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How Do You Spend All That Time with Your Kids?

February 5, 2017 by Jaimi Erickson Leave a Comment

Ready to have the ENERGY to be the best mom you can be? Get started! Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome back! Did you already get started here?

Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom.

{This week: Post by Lisa}

I get asked a lot, "How can you spend all that time with your kids?" My response? How can I not spend time with my kids!

Often time’s people ask me how do I spend all of my time with the kids and not pull my hair out.  When I add that I’m a homeschooling mom they shake their head in disbelief and comment on how they could never do what I do.

I respond by asking them this, “How can I not stay at home with my kids?  There are too many things to do together and memories to form.  To send them away into the hands of somebody else’s care would be devastating to me. “

Yes, my days can be hard and long.  But I wouldn’t have it any other way.   I don’t ever want my children to forget the good times.

As a homeschooling mom, it’s essential that we have a schedule and routine that we follow every day.  But life can get boring if we just do the same old thing.

In between our chores and school lessons we need something as a family that is fun, loving, and motivational.  Sometimes we need to just scrap the usual plan.

My kids get along and accomplish tasks faster when we do this.

We are not a family that always has to be on the go.  I don’t have the energy, money, or time to do so.

Instead I have activities prepared in advance for them to do when they are bored, tired, silly, or lonely.  It’s rewarding to see my kids enjoy the inexpensive and free activities I offer them.

Activities to Spend Time with Your Kids

Monthly Library Trip

-Monthly we go to the library and check out thirty or so books.  There is a special book shelf just for library books that sits nicely in our reading room.

We read books alone or together throughout the day.   We love to go on grand adventures through our books during story times.

Art Area

-We have an art supply shelf in our basement with an art table.  The kids use their imaginations and create their own stories through artwork.  Sometimes we play music to set the mood.

Dress Up Play Time

-Each of my kids have their own dress up boxes. They “fight” battles, they overtake kingdoms and destroy dragons.  Together they conquer and overcome dangerous lands.

It’s a delightful sight to see such great actors teaming together to make the world a better place.

Playtime at Bathtime

-A bubble bath is more about play then getting clean.  It’s in the tub that mermaids come alive and pirates sink ships. We have bathtub toys ready to go and bubbles to make it a joy.

Forgotten Toys Become Special Again

-Shoe boxes filled with forgotten toys are stored on shelves for when boredom strikes and there is no place to go.  It’s just like Christmas when we open them up.

Taking Walks Together

-It’s a pleasure to take walks and wonder.

Fall leaves wait to be collected by little hands. Rocks sit still for feet to climb. Rivers wait for sticks to float and rabbits sit patiently for children to play chase.  Birds chirp for listening ears.  Rainbows shine bright after they been discovered.

Dancing children take delight in puddles while rain is pouring on top of umbrellas.

Cooking with Kids

-Moments in the kitchen are unforgettable.  Dogs steal meat off the table, dishes cling and clang in the sink after a meal, cinnamon toast wakes up sleepyheads, and creative meals are made by kids who love to cook.

Delicious smells from brewing tea does the tired heart good and it’s always a pleasure to bake homemade cookies together.

Now it’s your turn!  We would love to read your ideas!

A weekly series of motivation for moms brought to you by stay at home mom bloggers at The Stay-at-Home Mom Survival Guide.

What activities help you stay focused on the joy while you spend time with your kids?

I get asked a lot, "How can you spend all that time with your kids?" My response? How can I not spend time with my kids!


Wanted: Mom Friends! Lisa Brown from COmmunity Moms blog shares how she felt when she became a new mom and did not have a support system in place. This is great advice for moms whether new or experienced!I was forty when I got married. I had my first child in 2008 and my second child in 2010. I am not a young mom.  I’ve been married since 2006 to an amazing man that is my best friend and we live in Colorado. Before I had children I was a Preschool Teacher. Now I’m a Home School Teacher.

I write to encourage and inspire. Life is messy and sometimes makes no sense. I don’t have all the answers or claim to have it all together. I’m learning that I don’t have to be perfect. I’m loved by God just because, and so are you. My posts are meant to help you hang in there when you feel like giving up. Join us at Moms on a Mission and Gathering Place For Sisters In Christ to connect with other moms seeking faith and joy in this season of life.


 

Successful Mom Daily Checklist to help you gain balance between housework and play time with the kids. Get more done, and feel more successful as a mom and homemaker.

Enjoy your time at home!

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Filed Under: activities, motherhood, motivation, parenting Tagged With: homeschool, homeschooling, MMM contributors, SAHM, time management

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As far as our home and homeschool, 2021 has been a As far as our home and homeschool, 2021 has been a dream so far! 

Kids are eager to learn and ask for more, we have a system down, and I am even getting rest time in the evening after the kitchen is cleaned up. My husband and I get time together while the kids are still awake which is important for them to see. 

It has taken some realization of truth to create this peace and balance. Teaching my kids is a full time job. I am giving it that time this year and it is making all the difference. #shed #deadweightisgone #focusonthepresent #focusonfamily #thisismywork #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolingmama #homeschoolisafulltimejob #intentionalhomeschooling #intentionalmotherhood #intentionalmama #wifeandmother #homemakingmotivation #schoolathome #lifebalance
How long have you known your spouse? This guy an How long have you known your spouse? 

This guy and I met our senior year of high school. What a journey we were in for and did not ever realize! 

•4 kids + 1 miscarriage
•Navigating long distance relationship while dating, engaged and married
•Working to build faith as the center and focus of “us”
•Loving each other at our ugliest moments
•Building our home team for the long term

Every time the world feels heavy, chaotic, and strange, our marriage is a safe place. It makes our home calm amongst the storm of global politics. 

I have grown content with our imperfections- because there are much bigger problems to navigate in the world...am I right?! 😳

That brings me so much peace. 

Loving not only how well we work together but also the ways we still need to improve. That is where I am in my marriage. Grateful to have so much history with this guy. It fills my tank for all the years we have ahead of us to navigate as well. 

#marriedtomybestfriend #cliche #iknowtoomuch #humorinmarriage #truelove #imperfectlove #imperfectmarriage #beingcontent #marriagegoals #letGodlead #marriagecenteredonfaith #longtermgoals
It does not matter if you are a man or a woman, yo It does not matter if you are a man or a woman, you can not do it all well. 

Hi, my name is Jaimi and sometimes I deliver truth that cuts to the heart. 👌😉

Women have been fed a lie that they can and need to juggle it all. I have learned to juggle. Eventually balls fall. 

As I took on more because I was told all that mattered was my mindset, I inevitably had to set aside the tasks that God called me to do first. We never take on more and more and more and stay in balance without setting aside more than we should.

It is not a matter of mindset, it is a matter of priorities.

Have you heard of the “one thing every day”? Many make that a clean kitchen, workout completed or devotional time. My one this is my family. If I focus on them each day I feel successful. 

In my home there is peace. The world is in chaos, power has become currency, and morals have fallen away. But “me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

It has nothing to do with gender. No one can take on something new without setting aside something they were working on already. 

Peace and order in my home is worth it. I am setting aside the things that bring chaos into my life and home. I am only focusing on the things that serve God here. 

What have you done to focus on success with completing your priorities this year? Have you made small changes to get there or large leaps?

#2021 #familyisnumber1 #familyovereverything #settingintentions #2021goals #serviceworks #intentionalmotherhood #intentionalwomen #traditionalmotherhood #homemakerlife #homemakinggoals #peacebeforechaos #choosepeace #godispeace #godislove #loveistruth #truthspeaker #truthseeker #godlywoman #godlywomanhood #pridetakesabackseat #prideisgone #humblethyself
Today we took the Christmas decorations down. It m Today we took the Christmas decorations down. It marked the real start of 2021 for us. 

For some reason I am feeling ready for Spring cleaning. Funny enough, as I was cleaning out some flower pots that had gone a little stagnant over the colder weeks, I saw shoots! My plants think Spring is on its way-it has been warm here over the last few days. 

Being greeted by this view as we were piling into the van this morning, felt energizing. 

My steps heading in to 2021 are more careful, pragmatic. It feels good to feel on course, back to what matters most, and have zero guilt for what I will put on the back burner this year to stay focused on giving my family my best. 

#Godslight #morning #morningview #sunrise #waterview #energy #healing #balance #balanceasamom #sayingseeyoulater #focusonthegood #focusongoals #familygoals #familylife #motivatedmama #pragmaticsteps #homeschoolmom #homeschoolinglife #homeschoolmama #2021goals #momlife #mom2021 #traditionalfamily #conservativemamas #familyfirst
"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only "The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family." - Lee Iacocca 

#quotes #quoteoftheday #perfectlove #imperfectpeople #family #familyfirst #lifegoal #stayathomemom #theworkisworthit #familywork #inspiredmotherhood #motherhoodrising #motherhoodjourney #momstagram #momstrong #sahmoms #sahmgoals #sahmjourney
Anyone else having about 3 Christmases with shippi Anyone else having about 3 Christmases with shipping challenges delaying packages? 🤣🤣

With family all long distance + the twins birthday 2 days after Christmas we end up with about 4 gift opening sessions over the course of Christmas week. I see no complaints from these kids. 😆 

How did package shipping go for you this year? Do you plan ahead for shipping gifts? 

We are definitely grateful for giving family. #christmasweek #giftopening #givinggifts #moregifts #feelingloved #holiday2020 #familytime2020
⭐️ LIVE GROWTH EVENT ⭐️ Bringing mamas / b ⭐️ LIVE GROWTH EVENT ⭐️
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➡️ Follow me ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Scanning old pics for our little pug and this one Scanning old pics for our little pug and this one made me laugh! Grumpy pug face on Maybelle and Henry. 🤣 Oh memories are sweet. 

#pugs #kids #twinmom #pugmom #rip #memories #2020 #motherhoodsocial
To whom much is given, much is expected. I have To whom much is given, much is expected. 

I have nothing but gratitude for this year, these people, and this life. 

Merry Christmas from us to you! 

#christmasgreeting #merrychristmas #christmas2020 #allgoodthings #towhommuchisgiven #abundantlyblessed #blessedbeyondmeasure #familyiswealth #wealthislove #familyfirst #christmasinspiration #theimportantthings #peoplefirst #jesusisborn #motherhoodsocial
“The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, “The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, 
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

#believe #jesusisreal #savior #bethlehemstar #starofbethlehem #godislove #godoverscience #godfirst #truth #ohholynight #wisemenstillseekhim #womenseekhimtoo #thecurefor2020 #eternallife #motherswithcameras #faithmoms #looktothesky #savedbygrace #christmasstar #jesusbirthdaycelebration #senttosave #nightsky #heavenlybodies
Every ornament on our tree holds meaning. Many are Every ornament on our tree holds meaning. Many are kid-made; some were gifts to commemorate milestones like marriage and births; some we purchased each year with the theme of that year to remind us. 

A few ornaments have impact for other reasons. They beautify our tree while impacting the lives of female crafters in parts of the world that need to be lifted up. This new addition has a backstory. Swipe right to read it. 🌟💜 I am blessed to support the @younglivingfoundation 

I love the memories of my tree. So many favorite ornaments. 

Which of your ornaments are your favorite? 

#ohchristmastree #christmas #christmastime #ylfoundation #ylfoundationornament #christmastree #ornaments #impactinglives #worldimpact #motherhoodimpact #womenimpact #empoweringwomen #motherhoodsocial
Our acts of kindness Christmas countdown has been Our acts of kindness Christmas countdown has been going well. Weaving the activities in as learning, art and service projects in our school days has been our way of fitting in the extras this month. 

It is not that we ignore acts of kindness other times of the year. An act per day when some require driving or leg work to drop off gifts, cards or gather supplies adds some time. 

I want to keep this going after Christmas too to keep us actively displaying love and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Probably more for me than the kids!

To do that I want to make a bigger list of actions we can take. We have 25 plus a couple resources from @shelivesfree  and @coffeecupsandcrayons I will plug into a blog post. 

One act we did was decorating and sending Christmas cards to the grandparents. It was our “keep the hands busy and the mouths quiet” during read aloud time. (My method...) 

What are the random acts of kindness on your list? What are acts of kindness others have done for you that have been appreciated? 

#randomactsofkindness #actsofkindness #kindness #showlove #belove #givelove #loveothers #handsandfeetofjesus #livefaith #faithoutloud #teachthemthewaytheyshouldgo #printables #bloggers #bloggerspreadingkindness #kindnessistruth #onetruth #christmascards2020 #diyprojects #homeschoolart #homeschoolserviceproject #motherhoodinsquares #inspiredmotherhood #intentionalmotherhood #motherhoodsocial
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