Minimizing Monday: Simplifying the schedule
I'm a person who likes order, structure, and routine. I don't do well living "by the seat of my pants" or not having a plan.Right before I found out I was pregnant, I'd written up an elaborate schedule for the Fall; I had big plans and high hopes.
And then I found out I was expecting! Isn't that just like God to remind me Who is truly in control of my life?
Instead of my grandioso schedule, we're opting for a very simplified order of events for our days--at least for the next few months. Jesse was so kind to sit down with me this weekend and help me transform my entirely-too-long list into a few main priorities for each day.
We then took this list of priorities and put it in rough order for the day. This list is a framework, not a schedule, or even a routine; it gives me some guidelines to stay focused and make sure I don't forget the things which are really important--like feeding the girls and myself. :)
Here's what it looks like:
SIMPLIFIED DAILY ROUTINE
Get up
Read Bible/Nurse Kaitlynn
Exercise (20 minutes)
Shower/Dress
Vitamins/Water
Blogging/Computer, if time
Girls up
Breakfast
Set out anything needed for dinner (Jesse has very generously taken over dinner prep right now, but I help out by having a plan and making sure anything that needs to be thawed is taken out of the freezer in the morning.)
Girl's baths
Start a load of laundry/Fold and put away a load
Wash the dishes
Rest/Read with the girls
Take a walk
Lunchtime
Vacuum/Bathrooms, if needed
Girls' play time
Rest time/Quiet time
Snack
Video/Movie time
My main goals for each day are to make sure the girls' needs are met; to read my Bible and take a shower; to try and get some exercise; to take my vitamins and drink lots of water; to eat healthfully and consume at least 100 grams of protein (I'm somewhat following the Bradley Diet, with modifications since I can't stomach a lot of foods right now.); and to be a cheerful wife and mother.
If there's time and energy, my next priorities are to: Do a load of laundry every day; wash the dishes once every day; clean the bathrooms and vacuum once per week; read to the girls for at least 30 minutes every day; and that's about it!
It has helped me tremendously to break things down into very manageable and simple priorities and eliminate pretty much everything else. There will be a time and season--likely soon!--for more elaborate schedules, but for right now, it's all about keeping it simple!
Related: If you'd like to see our Quick and Easy "Survival" Menu for this week, go here.
See more posts on the topic of minimizing right over here.
Labels: Home Management and Organization, Pregnancy and childbirth
posted by Crystal Paine at 3:48 PM
35 Comments:
Hey Crystal,
I just did this myself last night on my blog. I was trying to do to much and it wasn't working out. I did a priority list with some adjustments for daily and weekly things I will do and then threw out the monthlies right now.
You are doing the right thing, love your family and stay healthy.
Many Blessings :)
Ace
joyandgrace.blogspot.com
Hi Crystal! I am so happy for you by the way. Is the pregnancy feeling any different to the others? Wouldn't it be fun if it were a boy?! A whole new bunch of exciting things to learn. :) Your new plan is great. How sweet of Jesse! My husband did that for me as well, I am truly blessed with a darling husband, as are you. Adam would say, "just lay on the couch and fold the laundry. I can do the stuff that requires standing up for more than 5 minutes." Isn't he wonderful?
One thing I have wondered for a while though, after looking at your "dailies"... what is your reasoning for bathing the girls in the morning after breakfast, and not at the end of the day when they are, you know, grubby from a day of play and helping mamma? Or am I just used to my ragamuffin kids who live outside in the dirt? *wink*
I can't wait to come back and reread all of this when it's my turn for the mommy days. I really appreciate your sharing your experiences.
Jen: We've tried baths at night and we seemed to have a lot of trouble getting them done. Don't ask me why, but that's just what works for us. :)
I think I just like to have the girls clean in the mornings when we start the day. Also, hey both have curly hair and wake up with quite the frizz mess so getting their hair washed in the morning works best. I think another contributing factor is that we eat dinner quite late and once it's over with, we're ready to go to bed! ;)
Now, if the girls spent the day playing in the dirt, they do get a quick bath in the afternoon, too. :)
Hi Crystal!
I was wondering about the bath thing too! I have a son who somehow gets dinner in his hair--so bathtime is at night! ;)
What a wonderful schedule! Bless Jesse!
Excited to see what gender you have! SO fun! I kinda "hope" it's a boy for you!
Have I missed it--or is it kinda a secret--How far along are you?
luv,
christy
How good to simplify things so!
I am having to simplify life and only do priorities because I just had my second baby. I have a toddler and a newborn. Can you or someone else give me advice on when to try a routine? My infant is only 3 weeks...but it's hard because I need to structure things for my toddler but I never know when the baby will be feeding, sleeping, etc. Also, it's so hard when I need to hold the baby, etc. and my toddler needs me at the same time. Any advice out there? I need the Lords help so much!
I'm glad to have you join in on Minimizing Monday. Yes, minimizing your schedule is a great way to simplify your life! Especially when things are so crazy for you right now. Glad to see you are taking it pretty easy (as much as you can with two little ones about). You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing these tips!
You are amazing. I just marvel at what you do for your family. And you know what? I know you do everything you do out of a deep love for your Savior and from that flows that deep love for your beautiful family. Thank you for following Him and inspiring me to continue to do so as well.
-Rachel
Your schedule looks wonderful to me. I've also been reminded lately that I need to take a breather and slow things down. I have a tendency to overfill our days and even when it is all fun things, it leaves me exhausted. Not to mention my kids and husband.
Congratulations on your pregnancy, Crystal. Praying for you!
Totally true about God reminding you who is in control! I enjoyed this post! I can imagine that this schedule will still wear you out! God will give you the strengh!
Thanks for posting this, it gives me the encouragemnet I need not feeling too well in my own pregnancy. I have tried not to let our house go but somedays I just can't get off the couch.
Wow your pared down list looks like my regular daily list! God bless you. I like to give my daughter a warm bath at the end of the day when she is very dirty and it helps her get settled down for bed.
I'm glad that you came up with a wise schedule and were able to sit down with you husband and he helped you prioritize. Being a cheerful wife and mother is a good goal, take care of yourself!
Your simplified schedule sounds like my normal one . . . okay, I do do the cooking. BUT I don't even attempt baths every day. Sometimes once per week is all that happens - a quick hose off after playing in the dirt is much easier. :-)
Hi Crystal I was wondering if you and your readers ever click on you tube and watch different things such as infant and toddlers songs,games activities,cartoons just anything you would like your children to learn. I enjoy doing things with my grandchildren on there and they really enjoy it and it is education in a fun way...just a thought...Pam
Congratulations! How exciting! God is blessing you with #3! He will give you all you need in this season of your life...He has always helped me!
I have 4 children ages 6 months to 6 years. It is a time of constantly changing your schedule and finding new routines. But like you did, it's important to find those things that are of the most importance and make sure those get done first. I've been over-extending myself lately and my husband has expressed to me that I do too much. I've been trying to find the "extras" and cut them out. Your post has encouraged me in this area!
For "a bit frazzled" with your new baby and a toddler I'd like to encourage you to find a schedule for your baby. This always helped me tremendously. I knew my baby was going to eat every 3 hours, stay awake for just a bit, and then lay down for a nap. Once the baby was down I knew how much time was left until the baby ate again. So my day was divided up into 3 hour increments. The days flew by!!! And it seemed as though nothing ever got done, but it did. While I would feed the baby I had books or activities for the other children to do in the same room as I was nursing. You can do it! You've made it this far. Just don't try to do too much...you did just have a baby! One book that talks about scheduling your baby is "Babywise" by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo. I really enjoyed it and maybe you will find it helpful, too.
Thanks, Crystal, for your encouragement. I really enjoy both of your blogs!
Hi Crystal,
Congrats! Like you, I too had morning sickness, however mine lasted 24 hours a day for the entire nine months! Count yourself Blessed when yours go away soon. You've certainly made the right move to scale back and simpify your days...especially with 2 little precious darlings:).
God's many Blessings to You and Your lovely family....we'll all pray for a Lil Guy for you :)
Thanks for all the great insights you pass on to us all everyday!
Angela E.
Homestead, FL
Being a cheerful wife and mother is such an important goal to our husbands - my husband has often said that he would rather I was cheeful and happy and 'stuff' didn't get done than having a sparkly house and an elaborate meal and a grumpy wife. Obviously, being at home all day, there is no excuse for some house stuff not being done, even if I am 36 weeks pregnant!
Aren't God's seasons so wonderful?! It is so amazing how he always takes us back to the simple things.
Enjoy this little season of simplicity and joy, it seems to fly by so fast.
You could temporarily use paper plates and cups until your morning sickness subsides- that would take care of the dish washing. You could also take your clothes to a laundry mat that will wash your clothes for you, they usually charge by the pound.
Crystal, a friend of mine is in the first few weeks of pregnancy now, and I advised her not to attempt to go on "business as usual" (because obviously it isn't working), but rather, to just stick to the bare basics and praise God for having a supportive husband! Yes, it's a season and it will pass.
Yes, at certain seasons you really do have to pare down,simplify and lower expectations to a degree.
This year has been a huge challenge for me. We started homechooling full-on in February, and I started off determined not to fall behind in anything. After first term, I thought I was doing pretty well apart from falling behind badly with the ironing. (Most of our clothes need ironing).
Then, I fell pregnant with twins, was trying to homeschool with a bucket by my side, and yes, fell behind with EVERYTHING! By the time lessons were finished (We school approx from 9.15am till about 2pm with short breaks),it would be a struggle just to keep up with laundry meals and doing the dishes.
I've found this a difficult and challenging season, as I'm prone to count a days success by what I do or don't achieve, and I'm just trying to rest in the Lord at the moment and be content even though parts of the house are a mess and not as clean as normal.(I've since found out my 4 year old had a hidden talent of vacuuming, that's been a huge help!)
I kept telling myself I'd catch up during my wonderful 2nd trimester, but that never happened and now at just halfway through, I'm having trouble getting around most days.
It's a real season of leaning on God's Grace and being content knowing I'm baking 2 beautiful little boys inside, and doing my best to raise our girls to know the Lord.
Blessings
Claire
Crystal
I think your thoughts on slowing down and simplifying are timely for the current way of life for many moms. I praise God for speaking through you on this issue.
On a personal level, after starting motherhood (and home-education from birth) with good organization and dedication, I have let things slip over the years and the restless feeling of disorganization has plagued me every day for a number of years. Your words have helped me, with the Lord, to see that my biggest problem right now is loss of focus on my Father and His plan for me, and allowing far too many things to crowd my mind, home, time and purpose. As you have said before, many of these things are good, but always seek what is BEST. I have learned that more is not always better.
In filling my time with too many things, I never seem to get any 1 thing done properly. I am scattered and flustered, and it has showed in my temperament, marriage, motherhood and whole life.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, perspective and walk with us so openly and honestly. I wish I had come across your site years ago.
Congratulations on the new baby! I know how difficult morning sickness can be, and I think it's a good idea to minimize your chores and activities right now. I'm 36 weeks pregnant with my first, so I don't know what it's like to take care of little ones while sick. I had hyperemesis with this pregnancy and basically stopped doing anything at all for several weeks. (My day was successful if it included a shower.) My husband also stepped in and took things over at that point, and the house got a little dirty. I'm feeling better now, and it's clean again and I can cook and do the shopping, etc. I hope you feel better soon! My mom has already volunteered to come and help out with any subsequent babies if the hyperemesis comes back. I don't know how I'd do it alone.
-Katy
I've recently revamped my home management binder with a very simple schedule as I adjust to a new baby. Instead of computer printed off sheets with lists that I check for each and every day of the week, I now just have a plain notebook in my binder in which I jot down a simple menu outline for the week and a list of things that I'd like to get done and a list of appointments for the month/week. It's simple but works for me at this stage of life!
Crystal,
I really admire you for simplfying your daily schedule. I too have had to do the same. I have three children and the days can hectic. I've had to limit my outside commitments, but I feel that is what the Lord wants me to do right now. I hope your sickness gets better.
Take care and enjoy the simple life!
Sara
I love how God will quietly remind us that all of our best plans may not be his best plans!
Crystal, you are such an inspiration to me! There have been so many times that I have turned to your blog for encouragement, ideas, etc. Sometimes when I'm really stuck or feeling especially discouraged, I have even asked myself, "What would Crystal do in this situation?" You see, I work on average 50-55 hours a week and have a 6-year old son (just started first grade!) and husband to take care of (who works 40 hrs a week) and also my step-daughter is with us on weekends. I have all but cut out watching television (except the occasions my husband and I watch a movie together or our favorite cooking show) It makes me so happy to make a home-cooked meal for my family, and no matter what is going on in our lives, we always sit down with each other at the dinner table and eat together. It truly is quality time. I will always make time to read my bible and spend time with the Lord. He is Number One in my life. After that, it is my Husband, and our children. I don't have any friends, and I actually think that might be a blessing in disguise. What I'm trying to say is, thank you for doing what you do, putting yourself "out there" to be a source of inspiration, ideas, comfort, etc. to your readers. I'm thankful that I have something like this to turn to. :)
most of us have been there and understand your struggle. just wanted you to know i said a prayer for you today. you bless me everyday with your blog. may God bless your day, you and your sweet one. in Him, mistyG
Just to respond to your above post, where maybe you've turned comments off, I think it is a great idea!
The one thing I can say that helped me through my morning sickness, and hopefully this isn't a situation you'll ever be in, was that I miscarried my first pregnancy and was not at all sick. I felt great, in fact. But my second one, which produced a beautiful, healthy, perfect baby, I was sick as a dog with morning sickness for about 20 weeks also. My doctor told me this was a great sign of a healthy pregnancy ever since it kicked in around 5.5 weeks. So, I just focused (or tried to focus) on the fact that the nausea was indicative of the baby's health. Maybe that can help you? I hope you feel better soon! (Did you ever try the Sea Bands that people mention? Those helped me a little bit, but it was still ugly!)
I didn't see any place to comment on today's (Tuesday's) post, so I'm doing it here. A sense of humor is certainly one survival tool that God gives us, isn't it? I'm at the opposite end of the 'womanhood' thing in that I'm going through periomenopause. It sure does make the hot flashes and memory lapses easier when I can joke about it with other women. At the very least, it keeps me from dwelling on the problems. I bet that blogging about your pregnancy will help you a lot, too! Still, I hope the morning sickness passes quickly. I'm glad to see you're making a simplified routine for yourself. There are very few tasks that are so important that you have to do them right away! Just rest when you can and let anyone who wants to help do just that. Feel better soon!
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I noticed that you are planning cereal for several breakfasts. Is Kaitlyn eating cereal or are you planning baby cereal for her. My Alaina is 3 months younger and is no where near ready for regular cereal so I was wondering.
My mom loves your blog....We are saving money because of your obedience! Thanks
Hey MistyG, I read your comment and it's funny, because my Husband's brother is a minister and his wife's name is Misty. I wonder if we know each other!!! We live in Michigan. Do you think we might know each other??? :)
:) I like a schedule and routine also! It sounds like things should run smoothly. I'll pray for you!
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