tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post2816160784533625845..comments2024-03-27T05:20:57.996-04:00Comments on Monica Wilkinson: Restoring OrderMonica Wilkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17235919587298518908noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-79313788148354593802009-01-22T16:19:00.000-05:002009-01-22T16:19:00.000-05:00I haven't read all the comments, so this may have ...I haven't read all the comments, so this may have been asked before. Would you mind posting your cleaning schedule and walking us through it? I've been working on finding a good schedule for myself and haven't hit my stride yet. Thanks!Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03450692883978734764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-31821134532420288372009-01-19T17:03:00.000-05:002009-01-19T17:03:00.000-05:00That is great. Good for you for doing what you nee...That is great. Good for you for doing what you need to for your family. I tend to overextend myself quite often and just end up stressed out and unhappy. I will definintly stop doing that.noahandlylasmommihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00759105397596654703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-52755381051471398672009-01-19T15:07:00.000-05:002009-01-19T15:07:00.000-05:00I am in complete agreement with many of the same t...I am in complete agreement with many of the same things! I had the exact same thought about the whole grocery shopping and drug store deals. I'm going to do one store a week - and leave it at that. It just takes up way too much time. We also are aiming for a date night at least twice a month. I'm glad you had an opportunity to take a breath and examine what needs to be changed. Thanks for sharing - it's very encouraging. :)Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02718121441451705830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-25051190384144936312009-01-19T10:30:00.000-05:002009-01-19T10:30:00.000-05:00I think that is a wonderful list.I find that is ea...I think that is a wonderful list.<BR/><BR/>I find that is easier to just shop at one store. I am sure that there are other stores that have some things that are slightly cheaper but I don't have the time to devote to finding them. <BR/><BR/>I hope everything goes well for you as you try to get your schedule back in order.Melodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852837971823569040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-11515864051075764252009-01-18T17:32:00.000-05:002009-01-18T17:32:00.000-05:00IF only going to one store does effect your budget...IF only going to one store does effect your budget you can make that ONE store one that price matches. :)<BR/><BR/>I am thinking through the same things you are. At this point of my life I ahve a 12 yo boy, a 10 yo boy and an 8 yo girl. They want to play with our 2 yo and 6 mo old and I feel guilty. I dont want to have my olders raise my littles but there time together is so special. There is a balance in there and I know that you will find it. I also like what someone commented and extended family and how this would normally ahppen and we wouldnt feel bad about it. That made sense to me.Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723750357398720115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-89115022106399343192009-01-18T09:27:00.000-05:002009-01-18T09:27:00.000-05:00Monica, These are some great goals and ideas. I ha...Monica, These are some great goals and ideas. I have become extremely lax in all things related to the keeping of our home, throughout the holiday season...really starting in November. I deend to return to some structure. I think my goal for this week will be to revisit what works and doesn't and lay out some plan, similar to what you've done, so that I can get back on track. Thank you for the motivation!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06987814500457262146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-13584871487728076792009-01-17T18:09:00.000-05:002009-01-17T18:09:00.000-05:00Monica,Great post...it is so nice to sit down and ...Monica,<BR/>Great post...it is so nice to sit down and figure out what needs to go and what needs to stay! A few go's for me:<BR/><BR/>-extra homeschool/learning type things that my littles just don't need yet<BR/>-unnecessary trips to town,store, or library just "to get out" of the house<BR/>-extended Internet time! I need to monitor how much time I spend online...:)<BR/><BR/>Things to stay or get started again:<BR/><BR/>-date nights (A BIG AMEN TO THAT, MONICA!)<BR/>-consistent time in the Word<BR/>-healthier baking/cooking<BR/>-creating biweekly menu's and shopping lists...homeschool schedules...MAKES LIFE SO MUCH EASIER!<BR/>-get debt free<BR/><BR/>Thanks for posting this! It helps get me motivated! <BR/><BR/>GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11291951073853426272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-51379349771432831392009-01-17T15:30:00.000-05:002009-01-17T15:30:00.000-05:00Monica,you voiced what I have been feeling lately....Monica,<BR/>you voiced what I have been feeling lately. I don't know why it is that this holiday season put me so behind on my housework and other areas of my life. I did make a similar list and I am really wondering if I can stick to it. Right now I've got a sink full of dishes and my master bathroom needs a good scrubbing. I am just not feeling inclined to do it though. I should get a helper in at least once a week to start the process of keeping things in order.<BR/><BR/>I'm with you on sticking to one store. I buy groceries at Wal-Mart and Whole Foods for special items. That in itself deleted my need to go to CVS and Walgreens. It has added more time to my day doing this so now I just have to figure out what day a certain chore needs to be done.<BR/><BR/>I'll be back for more inspiration! I'm going to copy your list and type it up and put it on my fridge.<BR/><BR/>Deanna :)Deannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04290423239878428526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-77790244032990018782009-01-17T14:52:00.000-05:002009-01-17T14:52:00.000-05:00I had to laugh with you about praying for the bugs...I had to laugh with you about praying for the bugs to stay away from you when outside to garden!<BR/><BR/>You see..I have the same problem...except it's HUGE yellow jackets that come out of no where and get right beside me :)<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-29060193567521128512009-01-17T11:58:00.000-05:002009-01-17T11:58:00.000-05:00Thanks for your honesty here Monica! You are such ...Thanks for your honesty here Monica! You are such and example to me of a Godly wife and Mama who pursues her families best! I'm thankful for you!<BR/><BR/>May God give you wisdom and grace as you pursue your goals for 09Barbie @ Mamaologyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11106929271346137677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-10347805414421326672009-01-17T09:41:00.000-05:002009-01-17T09:41:00.000-05:00I love your post. It's inspired me to rethink what...I love your post. It's inspired me to rethink what works and what doesn't. I think we normally get into the habit of adding things but never take any away. <BR/><BR/>As for the family prayer time, I have implemented a time first thing every morning for family prayer and bible study. I homeschool also and I felt it was important to let my son know that we always put God first. Therefore, bible study is always our first subject. <BR/><BR/>Also, I find that by putting God first every morning it sets the tone for our day. We immediately connect with the servant mentality and put ourselves on the back burner. If something happens and we end up off schedule toward the end of the day there is no guilt or concern about where we will fit in our God time. God came first.<BR/><BR/>Hopefully this is something my son will remember as he gets older and prepares his own home. <BR/><BR/>In Christ, <BR/>DanitaThumperddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16234876734924724375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-69487663615245966892009-01-17T08:20:00.000-05:002009-01-17T08:20:00.000-05:00This post has been very inspiring to me! I have be...This post has been very inspiring to me! I have been considering cutting back on the deal finding as well and what you wrote gave me some perspective on it! Thank you!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02853147086906439337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-74407991528270503122009-01-17T02:21:00.000-05:002009-01-17T02:21:00.000-05:00I will have to admit that as I was reading down yo...I will have to admit that as I was reading down your list of things to cut out, I selfishly thought, "<I>don't pick blogging, don't pick blogging</I>!" Is that selfish or WHAT? :)Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02530332005314466736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-21331852932421179862009-01-17T01:23:00.000-05:002009-01-17T01:23:00.000-05:00We do prayer time with my 3 year old as he's getti...We do prayer time with my 3 year old as he's getting ready to go to be at night. That is a special time for just he and I. We tuck him into bed and I climb on top of the covers and ask him "What do you want to talk about with God tonight?" We both really look forward to it and it's teaching him that prayer is just talking to God. After we chat, he tells me if he want to pray for have me pray. Most of the time I pray, but once in awhile he surprises me and wants to pray. I love it.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10090023753987932602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-79134634470024240812009-01-16T19:43:00.000-05:002009-01-16T19:43:00.000-05:00Hi Monica--this is the Walmart bathroom lady!!!! ...Hi Monica--this is the Walmart bathroom lady!!!! I still CANNOT believe that I ran into you there and I read your blog--amazing!! I've been exclaiming over it all afternoon...<BR/><BR/>Your girls were adorable and I'm so glad we met, even if it was in the Walmart bathroom! :)<BR/><BR/>I like your ideas for simplifying your time. I too am trying to sort through my life right now. Beginning homeschooling has been wonderful, but I've had to take a serious look at what's important and what's not. I've given up several outside commitments and even things at home that are just too complicated--especially meals/recipes that are too time-consuming to prepare...<BR/><BR/>I love your pics of Odyssey. That's one of our favorite hangouts too--especially when the weather's bad. Wasn't it awesome today, though? 50+ degrees!! Hey, if your kids want someone to hang out with at Odyssey sometime when you're here, let me know!! (sistoso@gmail.com) --PhebePhebehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07766592736478246280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-66974110847741242892009-01-16T19:27:00.000-05:002009-01-16T19:27:00.000-05:00Hey Monica ~We've come to treasure our date nights...Hey Monica ~<BR/>We've come to treasure our date nights and I actually posted about that this morning. I'm so thankful for my husband who helps me to focus on my marriage before focusing on the kids. It has become a priority for us. <BR/>As for the mother's helper. That sounds WONDERFUL!!! Do you pay your teen or is it a volunteer thing? I would love to have something like this in place so I can get some deep cleaning done. The boys sleep on opposite nap schedules during the day. I'm trying to change that, but it's hard.<BR/>Thanks for the suggestions. I need to get into my homeschooling and really dig in and plan. I started off like that but getting back into the routine has been hard.<BR/>Let us know how it's going in a few weeks!!Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08978036026066329022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-89619219160296270802009-01-16T17:34:00.000-05:002009-01-16T17:34:00.000-05:00Date Night Thoughts:We do swap nights! We swap da...Date Night Thoughts:<BR/><BR/>We do swap nights! We swap date night with some friends - they watch all the kids while we go out, then the next night (or next wknd) we watch the kids.<BR/> <BR/>Benefits:<BR/>1. The kids have a lot of fun with their friends<BR/>2. When it's our night to watch the kids, I get more involved with them than I would on a regular night - plan a fun meal, plan a craft, plan games, etc..<BR/>3. IT'S FREE!!<BR/><BR/>We swap with 2 families giving us 2 date nights and 2 kid nights a month.<BR/><BR/>Best wishes getting back in order! Chaos reigned for us last week after being on the road too long over the holidays!<BR/><BR/>~AnissaAnissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16022378701138699708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-89368546159441811282009-01-16T16:13:00.000-05:002009-01-16T16:13:00.000-05:00Monica,You're post is very timely for me. I need t...Monica,<BR/>You're post is very timely for me. I need to restore order here desperately. I have too much clutter and little motivation. I homeschool my boys and some days that is all we accomplish. You have inspired me.<BR/>As far as shopping. Back in the fall I decided that I could only do CVS. It is only about 5 minutes from my home. I had to let Walgreen's and Rite aid go for the most part. If there is a great deal I will go. For instance this week there was an awesome Rite Aid deal on diapers and I did go and do that. Otherwise this is the first since fall I have been there. Walgreen's is a half hour from my home and I cannot justify running there unless I am going in that direction anyway. <BR/>When I frist started doing the drug store deals I found I was obsessing about missing even one. I have now given myself permission to skip many of the deals and concentrate on just CVS and my grocery shopping. <BR/>Thanks for the inspiration that it is ok to cut back and spend more time on the things that are truly important.<BR/>MicheleMy Blessings From Abovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685972206692627031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-43354113722479219462009-01-16T15:49:00.000-05:002009-01-16T15:49:00.000-05:00The holiday seemed to throw a wrench into my good ...The holiday seemed to throw a wrench into my good intentions. And now with trying to get ready for my husband's return from his deployment I feel even more distracted and out of order. There are numerous things that I want to take care of and am hoping to get back into a routine once hubby gets home on Sat. Thanks for opening up about your struggles and helping me to remember that it's ok to get out of whack. It happens and I just need to get back on track. <BR/><BR/>ErinErinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08265018264025492919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-19803555564350886052009-01-16T14:58:00.000-05:002009-01-16T14:58:00.000-05:00First off, I think it's wonderful that you have so...First off, I think it's wonderful that you have someone to come and help you with the children. I grew up Mennonite and in our community(as well as others, I'm sure) it was common for the young teenage girls to help out the busy mothers. I started helping my aunts with their little ones around 12 and continued helping others as I got older, often helping to care for the babies during canning season when the gardens and preserving took a good bit of time. Doing this not only gives girls experience with kids and homemaking but also is a way to develop a love for serving others. <BR/><BR/>Don't be too hard on yourself, Monica. You have your hands full with 3 little ones. I babysit two 2 year old boys and am exhausted just from the 8 hours or so that they are here. :-)<BR/><BR/>I've let a lot of things slide. My cleaning schedule. Hospitality. Sewing and crafts. Cooking and baking beyond what is needed that day. Date night, too. I need to figure out a new routine since the one I have isn't working for me. <BR/><BR/>What is working- doing laundry on two set days each week, general clean-up each morning, making lunches for the two of us the night before.<BR/><BR/>I've been simplifying my grocery shopping too. Just today I wrote out a new updated master list with all the things that we normally buy. I used to have one and then as I've changed our eating habits, I hadn't gotten around to making a new one. This is handy so I know what I should keep in my pantry and I can walk around with my list before shopping and check off what we're getting low on. <BR/><BR/>If you have a Sam's Club nearby, you can shop on their website then pick it up at the store at no extra charge. That may be an option for you with the little ones. Some other grocery stores provide a similar service, which may be worth looking into for very hectic days/weeks.<BR/><BR/>Great post, Monica!Mary Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03129793790973176351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-76647050396008540262009-01-16T14:03:00.000-05:002009-01-16T14:03:00.000-05:00Don't fret about the Mother's Helper. It is a goo...Don't fret about the Mother's Helper. It is a good experience for the girls to play with other adults - in the "olden" days this would be accomplished through a closely located extended family. It is suh a blessing that you can give them this opportunity and still be present to monitor and guide!<BR/><BR/>And what a blessing for the helper to learn about littles - so many mothers today have never been around little kids and they don't know WHAT to do with them!Milehimama @ Mama Sayshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04755353355022539817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-60483595900838131132009-01-16T13:56:00.000-05:002009-01-16T13:56:00.000-05:00Great post! I love the idea of a planning time - ...Great post! I love the idea of a planning time - I always struggle with that but it makes sense to set aside a specific time each week. <BR/><BR/>I, too, am cutting down on the # of stores at which I shop. I would like to try to get everything at my grocery store but have decided that I need to make the Walmart trip about once a month. All that driving takes up alot of time.<BR/><BR/>I am finding that having a schedule of chores for each day helps so much and I plan to be home everyday but Tues (I scrapbook that day @ a friend's) and Friday (errand day). Things come up, of course - like taking the dog to the vet - that can't wait but for the most part it makes things run smoothly.<BR/><BR/>Just my 2 cents on the Mother's Helper. It's okay to have someone else play with the kids - I know my daughter enjoyed interacting with someone besides me every now and then. It turned out to be good for both of us. Yes, I felt a little bad sometimes but it was only for a few hours and she enjoyed it.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the ideas!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03179975836835123468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-88060838960973202882009-01-16T12:55:00.000-05:002009-01-16T12:55:00.000-05:00thank you for your post-it always encourages me wh...thank you for your post-it always encourages me when I find other women are coming back home. <BR/><BR/>I have been feeling a pull towards home in a new way and plan to do some of the same things you are. I will keep you in my prayers.<BR/><BR/>I would like to help you ease your concern about a mothers helper. I have had a gal come for several years now and I think of it as an investment and as my planning time. I can get so much done in a small amount of time with someone else playing with my kiddos. And it is a fresh face for them.<BR/><BR/>Thank you again for sharing how you are committing to your family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-55046524085042824132009-01-16T12:46:00.000-05:002009-01-16T12:46:00.000-05:00Rachel, I too homeschool three little ones.I have ...Rachel, <BR/>I too homeschool three little ones.<BR/>I have found that making our family night activity include schooling activities is very helpful.<BR/>For example, I am reading Little House in the Big Woods to the girls. I read by lantern light and my husband was there at the table with us. We then played a game at the table together and ate popcorn.<BR/>Hope this helps you:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-89390490422765932492009-01-16T12:15:00.000-05:002009-01-16T12:15:00.000-05:00Monica, so smart of you to weigh and consider all ...Monica, so smart of you to weigh and consider all of these things. I think so many of us forget to take the time to think and to plan. I agree with you in that these activities are so valuable--especially if you understand that what we focus on grows. Thinking about what is lovely and good (and I believe that a degree of "orderliness" can be classified under these labels) will only bring you more of the same. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject--you're so inspiring.<BR/>Warmly,<BR/>TraceyTracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries®https://www.blogger.com/profile/03043055986653442733noreply@blogger.com