Comments on: Drowning in Home Management, Part One

By: Mama’s smile « Heart Pondering

Mama’s smile « Heart Pondering — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:36:28 +0000

[...] focus on top priorities, and keep from becoming overwhelmed. Before sharing her own list, she invited her readers to post a comment with the five activities they identified for themselves after reflection and [...]

By: Kendra

Kendra — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:44:23 +0000

I’m sorry you’re feeling suffocated, Rae. Sometimes those little people can make us feel that way

By: rae

rae — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:28:01 +0000

okay, i think this is a really admirable quest. i’ve been struggling constantly with balance. my husband requires our home to be in order- i am not orderly by nature. i can clean and i don’t mind cleaning, but i have clutter and chaos around me (and i kinda like it that way). i also have 2 young girls who keep me on my toes. i’m working a few hours a week from home so that has to factor into my time management. we also somehow produce 6-8 loads of laundry a week (closer to ten if you include sheets, towels, rags, etc).

i guess what i’m trying to say is that this is a great tool, but i’m overwhelmed when i try to pick just 5! it seems like there are 20 million rocks to go in my jar.

and for those of you throwing your spiritual walk into your list, good for you. i haven’t been able to work in anything besides an occasional church service for years.

i think i’m getting bitter. i don’t like how discouraged i’ve become. i don’t like the pressure to perform as a wife and a mother. i don’t like the high expectations set on me as a wife and a SAHM/ WAHM. i feel suffocated.

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:58:24 +0000

Here’s what my hubby and I came up with…this is in alignment with our mission of “Love God, Love Others”…

Personal Bible reading, study and prayer-
Chronological reading, scripture memorization, prayer journal

Nurture relationship with husband-
Evening devotional, alone time

Teach & train kids
Be consistent and fair, model God’s patience, love, kindness;

Homeschool
6th grader-5 days a week, including Bible reading/study and memorization;
Pre-schoolers-Cubbies memorization, fine motor skills and reading (point out letters)

Housework
Declutter; three 30 min sessions each day; focus on a particular room each day;

By: My Rock List » Philoxenos

My Rock List » Philoxenos — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:53:20 +0000

[...] the first post of the series she talked about a Rock List. You know how if you want to fill up a jar, you put the [...]

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:24:06 +0000

I may have commented once before, but I love your blog and have learned a lot from your (hard-earned, I know!) wisdom. This has been exactly what I needed to hear right now, both your post and the conversation. I am drowning in life with three young children (7,3, and 1) with my oldest having special needs. I really need to think about my rocks and what they should be. It helps a lot to know that other women are struggling with the same issues because I very often feel like I’m the only one who can’t get it together. Also, I’m a fellow long-time central Californian, now living in South Carolina (slight culture shock)!! Thank you so much and God bless you.

By: Susan @ heartpondering

Susan @ heartpondering — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:50:57 +0000

I couldn’t agree more with Jenn B…
Rachel’s ““smile everytime one of my children approaches me”” was by far the most impactful thing for me in all the comments I read. How convicting and inspiring at the same time. Thanks Rachel!

By: Jenn B

Jenn B — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:33:31 +0000

just wanted to comment that i SO appreciate Rachel’s list item of “smile everytime one of my children approaches me”. i seem to either be good about all my food/housework stuff OR caring for the kids cheerfully throughout the day. and i think sometimes i probably LOOK or seem irritated even if i’m not. ….remember to smile. thanks!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:46:24 +0000

I just love the way Keeley did hers! I guess we all have the ideal, and the reality. I think we get so discouraged because we don’t reach the ideal most days. Maybe shooting for reality would be a better idea. LOL!
I have been pondering my top 5. I haven’tcompletely settled yet, because I want to ask hubby his opinion.
So far, I;m thinking-
1-Bible reading and prayer
2-Supper on the table every night…that means EVERY night
3-Read aloud to the kids
4-Clean the kitchen
5-Do some type of academics with kids

My list may totally change when I talk to hubs, who by the way, is also an Andy, Kendra!
Thank you for this thought provoking post. It has truly made me seek the Lord’s will for my days…His plan. Can’t wait for part 3!
Dawn

By: Keeley

Keeley — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:13:52 +0000

My Rock List (subject to change at any moment).

Five Non-Negotiable Activities
1. Scripture Study
2. Making house tidy
3. Homeschool
4. Feeding family
5. Dishes

Specifically:
1. At least one scripture verse a day.
Ideal:
15 min scripture study
15 min prophet study
15 min journal
15 min personal progress
at least 30 personal English and Math study

2. 5 min tidy of living room and kitchen
Ideal:
5 mins in each room of house
at least 15 mins in focus room of the day

3. 1 lesson in “Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons” each day
Ideal:
Read books
Jump on Trampoline
Play games
Paint/colour/play dough
Science
etc

4. Any kind of sustenance at all up to and including pretzels and cheese sticks or cold cereal.
Ideal:
Well thought out, healthy, balanced, lovingly prepared and well presented meals. I have never managed to reach this ideal. Ever. And in June I’ll have been married 2 decades.

5. Dishes washed at least once a day.
Ideal:
Dishes washed, dried, and put away after every meal where they’re meant to go, in well-organized cabinets.

I think I can probably do the basic stuff. Not sure about the ideal stuff. =D