| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 05:16:04 AM
I have never put things up in the freezer or canned until this year. I did'nt have a clothes line until this week.I've not had a garden myself until last year. All the animals to take care of which i only feed my chicks but still have to make sure the boys get theirs done. I have always tried to keep the house fairly straight and clean. Each day I get up thinking I need to get this done and this and oh yes that, but at the end of the day I've not gotten half of what I wanted to do done. I have gotten alot done just not everything and I was making time to read at least 30min each day but here latley I dont seem to find time to sit down even 15min. When I get in bed Im so tuckered out I cant move. So please tell me how you girl get everything done. Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 http://farmgirlingastyle.blogspot.com/ |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 12:12:53 PM
I'm with Mumof3 and Miss Wilma, I try to prioritize and do what absolutely has to get done every day, but let the rest go. If it gets done, great, if it doesn't, tomorrow is another day.
I work outside the home and I am lucky enough to be able to have two ladies come in for an hour every two weeks and do vacuuming, kitchen and bathroom floors, dusting, toilets, shower stalls, and so forth, so I know it will not become a health department issue!
My kids are grown and it was a lot harder when they were home, I was a single mom then, and didn't have any help. But my philosophy was the same -after work, put the kids health, education, and safety first, then "me" time. If I didn't take care of myself I wouldn't be able to take care of them properly.
Being able to sit down at the end of the day and enjoy a family dinner with good conversation, and maybe a glass of wine and relax is far more important to me, than having everything in its place and spit-shined.
And it is TRUE, TRUE, TRUE, if you lessen your possessions you will lessen the maintenance work you have to do. (This is a lesson that is easy to understand but hard to live by!)
I am looking at all the tomatoes and pickles I put up last year and thinking, hoo, boy! I sure worked a lot harder than I needed to! I have a tendency to want to hoard things, I guess. Probably still haven't learned my lesson because I put out over 100 tomato plants this year. My husband says I only need four plants - One roma, one big boy, one early girl, and one cherry tomato.
(He's wrong, of course!) Maybe the middle way would be better, though, and less work all around!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| therealshari |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 11:01:11 AM
Around here, we all wake up each morning trying to remember what day it is. If it's Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, Bev, Cindy and maybe Mom are going to town to work. They'll be gone about 6 hours, so I am in charge of the "morning chores", which always get done.
Chores include feeding all the animals (horses, sheep, chickens), watering the greenhouse, and letting the dogs in and out umpteen times.
We share the evening chores (same as above).
As for meals, we generally eat dinner together and sometimes Mom let's us cook. At 78 she still considers the kitchen her domain, and we wait for an invitation to help.
On the "days off" we set our priorities. Sometimes we have major projects, like last week... build the round pens. Sometimes we have no priorities, and just fall into projects, as there's always something to be done on our little homestead.
As for housework, we each do our own laundry ('cept Mom, who adds hers to whoever is doing laundry next). Mom also manages to organize a "party" every once in a while, so we'll get around to cleaning house, as in vacuum, dust, clean the bathrooms real good, etc.
We're pretty spoiled as we have a dishwasher that is loaded daily and run every other day or so (when it gets full or we run out of cups or silverware).
Rule #1 around here is work with the flow, not against the flow. If we have to work outside, we do so until we get too hot, or too cold, depending upon the season. Too wet isn't a problem on the desert.
Shari Thomas
Got lambs? Got fleece? We do, and you can too! Check our our new "Fleece For Sale" page. |
| goneriding |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 08:33:40 AM
I don't worry about much of anything anymore.
I make lists of my lists and cross things off. If it all gets crossed off, so be it, if not...that's the way it goes.
I try to do the important stuff first and early in the day as I'm a morning person and just flag in the early afternoon.
It's funny, I can't seem to keep a clean, neat house but my barn has always been clean and workmanlike. You could eat off of the floor!! But you can't say that about my house...hehehe...
I try not to sweat the small stuff anymore...easier said than done...
Winona :-)
When you lose, don't lose the lesson!!
http://goneriding.wordpress.com/
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| Suzan |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 08:12:30 AM
Leah, You are so right. Just remember that your kids are going to be grown before you know it so enjoy them while you can. My boys are now 39(YIKES) and 36, I still want them to be 7 and 4! It went way to fast! My mom used to tell me not to worry about the toys, they were "clean" dirt! When I went to work outside the home I just decided I couldn't be a perfectionist anymore, if someone else did it but not my way at least it was done! And if it didn't get done today it would tomorrow! Just remember you only get one shot at life, make it be what you want it to be! |
| sdleah |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 06:59:14 AM
I read not long ago that the most frustrating thing about being a mom is the fact that you never complete anything. That is so true for me...if I DO finally get the dishes all done and the kitchen sparkling, the boys are wanting a snack or it's time for the next meal and--well, here we go again! I can never say that my laundry is done--it's always in progress. My house is a rotating mess. Clean one room while the boys destroy the next one. I try to remember that this is a stage in my life that won't last forever and I need to enjoy every part of it. It's reallly hard for me, since I tend to be a perfectionist.
One thing that I decided a long time ago is that if I am doing "farmy" stuff just for the sake of doing it but am not enjoying it, then I will scale back. I really love to make my own bread. But I go through times when I simply can't handle that so I buy it for awhile and don't stress about it. I love hanging clothes on the line. But if it gets to be overwhelming, I will use my dryer now and then.
We were going to get milk goats a few months ago but we decided that for now, we just are not in a position to do it. I am expecting baby #3 in December and although I love to milk, I don't think it's realistic to expect to have the time to care for three small children AND garden AND maintain 12 acres AND keep a decent house AND milk twice a day AND deal with the milk. I just can't handle it. So goats will have to come at another season in my life.
And yeah, I fall into bed exhausted every evening. I think that just comes with the territory!
www.narrowgatemorgans.com
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| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 06:12:45 AM
I don't have kids yet, and I work full time, but I try to do a little something each night (and if it doesn't get done, it doesn't) but if I dust on Saturday and next Saturday I don't get to repeat it, I can't worry over it. There are soooo many things to do in our lives, and I choose to simplify my errands or my to do's in order to spend more time with Jus and the pets.
I remember my weekends growing up--we didn't do much because Mom insisted on taking every Saturday to clean, starting bright and early at 8 am with the kirby vacuum that sounded like a train coming. And then, by Saturday night, she was too pooped to do anything else! Sundays were church days and lazing around because she didn't get to do that on Saturday. And then it was back to school, and back to work. That was just her way, though, and now that I'm long gone out of the house, she works still and she's let a lot of those things slide to enjoy life with friends and family. Her house is still cleaner than most folks, but it's not clinical like it used to be, and I don't hear her say, "Oh, I should be home cleaning!!"
Our clothes are clean, our dishes are done and sometimes the kitchen floor has muddy dog prints across it...I'm not stressed about it :)
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
| homemakerkate |
Posted - Jul 19 2008 : 02:12:39 AM
great advice Tracy and so true. all too often we get caught up in getting it done and not enjoying the process. I am very guilty of that. My lists help and the kids too of course. I try to remember that it is not a race. I also limit those things that make life more complicated then it needs to be. My volunteer time now is strickly limited. I am a full time mom and homemaker so I dont have the hours to donate that many of my nieghbors have. But I do what I can. I feel too that my skills are already donated in my volunteer emt work so I dont feel bad if I dont always get in a finished quilt or what not for a charity. I have also learned to ask for help when I need it. This is something that is hard for us women to do sometimes. |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 11:25:45 PM
Oh, and don't forget to FORGET about that "To do" list if the opportunity to help a friend or loved on comes up, or the chance to have FUN presents itself. We only get ONE go around in this world -- make the most of it!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 11:06:16 PM
Oh boy, what a loaded topic!!! I am the QUEEN of "ALWAYS BUSY, BUT NOTHING EVER REALLY GETS DONE!!" I work like a feind day in and day out, but one look at MY house and you gotta wonder "WHAT exactly does this broad DO all day?" Well, I clean, I sweep, I wash dishes, I pick up after THREE teenage boys all day (and that rotten little "Not Me"--- ohh if I ever catch HIM.....!!!) I work in my garden, I do laundry, I read, I tend to critters, I play with the cat and the Chihuahua Monsters, I'm always "rescuing" someone (yesterday it was my Jacob ram--- he got one horn all tangled in his "house" THAT was real fun)..... and the list goes on.
In other words--- I DO WHAT I WANNA DO, WHEN I WANNA DO IT AND I DON'T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE. Am I embarrassed if someone comes over and my house is a mess? You bet, but do I beat myself up over it? Heck no!!! There are only so many hours in a day and for me the days are never long enough, but I do what's important.
This past week I had a list of "To DO's" a MILE and a half long--- the barn needed cleaning, my chicken house needs a good sweeping, my toilet needs a POWER SCRUB (remember-- I have THREE teenage boys AND a husband!!!) etc.. etc... But this week I helped at the Church for our Vacation Bible School. I even taught a class on Wednesday! The barn WILL get clean, the toilet WILL get scrubbed, the chicken house WILL get swept, and all those OTHER chores WILL get tackled, but this week with the kids and teaching them about Jesus and his love for us was MORE important than any of those other things.
Take each day as it comes Karen. We ALL feel as if we don't get enough done, but like every single lady has said "Prioritize-- take it one step at a time-- and DON'T beat yourself up over what didn't get done today--- there's ALWAYS tomorrow!!!" Peace, love and joy-- and LOTS of hugs to you! Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| SusieQue |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 6:17:50 PM
Karen, I work 9 hours a day and then come home cook, clean kitchen and get things ready for the next day. I try to do most of my cleaning on the week-end and canning etc. Every other weekend I have my grandson(2)from Fri when I get off work until Sunday night as his mother works 12 hr shifts every other weekend. In between, comes the extra things. I am totally exhausted also. But I have to "make" myself do only what I can and save the others until I can get to them. As my Mama tells me "It will be there tomorrow" |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 1:16:15 PM
Thanks girls, I guess I just need to do what I can and the rest will get done the next day or the next! Make a list and keep on going. Throw in some sleep and Ill be okay! Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 http://farmgirlingastyle.blogspot.com/ |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 11:23:09 AM
Is it really all done ever anywho??
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 11:09:22 AM
There are days I just panic, but for the most part, and maybe it is age, I do what I can. I don't freak when I can't get to everything because honestly it just isn't possible. The house gets a little less attention in the summer, but a really good deep clean once a month keeps it workable. I have a small place so that helps. Lists help a lot because it keeps you a bit more focused and you can decide what can wait and what can't wait. Don't let it get to you. That's the most important thing. And don't pass up time with your kids or hubby just to do chores unless you can make them a family affair. In the end all that matters is your time together not how clean everything is.
Best Growing |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 09:19:29 AM
I have 4 kids at home 11-13, and only work part time (substitute teacher) outside my home, but it IS hard to get it all done. So I don't. I get alot done..but not everything, thats for sure. I also really don't sleep much. I wish I did. I wish I were a morning person too, but I am not. I have learned to do alot at night while I cant' sleep anyhow, to set myself up for morning. I have been known to do laundry at midnight, bake bread at 11pm..and like that..in the morning, I am UP just not very productive...haha. Like Karin said..the older you get you learn to be flexible I guess. When my oldest kids (who are 30 and 28 now..gulp!) were little I was neurotic..I made everyone around me miserable when it all wasn't done how I wanted. I am alot more relaxed now. It does show though..haha
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 07:44:13 AM
well honey doo .. i git all my gittin' done cuz' i'm 'foot loose and fancy free' ... retired.
but ohhhhhhh .. i do remember the day with young'uns and a 'job' .. that busied me up double!
True Friends * Frannie
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 07:19:47 AM
Simplifying everything has helped me tremendously. We don't own much so cleaning is vacuuming 2x a week, dusting when it gets bad and keeping on top of daily thing like dishes and laundry, just by doing a little here and there. I even simplified my work wardrobe...nothing fussy or fancy, same basic colors and comfy shoes. Charlie basically wear blue, green, white, grey or blue t-shirts (except for his Texas State and UTSA garb...; )) and we all either wear flip flops, sandals or cowboy boots at home. I am the queen of one pot meals. I figure the more simple a meal, the healthier it is.
I run errands early Saturday morning right after breakfast. Takes me about 2 hours. I plan for things during the week depending on where I am going to be (mail, need to pick up x y z at the Dollar store or thrifting, etc) If I have events coming up, I plan properly, like next week, Charlie has swim class every night for 2 weeks. I am NOT taking anything else on unless it is do or die.
When in doubt, I put Charlie to bed, have a small margarita and put my feet up... : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 07:18:51 AM
Ha, Miss Wilma, you're so funny. Just you wait, I'll make it there some day. You just have the coffee on!
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| miss wilma |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 07:05:23 AM
Karen I am more like Mum of 3, bet you cant guess who Lisa is talking about Ha I have tons of stuff that needs to be done and I want to do but if it doesnt happen what does it matter. When Lisa comes I am going to keep her up all night
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
| asnedecor |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 07:03:07 AM
Karen -
I don't have children, but a husband and 3 cats. I work full time. I have learned to prioritize what is most important. During the spring and summer I have to admit the house only gets a "deep" cleaning every other weekend because I am out in the yard, weeding, planting, etc - between it is mostly pick up and light sweeping/dusting. DH gets "poked" if he is not doing his part - mowing lawn, washing dishes, making bed, etc. When we are doing remodeling projects (which is on going in an old house) then other things have to wait until the project is done. I have had to let go of the "pin neat" idea of our house because it is just not possible all the time and I will drive myself crazy. I guess you just learn to figure out what you can live with being done right away and what can wait and eventually all will fall into place.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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| Mumof3 |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 06:59:08 AM
I don't. What gets done, gets done and tomorrow will be there so I can finish. :) Maybe age has something to do with that though. When I was a young mom, I thought everything had to be perfect and if I didn't get everything done, I was miserable. That was not a happy time, because I made everyone miserable along with me. lol
Now, I'm always open to unexpected, spontaneous things that may pop up during a day - I've learned to be flexible.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
Wherever you go, there you are.
www.madrekarin.blogspot.com
www.madrekarin.etsy.com |
| Mommyswanson |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 06:58:40 AM
Hi Karen
You sweet thing you sound a little overwhelmed.
I always have a "to-do list" for myself & my kids. The kids' actually put little boxes next to their items so they can mark them off as they go along. I am home each morning & try to get as much done as I can like making beds, laundry, vaccuming, getting dinner started, baking, etc.
I use my crock-pot ALOT for making dinner - I can put stuff in it first thing in the morning & then I don't have to worry about dinner for the rest of the day. I work in the afternoons so this way I can come home & the main portion of dinner is done. I cook up a vegetable or make a salad & we are ready to for dinner in just a matter of minutes.
My kids have to finish their list by the time I get home from work. My daughter is a morning person & her stuff will be done most days before I even leave at noon. My son on the other hand will get his done within moments of my entering the house!!!
I also usually put a load of laundry in before I go to bed at night so that I can just put it in the dryer when I get up in the morning. I actually think I sometimes do a lot before bed - even moping the floor after everyone is in bed so no one walks on it while it is wet. Once the kids are in bed I also like to do my reading or crafting then. Although I "travel" with a tote bag of notebook, reading material & crafting project wherever I go so I can grab a little downtime whenever I am stuck in the car or waiting somewhere.
I have to say I am with you on wondering how some of the wonderful framgirl sisters can get so much done!! But you know what I was just remembering? Every morning on the way to the bus stop the kids & I sing this old hymn:
"Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray. Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Keep me burning to the break of day. And I will sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna to the King of Kings! Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna to the King!"
I tell the kids what I have learned...that you must fill your lamp with HIM by prayer, asking Him to give you the strength to get what He feels you need to get done that day. I know you are a woman of faith!!! Maybe all those things you want to get done right now He doesn't feel need to get done just yet. He has seen to your needs & will continue to. God Bless You!!
Big Hugs from your Pen Pal Sister!!!
Laura
"That which does not kill us makes us strong!" "I cast all my cares upon you Lord." |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 06:54:23 AM
I have to prioritize. The most important things that MUST be done, I do first; like getting up and going to work, tending the veggie garden, putting up the bounty, meals, laundry, bill paying. Then the things that SHOULD be done, but COULD wait if they had to; like sweeping, dishes, dusting. Then the things that I'd LIKE to see done are last; like finishing the stone walkway with more sand, finishing building the herb garden, turning the compost pile.
I had to learn a long time ago (while raising 4 youngsters (with dh helping), going to school full time AND working) that there simply aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything (unless I went without sleep, like some people I know). Nothing tragic is going to happen if I don't get to the dishes that night or the grass waits a couple more days to get mowed.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 18 2008 : 06:17:20 AM
I know that when I was growing up, my parents gave us a list of chores that we were responsible for. They held us accountable and we always had to help with things like dinner, clearing the table, dishes etc. My mom was also very firm about always putting your cereal bowl in the sink/ glass in the sink etc so in theory she wasn't having to always pick up after us.
I don't have quite as busy of a schedule as you do, but I find that if I just make sure the dishes are done the night before and the laundry gets done about 3x a week, then it doesn't get too over whelming. Then I pick a day to do things- like Monday to sweep and vacuum etc. Then on Saturday when my husband has a day off- it's chore day and we go through and get the yard mowed, dog messes picked up, car washed, linens stripped from beds, laundry done, all the rooms of the house get a cleaning and all the floors get washed and waxed/shined as needed. Then the rest of the week I just have to keep the house presentable until Saturday again.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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