priorities Archives - Home With The Boys

Reading, Writing, & Summer Bucket Lists!

May 14, 2013 By Erin 1 Comment

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I sat down to write and my mind was pretty much blank, mostly from being tired in all the good ways that involve playing and sunshine and long runs and family and much more!

But that also means at this very moment I don’t have a lot to say. I have a lot swirling around in my mind and I know it will come out at some point, but right now, I’m good with letting it process while I get attacked by light-sabers and toddler slobber!

Don’t worry – I’m not sitting in front of a computer frustrated! I’ve been keeping plenty busy, especially with these two things:

1. Summer Bucket Lists

The Hubby challenged each of us – minus Double J, obviously – to make up “summer bucket lists” with all the fun things we want to do this summer. The boys made lists of 50+ items each {including building a Lego city with all of their Lego sets as seen above}! The Hubby and I have 100+ on each of our lists. They involve travel and games and food and dates and all sorts of other things! A lot of fun ideas for the boys’ lists came from KidVentures and Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids. Mine also includes some projects I want to do around the house and a whole lot of this…

2. Reading

I pretty much just want to sit on the deck and read all day long. I have SO many good books waiting to be read on my Kindle! This past weekend I finished 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life {which is only $2.99 for Kindle!}. It’s about the importance of a Sabbath and I found it very refreshing and inspiring! I’m over halfway done with Start by Jon Acuff, the first book I’ve read by him. I now must read everything else he has ever written because he is freaking hilarious AND motivating. I have a bajillion other books I want to read this summer as well, so I’m sneaking in reading time whenever I can! I’ll keep you updated as I check them off my list!

One other thing has kept me a little distracted from writing this week and that would be the little old half-marathon I’m running this weekend. No big deal. But since we’re talking about it, would you please say a few prayers for me and all others running, for the weather to cooperate {storms in the forecast}, and for the fundraising I’m doing for Team Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child?!

Team Samaritan's Purse OCC

We only have a few days left and we still need over $300 to reach our goal! I would so appreciate if you can donate any amount and any help you provide in spreading word about our fundraiser!

There you go! A little update on life here at Home with the Boys!

What’s happening in your neck of the woods? What things are keeping you the busiest these days?

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Filed Under: family, priorities, reading, summer, Uncategorized

Realistic Refreshment

April 15, 2013 By Erin 1 Comment

I just adore that two lovely blog friends have been focusing on refreshment lately. Jessi and Hayley are doing such a wonderful job encouraging us as women to step back and fill up our own tanks before we burnout. Last week they focused on refreshing yourself with some new fun and easy hair, makeup, and wardrobe tips, as well as sharing some things they find refreshing in their own lives.

I’ve latched on quite tightly to one of their “movements” the last few weekends and it has been my biggest source of realistic refreshment: analog weekends.

From Friday evening to Sunday evening, I stay off of social media. I focus on home and family and reading and writing and interacting right here, right now.

This was my third weekend of social media blackout. I can’t even tell you how freeing it has been. I say “yes” a lot more to my family. When there’s some downtime and I’m tempted to reach for my phone and check Facebook, I grab a book instead. More projects are getting done.

My head is clearer and my thoughts are more my own. It’s funny how clearing the social media voices out of the mind can do that!

I didn’t go to a spa. I didn’t go away for the weekend. I didn’t take a bath or get a massage. I was with my family all weekend {except for my running & working out time}, but I still feel refreshed and ready to take on this next week. Between managing homeschool and little ones and a doctor’s schedule and managing a few websites and… {I’ll just stop there} weekends like these are what I call realistic refreshment.

And this is what realistic refreshment looked like this weekend…

French Dip

French dip for Friday supper, leftovers all weekend.

JJ Bread Lover

Our little bread lover!

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread. Enough said.

WWII Puzzle

1000 piece puzzle picked out by Big J at Costco Friday. Started Saturday. This much done by Sunday night, mostly by The Hubby, some by me, a little by Big J.

I want to issue a challenge to you this week. First of all, read the Refresh posts from Hayley and Jessi. Pick one of their refresh ideas and run with it this week – try a new hairstyle, change up your make-up, put together a new outfit from clothes in your closet. And then take the week to think about this…

What is ONE way you could find refreshment this upcoming weekend?

The challenge part is that the ONE thing cannot involve leaving your house, hiring a babysitter, or spending any money. How is that for realistic? Pick something now and then make plans this week to make sure it actually happens!

I can’t wait to hear your answers! Let’s inspire one another!

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Filed Under: family, inspiration, joy, priorities, reading

Too Busy Living Life To Write About Life!

January 22, 2013 By Erin 5 Comments

Well, hello again!

Yes, I am alive! Yes, we are doing well! I just took a little unscheduled break here as life at home picked up and some exciting things were happening in other areas of this online space!

First, for the “real life” stuff…

The Hubby spent four days working noon to midnight shifts in the ER. Yikes. I. MISSED. HIM. But two days off were the reward at the end of that not-so-fun streak!

We’re glad to have him home and he’s glad to be around when we’re all awake!

Big J was invited to test for his next Taekwondo belt! He started Taekwondo in November and has really enjoyed it. I love the mix of fun and discipline these taekwondo lessons have been for him! The test was a combination of physical skills and memorization of the Taekwondo oath and tenets. He did SO well at his test, but we won’t find out the results for another week or so! We are proud of him either way!

Double J started clapping this week, so all day long I just want to play pat-a-cake and find new ways to make him clap because it is TOO CUTE. And Little J has us in stitches with his funny voices, dramatic reading of books, and all-around craziness. The older boys also started AWANA at our new church and are already loving it!

I was able to witness a miracle as dear friends who were on the brink of divorce renewed their vows over the weekend. There were some major tears as we watched God redeem what seemed beyond hope. Nothing is beyond hope with God. I was blessed and honored to be there. Praise the Lord that He still works in mysterious and wonderful ways!

My local Bible study started up again last week, and this time around we’re reading Desperate! We hadn’t met since November and I missed those girls! I’m really looking forward to our regular meetings again, especially talking about coming alongside each other in our motherhood journeys! I also has a blast at our church’s ladies’ craft night! Everybody just ate and chatted and worked on their own creative projects – loved it!

And then there is this blog-o-sphere…

Today, I’m posting over at the Tommy Nelson blog with a fun way to get those younger kids actively involved in Bible stories! After being stuck inside on below-zero wind chill days, this activity has helped us get some crazies out more than a few times! And it involves animals, which the boys loved! Head over there to check it out!

But the majority of my computer time has been spent working on behind-the-scenes details for the new site, Raising Hearty Boys! As most of you know, I’m the co-founder of The MOB Society {for mothers of boys}, and we’re in the middle of some major expansion right now! In January we added Boy Dads: In the Trenches of Fatherhood to our network, which is now Raising Boys Media! Raising Hearty Boys is set to launch next as a place for parents to find all things food and fitness related for boys! I have always loved to cook and bake, and exercise has become such an important part of our family life, so I am thrilled to be serving as editor for this new site! I’ll post more details as the launch date approaches!

And last, but not least, I’ve been working on my God-sized dream. If you’ll remember, part of my dream is to do what God is calling me to do while keeping Him and my family prioritized. As I sit down to write this post, I realize just how many times in the past week I’ve chosen time with Him and time with the boys before getting online or sitting down to write. It feels good. It feels right. And I have a lot more inspiration to draw from when the time to write comes! What a blessing!

That’s a full plate right there, but life is good! What’s been on your plate lately? How can I pray for you?

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Filed Under: family, God-sized Dreams, joy, kiddos, priorities, random, the hubby

Putting My God-Sized Dream Into Perspective

January 8, 2013 By Erin 19 Comments

I joined Holley’s God-Sized Dreams Team with lots of zeal and enthusiasm, hoping to be encouraged and challenged to pursue the great things God has been swirling about in my mind.

But when I put my dream down on paper and then read the dreams of the other ladies on the team, mine didn’t seem so God-sized anymore. It seemed even less than human-sized. It just seemed…well, not like a dream at all.

My dream does not involve writing a book or launching a ministry or starting a program. This is my God-sized dream…

My God-sized dream is to encourage families to grow closer to God and closer together through my writing while keeping my relationship with God and my own family as my first priorities.

I know this is exactly what God has put in my heart, but it just didn’t sound very grand. Until…

I remembered some wise words from my dear friend Teri Lynne. A while back, after discussing upcoming plans for writing and ministry, I had one question for Teri Lynne – “How do you manage it all – writing and ministry and everything – while taking care of your family?” And her answer was simple enough: “I don’t have a little one anymore.”

Looking back on that conversation was exactly the perspective I needed as I pondered my God-sized dream. Teri Lynne is a wonderful writer and encourager of women, but she shared that much of her ministry developed as her daughter grew older.

I have a ten-month-old baby. I homeschool two boys. My husband’s schedule is always changing. For this dream {that quite frankly started to feel un-dreamlike to me} to come to fruition in this season will DEFINITELY be a God thing.

I’m taking little steps toward my dream {with the help of Holley’s “Do What You Can” Plan ebook} and finding that what seems tiny now will grow and blossom as I am obedient and faithful with my place in life RIGHT. NOW.

Maybe God has placed a dream in your heart that feels “small” compared to the dreams He has given others. Can I encourage you today to look at your age and stage of life and realize that YOUR dream is God-sized in YOUR life? {And even take another step and share your dream here or in your own blog post?}

God-sized Dream = A desire in your heart for more of what God has for you. ~Holley Gerth

Praying you let God speak a Him-sized dream into your heart today!

Linking up with Holley and more God-sized dreamers this and every Tuesday!

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: family, God-sized Dreams, priorities

End Your Day Like The Robertsons

November 15, 2012 By Erin 6 Comments

I have two words for you today:

Duck. Dynasty.

Please tell me you’ve watched it. If you haven’t, just head over to the A&E website right now and watch an episode. Or two. Or five. I bet you can’t stop at just one.

The show follows the Robertsons, a Louisiana family who struck it rich making duck calls. When I met Korie, wife of the CEO of Duck Commander and a main “character” on Duck Dynasty, at dotMOM in September, I had never watched a single episode. I hardly knew what it was about.

After several lovely conversations with Korie and her mom, Chrys, I decided to give the show a try. Then I showed it to The Hubby. I could hear him laughing from two floors away.

We’re hooked.

It’s quotes like this that have us in stitches…

“Frog catchin’ is the most fun a human being can have on this earth.” ~Jase

“Parenting is a constant struggle between making your kids’ lives better and ruining your own.” ~Willie

“I am the MacGyver of cooking. If you bring me a piece of bread, cabbage, coconut, mustard greens, pigs feet, pine cones…and a woodpecker, I’ll make you a good chicken pot pie.” ~Uncle Si

“Squirrel brains make you smart.” ~Miss Kay

Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Anyway, the show is super funny, but that is not the point of this post.

The Robertsons are big on faith and family. Every episode ends with the family gathered around the dinner table. Phil leads the family in a prayer, and then Willie sums up the episode with a lesson learned.

I’m thinking it would do every family some good to end each day like the Robertsons.

1. Gather for a meal. Breaking bread binds us together. That’s why Jesus did it so often with his disciples. It’s not a coincidence that many of my favorite memories of family get togethers include us sharing a meal. Willie {Duck Commander CEO} talks more in the book The Duck Commander Family about just how important family dinner was to shaping who is he and what he values.

2. Say a prayer of thanks. Prayer and gratitude are two of the most powerful forces out there. And neither one is focused on ourselves. They are focused on our Creator and Provider. Speaking words of gratitude help dispel the negativity of the day and bring right perspective.

3. Reflect on the lessons learned from the day, both good and bad. Looking back over the day and distinguishing the good from the bad helps us move forward. If we just plod from day to day, never taking time to assess what worked and what didn’t, we will make the same mistakes over and over again. And sharing our “lessons learned” with the family brings accountability into the picture. You know how strongly I feel about that!

Around here, dinner can be a somewhat stressful time with two slow, highly-distractable, picky eaters and a super-active baby {just being real!}, but the Robertsons have inspired us to use dinner time to connect and reflect. I am working on taking a deep breath as we sit down, giving sincere thanks to God for His provision and love, and sharing the highs and lows of our day together.

Those Robertsons have the right idea.

*****

What does family dinner time look like at your house? What do you WANT it to look like?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: faith, family, gratitude, inspiration, priorities

All Around Fitness

September 24, 2012 By Erin 10 Comments

Physical fitness has become a high priority in our home this year and the way we spend our time reflects this priority. It is a discipline and comes with some sacrifice, but also great rewards {like hitting my goal weight today!}.

That’s right. I’m feeling pretty strong today.

I want this kind of “fitness” in other areas of my life as well.

The two areas of I’m thinking of specifically are mental and spiritual, which I guess covers most of the rest of my life, huh?!

In the physical arena of my life, I carve out 45 minutes to an hour everyday to sweat it out so that my body is healthy and strong. I train for races to give myself goals and motivation. I stay accountable with my husband and my best friend, as well as checking in with the Living and Active Challenge.

The way I plan, and stick to this plan, shows my commitment to physical fitness.

Now it is time to do the same for my mental and spiritual well-being.

Mental: My goals in this area mainly have to do with reading to keep my mind active and sharp. The list of books I want to read is a mile long, so I really need to make a plan and commit to chip away at that list. I will be making a list of the books on my to-read list to post on here and then cross them out as I go for some accountability! The books on my list include a little of everything: fiction, non-fiction, parenting, Christianity, marriage, writing, and more!

Spiritual: The Hello Mornings Challenge and the She Reads Truth reading plans have really helped me stay consistent with my time in the Word, but I want to dive in deeper. God has laid some specific chapters and verses smack dab in front of me several times and I’m taking that as a sign that I need to study them more closely, take notes, and even take action on some of them! I’ll share more about these as I go!

I am also planning more intentional time with the people in my life who feed my mental and spiritual growth. I had some of that this weekend at dotMOM and I came away feeling like a new woman all around! God knows what and who we need, right when we need it!

With all of that said, here is my plan for the week:

Physical

Monday: run 4 miles
Tuesday: elliptical, rowing machine
Wednesday: run 3-4 miles {depending how my knee feels}
Thursday: kettlebell workout
Friday: exercise bike or run at my parents’ house
Saturday: exercise bike or run at my parents’ house
Sunday: elliptical, weights

Mental:

Read/finish The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
Read/finish Every Writer Needs a Tribe: A Practical Guide to Finding (and Writing For) Your Audience
Pick up The Greatest Generation from my mom

Spiritual:

Continue She Reads Truth plan
Take notes on what I read every morning
Start implementing prayer strategies from The Circle Maker

In which area do you find it easiest to make a commitment? What specific goals have you, or will you, set for this week for your all around fitness?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: faith, healthy living, living and active, priorities

Processing “7″

August 28, 2012 By Erin 2 Comments

I’m reading the book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker right now.

I laugh out loud reading it in the middle of the night feeding Double J. Seriously – that Jen is one funny gal.

But this book is messing with me as well. If the book wasn’t so funny, I would be locked in my room, in a puddle of tears, unable to move because it has made me confront a lot of uncomfortable things.

Poverty.

Our life of excess here in America.

My own selfishness and self-centeredness.

Blech. Blech. Blech.

I want things to change. I want to be part of the change. I want to live my life differently than the “world.”

The trouble is I just don’t even know where to begin.

Remember that post I wrote about being in mom survival mode? I’m there. Just figuring out how to get through a day homeschooling two boys and taking care of a baby. Trying to not let the laundry pile get too high {which I’ve failed at miserably this week}. Attempting to have even an ounce of energy or time left for The Hubby at the end of the day {another big failure lately}.

I’m so stuck in this mindset of making it through the day, I can’t even move towards helping the marginalized in our society. I feel paralyzed.

Despite my lack of action, I AM thinking and praying. The poor, the orphans, the widows…they are on my mind and my heart. And they are making their way into many conversations between the boys and I.

A story about children without beds in Kenya comes on the radio and Big J wants to know, “Do they REALLY not have beds?” I take the time to talk with him about these children – about their living conditions, how he feels about what he is hearing, how he would like to help them. We get so deep in conversation, I miss my turn to the Bible study we’re headed to and I’m ten minutes late.

Totally worth it.

Tropical Storm Isaac heads toward Haiti. I hear that 400,000 people are still living in tents after the earthquake that hit TWO years ago. We get out a globe and find Haiti. We pray that the storm will miss them. Big J decides those 400,000 people should move into the new houses being built across the street from us. I hold back tears, moved by his desire to help.

And I know – this is what I can do now. I can do my part by raising children who are aware that life is not the same for everyone around the world. I can nurture those desires they have to serve and give to others. And we can help others side-by-side in the name of Jesus.

There ARE things Jesus wants me to do – things I need to eliminate or re-prioritize in my life and things to change about how we live – but those things aren’t completely clear to me as I write this. He is stirring me. I will continue to pray and seek His will and let Him know…

I am willing. Lord, use me according to Your purpose.

****

One other thing I can do is share my heart here with you. September is Blog Month with Compassion. I’ll be sharing more with you about Compassion each week as will many other bloggers, all with one goal:

To see 3,108 children sponsored between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30.

If even one child is sponsored because of something I posted here, I will be humbled to have been used by God to help that one precious child.

And you can join Blog Month as well – just join the Compassion Blogger Network by clicking on the widget over there on the left! If you have a blog, you have an opportunity to make a difference by using your platform to save children from poverty!

*****

If you want to read and process 7 with a lovely bunch of women, the (in)courage Bloom Book Club is reading through it RIGHT NOW! Get all the details on the Bloom page and start reading – you will not regret it!

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Filed Under: compassion, faith, family, make a difference, motherhood, priorities, service

One Thing: Dedication & Commercial Inspiration

August 9, 2012 By Erin 12 Comments

Take a day off? I don’t even take a morning off.
I haven’t ordered dessert in two years.
You know that best selling book everyone loves? I haven’t read it.
I haven’t watched TV since last summer. Hey, I’ve been busy.

These are the words from a Citibank commercial we’ve seen about seventy billion times since the Olympics started. While some of the commercials are driving me absolutely crazy at this point, this particular one has done the exact opposite.

Every time I’ve heard it, the words have sunk a little deeper into my mind, until today when I realized…

This dedication they are talking about is not just for Olympic athletes. It’s for me. And it’s for you, as well.

I’m not trying to win a gold medal, but I am trying to raise children for the Lord and serve my husband and family the best I can. These things have much more value than a gold medal, which means my level of dedication should be just as high or higher.

In some ways, it is a hard comparison to make. A swimmer focuses on swimming. A runner focuses on running.

As wives and moms and friends and followers of Jesus, we have many areas that require dedication from us. I am known for getting all gung-ho about bettering several areas of my life at once and ending up falling flat on my face in all of them.

Taking my cue from the Olympic commercial, I am going to pick ONE thing to dedicate myself to this month. ONE thing that will improve my life and the life of my family. If I succeed at this ONE thing for the rest of the month, I will be happy. And I will not add another major goal to my plate until this ONE thing has become a more natural part of my life.

Now, I know the athletes are doing more than just the ONE thing they mentioned in the commercial in order to accomplish their goals, but it still seems symbolic to me. Maybe they were mentioning the ONE thing that was the hardest for them to do. Maybe they mentioned the ONE thing that made the biggest difference in their focus during training.

Those thoughts really helped me when choosing my ONE thing for this month and maybe it will help you as well.

My ONE thing for the month is getting up before my children.

I used to do this so well, then I got pregnant and had a baby. Those things tend to affect one’s sleep schedule, but I’m ready to snap out of it.

I’m not putting any other limitations on this goal. Yes, I want to fill that time with the Word and exercise and planning my day, but for now the ONE thing is getting up before the kiddos.

And to set myself up for success, I am calling on some new friends to hold me accountable. Hello Mornings has always been one of my favorite groups on the internet and I’m so thrilled to be signed up for a group this fall again! If you are interested in joining a group of women who are getting up early to make the most of their days or just want to read more about the Hello Mornings challenge, head on over to the website for all the info you need. Seriously, the ladies behind it all AND the ladies that participate are SO inspiring and encouraging!

Now it’s your turn – what will your ONE thing be for the rest of the month?

23 days left in the month to form a GREAT habit – what will you dedicate yourself to for those 23 days?

Share it here in the comments so we can pray for and encourage one another!

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Filed Under: family, inspiration, priorities

In Need of Pouring In

July 19, 2012 By Erin 4 Comments

I’m a leader by nature. My personality lends itself to interacting, connecting, and taking charge. I have held a leadership position in almost every group or organization of which I’ve been a part. That’s always been the way I liked it as well.

But I am tapped out. Running dry. In need of being poured into.

This season of life requires much from me physically, mentally, and emotionally at home. We are in a new place. We have three young children {and boys at that!}, including a nursing baby. The Hubby just began residency, which is demanding of his time and energy.

I have no complaints – I am merely stating the facts of life here and now. I am more than happy to give my all to my family. It is a joy to be the one to provide comfort and stability and a haven to my husband and boys. These are ALL blessings in my life.

But, I also need a way to fill up and refresh so I don’t burnout or wander down the path of self-pity, grumpiness, or worse.

Instead of letting this season wear me down, I am actively seeking ways to be filled up.

This is what I’ve come up with so far…

The Word
In any form I can get it. Quiet time when the baby gets up in the wee hours of the morning. Devotions with the boys. Seeds Family Worship playing as I wash the dishes. God’s Truth fills me up like nothing else.

Bible study
I signed up for a Bible study for doctors’ wives and we’ll actually be doing a Bible study about being a doctor’s wife! I am so thankful to have connected with this opportunity at the beginning of our residency journey! I’m really looking forward to getting together with other like-minded, like-situation women!

Reading
I am stealing away more moments to read books that will encourage and challenge me. Some about my faith, some about motherhood, some about marriage, some about homeschool. I need more time in the day for this!

Seeking mentorship
Did you know it is ok to ask for help? I’ve never been a shy one, so I am the woman who sees another woman who has similar priorities, interests, giftings with a little more life experience and asks for her to share her wisdom. I did this nine years ago and now call that woman one of my best friends. Now I am looking for a different kind of mentorship and I know God will provide it at just the right time!

Working on leadership at home
The Hubby is the head of our household, but I am our family & home manager and homeschool teacher for our boys, and that requires plenty of leadership from me. I do not need to take on any other roles outside of my home to fulfill my “need to lead.” I just need to grow in the leadership roles I already have! While I cannot guarantee God won’t ask me to step into leadership somewhere at some point, I know these next three months {at least} are my time to BE LED and not pursue any additional leadership positions.

I’m trying to take a cue from Little J in the picture above and have some time of “lying in green pastures” while God refreshes my soul!

What steps do you take to fill up when you are running dry?

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Filed Under: faith, family, homemaking, motherhood, parenting, priorities, resident life

Seize the Day {Why It’s My Fault the Kids are Driving Me Crazy}

June 28, 2012 By Erin 15 Comments

We’ve had a lot of fun as a family since the move and while The Hubby is home before residency starts. Numerous zoo trips, sprayground visits, a fabulous family vacation, and lots of backyard fun – lots of great memories have been made!

We’ve also had our fair share of minor battles involving the children and behavior during this time.

I wrote most of these challenges off as a result of lots of change happening in our lives, but in reality, a lot of the blame is on my shoulders. And I didn’t even do anything.

Which is exactly the problem.

The move happened. Summer came. We all decided to relax. Maybe a little too much. And, as I’ve mentioned before, these boys flounder without structure.

Instead of remembering this truth and figuring out a way to change things and make this time good for everyone, I just let myself get more frustrated with their behavior. And their behavior went downhill.

Whining, arguing, disobedience, disrespect…

My blood pressure has always been on the low side, but I’m pretty sure that would not have been the case these last few weeks had I been checked.

About a week ago, I realized the whole connection between lack of structure and poor behavior – and I still didn’t do anything about it. NO excuses – I was just being lazy. {True confessions for you right now.}

Now, with The Hubby going back to work this Sunday, I’m kicking my behind in gear and doing what my boys need to be successful. What I should have been doing all along.

I’m seizing the day.

I’m taking control of the day before it get the best of me and the kiddos. I’m taking this role of family manager by the horns and showing it who’s the boss! {Just giving myself a pep talk!}

What does seizing the day look like for me?

*Getting out of bed before the kids whenever possible, even if the baby was up several times in the night. If I can be up even fifteen minutes before they do, I feel like I have a bit of a head start! And spending that time with God makes it even better. Time with Him in the morning is the ULTIMATE way to seize the day!

*Planning my day. Even a rough outline of the day can help me stay on track. I get off track VERY easily! Where do we need to go? When does everyone need to eat and nap?

*Planning activities for the boys. This is where I’ve stumbled the most. And it really isn’t that hard. I mean, come on, I have a whole Pinterest board of things “For the Boys!” I should be able to plan activities for them every day until they graduate! I just need to FOLLOW THROUGH. {Ugh. Still working on that.}

*Taking charge as soon as behavior starts to go downhill – or catching the warning signs before it starts! The boys need some time apart from each other as much as they need structure and I can usually tell when they’ve had “too much” of each other! I need to find creative ways to separate them that don’t feel like punishment BEFORE the whining and fighting starts!

*And lastly, having fun WITH my children! Our boys desperately want our attention ALL THE TIME, so why am I not giving it to them more?! Yes, there are lots of things that must be done around the house, but I know my time with them is more valuable than my time with the vacuum and laundry!

And for a little extra help, I just need to watch this video every morning…