If you read the posts on Monday from Jessi, Casey, and I, it may appear that we have it all together (and are mostly crazy). The first is false and the latter is likely true. ;)
It was super important for me to be able to come back and tell you some of the “takeaways” from sharing a routine day.
1. Every day is different. I don’t shoot for balance in a 24 hour period. Some days are wild and some are sweet. The one thing that is consistent? They are never the same. We simply aren’t in a season of super scheduled routine.
2. Heap grace upon grace on others. See others as more valuable that yourself, assume the best in others, and definitely assume you don’t know the whole story. It’s hard to forge real relationships with people online, and it takes time to draw someone out.
3. Know your rhythm. I know that, in my marriage, my husband loves a lot of time spent together. That means that I can’t be tip-tapping on my keyboard after the kids go to bed. Too many nights like that and we’re at odds without really even knowing why.
4. There are seasons. If this one stinks, it won’t be long before a new season blows in. If this one is lovely, don’t mourn for too long when it’s through–you might miss the beauty in the next season.
5. Independent kids are a good thing. Empowering my kids to get dressed on their own, pour their own cereal, etc. makes my life doable. I have always rejoiced in the small things the boys learn to do themselves (buckling themselves in their carseat!, tying their shoes!, taking their plates to the sink!). Give them plenty of room and time to try, and give them loads of grace and encouragement when they fail. Encourage them to try it again the very next time. Remind them that they are learning, and it’s part of the process to make mistakes.
6. Have a few “static” pieces to your week. I am not a routine person in the slightest little bit. But, I like to have a few guideposts in my week that create a rhythm. Grocery shop Monday morning, Network meetings Thursday night, Small Group Friday night…these things give me a place to hang my hat in anticipation when a week gets hairy.
7. Learn to work with your nature. Sure, you can change a lot about yourself. BUT, a lot of that stuff is good…you just have to learn to leverage your personality. Don’t like routine? Don’t try to shove your self into a schedule. Don’t love the chaos of a lot of noise? Don’t spend the last hour before your husband gets home at the YMCA. Learn what works for you and what doesn’t. Do more of what does work rather than try so hard to change what doesn’t.
And that leads me to #8.
8. Know your limits. For those that don’t know, Mr. #4 is trying to make an early appearance. I went into preterm labor last Wednesday at 33 weeks with contractions every 2 minutes. Luckily, in Labor and Delivery, they were able to majorly slow the contractions and my water never broke. So, since then I’ve been on “best you can manage with 3 boys bedrest”. I’ve hit my limit. My body is telling me to sloooooow down and finish my job of cooking Little Guy well. I have to remain on meds and bedrest until the day before Christmas…and then I want to enjoy Christmas and await our last little guy. To do that, I need to take a breather from Tiny Twig for a bit. I may post intermittently, but there will be no super planned series or huge posts until at least Mid January. This is my last time having a new baby (unless God has other crazy plans) and I want to do it right.
So, I’m instituting a blog semi-hiatus, will not be around Twitter a whole lot, and email will have an auto-responder. I’ll be on Instagram in case you want to catch up with me there. Of course, I’ll update when Mr. New Man arrives…but other than that I’m not promising anything. I need to rest in the quiet of Advent for a bit. Calm and peace are the balm I need.
Giveaways:
Don’t forget to enter the Merriest Christmas giveaway, ending this evening!
Also, because we’re talking about our days and the New Year is coming up–I spoke with Whitney English from The Day Designer and she’s giving away one of her beautiful planners. Y’all. This planner is amazing! If you don’t win this one, I would highly recommend buying one!
16 Comments on "tips from my days + giveaway"
Hayley — so excited for you, your family and the new baby! Praying for much rest and peace and and grace as you wait, and for a wonderful Christmas season! I’ll miss you here on Tiny Twig, but eagerly anticipate your return! :) Much love, friend.
I’m so thankful you, Jessi, and Casey are sharing these insights into managing busy lives. I’m a mom of one, small blogger, and trying to get a handmade business off the ground and I already struggle trying to piece it all together. Thank you for being so open and helpful!
Enjoy a sweet season of rest and family these next few weeks! Many prayers will be heading your way.
Love reading your tips. Enjoy the time slowing down a bit. That planner looks gorgeous!!
Love this little insight into your schedules (as well as Casey & Jessi’s) – my favorite part was about seasons. I’m in a keep-my-nose-to-the-grind season right now, but I always adore a New Year, because I feel like it’s a rest-rejuvenate-and-plan season (although I tend to get a little bored). Thanks for sharing! Also, that planner is on my Christmas wish list from my hubby…I sure do hope it’s under the tree! Merry Christmas!
I’ve tried to be intentional about slowing down, too, this year and it’s mostly worked!
I’ll be praying for the Morgans during these next few weeks as your last of a family of five! So excited for you, Hayley!
Hayley – I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy and birth of your sweet baby #4! I’ve been following along since I am due around the same time as you (Jan. 23 here). Enjoy your family and slowing things down. Best thing ever, and you’ll never regret it.
I’m glad that you are taking sweet time with your family – even though it was kind of forced upon you :) Blessings to you as you enjoy this little boy entering the world, and the Christmas season with your family!
Thanks for sharing this. I love little pieces of insight into other people’s lives. It encourages me to use every moment wisely.
Other than its outward beauty, what makes this planner stand out from an average Joe planner?
Enjoy your time with family!
I do think we need to live our lives well and enjoy and be enjoyed by God and others!! Thank you for a great blog!! It inspires me!
Just tuning in for the first time today. :) I wish you well with the arrival of Mr. #4 – I had our 3rd little guy mid year, and my blogging has definitely slowed down. He will be our last too, so I understand what you mean about putting your time and effort into him.
The planner looks interesting, I’m not on FB or twitter yet, so I might have to browse her shop… :)
Looking forward to your special announcement post Christmas.
Blessings, Sheree
So appreciated the wisdom in this post- will be praying for you!!
The planner is amazing. God bless as you get ready to welcome the new little one!
These reminders are great. Thanks for the insight. As we begin to plan and prepare for trying to get pregnant—and thinking about how a baby would change our finances and schedules–thank you for posting.
you three ladies are so inspirational. i love how honest each of you are and the encouragement you offer your friends and readers. thank you.
i love this planner… i might have to take you up on purchasing one!! gorgeous and would be oh so nice to get organized!!
I love this post! It’s so refreshing as a single woman to see moms who are open about saying: this is how we do it, but this is not how everyone should do it, and grace for those different methods and the mistakes made in each one. I hope you are able to relax this Advent and focus on loving your family well – especially that littlest member! I’m praying for you and your family. Merry Christmas, Hayley!
I think a break is a great idea! And I LOVE that planner — I would love to win.