Homemaking

Just Say No {Gabby Moms}

I thought I had the intentional living thing down as far as my schedule was concerned. I don’t have my 4 year old in any regular activities. The only thing we have scheduled is my Monday mom’s group because it helps keep me sane. We don’t run all over on play dates — there is PLENTY of unstructured free time.

So this month, I decided to undergo a self-imposed no-spend challenge. Between Christmas, our vacation & lack of good record keeping, I wanted to have a better idea of where we were financially. It’s hard to catch up when you are adding to the problem . As a result, we haven’t gone out much. I mean, why bother? I can’t spend anything anyway.

Whilst, and at the same time this started (Muppets anyone?), I got an MP3 of Just Say No as part of the Gabby Mom’s program. Can you say brick? She said something that really struck me. She said that her husband told her to cut one of the co-ops, something she wouldn’t have even thought of being unnecessary. And it really got me thinking.

I realized that I’m not as good about being intentional with my time as I thought. In addition to spending money, I’ve been spending tons of time. Now that I’m not spending my time at a store, the house is clean & neat. As clean and neat as it can be with a one year old, anyway . I don’t yell as much. I guide more. I’ve done homeschool work or fun projects with my daughter almost everyday. I’ve even been to the gym and we are getting rid of the cable AGAIN on Monday.

I seem to have found a natural rhythm to my days. I get up, eat, clean & shower (yes, usually in that order). We eat lunch. Itty bitty goes down for a nap. Lil’ Bit does school. Baby gets up and a little while later they are playing quietly together. I say my Rosary and then get a 10 minute cat nap. Then we read and play together until daddy gets home. It’s truly peaceful.

Do you crave more peace in your day? Check out Eternal Encouragement for resources like “Just Say No.”

Disclaimer: This post was written as part of the Gabby Mom Blogger program. I received a copy of the MP3 recording in exchange for an honest post. As always, all opinions are my own.

How to Spend Valentine’s Day with Your Family {Guest Post}

Today’s guest post is by Emmy @ Discount Catholic Products. Enjoy!

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While Valentine’s Day is traditionally for couples, it doesn’t mean you can no longer celebrate when you’re married with kids. Three years ago, my husband and I started a Valentine tradition with our twin daughters. We’d spend the day making heart-shaped goodies, creating Valentine cards, playing games, and watching movies. Here are some ideas that you can try:

Valentine Breakfast in Bed

Last year, my husband and the kids surprised me with breakfast in bed—heart-shaped pancakes, mixed fruits in a heart-shaped bowl, cranberry juice, complete with a long-stemmed rose! I’m usually the first one to wake up in the morning as I have to prepare everyone’s breakfast and lunch bags. They had to get up before I did and it was one of the sweetest things they’ve done for me. The kitchen was, of course, a mess but I didn’t mind cleaning up. Just thinking about it always brings a smile to my face.

Arts and Crafts

Making Valentine cards from scratch is a great way to foster creativity in children and it’s inexpensive, too! Set up a table with art supplies and let them design their own cards. Prepare cut-outs in advance so they won’t have to use scissors. You can ask them to make a different card for each family members or their close friends and teachers.

Exchange gifts

Who says exchanging gifts is only for Christmas? In our family, we also do this for Valentine’s to make it even more special. Since we began our tradition three years ago, we’ve received various presents from the kids—handwritten notes and cards that say “I Love You.”

As for me, my “gifts” often involve baked goodies like cupcakes and cookies. My husband, on the other hand, gives them a book filled with heart “coupons” (free help with assignment, movie date with Dad, kitchen elf for the day, etc.) which they absolutely love!