Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and were able to celebrate those great dads out there for all they do.
We had a low key weekend, which was just what the doctor ordered. The most we ventured out was to breakfast at Toast in Davidson on Sunday morning and to a couple area playgrounds. The rest of the time was spent around the house, complete with a little splashing and a little napping (just me, unfortunately, c’mon kids, nap it up).
The calm of the weekend and in theory the next month of unscheduled bliss, has me evaluating all the moving parts in my life and how best to arrange them. It’s a fun game to me and I like to check in every so often to see if things I am doing can be done better.
Lately though, it’s been a focus on what life will look like in two months, when preschool begins again for Kaitlyn and Hailey’s homeschool journey officially is underway. I have started listing out all my daily priorities, similar to laying out all the puzzle pieces design-side up.
Right now (in no particular order) the pieces look like this: homeschool, Burn Boot Camp, one on one time with David, blogging, cooking, relaxed down time for self-enjoyment/development/play, necessary tasks (like laundry, dishes, organizing, etc).
It seems like a fairly basic list (because it is), but figuring out how it all works together will be interesting. For example: exercise.
I usually hit up the 9:30 am boot camp class, but that won’t be feasible during the fall because after we drop Kaitlyn at preschool at 9:00 am, we’ll need to be doing homeschool. So alternatively we could go to the 8:00 am class, but that has me waking the girls up at 7:00 am and rushing them out the door (not my ideal way to start our days). I could always hit up the 5:30 am class, but the early mornings are my only computer/blogging time and since David sometimes leaves the house before 6:00 am, there would be no one home with the girls. I hear leaving young kids home alone is frowned upon.
I hope this isn’t seen as whining; it’s hardly a problem, just a puzzle that I’m trying to piece together. Maybe it will mean blogging a little less or changing work out times each day. Maybe it will be creating a universal wake up time around the house. Ahh, at this point who knows.
I do know that I’m going to enjoy the relaxed routine of summer at the moment, but that a new system is going to be in order soon. Given the girls’ behavior lately, we need to implement a bit more structure and responsibility (and less TV– I’m thinking we’re going to give it a few weeks off completely). We’ve started making a list of chores that are age appropriate and are going to work them into our everyday routine. It’s funny how I can feel so hyper-aware of not wanting to raise entitled kids, but some days feel like I’m failing at it (the whining can really get out of control). Responsibility and giving back need to start making a more robust appearance.
This is clearly just a rambling post, but after a month or two of just trying to survive the chaos, followed by a week or two of no plans a structure, our entire family is in need of a reboot.
How does your summer schedule differ from that of the rest of the year?
How do you fit your priorities into your days?
Or what area has to give?
Carla says
I love how you phrase it as a puzzle because that’s exactly how I see it here. Mapping out the obligations. Mapping out my wishes. Seeing how I can make them fit together!!
Alexis says
I think it’s interesting that you don’t mention kid-focused priorities on your list (except homeschool). They are probably things that feel like they “go without saying”. I do the same a lot on my priorities lists – skip noting down items like: give the kids outdoor play time, or read together, even though these things are really high on my priorities. I find it helps when I do note them down, though, if at least to acknowledge how much time and energy goes into that, and to acknowledge that I have achieved some of my priorities even if I don’t cook a good meal, or work out that day.
JOHN J STATHAS says
I really like how you regularly examine your life for each milestone/developmental stage of personal and family life. As you know I end each of my blogs with the Socrates statement of “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Thus, you live life abundantly. Enjoy your summer for soon you will be living the life of teacher,Mom!
Karen says
Keep in mind, happy kids only happy with happy parents. So make sure you find time for that Boot Camp or maybe change up to another form of exercise since this is something that keeps you energized and happy.
The school year is structured and wake up times change for everyone weather they are good or bad. That’s why we all enjoy summer to the fullest. Your not the only one who feels like this so believe me…..it will all fall together how it should eventually.
Karen says
The wrong whether….but you get the message. Sorry
Lulu says
Load or loud???
Brittany Dixon says
Load, obviously. 😉
Laura says
Fitting everything in in addition to homeschooling is definitely a challenge for us too! Right now, the biggest struggle is finding the time to incorporate exercise into our days. It is so important for my mood and demeanour, especially with the kids, that it is necessary to find time for it. I have a five year old and a baby, and now that it is summer, I may squeeze in a quick 3 mile jog before my husband goes to work OR I will power through a super quick workout in the basement during his morning nap while my daughter has some independent reading time. But every day (and night!) is different so there is no schedule right now. We are just taking it day by day.
I would probably say that since having my son and starting homeschooling, the thing that gets pushed to the side most of the time is some of the housework and yard work. I need to prioritize our needs more than I need a super clean house 100 percent of the time. In a few years, I can get back to having it the way I like it, and that’s okay!
Stephanie says
This is so random but I had a dream last night someone was trying to convince me my husband and I could leave the baby home alone while she was sleeping – LOL
Heather says
While I wish I didn’t have a 9-5 job, right now it does ensure that our routine pretty much never changes. Year round the kids go to day care and when my son starts kindergarten he’ll still be in before and after school care. That being said, it is still difficult to find time for everything including myself and them and my husband. I’ve got a decent routine going now that I just started where I work out 3-4 times a week after the kids are in bed. On the weekend I’m trying to include more exercise with the kids that is either a walk or something else they’ll enjoy. Because reading is another high priority, I’ve given up a lot of TV watching and I think I’ll be sending a lot less time on social media in favor of other things. Oh how I wish there was more time in the day, though!!
Erica says
The only way I can ever manage to get in exercise is by doing it at home. I prioritize my kids, sleep, and time with my husband over it, so there is no way for me to get out to classes. I hope this will change in the future though! Love your thought process on your changing routine. One of the things that is most helping me keep a positive attitude while having a baby and a toddler is to remember that the routine will be changing again!
Jodi Hancock says
I don’t homeschool, but do have 4 kids all 20 months apart. I have two in Christian school and 2 still home with me. My husband farms so I am busy with bookwork and super busy in the spring and summer selling our fruits and veggies. I’ve found that as seasons change so does life AND our routines. I’ve gone from being tied down to rising for almost 7 years to finally feeling free to leave my kids with a sitter to go to the store! It’s hard to figure out (because once you do it seems life changes again. 😂) I encourage you to keep stepping back like you are doing and finding what works best for your family. What works best for you probably won’t look the same for others-and that’s okay! Also, I was a marathon runner before kids. I’ve always felt better exercising but obviously with a house full of kids and a farmer who is out the door at 5, going to a gym hasn’t worked for me. I’ve found awesome work out dvds I can do at home WITH my kids. They love it and so do I! I usually wake around 6 and get it in before they wake but sometimes they ask to do it together. My two favorites are Jillian Michaels 30 day shred and Beachbody’s 21 day fix. Both give me a good sweat and leave me ready for the day. This is a lot of rambling. You are smart and will figure everything out!
Jodi Hancock says
Rising should be nursing. Lol
Liz T says
Kids whine whether they’re entitled or not! They wouldn’t be kids if they didn’t. And they probably wouldn’t be whining if you said “yes” all the time (of course, they would still find something! so nm on that one).
I think saying no often and also nurturing an ongoing conversation about awareness of our privileges and understanding their place in the world, as compared to the greater world, helps in raising less entitled people. God Willing, at least.
Katy says
It’s always so interesting to hear other women’s routines, especially now with kids. I’m sure your new routine will fall into place and feel like ‘normal’ before you know it. I’m currently trying to figure out how to get back into running with a baby… or rather, when!
Kate says
Hi Brittany– I’d be interested in hearing what chores you come up with for the girls– particularly for Kaitlyn as we have a son about the same age. We’ve been thinking of coming up with some more structured “responsibilities” for him at home, so I’m interested in what others do and in particular, how others do it. Meaning, is there a specific daily list of tasks? Things that are just expected of him/her? Thanks! And good luck working out your schedule..definitely something that is a constant work in progress for all parents I think!
Toni B says
I’ve found the longer I’ve been a SAHM the more I yearn for a “routine”. I’m not sure if it’s because I spend the majority of time at home or I feel the need for structure but I enjoy having a flow to our day and knowing things are getting accomplished. As far as working out, I discovered Revelation Wellness this year. It is faith based fitness. There are instructors all over the country and many have online workout programs. You can subscribe to RevWell TV and have a huge online library of workouts. It’s been the best for me during this season.
Taryn says
I love this post! Our “summer” starts on Wednesday, as tomorrow is my son’s last day of kindergarten. Summer in our house means my son will go to camp (which starts at 8am) and my daughter will continue to go to daycare. We actually have to leave the house 15 minutes earlier to get my son to camp, so I’m not excited about an earlier wake-up time but we will figure things out. Fridays are my day off from work, and I am already working on a summer bucket list that I can tackle with the kids on our “summer Fridays.”
Fitting in fitness is always a challenge. I started running at 8pm after my husband gets home from work. Not ideal, but it works for now with the longer days. I agree that it’s important to figure out a time for you to work out. Helps to relieve stress and clear the mind.
Amber says
HI! I am not familiar with the childcare at Boot Camp but would there be a way for Hailey to work on independent work while you work out? You could have her do warm up work from the previous day and then once you get home start with new work. I know some gym childcare situations are crazy so maybe that wouldn’t work, just a thought 😀 I think you are smart for realizing the importance of working out/me time during this season of life. You are giving a lot of yourself each day as a mom and soon to be teacher so kudos for realizing you also need time to fill back up.
lauren says
Our schedule is the same throughout the year, since we both work full-time. My son is in preschool and the kids spend more time outside in the nice weather, but still do their weekly swim class and regular activities, which I love!
I really admire how cognizant you are of your routine, schedule, etc. It’s something I am awesome at thinking about, but find them SO hard to implement. It’s a struggle for me!
Ideally, I workout in the morning before the kiddo wakes up, but it is so hard! I’m known for sleeping through multiple alarms, fitbit vibration alarm included. It’s no good, because I love running and T25 once I get started! We don’t get home until around 6pm, so it’s go go go until my 3yr old is hopefully asleep or at least quiet at 8:30.
Can you hit a class after lunch and then do your errands and other activities after that? On the plus side, you could wear your gym clothes all morning so you’re ready 🙂
Christine says
I’m right there with you on trying to fit the pieces of our new puzzle once baby #2 arrives in 5 weeks. Prior to this new change I was getting up at 420am and getting in my workout at 5am (my son has been a wonderful sleeper, allowing me to workout early!) and leaving the rest of the day to work and family which I absolutely LOVE! But with a newborn and lack of sleep, I’m not sure when I’ll get my workouts in again once I’m feeling back to myself but I know I’ll figure it out. I just need to take it one day at a time and trust the process – that everything will fall into place…eventually….I hope 🙂
Kara says
I’m working on this puzzle, too. I’m on maternity leave with my first baby right now and wondering how everything will get arranged once I’m back at work. (When i’ll fit in exercise is a big question of mine, too.) Schedules really are a puzzle and with kids involved, they’re a puzzle that seems to get rearranged all the time. G’luck figuring out yours. I’d love to hear how you end up arranging everything.