Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Finally, a plan....

I giggle as I write this post, knowing half of my readers will roll their eyes and sigh and the tedious details of this content.  But the other half, the ones after my own heart, are energized by a plan.  We love the semblence of order and at best, a facade of organization. 
 I always wanted to be a free spirit.  One that was totally cool with whatever came my way.  Then I went to Europe for 5 weeks with a friend after I graduated college with no plan whatsoever.  A Eurorail pass and a laughably small budget...we had all intentions of just drifting.  Finding fun towns tucked in these countries we were exploring.  Finding cheap, clean hostels for low prices.  Enjoying excellent food and conversation (we actually did that!).  But those of you that have traveled in Europe know that was a naive notion.  I break out in cold sweat just thinking about it.  Catherine, my friend I travelled with actually is an artist so she was actually COOL with whatever.  Me on the other hand, spent feverish hours pouring over our guide books, desperately needing A PLAN.  I relished in my Coke Light and Snickers every morning for breakfast (except when I could find delicious pastries because, well, lets face it, I WAS in the land of great pastries) because it was something that gave me consistency in the midst of what felt like being out of control.  
So here it is folks....
My sweet friend Robin loved me enough to send a great plan she got at a twin Moms meeting.  I revised it to fit my life and and I will start on Monday.  Abby Kate will always come first....I believe this is God's plan.  However, since staying home, I have been convicted of the passage in Titus 2:3-5 which says, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to respect their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”  
I want my home to be a haven of safety, orderliness and fun.  I want my children and their friends to want to be at our home.  I want to provide a place that my children not only feel safe, but cared for in little ways.  My sweet friend Lacie is so good at finding fun projects to do with her daughter Channing.  They made adorable Valentines for her friends.  They make cookies.  They do lots of little things that make Channing's day fun.  I want to get my chores done quickly and efficiently so I can spend my time investing in the life that means the most to me.  
So if you are interested in seeing this cool daddy spreadsheet, let me know.  I would happily email it to you!  It has made me giddy happy.  So sad to you energizers out there....

10 comments:

Sarah said...

You are a girl after my own heart...I will need this spreadsheet one day.

Anonymous said...

OH! I would like it, even though a PLAN does not work with my crazy, part-time-working/part-time stay-at-home schedule!

Erin

Katie said...

Go ahead and shoot it to me. I'll give anything a shot. I am extremely convicted these days about the order of my home. I've done Flylady and I know she works if you just do what she says, but I'm open to other suggestions too. Thanks.

Mandy Beth said...

Send it to me, Steph! I've begun trying to work out a schedule for us each week w/cleaning & housework, creative time, outside time, quiet playtime (room time), etc. But, I can still use plenty of help! I, too, want to order my home in a way that not only pleases our Lord, but makes my family happy and excited to be at home!

Jared & Jill Marley said...

I would love to see it too--I'm definitely not a planner by nature so it would be interesting for me to try something like this. jjmarley@hotmail.com THANKS!

Cat said...

Ahhh...CokeLite and Snickers...what a trip! :) Okay, so I am curious about this spreadsheet. Send it my way if you get a chance. I need all the help I can get. Love you!

'The H Family' said...

Alrighty girl...send it on!! We'll have to take a look. Part planner..part partying...maybe it will work for me!! Love you tons!

Sadie said...

I would like you to send it to me too! Glad to hear you are finding a plan! I need a LOT of help!

shawnda said...

A plan that works would be great. I'm always looking for new things that will work for me and my family. I crave organization but am not good at carrying through. If you don't have my email it shawndawear@yahoo.com

Katie M said...

Steph - Will you send me the handy-dandy spreadsheet? Thanks!! I need to start some type of cycle and if there is one that actually works, then by golly, I want it! Love you!