How does she do it all?!?

There are some women that I look at and think: "How does she do it all?" There are so many moms (stay at home and working moms) that have crazy full schedules yet they manage to have dinner on the table every night and sit down as a family (one of THE most important things to do as a family in my opinion). So here are my top FOUR things that help keep moms sane all the while getting the job done:

1) Morning Routine: If I have time to sit down and do these three things, my day goes MUCH smoother...

• Quiet Time - THE single most important thing you are going to do all day. And, there is one crucial word in there that lends itself to the morning: QUIET! Spending time with the Lord in His word and praying keeps your focus where it needs to be!
• Work Out - I feel so much better when I can get atleast 10 minutes of a workout in. Did you hear that? 10 minutes. It's ok if you don't have an hour to do every single workout. A 10 minute walk/run is better than not doing anything at all!
• Day Planning - I take 5 minutes to do a couple of things: a) plan dinner b) look at my calendar c) make a list of 3 things that, if they are completed, would make me feel like I actually accomplished something (note: this isn't normally a daily chore like laundry, dishes, etc. It's normally sewing a button on the sweater that I haven't worn in 6 months because I can never find 3 minutes to sew a button!)

This format laregly comes http://www.inspiredtoaction.com/

2) Casseroles and Slow Cooker Recipes: These are what I live by! When I make a casserole, I almost always make two and freeze one. I buy a whole chicken when it's on sale, put it in a slower cooker and you've got shredded chicken for mexican, homemade chicken salad and great chicken stock you can freeze! Casserole Dishes and my Slow Cooker are two things I absolutely cannot live without in my kitchen!

(Another great tool is http://www.mealtimemakeover.com/ if you don't want to think about anything. It plans out dinner every night for you!)

3) Dinner with my family every night, no exception: This is one of those non-negotiables in my book. Dinner might be a sandwich at Daddy's softball game or quick Mexican before Daddy's school night. But, it's always together! Now, this is easy with a 3 year old and no soccer, ballet, etc. etc. But, I know families who make this happen because it's a priority. This keeps us close and helps us know what's going on in each other's life! It help keeps the important things important and divides the fluff stuff that tends to take you away from the important! (did that make sense?)

(Dinner Date with my sweet girl this week)

4) No Idle Hands: I am always doing SOMETHING! Call it time management, the in-ability to sit still or even A.D.D. But, it helps me get the little things done. If I'm sitting, waiting for a meeting to start, I'm normally doing something like organizing my Rolodex. If I'm in the car on my way to somewhere (which in real estate is like 30-40% of my day!), I'm listening to a book on tape, a real estate cd or calling a friend/family/client list that I made that morning! If I'm watching tv, I'm making a grocery list, picking up toys or doing something during the commercials. This is how I get all the SMALL STUFF completed and de-clutter my mind be checking something off of my 'all important' list.

Exhausted yet? I am! I completely crash at night after everyone goes to bed. But, I have used every day (or most, there's always that 'off' day that goes nothing like what you wanted!) to the fullest and normally go to bed feeling good about what I have 'accomplished' for the day. Now, on to tomorrow ...

Lord, give me rest!

Have you ever had times in your life when your schedule just decided to take a very sharp, very sudden turn?! Whether its because you're starting a new job, just had a baby, just retired, sickness or a death in the family, our bodies and minds (or at least mine) do not like a change in routine! So, when I suddenly started this whole real estate gig (which really doesn't have a schedule by the way) and decided to work 14, 15, 16 days in a row (not All day, every day but still), lets just say I was tired. Really, I was beyond tired. I was emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day! But, in real estate, if you're not working, you're not making income. So, I felt that need to continue until I at least get some income flowing back into our family. So how do you get rest when you physically don't have time to REST? I think everyone gets there at some point in their life where they simply do not have the option to quit (baby, helping elderly parents, etc.). This Sunday, as I was worshipping, I quietly stopped singing and said,

"Lord, I know this is only a season and a season to which YOU have called me. Lord, please give me rest. Quiet and organize my thoughts and give me renewed energy!"

Why oh why was I surprised when HE actually did answer my prayer. On Monday, it was like I had slept for 2 days! Now, I'm finally organized and able to accomplish so much more! How gracious is our God!?!

I will tell you more this week about my schedule and how I keep it all rolling at home and at work! Because the Lord continues to grant me mercy and grace to GET IT ALL DONE!

What did I learn: When I need something...ASK for it!

My mother in law recently sent me an email entitled: "Have you ever been this tired?" I couldn't help but include a few pics from it!!! This is closest depiction of how I was feeling!!!

So many updates...so little time!

It's been over 15 days since I last posted. I have got to do better!! Here are the updates that I know you've been anticipatingly waiting for {said with a small smirk}:

1} I think we sold the whole eating before Mommy and Daddy wake up, smear peanut butter on walls, eat cheese until I puke problem with our sweet 3 year old! Our attitude change made all the difference! We tried to be caring coaches rather than tough drill sergeants. Now, we still see times that the drill sergeant {sometimes necessarily so} comes out! But, for the most part the caring coach is a much better route for all involved.

2} Dum du du dum: THE DESK:

{before}

{ignore the royal mess in our garage aka my project room}

{after}

soft powder white bottom with a chocolate stained top

3} JOY! - That's right....I made the move to JOY Real Estate! I am enjoying it sooo much! I love helping people buy or sell a home! It's so much more rewarding than ever before! Here is my very first listing {outside of The Cliffs :)} ...

11 Midland Court, Taylors, SC 29687 for $229,000

*Update: This home sold in 14 days!! Yay!!!

Soo many blessings for which to be thankful!

What did I learn: Change is not always easy but it almost always brings growth!!