Grace on Pinterest

Source: thehappyhousewife.com via Grace on Pinterest

I almost forgot to tell you about some changes in our house!  Since Zoe is now 2 I decided it's time for some chores.  Some may think she is way too young and I'm not being fair, but I want to raise Zoe and Max to be responsible kids (and adults!).  Also, Zoe LOVES doing her chores!  We go through the house together and follow our chore chart and make a game out of it.  She gets so excited when I congratulate her for being able to check things off the list.  By making it a game she does not begrudge having to put away her toys or help with the laundry.  She loves being a helper.  It takes a lot of patience on my part, but I know that one day she will be able to do it on her own and I'll miss the days when she needed my help.  I'm sappy sentimental like that.

What kind of chores do your kids have?

P.S. Thank you to everyone who commented about Zoe's birthday party!  You all are great! =)  I'm glad so many enjoyed my pictures!  Wish you could have been there!

Prepare to be bombarded...

...with PICTURES!

I know I have been a total slacker when it comes to my blog.  I got in this mindset where I didn't have enough time to do anything and I just ran around like a chicken with my head cut off.  I was too frazzled to enjoy the life God had given me.  I would go to bed and have a hard time sleeping because my mind would race with what all had to be done the next day.

One day I was just sick of not having fun with my life.  So I changed my attitude.  Obviously I couldn't get rid of all of my responsibilities (not that I would want to!), but I could get rid of the hectic feeling I had towards it.

Recently I have been waking up at 7:30 every morning.  In the beginning it was hard because I had allowed myself to get used to sleeping in because I'm always so tired.  Before I even get out of bed I read my Bible and devotions.  Immediately that puts me in a better mood.  I have realized I am more feisty and can get into trouble when I skip my reading.  Haha!

By 8:00 I do a Pilates workout and then I take a shower.  Or "shake a tower" as my family would say.  Reading my Bible and doing a workout first thing in the morning gives me energy that I didn't even realize I had!

The house is still not in excellent condition, but it is a work in progress.  I had let a lot of things slip because I've always been too tired to work around the house.  I put together a chore chart that is helping me get things organized, and I hope that one day soon I will be on top of everything thanks to my list!  I'm slowly getting there and that motivates me.

I work while the babies take a nap during the day or when they are sleeping at night.  This does sometimes mean late nights for me, but I don't really have a choice right now.  Thankfully I don't have a huge work load compared to others in the company.  I know I cannot do more than I am now.

Last weekend a friend and I bought material and made maternity dresses.  This was my first time EVER sewing anything (other than quilting many, many years ago) and it was a fun experience!  I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I wanted to pull my hair out, but I did it.. and I'm so proud!  I would love to make another one soon!  I think I would enjoy sewing more.

This past week Max hasn't been feeling well (which is why there aren't a whole lot of pictures of him this week).  I don't know if it was teething or a virus, but I can tell he is not going to be fun to hang around when under the weather.  He does not handle sickness as well as Zoe.  Poor guy.  Thankfully he is back to his normal, happy self!

Zoe had a birthday on July 25th.  She is now a 2-year-old.  Paul and I cannot believe we have a toddler.  Her party will be this Saturday.  It is Elmo themed -- of course.  I plan on decorating and planning fun games.  I can't wait to see her face!

Paul is doing well with his promotion at work.  I am so proud of him and everything he does for us!  He is such a hard worker!  Even his attitude has changed.  He feels like he's slowly getting somewhere in life.  I'm glad he's happy.  When Daddy is happy, Mom is happy.  When Mom is happy, everyone is happy. =)

Oh, I almost forgot!  Something else that happened this past week.  Paul was able to get in contact with a lady that was selling maternity jeans that looked in good condition.  We were expecting to pay $10 for two pairs.  When the lady came to drop the jeans off at Paul's work, she had a box FULL of maternity shirts and jeans.  She said that if they fit me to let her know because she has another box she would give us too.  And get this -- it didn't cost us a penny.  I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this because I have struggled so much in this pregnancy because I hardly have any clothes that fit.  Now I have a plethora!  Thank you Jesus!

Anyways.. that's our news.  God is good, life is good, it's all good!

A virtual tour

Both kids fell asleep so I took advantage of the moment and cleaned my living room!  I thought it looked so good I decided to take some pictures and show off my home. =)

When you walk through the front door this is what you're going to see -- my lovely red wall. ♥  I'm very proud of this wall.  Actually, this picture doesn't even do the red justice!  It is very vibrant without being obnoxious.  I love it.

Oh, the junk in the corner is one of Paul's and my summer projects!  We have been collecting different frames and we plan on spray painting them with some oil rubbed bronze stuff.. I don't remember what it's called exactly, but we did it to the lamp you see in the above picture and it looks spectacular!  One day we will FINALLY have pictures of our children and family on the walls. =)

Here is the other side of our living room.  The computer is on the far left.  That is where I work/facebook/Pinterest surf/blog.  The basket in the far right corner is holding hats, scarves, gloves, etc.  I'm not comfortable packing them up yet.  You never know when Montana is going to dump snow on you!

Oh, the box next to the lamp is there for me to pack up some things on the bookshelf.  I just realized I need some newspaper!

A closer look at some of the things in my bookshelf.  I love to go to Sally's and buy old looking books.  I have read some of the ones I buy, but lately I haven't had a chance to read anything.  They still look pretty on my shelf, though.

Here is our wedding sand, a shadow box showing our wedding invitation, and the vase is holding the flowers from my wedding bouquet.

So there you have it!  Welcome to my living room. =)  Now that I started this, I need to show off the rest of my house!  One day at a time.. one day at a time.. =)

What you've been missing

It has been brought to my attention that I have been missing from this blog.  I think quite the opposite!  Check out what YOU have been missing!

I love bringing both babies to bed, especially on a lazy Sunday morning.  They already sleep so well together.  I can't help but daydream about what my future holds -- seeing both kids snuggled up in one of their beds sleeping together because of a bad dream, or simply because they missed each other.

Hey, a girl can dream, right?

This house is full of so much life now!  Zoe constantly has me laughing till I cry with her silliness.  She is such a ham, and I know Max is going to follow in her footsteps.

Between the kids and my busy work schedule I haven't had time to blog or socialize on facebook, twitter, or even real life.  But I am slowly gaining more control over my priorities.

I took advantage of yesterday being a holiday and got my house in order.  What a relief!  It's not in tip top shape yet, but we're definitely getting there.

With all of the crazy busyness going on right now, Paul and I have made sure to keep the romance alive..  See?

We bought each other matching beanies.  Hee hee!

Prioritize



Source: moneysavingmom.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I don't know how it is for other mothers, but for me, I have a hard time accepting the fact that I'm not superwoman.. yet. =)  I get so frustrated when I need to take a break because my body is still healing.  I wish I could just "shake it off" and run the marathon I feel like I can, but nope.  I still have to take breaks.  I feel like such an old person.  No offense to the older generation! =)

I get up around 7:00 a.m. and feed Zoe breakfast.  While she's eating I drink my coffee and either read my morning devotions or hop on skype with my mom so she can say hello to Zoe and Max before we all start our day.

When Zoe is done eating I get her and Max ready for the day.  Diaper changes, put on day clothes, you know the drill.  It seems like by the time everyone (including myself) is ready for the day, Zoe and Max are exhausted and take a morning nap.  How nice for them, huh?  I know everyone will say I SHOULD take a nap as well, but nap times are the best time for me to get work done.  So I take that time to fill out my permits.

When Zoe wakes up I get her lunch ready and then back to work.  After lunch is when it gets fun.  I try to work while keeping Zoe entertained with constant reruns of Veggie Tales when all she really wants to do is crawl into the bathroom and unroll all the toilet paper (I REALLY need to get a gate!).  By the time 7:00 p.m. rolls around I realize Paul will be home any minute so I run around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to figure out what to do for dinner.

After dinner is when I try and get the house looking decent.  That is unless Paul comes home with a movie, and then I want to spend quality time with my family till the kids go to bed.

I don't know.  I'll figure something out. =)

Oh, and when I do feel well enough, I totally want to lose my baby fat!!  I'm thinking zumba or something fun like that.

"I could.."

Well I got to see Zoe's and my picture in the newspaper.  I laughed so hard because my face looked a lot like this guy!

Glen from The Ringer.
The title I used is also from Glen.

They were kind of small pictures so I don't know if I could put them on here without them being really fuzzy and not recognizable.  I still would like to cut it out and put in in Zoe's book, though.  Funny memories!

So Zoe is 9 months old now.  It seems like she's learning something new everyday.  I love it!  She actually waves with her cute little pudgy fingers, she loves to say hey, she has eaten everything we have given to her and she loves it!  I don't think we have to worry about her being a picky eater.  We do have a problem when we put the spoon down though..

Paul and I bought bikes and a bike trailer for me to wheel Zoe around in.  I have taken her on one trip so far and it was a lot of fun -- though she was so tired she was falling through the seatbelt and not trying to keep herself up. =\  The slight bummer with having such a tiny child.  Ha!

I feel this baby move constantly!  I'm pretty sure I will be birthing the energizer bunny.  I know he's taking all of my energy!  Between him and Zoe I am pretty much pooped all the time.  I will be 20 weeks in just a couple days, and when I am, I plan on taking a picture of myself.  I promise!  Now is the time to be better about taking pictures because this pregnancy is flying by faster then I though it would.

Today has been a rainy, dreary day so I haven't got much done but I will say this!  Ever since I have started charting everything I do during the day to make sure my house is clean, I have been doing so much better!  I'm so thankful I found something to help me out.  It breaks it down for me and makes it so simple so I'm doing better at keeping my house clean.  Thank you cleaning chart. :)

Well, that's about all I have to share right now.  Ta-ta for now!

Rome wasn't built in a day

So I have a little confession. It's not a big deal. We've all been there. And yet some of us (me) continue to struggle with it.

Cleanliness. Organization. Tidiness.

So I had a bright idea -- with the help of my MIL -- and am trying something new.

Kids need chore charts to show them what they need to get done everyday, right? I'm not any different. So I put together a chore hart for myself with everything that I need to get done on there. You know -- make the bed, pick up all of the laundry, start a load, etc. Today is my first day doing it and I think I found something that works!

There was only one downfall..

Braxton hicks.

Yes, yes.. I shouldn't have them yet, but I did because I was overdoing it. So I need to remind myself -- Rome wasn't built in a day, why should this be any different -- for a pregnant woman?

Tomorrow I'll try and get a couple MORE things done on my list, and then one day it will be easy peasy lemon squeezey for me to accomplish everything everyday.

P.S. Paul doesn't know about this.. :)

Home Sweet Home.. ?

It's been nearly a week since we have been home and I have to say.. I'm slightly depressed!  I love being back in my own home sleeping in my own bed and stuff, but in Arizona they are experiencing spring-like weather.  We came home to 6 degrees and 3 feet of snow.  Don't get me wrong, the snow is pretty, but I'm ready for heat!

Zoe did an amazing job on our flight home!  She loved reading books and playing with one of her new stuffed animals.  Eventually she fell asleep and slept through the whole trip.  Thank you sweet baby Jesus!

While vacationing the cleaning fairies worked overtime at my house and I came home to the cleanest house in the whole wide world.  Since being home, and since receiving the latest Good Housekeeping and Better Homes & Gardens magazines, I have been keeping it up and I love having a clean house.  I love it!

While on vacation I'm sure I gained 10 lbs so I'm off to Just Dance.  Have a great night!

How do you do it?!

Yesterday Paul and I went on a "date" before church and we got to talking..  We talked about who we are; Paul is very laid back yet at the same time, when he does get in the mood, he is like his dad and can go-go-go and get a bunch of projects done in a matter of hours.  He is a very hard worker -- it shows with how well he does in school and at his job!

What about me?  What am I like?

Paul says that my mind is constantly going.  I look at a project -- like my bathroom -- and think of what I could use to organize my space and how to make it look it's best!  I go out and buy organizer bins, different containers to hold hair clips or cotton balls in and get super stoked!  I get home and.. well, my items stay in the Walmart bag for a week.  Or two.

Basically I'm constantly thinking about what I can do, find new recipes, try my hand at crafting and then never finish it.  I'm a procrastinator.  Plain and simple.

So my question of the day is this -- HOW DO YOU MOTHERS DO IT??

How do you keep a clean house, read a book, pick up a crafting hobby, while being a mother?  Is it really possible?  When did it ::click:: with you and you became super mom?  Hmm?

Leave your answers in a comment below ::OR:: email me by clicking HERE!  If you have an interesting answer, I'll post it here ::you will maintain anonymous:: and add my own commentary.

Merry Christmas!