Something I’ve been trying to focus on lately is slowing down. It’s so easy for me to let my days swallow me as I go from one thing to the next. While I often can’t slow down with obligations like cleaning, laundry, cooking, and homeschooling… I can have an attitude that is slower and more present. I can look for ways to simplify my daily life.

Instead of pushing through to the next task, I can be in the task I’m doing at the moment and take time to think or give all of my attention to my kids! I am always chipping away at my schedule with things I must do versus things I don’t have to do and weighing that against what I value and prioritizing those things.

The truth is that we’re all human and many of us put pressure on ourselves to be and do things that don’t even align with us at our core. Taking time to reevaluate and realign is always helpful. How much can I handle? What do I like to do? What is non-negotiable? For me, I’ve learned that less is more. I don’t need to do 1,000 activities outside of the house. Do I like to bring the kids to events and activities? Yes! But I always have to strike a balance. Our days at home are so sweet.

I can simplify things like cooking by preparing a lot of food in one go so we can eat it throughout the week. Are there nights when I want to make a special dinner and I spend extra time preparing it? Yes! But not every night. I’d lose a lot of time for other tasks that need my attention.

I also forced myself to slow down recently by doing something just for fun… for me. It felt a little bit wrong and selfish but it was so good for me. I got my nails done!

I don’t want to be the mom that runs myself into the ground and doesn’t do things for herself. Why? Because it’s not good for me (or anyone) as a human and I don’t want my kids to think that’s normal or what adulthood and motherhood look like. Would I tell Sadie she has to be productive all the time, that she can’t do nice things for herself? Never! So I have to be that example. I have to live out the reality that we all need breaks and care so that we can give of ourselves without pouring from an empty cup.

Even when we’re busy and we can’t change our schedules or responsibilities, we can shift our mindset. I can unload the dishwasher while Mordecai shows me his train and I can look him in the eye and ooh and aah over it. The dishes will still get put away.

I can fold laundry and listen, really listen, to Sadie tell me about the video game she’s excited about. If I don’t listen to her now, with little things, what would make her think I’ll listen about big things when she’s older?

Giving my presence and attention can be exhausting, and that’s why I’m constantly making sure my schedule lines up with what’s right for our family. It’s something I am continually working on day-to-day, but it makes a huge difference when I take the time to do it!

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Okay, let’s talk about cake. I had a last minute cake order and was told to just be creative with chocolate so that’s what I did! I’ll admit that cakes aren’t my specialty. When I’m making and decorating a cake, I always think “I wish I went to pastry school,” but the more I practice them, the more confident I get. My comfort zone is definitely everything else (bread, cupcakes, chocolate dipped treats, etc.) haha. Who’s to say I won’t go back to school one day anyways 😉

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A few favorite things:

• We got our first dusting of snow last night and the kids were so excited ❄️
• Etsy is picking up for the holiday season!
• Sadie and I have been reading one story from this book each night and they’re so cute.
• Visiting with our neighbor daily. It feels so good to be close with people in our community.
• Our little family had our pre-Thanksgiving (before we go to my parents’ for the actual day) and it was such a sweet night.
• I’m working through Gospel Mom and the accompanying workbook and they’re great thus far 📖
• Slow mornings making breakfast with the kids 🤍
• Candles. They’re so cozy!

Okay, I have lots more to share, but I’ll do that in another post! I have a hematologist appointment today as a follow up for my last iron infusion (spoiler alert… I’m anemic again haha)… but we’re expected to get some snow today. I’m not sure how that will play out with me driving in the snow or if I should reschedule. We’ll see! 😆

I’ll leave you with a cute picture of the kids and Niva playing train with our couch cushions 🤎

What are a few favorite of yours lately?