A Peek Into My Life This Past Week (+ our current daily schedule)

Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I share about what I’m loving right now and give you a little peek into our life from the past week.

What I Read Recently

Books read this week:

• Life After — a great read suggested to me by Anne Bogel (You know it was good because I stayed up until 1 am to finish it!)
• The Unhurried Homeschooler — some of this book felt a little too legalistic for me and some of her suggestions/principles would not work well for certain of my kids because of their personality types, but I still thought there was some valuable information in this book and would recommend it if you are a homeschooler or are seriously considering homeschooling. (However, as always, remember there are no one-size-fits-all plans! Do what works best for your own family!)

{See my Reading Goals for 2017. Also, see the 61 books I’ve read so far in 2017 here.}

What Our Schedule Looks Like Right Now

So many of you have asked for details on our current schedule. Because you’ve begged, I’m going to share it, but with this caveat: even though this has been working for us, I reserve the right to change it anytime if it stops working!

6-7:40 am — Up, ready for the day, breakfast, and family time.

7:40 am-1 pm — Drop kids off at school & go to work on blog/business stuff at my employee’s house while Jesse homeschools Kaitlynn (they usually make dinner together during this time, too).

1-2:30 pm — Homeschool Kaitlynn (Jesse leaves to spend the afternoon working/running errands/going to Crossfit, etc.)

2:30-4 pm — Pick kids up from school, cleaning/laundry/chore time.

4-6 pm — Free time (I usually hang with the kids, finish a few tasks, and have time to chill or take a nap).

6 pm — Dinner and family Bible time.

6:30-8 pm — Jesse hang out with the kids and I finish blogging work OR family time/evening activities.

8-9 pm — Kids to bed, hang out with Jesse.

9-10:30 pm — Exercise, shower, reading, to bed.

There you have it! Remember: this is what is working for our family, right now in this season. It’s subject to change when it stops working! ?

What I’m Celebrating

Almost exactly one year ago, I gave up coffee.

I never thought I could do it. It was excruciating for the first few weeks and I actually cried during my detox because I missed it so much.

But one year later, I don’t even miss it. I still love the smell, but I have discovered I’m so much calmer and less anxious without it. Plus, I sleep so much better!

You guys. I never thought I could survive and THRIVE without my daily doses of caffeine in a cup.

But I did. I have. And I AM! And it makes me feel so empowered to try other things that I never thought I could do!

What I’ve Been Pondering

No matter what I say or do or don’t say or don’t do, someone is bothered, upset, offended, or disappointed. I’m sure you’ve experienced that, too, in your life!

Someone asked me the other day how I deal with negative comments. Here’s what has helped me:

1) Don’t be surprised or offended. Part of the nature of putting out words on the internet means that not everyone is going to like or agree with you. Accept this.

2) Look for the nuggets of truth. Ask myself, “Is there truth in their words that I need to pay attention to?”

3) Don’t defend myself. I have a policy to never defend myself on the internet. Sometimes, things need to be clarified or responded to — but I commit to wait to respond until I can do it with grace and love for the person.

4) Believe the best. Always assume someone is using a kind tone of voice when they write and have your best interests at heart. Don’t make up stories or read into things.

5) Remember the truth. When I stay focused on my identity in Christ and how much I am loved and forgiven by Him, I don’t have to feel stressed, upset, or hurt by negative comments from others. I can rest in His finished work on the Cross and the fact that I am enough in Him!

What I’m Learning as a Mom

The knock came on our bedroom door and I was instantly annoyed. It was after bedtime, it had been a long day, and I was really, really ready for the kids to be asleep.

I opened the door in a bit of a huff and almost said gruffly, “What are you doing?!? Don’t you know it’s bedtime? Get in bed!!”

But before those words could come out of my mouth, I stopped myself and looked into my child’s eyes. And I saw sadness and hurt written all over their face.

“Can I come in?” They asked sheepishly. All of my annoyance melted away as my child shared their heart with me while cuddled up on my bed.

About 20 minutes later, they headed back to their bed with a smile on their face. You guys. I almost missed this beautiful conversation and opportunity to love on my child!

Motherhood is exhausting, I get that. As an introvert, it’s easy to feel people-d out and just want space. And I think it’s important to take time to refuel and recharge — but not at the expense of our kid’s hearts.

Here’s what I’m reminding myself: really look into their eyes. Really pay attention to what’s going on in their hearts. And be willing to bend the bedtime rules a little sometimes in favor of communicating to a child how much they are loved.

What’s Been on My Heart Recently

You guys. I’ve waited to say anything because I didn’t want to just add noise to the online space. But after a very heartfelt conversation with our kids about the events of last weekend, the words came and they were this…

Ultimately, I can’t fix or change anything or anyone else but me. The racial divides and hatred and anger… I can’t magically take it away.

But here’s what I CAN do: I can look for those who are lonely, left out, and hurting. I can look into their eyes, let them know that they matter, and offer my friendship.

I can raise my kids to know that ALL people are worthy of kindness and love. That ostracizing and marginalizing is not okay. That it only hurts.

I can pursue peace, believe the best, love wholeheartedly, give generously, and extend grace willingly.

I can’t change the world, but I CAN go out and love my neighbor and encourage my kids to do the same. Will you join me?

Links You Should Check Out:

• I loved this beautiful podcast episode from Emily P. Freeman on becoming a soul minimalist.
• Like freebies? We posted a HUGE list of 50 legitimate freebies you can sign up for right now.
• Missed my FREE blogging class? I’m offering it again here. Sign up for the date & time that works for your schedule!
• Ever wonder how I deal with negative comments? I share my philosophy & honest thoughts on it here.