learning to live life unplugged

So, this post is written to me.

If you happen to glean anything from it, that's just a bonus.

Background:

I love technology.

(but not as much as you, you see).

But seriously. 

I love me some gadgets.

I love my iPhone.

I love my iPad.

I love my Macbook.

iHeart them.

But....it's becoming a problem.

I'm always on my phone.

There is always someone to text, a facebook status to write, a pin to "pin" and a blog to write.

I love current events, socializing and learning new things.

And my phone helps me do that to the max.

I love it for that.

It records videos of my sweet little boy.

It contains my recipes that I use often.

It tracks my weight watcher points.

It gives me directions to a new place.

It tells me anything I need to know via Google.

But it's a time waster.

It's a life sucker.

Have you had those moments where you are driving somewhere and realized you left your phone at home?

And you panicked?

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

Yeah, I've had those.

And miraciously, I survived to tell about it.

But as I strive to live simpler, and enjoy a more quality life, I've realized I have to unplug.

Multi-tasking with my technology in hand is robbing with of the true moment.

I am now putting some restricitons on my technology time.

They include:

 

 Because it's at the point, that I think if Levi were to draw a picture of his Mama, it would include a phone in her hand.

Not cool, mama.

So I have to remind myself

 So I am vowing to unplug just a bit.

Technlogoy is a part of our everyday life, but in order to live my life to its fullest and most joyfyl, I have to learn to unplug.

 Is anyone with me?

Anyone else addicted to the iLife? (phones, ipads, laptops)

How have you beaten the technology addiction?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Summer Fun Weekly Activities Calendar + {free printable}

 I blogged a couple of weeks ago about our Summer Fun calendar.

You can read more about that here.

I also included some great ideas for toddlers and young kiddos!

Basically, each day of the week we will have a themed activity in the mornings.

I thought to help keep things organized, to make a printable weekly calendar.

I'm going to print it, put it in a plastic sleeve and put on the fridge.

Then each week, I can write our activities with a dry erase marker.

This is perfect if you have reading kiddos so they can see all the fun in store for them for the week!

So go ahead, right +click that image and print it off for yourself!

{2.5 days til Summer Break!}

Creating A Summer Routine

Summer vacation is officially 7 days away.

{But who is counting...right?!}

As I've mentioned previously, both Mr. Free and I are teachers.

That means 11 weeks of family time.

I.cant.wait.

Before the Little One came along, summers were pretty aimless.

Sleep in.

Go shop.

Grab a Starbucks.

Take a nap.

Maybe a chore or two.

Now that Mr. Levi is around, and I see just how precious each moment is with him.

No more mindless shopping.

No more random Target trips.

Why?

Because a routine is best for my child, and myself.

Being at home will help me with contentment in not wanting more.

Being at home will help me be a blessing to my family.

Because it will help me live at a slower pace.

I decided to take our normal schedule and tweak it for the summer.

Now...I've rephrased it.

It is our "routine" as opposed to a "schedule".

Summer is meant to be laid back.

Summer needs flexibility.

Summer is fun.

So, instead of a certain time each day an item needs to be done...it is just a general routine.

Here is how ours is currently looking.

My goal is to make memories.

To be intentional.

To enjoy each moment.

To be flexible.

To relax.

Mamas, if you are going to be home this summer with your littles...I encourage you to put some thought into creating your own routine!

Think about the non-negiotables each day (meals, naps, bedtime) and then plan some fun interactive and independent play time in there! May as well sneak in a little learning too!

Make sure to leave some room for yourself. Wake up early before the kids and start your day off with your Bible and some quiet.

During naptime, take a nap yourself! Read a book! Savor those moments!

Plan fun outings that you and the kids will always remember. There are fabulous day trips that can cost next to nothing!

For some of you, summer doesn't look a whole lot different than any other season.

Work is still the same, kids routines are still the same.

But why not add a little summer fun?

Maybe stay up a little later than normal and catch fireflies in the backyard.

Treat the kids to ice cream from the ice cream truck after daycare.

Build a fort in front of the TV and watch a movie.

There is something magical about summer time.

I can't wait.

P.S. I have a great idea for budgeting activities for your family for the summer. Stay tuned!

A Simpler Home: Weekly Outfit Planning

I have been striving to make my home a happier, simpler place.

Over the next few weeks I will share some little tricks and tips that are working for our household.

I started planning Levi's outfits each week a few weeks ago and it has REALLY helped our mornings be even simpler.

Here's how I do it:

You know those 2 piece "outfit" hangers you get at the store?

And you have no idea what to do with them afterwards?

I took seven of those and labeled them for each day of the week.

I simply wrapped some Washi tape around the hook (told you I am addicted!) and then used my label maker to make a label for each day.

Then each Sunday I look at the 7 day forecast and plan out his outfits for the week!

 

Then I hang them up at the front of his closet so it is all ready to go!

My little tip for an even simpler morning!

The challenges of early rising {Maximize Mornings Challenge}

Now that Levi is older, and we are more set into our routines, it is time for me to make the most of my mornings.

Since in the past, I used to be up with Levi during the night, I would just wake up for the day when he would.

Now that I am not up all night (thank you Lord!), it is time for me to be back in the habit of earlier rising and making the most of that sweet time.

How early are we talking here?

It all depends on your schedule!

For me...Levi is usually awake around 8:30, so 7:30 will give me a good hour.

You need to have the kids out the door at 6?

Consider waking earlier, maybe around 5.

Start with an hour before the "day starts" and see if you have plenty of time to accomplish what you'd like.

Why are mornings important?

Whether you stay at home, work out of the home, or work from home... it's all true that once the family is up and running, the day easily gets away from us.

New things come up... new challenges arise...

and soon Plan A for the day has become Plan B.

The mornings, before the rest of the family is awake and no pressing responsibilities arise, you can have sweet peaceful time to be the best woman you can be for your family, and ensure a smoother day and a more calm spirit.

The Bible is also pretty clear on the importance of early rising.

If you do a simple google search on 'morning bible verses' there are many more than I realized!

My favorite one (and my inspiration)

I want the morning to set the tone for a day of joy and gladness.

This starts with time with the Lord.

What will I do with this extra time?

The first goal, should be spending quiet time in God's Word and in prayer and study.

I know for me, if it isn't done at this point of the day, it won't ever get done.

Once Levi is up, there are diapers to do, food to prep, a toddler to chase after, a home to clean, work to go to, etc...

So, first thing...find "your spot".

A spot in your favorite chair, your couch, make "your spot".

Have it equipped with your bible, pens, highlighters, a notebook, book of study, warm drink, etc.

But don't make it too comfy....otherwise you'll be right back to sleep!

Spend as much time as you are able praying and studying.

Listen to worship music on your iPod.

Help gain perspective on what is truly important on this blessed day.

So...I've finished my study time...and still have time...

What a huge blessing!

Here are my remaining goals when I have extra morning Mama time.

Go over my plans for the day.

See what I can do to be an extra blessing to my home or family.

{Extra load of laundry, a snack made, shirt mended, etc.}

I also prep for dinner

{chop the veggies, throw things in the crock pot}

Exercise

disclaimer: I don't do this...but need to. Early morning is the perfect time to pop in an exercise DVD and start your day healthy.

 Resist the urge to get back in bed.

The best way to resist, is to make the bed as soon as you get out.

You'll be less likely to get back in, seeing how pretty it is. (at least for me!)

If you need to...take a nap when the kids are napping.

And adjust your bedtime so you are getting enough sleep.

Pretty soon, your breakfast date will be awake and your day will be off and running!

 A great additional resource is at Inspired to Action.

Kat has a free e-book all about Maximizing Your Mornings that you can get if you sign up for her email newsletter! It is great!

So ladies, do you maximize your mornings? Have any great tips? Or are you attempting to make a change and make the best of that sweet time, like I am?

Updated Family Schedule

Now that Levi is a bit older (technically a toddler....yikes!)

we have had to revamp our schedule.

I am not a naturally organized person, but I am weirdly into schedules.

Time is my thing.

Levi is now on a pretty strict 2 nap schedule.

When we deviate from the schedule, he has been having night terrors.

(If you've never experienced those with your child, be thankful. They are terrible.)

And his bedtime is now earlier than it used to be.

So our morning routine has changed, and I needed to get it down on paper.

Having a written schedule really helps keep me on track, helps me achieve my daily goals (quiet time, Etsy shop management, daily chores) and helps Levi stay on track. He is a much, much happier child when on a schedule.

And a big part of our daily schedule revolves around our daily chore chart.

I (and often Mr. Free) focus on one area a day to keep our house in order.

We do laundry as needed.

If you're wanting to create a daily schedule for your family, Jen at iHeart Organizing has a fabulous blank schedule you can print off for yourself!

So do you keep a daily schedule? Does it help you or your little ones? Have any time management tips to share?

Mama's Survival Guide: Returning to Work

 This past week I joined the workforce after having an amazing extended maternity leave for 6 months.

I truly enjoyed every minute being home with my precious son, and returning to work seemed impossible.

The days leading up to returning were filled with lots of tears.

I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to still teach, but on a part-time basis. I teach for 3.75 hours a day in the afternoon. Such a blessing.

But, my Mama Guilt set in. Was I going to miss his milestones? Was he going to cry when he realized his Mama was gone for awhile? Will I be too busy with work?

Many tears were shed thinking of these "what if"s.

Now, that I've had a few days under my belt, I wanted to share some tips that have worked for me. 

Every Mama, baby, child and circumstance is different.

But, I will say...our first week back went so well. Neither I or Levi cried! It felt about as "natural"as it could. So, here's whats worked for us.

1. Find a sitter you trust.

This is absolutely vital. This person (or people) will be helping to raise your child. No matter the length of time, they will have an influence on your son or daughter. Make sure that this person loves and cares for your child and you trust them. 

Our sitter is absolutely wonderful. She is a strong Christian woman that is in love with my son. Seeing how happy she is when he comes makes my heart happy. I know he is so loved when he is there!

2. Have open communication with your sitter.

This is your child, so make sure all your concerns and wishes are made known. For me, making a Sitter Binder helped keep that communication open. 
(read about that here!)

 3. Prep everything the night before

 Have the diaper bag, your work bag, and clothes laid out for the next day. Go ahead and put the bags in the car so they are ready to go.

 That way in the morning, things will move much smoother. As a new mama, this is also a new concept. Having to not only get myself ready for work, but a baby ready as well. By prepping the night before, you will save a lot of frustration.  

4. Cherish the mornings

Make sure you wake up early enough to spend some cuddle time before the rush of the day and demands begin. Whether its by nursing or just snuggling for a few moments in bed, it will really help you keep perspective on your day.

5. The Crock Pot is your friend

Prep food the night before and in the morning, throw in the ingredients. When you get home from work...dinner is ready! This gives you extra time to snuggle with your baby and kiss on your hubby. Not jumping right into the kitchen when you get home!

This site has a TON of crockpot recipes!

6. Stick to your chore chart!

As stinky as chores are, if you stick to doing the assigned area or task for the day, you will save yourself a lot of work in the end! For me, I do the daily task during his morning nap before going to work. You could even do it after your little one goes to bed for the night. This will help you maintain your home and not have to spend an entire Saturday cleaning top to bottom!

7. Pray

Pray, pray, pray. Pray for peace. Pray for your child. Pray for your sitter. Pray with your husband. 

If returning to the work force is what is best for your family, then remind yourself of that. Even though it is hard. 

The first few days and weeks are tough, but routine helps.

Pray with your husband over your concerns and anxieties.

Reach out to some veteran working moms you know to pray for you and give you their own tips.

Motherhood is a challenge whether you are working out of the home or not.

So Mamas...does anyone else have any tips they would add to the list?

Chore Chart 2.0

The Free household implemented a Chore Chart back in August when we added a college student to our household (read about that here).

This kept us accountable and helped model responsibility to our guest.

When our houseguest left in November, our chore chart went with him.

I hadn't updated it to being just Mr. Free and I....so we got lazy.

No more!!!

No more I say!!!

Meet, Chore Chart 2.0

I'm so excited to get back into a routine and get our house back in order!

This really, truly works in our home.

If I don't have it written down...I don't do it.

For a break down of what cleaning each room looks like for us, you can read about that here!

Have any of you implemented a chore chart recently?

Does it work well in your home!

Please share!

Chore Chart

With the recent addition of our college student living with us, our busy schedules and my lack of cleaning discipline, the Free household introduced the Chore Chart nearly a month ago.

Here is what ours looks like:

So far, I'd give us a B+/ A -.

I would say as far as laundry goes, it has turn me into an A+ student.

Normally, I would let me laundry pile up until it was a weekend event.

Now, with having a scheduled day, I'm always on top of it!

We are doing pretty good overall.

It's nice knowing what needs to be done when.

For the last month or so I haven't had marathon clean ups because the house is relatively ready to go.

So this beauty hangs on our fridge as a daily reminder of what needs to be done to keep this well-oiled machine called the Free Household running smoothly.

I know for many of you this is second nature, no chart needed. But for us, it's pretty much a requirement.

Just my tidbit of the day ; )

When one door closes....

I was really hoping to teach Summer School this year.
Evidently, God has other plans for me.
This means I only have 2 weeks left of work.
Then 10 weeks off.
Ten.whole.weeks.

I think this will be great time to brush up on my homemaking skills and get our home in tip-top shape.
Here's some things on my list:

Purge and organize closets

Paint our doors white and door knobs oil-rubbed bronze.

Learn some new recipes with fresh food from our farm, garden and farmers market

Get my booty to the gym, to try to lose some of my booty. : )

Catch up on some reading. Here's what's on my list:
** Sacred Influence- Gary Thomas (just started this week!)
** Practical Theology for Women- Wendy Horgor Alsup
** From Clutter to Clarity- Nancy Twigg
** In Defense of Food- Michael Pollan
** Simpler Living, Compassionate Life- Michael Schut
** The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- John Piper

Maybe even launch an Etsy store.

Specializing in vintage finds and re-finished furniture. At an affordable price. I even have a cute name picked out for it already! It's something I've wanted to do for awhile, and now it looks like I'll have time to do it!

Anybody have some fun summer plans in the works already? It's almost here!

Time Management Tip

I am weirdly obessed with time management.

I'm not saying I'm always punctual...I just like scheduling things.

I'm a weirdy.

But you already knew that.

Here's how many people have something like this to keep track of family events:

This works great for many families, and Mr. Free and I tried this too when we were first married.
But here was my dilemna. When making plans and getting deadlines I often wasn't at home. So often I would forget to put it on the calendar on the fridge, and then when it was time for us to let's say, bring breakfast to Sunday School...we would forget.

So here's what I do.

I use my cell phone.

No, it's not a fancy iPhone. I wish. But it does the job.

Every cell phone should have a calendar feature.

So when someone asks you to bring breakfast for Sunday School, or you have a Family Birthday party you can plug it in on your cell!

Most people have their cell phones on them at all time, so it really is helpful!

I also do my meal planning on my cell phone, so when I look at each date I see what events are scheduled and what I'm making for dinner!

How 21st century is that?!

Does anybody else already do this or have another time management tip?

Becoming a Morning Person.

This is how I feel every.single.morning.

I have never been a morning person.

Ever since I was born I could easily and happily sleep 10 hours.

However, life doesn't quite give you 1o hours to sleep anymore.

I find myself staying up a bit too late, and then sleeping in until the lastpossiblesecond and then rushing around trying to not be late for work.

That's how I've rolled for the last 25 years.

Time to shake things up.

I *want* to be a morning person.

How am I going to do that?

I have no idea.

I try setting my alarm earlier, and I still snooze it.

I put my phone (aka my alarm) across the room.

I will get up, go change the alarm time, and go back to sleep.

I am bad.

Why do I want to be a morning person?

1) I think it will set the day up to be better...less stress

2) I think putting my bible study time first thing will really help my focus for the rest of the day.

3) I could eat breakfast! Like....actually, sit and eat a breakfast!

4) I could actually do my hair (instead of the usual not-enough-time bun) and maybe even throw on a necklace!

5) I could help start Mr. Free's day off well. I could do something productive first thing to help his day go a bit smoother.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

I am clinging to this....Lord help me be a productive, happy morning person!

So...are you a morning person? Are you a converted morning person? Are you anti-mornings like me?

If you have any tips or encouragement, please pass them along!

I need it!