Working 9 To 5

Some of you asked how I seem to manage it all--raising three kids, house chores, painting, blogging--while spending quality time with my family. Well, it's easy when you know what goes on behind closed doors:

Okay, so the children and I had fun with the camera! (The girls were the ones who insisted that they each look like a raggedy Cinderella.)

Well, here's a little look into my day. First of all, I get up before the kids. This is HUGE!!!! If it is a good day, I run on the treadmill. (We have an exercise room in our basement.) The TV in the basement is the only one in the house that has Tivo; therefore, I watch all of my junk shows! My husband always exercises before me and can listen for the kids when I run. He's out the door by 6:30am (or earlier).

After exercising, I get ready for the day(shower, makeup, etc). I do a clean sweep of the house (feed the animals and take out the dog, make my bed, start laundry--We have a washer and dryer in our master closet which is AMAZING! I don't disturb anyone--) and then sit down to drink my Starbucks Frappuccino (I buy multiples from the grocery) and have fun on the computer (email, blogs, People.com). I love this time of the day! It's just me!

Once the kids are up, it gets crazy! Breakfast and when it's not summer, preparing for school. (Although I have EVERYTHING laid out and ready to go the night before.) The kids often play after breakfast and I do housework. A few years ago I was starting to feel overwhelmed with all of the work, so I created a daily chart. I wrote down everything I had to do (cleaning wise) and divided it up into days. For example, on Mondays I wash all of the bed linens, sweep the house and wash "lights". I do not have anything for Saturday and Sunday. Well, this works for a while, but I always start to do more than what is on my daily list. I switch jobs around or do two day's worth some days. THE LIST is always a back-up though.

I am constantly, constantly picking up my house. ALWAYS! I spend too much time doing it, but like to do it throughout the day rather than all at once! After the kids go to bed, I like to straighten the house up again. I like to wake up to a clean house. A little OCD? Yes, a lot!

I used to paint while the girls were taking their afternoon naps. It was heaven! I had some time to unwind and create, then when the girls got up, we all felt refreshed! Well, the girls do not take naps anymore, so I usually paint in the evening if it's a big job (Jon watches the kids) or mainly after they all go to bed. My turnaround time is a bit longer, but I do enjoy my late night painting sessions. (And yes I sleep! "Late night only means about 11pm!)

The girls and I play while Henry takes his afternoon nap. They do get worn down though, so I turn on a movie or TV program for them so they can relax while I make dinner. (I do love to make casseroles or crock pot meals, so I prepare them in the morning. This allows us to stay outside until Jon gets home from work.) The girls like to help me prep for dinner. Their job is to set the table. Dinner is ready when Jon gets home and we ALWAYS eat dinner as a family. I also love this time because we all talk about the day.

Everyone is refreshed after dinner and we all play or relax. Everyone down the lane is often out during good weather, so the girls ride bikes with their cousins, my sister-in-law and I visit and trade magazines, and the guys tend to their gardens , work on the landscaping, or do other odds and ends from their "honey do" lists. Ha! We often visit the girls' great-grandparents too! (Who live between Jon's sister's family and us.) Here are (L to R) Megan, Madison and Emily.

Speed racer Laney with her Uncle Kyle and his "toy".


After playing, it's baths then bed for the kids. During the summer, bedtime has been relaxed (about 9pm), but on school nights, all three kids are in bed at 8pm. I don't watch much TV (remember...I tivo and watch in the A.M.).

I also have great help. My parents and Jon's parents live close; therefore, are sometimes available for babysitting. I do rely on them when I have appointments, etc. Jon is a great co-parent! He ALWAYS gives me time to exercise! He also does a lot of the grocery shopping. I actually love to grocery shop, but we live 30-40 minutes from a larger town where we shop. Jon works in this town; therefore, he goes to the grocery after work on Mondays. On Sunday, I write down a list for him. I start at the back of the store and work to the front, aisle by aisle. I write "coupon" next to certain foods and highlight it. I then attach the coupons to the list. I know this definitely makes grocery shopping soooo much easier for Jon! Since he is in town, he also does our Sam's runs.

So, there you have it. A day in the life of ...me! I am always watching other moms and am quite inspired by them. I see their beautiful homes, fantastic meals, chic dress, their children's chic outfits, and so on. I.want.that! I have actually stopped channel surfing if I see "Leave It To Beaver" just to check out June! Yes, I want it all, just like the next gal, but I'm very happy and blessed to have what I have. I wouldn't change it for the world! Honestly! I hope that I am creating a loving environment for my husband and children.
***So...I seriously thought only about two people read my blog, which is fine! I started this blog because I love to write (and talk) and love recording family memories. I have a journal for all three kids and I write down what goes on every month. (Let me tell you...this blog is much easier at recording memories!) I'm now discovering that there are more of you out there reading, so send me a comment and tell me who you are! I'd just love to hear from you!