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It’s easy to get to the end of the day and not feel like I’ve gotten much done.
I used to write (cook)books and post recipes to my blog and build my brand and make money. Now I just take care of Hadassah and make supper and clean my house every couple of weeks if I’m lucky.
(That was said tongue in cheek, except for the cleaning the house every couple of weeks part. That part’s true. 😛 So no hate comments about my incorrect perspective. My next blog post will be covering that very subject.)
^^if that picture doesn’t wrap up motherhood I don’t know what does. These photos were taken in mid January.
A backwards to do list?
A lady from my church (hey, Judy!) once told me that instead of making to do lists when she had little children, she started making lists of what she had accomplished by the end of the day. I thought that was a pretty cool idea, so one day when I felt like I had been particularly productive I gave it a try.
I am very much a list person. Like, a compulsive list person. I have struggled with elements of OCD/OCPD* throughout my life to varying degrees and lists have always been a major part of that, so I don’t think I’ll ever throw out my to do list entirely, but I have learned over time that I actually get more done if I don’t rely on lists so much. I can waste a lot of time and energy by constantly looking at my lists and stressing over what to do next, in the most efficient order. If I focus instead on just doing something, and only one thing at a time, my brain doesn’t get so tied in knots as if I strategically plan my day down to the minutest detail.
That being said, lists DO help me stay organized, and I think most people who don’t have compulsive hang-ups could greatly benefit from more lists in their lives. Everything in its place, in moderation.
*I received a comment from someone telling me that I shouldn’t use OCD as a label for plain ol’ perfectionism if I don’t actually have the disorder. I completely agree. OCD is something I’ve dealt with to varying degrees since I was in high school, sometimes fairly severely, and looking back I can see evidence of it in my childhood as well. I’m currently on low dose medication for it and that has improved my quality of life tremendously (for which I am so, so thankful). OCD is not something to be taken lightly!
I can’t do it on my own.
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer in daily life. On this particular day I remembered to pray and ask God to help me get some specific things done. Whaddya know – He did. Hadassah played happily for longer than usual while I got some cleaning done! I also prayed through specific tasks throughout the day. Prayer makes such a huge difference – to my mental state if nothing else! (Which in turn often affects my productivity, so win-win.)
My “Done” List
So here it is – my list of what I got done (with God’s help, and for His glory):
– single parented (my husband was away on a quick trip)
– got up twice with Hadassah during the night
– nursed her twice during the night (and stayed up with her when she was wide awake for an hour during the night)
– nursed her five times during the day
– fed her solid food twice, plus shared bites of my supper (sharing is fun)
– listened to 2 John through Revelation 2 (I use the Bible Gateway app on my phone for this while I’m combing my hair every morning)
– listened to the Bema podcast
– read a book (not a whole book, mind you, but a few pages of one)
– practiced piano
– talked to Ryan and my mom on the phone
– went for a walk in the sunshine
– took a nap
– made a good lunch + dessert for tomorrow (Sunday)
– combed my hair (I never knew this would be worth putting on an “accomplished” list, but when you take a baby with you wherever you go…. This list is not in any particular order, by the way.)
– cleaned up the house
– gave H a bath
– showered
– photographed a recipe
– went to Arby’s and Goodwill (my treat to myself since my husband was gone, and no, I did not get a salad)
– sewed a cute daisy button onto one of Hadassah’s dresses in place of a saggy bow
– sorted some of Hadassah’s clothes and removed some that are too small
– put away Goodwill purchases
– cleaned the mirrors, vanities, and toilets and dusted
– journaled
– emailed a friend
– did some miscellaneous blog things
– reconciled a bank statement
– put new recipe pictures on my computer
When I finished typing that list I felt more accomplished than I have in awhile! And very grateful to God for the practical answer to my prayer of the morning.
Some tips for getting things done
Habits help.
I listen to the Bible every morning while I comb my hair and brush my teeth, get dressed, and tidy up our room. Hadassah is usually happy to play with her “upstairs toys” on the floor while I do this. She likes hearing voices (especially over loudspeakers, or coming from telephones), so listening to something helps keep her content. I’m careful about listening to podcasts, even Christian podcasts, around her because I don’t want any bad/crass language to become “normal” for her and I don’t want her little head constantly full of stuff (stillness is important), but I don’t think I can go wrong with the Bible.
Wednesday is usually laundry day. Thursday is my day to empty the trash cans. On Friday I feed my various fermentation projects and water my plants. On Saturdays I make a biggish evening meal so I have leftovers for Sunday. (I don’t find getting up early and racing around preparing food before church to be very conducive to rest and a spirit of worship.)
If you can’t do it all, do something.
I have a hard time getting all my cleaning done at once, so I often split it up into (mirrors + toilets + vanities) (dusting + sweeping + mopping) (bathtub + shower). I split these tasks over 2-3 days. Eventually at least most of the cleaning gets done. Otherwise I’m stressed out trying to block off 1.5 hours to clean. If I get a free block of an hour and a half when Hadassah is napping or Ryan is running errands with her, I’d much rather spend that time working on a blog post than pushing a vacuum!
No comparisons
I hesitate to post this list of accomplishments because I don’t want to be part of the comparison trap. Please keep in mind that the list above was from a pretty productive day, and there are days when my hair doesn’t get combed until 2pm and literally all I do is take care of the baby, tidy the house, and make supper. Those are the days when we had a rough night and I’m propping my eyelids open until I manage to get a nap…or Hadassah is extra fussy and won’t occupy herself. I try to keep in mind that meeting the needs of my child and husband is my full time job, and if I’ve accomplished that to the best of my ability in that day, I have succeeded.
And I have only one child. To all of you moms with two, three, ten children – I don’t know how you do it but I’m hoping and praying God will make that clear to me if He chooses to bless us with more munchkins…. At this point it looks daunting! Please tell me I’ll grow into it!
And don’t get me started on the “working mom” and the single mom. I realize that I am so, so blessed to have a loving, supportive spouse who is usually around in the evenings and on weekends to help with childcare and household responsibilities. I do have a bit of a career with the blog/cookbooks, but that’s completely on my own time table and as you can see, I haven’t been posting very regularly. We live off of my husband’s income and treat my income as “extra” for paying off med school loans and such, so there’s no pressure there for me to bring in a paycheck. That’s a blessing. A huge blessing. It’s a tremendous gift to be able to stay at home with my daughter and be her full time caregiver, and I encourage you – if you’re able to get to the point where you can do that too (even if it takes a couple years of hard work and scrimping to get there financially), you won’t regret it.
To the “mom at heart” who has yet to see her desire for children realized, I see you. You may get a whole lot of stuff done in a day, but you’d trade that for a needy baby in a heartbeat. I won’t pretend to know what it’s like, but my heart hurts for you. You have an essential role to play too. “God setteth the solitary in families.” (Psalm 68:6a)
Not a mom? Not even married? This is for you too. I think we all have days (or seasons) of feeling “behind.” The key principles are the same. Just keep doing the next right thing, focus on what you are accomplishing instead of what you aren’t, and trust God for the rest.
I want to see your lists!
Not for comparison’s sake, but so you have a space to type a list and be encouraged by what you’re actually getting done (even and especially things like putting supper on the table and answering 500 questions in a day), I’d love to see what YOU got done yesterday in the comments!
(And I’m just nosy like that. Have I mentioned that I love the minutiae of life, especially other people’s lives? If you want to include what you had for breakfast, that would be great too…bahaha.)
I follow @m.is.for.mama on Instagram. She’s a pretty cool mom of 10 who shares her to do list in her stories every Monday and invites others to do the same for motivation. If that’s your thing, give her a follow!
“We tend to overestimate what we can do in a day, and we tend to underestimate what we can do in a year.” -Cathy Hay
Life adds up, folks.
You may also enjoy:
Photo credits: Katelyn Thomas
Editing: Me
Cuteness + runny nose: Hadassah
Alicia says
Never fear, you WILL grow into it! Do not be daunted. I was so overwhelmed with one baby. Now I have five, ages eight to six weeks, and I am so proud and thankful for these precious children! They have taught me that I am certainly not in control of any schedule, (or anything else for that matter), but I wouldn’t trade what I have for anything else. Never in a million years. I love being a mom, although it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
So much of what we do cannot really be called accomplishment. We clean anything and it immediately needs to be cleaned again, we change diapers and they need to be changed again. We cook one meal only to realize we need to start cooking again.
And then our children start growing up enough to help out. But no one told us how exhausting it could be to teach one six year old to stick at a simple task, not to mention having two little boys and their big sister cleaning up after a meal. Just when we thought we had them trained, we need to start teaching all over again.
We have to find joy in the doing and the being there with our children, because we can never really say, “There, that’s done.”
I have a beautiful memory of my first two babies, eighteen months apart, snuggling on the recliner late one morning when I hadn’t managed to get any of us dressed yet, because…well, just because. I was starting to feel discouraged. But then I thought to myself, “I like rocking my babies, and I’m enjoying them right now. Soon this will be just a memory. I don’t need to ruin this precious moment by feeling bad about what I didn’t do yet.” And so I just enjoyed them for awhile. And eventually I did get dressed. Imagine that.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s great to hear, Alicia. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to write that! I’m amazed at how helpful Hadassah is already, even just keeping an eye on Noah and letting me know if he’s getting into something he shouldn’t. When you have only littles, any help feels like a bonus. =D
Carla Carvalho says
Don’t worry you are “in training” the next baby (should God grant it) will be easier because you have a better idea of what to expect. Expect to get nothing done, and go from there 😉 I remember when my first baby was about 10 months old, I tried to repaper the kitchen shelves…why did I do that? I don’t know, but I did. And it didn’t work too well. I was so frustrated, but at the same time I couldn’t wait to have another baby. It’s all a mix and it’s all wonderful especially looking back 21 years and having a whole nights rest again. God bless you.
DeAnna says
I am enjoying watching your journey! I chucked when I read about your backwards list. For years, as I needed them, I have made “what I accomplished today” lists. I started doing them on days when I knew I had been busy but couldn’t remember what in the world I had done with my time. Taking a moment to sit and reflect helped to bring all of the days little accomplishment back to mind. Its a good practice especially if you journal them. In years to come you will be able to see how you spent your day way back then.
DeAnna says
Meant “chuckled.” Sorry about the typo.
Rachel Leonard says
I am a 46 yo mother of 6, grandmother to 3 and 1 on the way. I am a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mama, and I love every minute of it. Thank you, Brianna, for these articles of encouragement. They are truly a breath of fresh air!!!!
My accomplishment diary for today was:
1. Woke up, made coffee for the family, read my Bible and prayed.
2. Cooked breakfast, fed the animals, and fed the chickens and gathered eggs.
3. Watered the seedlings in our greenhouse
4. Took a shower to prepare for a trip to town with husband and two youngest children. (Spring Break)
5. Went to Lowe’s, Aldi, and Olive Garden!
6. Put up groceries.
7. Moved in plants from greenhouse because of overnight low temps.
8. Shut up chickens, gathered eggs.
9. Set out sandwiches for everyone
10. Made low carb Hello Dollies for dessert.
11. Visited my son’s family across the road.
12. A little screen time.
13. Now I will prepare for bed, read a little, tuck my sweet children in and say prayers.
14. Say goodnight to my husband, and sleep.
So, yes, I got quite a bit done.
Blessings be with you and yours!!!
Callie S. says
Ohh this was Just the post I needed to read, Briana!! I have so struggled with many of the things you mentioned lately…things like making minute lists for every single morning (does help me keep on schedule, but is draining when I can’t seem to get it all done), stressing, etc….
Habits. Habits. Habits.
They are so essential!! Even doing ONE thing at a regular time every day goes So far.
So…here’s a list from today:
1. Got ready for the day
2. Did some college work (not as much as I’d like to have done, but it’s progress)
3. Worked part time with my brother and sister in town for a few hours
4. Researched shipping costs etc. for my new book I recently self-published
5. Communicated with certain people for tomorrow *important*
6. Prepped packages for shipping….. <3
There are probably some other things that I got done that I just can't remember…lol <3
Meagan L says
You remind me so much of myself when I had my first, Bri! It was one of the most challenging ( but wonderful) transitions.
Let’s see, I have 4 kids now. Oldest is 7, youngest was born the day after Christmas. We are woefully sick right now, so here’s what life looks like:
This morning was a patchwork of small chores all attempted for 3-5 minutes at a time.
For breakfast I defrosted a smoothie packet to blend up and took out frozen muffins to bake. Then I started two loads of laundry (normally I do one in the morning, but my four year old peed his bed last night), unloaded and partially loaded the dishwasher, thought about dinner (probably leftovers), cleaned up the blocks in the living room, tended to my oldest who’s sick on the couch, and nursed the youngest on and off. Mercifully husband is home (sick as well) and he changed several diapers (must work on potty training!!!), plus mitigated the toddler storms, plus ran to the pharmacy for antibiotics.
None of the above tasks happened in one sitting, and I’ve become a master at retracing my steps. Right now it’s 2:45pm and I’ve already been interrupted from typing this at least 4 times since I started an hour and a half ago😂. It is what it is!
Someone once taught me to remember the Tyranny of the Urgent. That is, many things in life are important, but few of them are urgent. Unfortunately we easily get caught up in doing the urgent ones– we don’t have to be told, and it is not likely they won’t get done because, well, it’s urgent! But we often neglect important things as a result. So don’t let the “tyranny of the urgent” be your ruler.
Bonita Richmond says
I’m way beyond being a mother of children, as I’m going to be retiring this year. Even my youngest grandchild is a Freshman in High School, he’s about to turn 15, and I will be 66, 3 days before his birthday. But I still love your blog, pictures of your dear husband and sweet Hadassah! And I dearly love your cookbooks. I recently bought the THM cookbook of the niece of the sisters, and (sign), it doesn’t open and lay flat like yours. THM should learn from you! After all, you learned first, from them, right? Since you mentioned what I had for breakfast, I will tell you. On Friday night, I bought at Aldi, the waffle maker, for only $19.95, so this morning, I made (first cookbook, page 13 5-ingredient waffles and pancakes), and it made 4 (although a few quarters were a little lean. But now I have a waffle for 3 extra days breakfast this week. I put fresh raspberries on top, and a little Aldi Fit & Active raspberry syrup (which isn’t entirely THM friendly), but it was delicious. After my Mom died, I fell off the THM wagon (because I felt sorry for myself and all the work I had to do to clean out a house of 60+ years of living), then the Covid upset gave me bad reason to gain extra weight, so I’m trying really hard to get back on the wagon. I want to be trim for my retirement, and I’m planning to get a dog (a goldendoodle), which will be great companionship and a wonderful reason for daily exercise when I walk her/him. I dearly love following you, love to hear all about your life, which now includes your sweet husband and baby daughter. It’s been fun, and I’m looking forward to hearing more….and maybe another cookbook someday. But if not, I won’t hold that against you, as you’ll most likely have a houseful of children to raise. Oh and….sorry…no list, but I will tell you, that yesterday, I worked outside in the yard from 9-9:30am to 4:30pm, and today, I could barely move when I got out of bed. But my yard looks pretty good, and I have all sorts of spring green plunging out of the dirt!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
The weather the past few days here in Ohio has felt like spring and I’m getting the itch to work outside in the dirt too! Thanks for your interesting comment – I enjoyed reading it. 😀
PS – The hard cover with spiral binding that I use on my cookbooks costs a lot more than just doing a regular paperback, plus it’s not as logistically friendly for big stores, plus a lot of print shops won’t even consider doing it because the spirals have to be put in by hand! So that’s probably why THM isn’t doing it. I’m glad you like it!
Leslie Fitzgerald says
Friday-
Got up
Showered
Made tea
Hosted 4th/5th grade virtual writing club
Hosted 4th/5th grade virtual book club #1
Hosted 4th/5th grade virtual book club #2
(Simultaneously co-hosted virtual missing work session for 6th-8th grade)
Hosted 6th-8th virtual writing club
Hosted 6th-8th grade virtual D & D club
Hosted 6th-8th grade virtual Power Lunch with a career professional
Drank a quick shake for lunch and give my 5 year old a hug
Hosted 4th/5th grade virtual D & D club
Jumped in the car to get my second COVID shot
Took a walk to the park with husband, 5 year old, and dog
Ordered off plan Mexican food meal from our favorite restaurant
Got 5 year old to bed
Watched the last episode of WandaVision and sobbed through 5 tissues
Put myself to bed
Whew! I like the idea of the accomplishment list.
Thank you for speaking to the women who so desperately want to be Mommas. That was me for such a long time. You are correct that all seasons and roles are important and valued.
I always love seeing pictures of that little beauty! Keep up the good work, Momma!
Brenna says
Hey, someone else is into everyone else’s minutiae!! lol. I wish it was normal to ask people about what exactly they keep next to their favorite chair, how and what they’re thinking as they organize a gift basket, what kind of cloth/sponge/brush they use to clean the kitchen sink and how they store it and how often they wash or replace it, what long-term lists they keep if any and how they store them and how they feel about them, on and on and on 😂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I think we’re kindred spirits. I have several pages of spread sheets with different kinds of lists – business and personal, short term and long term, recipe ideas, books to purchase, gift ideas, craft ideas, and on, and on, and on…
Stephanie says
Such an encouraging word and perfect timing!
I’m a single mama to two wonderful kids. (As in they are amazing and frustrating at the same time ☺️)
I run two small businesses- cleaning houses and selling pool and spa chemicals.
I have 3 dogs (currently taking care of a cousins dog too) oh and 3 of the 4 are turning 1 next Tuesday
I am a list maker. I have to be to keep appts straight and kids and animals fed. But my days are usually 14-18 hours before I can rest. If I look back yesterday I actually accomplished a lot!!!
(Not in order)
I cleaned 4 houses, plus tidied up my own
Made breakfast and supper
Fed the dogs AM/PM
Fed the Guinea pig and gave her fresh water
Fed the fish
Watered my 20ish plants (I have a aloe getting ready to bloom!!!!)
Unloaded and loaded the dishwasher
Showered and brush my teeth twice
Listened to two postcasts (Billy Graham and Steven furtick) great to do while I clean
Read
Did 2 loads of laundry
Sent texts out to spring volleyball team
Called furniture store checking on ottoman
Called insurance company
Called contractor
Called drywaller
Called pool installer (finally setting it up this year)
Called on getting more pool chemicals to sell
Worked on schedule for extra cleanings I’ve taken on
Talked to auto shop about vehicle issues
*in August Iowa had a Derecho, we had 100+ mile winds/rain for a straight 45 mins. I lost my only two trees and my living room ceiling collapsed so still dealing with the insurance company and Friday I should have drywallers here to finally after 6 months have a living room ceiling!!! Yay! (We survived the winter 🥶 ❄️ *
So yeah, I could focus on the things I didn’t get done on my list but when you put it that way I did a lot! Your post is a total attitude changer for me!!!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Whoa…that looks like a WEEK’S worth of stuff! I sure hope you can get your ceiling fixed this week!
Lorenda says
Sometimes staying home with kids can seem to get old and you sometimes feel like your brain is going to rot away but I know I would not change it for anything. My kids are grown now and out on their own and they have assured me that they don’t remember the times that the trash can was running over and trash was spilling over on the floor!!! (yes, I have asked them about these things!) They do remember me doing everything with them and all the fun we had. I was really bad at getting dinners started on time but we survived! It’s chaos, especially when there are more but it goes by so so so fast. I still can’t believe that my kids are adults now and it’s been quite a few years since I’ve had one living at home.
I am a list maker. I always had lists everywhere. My kids would add to my lists with things they wanted me to do! (I will never forget the first time I saw that one of the kids had added to my list!) I also love crossing things off! For me, crossing things off is motivation to get things done. I absolutely love crossing things off, I’m so weird!
You asked for yesterday’s list; well, I did not do much at all yesterday. I’m back working again now that my kids are grown. I’m a night shift respiratory therapist and had just finished 4 nights in a row. I slept most of the day and then tried to catch up on my volunteer stuff that I do for our county Farm Bureau board. (that was on my list!) I didn’t get far with that so I started the washing machine with my uniforms which I had forgot to do in the morning. So, basically, all I did yesterday was wash my uniforms! The two other things that were on my list that I did not get done was to get a couple of continuing education credits done and to schedule payments for March bills online. I’m going to do the bills next but I wanted to catch up on your blog when I saw that there was a new post.
You’re doing great with your daughter; she will not remember the house being a mess but will remember you and all you did with her! My grown up kids have confirmed this!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
First – I am also really bad at getting dinner started in time.
Second – If you were working nights, I think you’re excused. Ryan had a fair amount of that during residency and I saw what it does to a person!!
Kathee says
While joyfully raising my 6 kids, I always started TOMORROW the NIGHT BEFORE. I woke up to ‘clean’ kitchen and breakfast ready to fix; & a load of laundry ready for dryer. In morning I prepped dinner right after breakfast/before noon and tidy kitchen again. TODAY AS GRANDMA TO 13: Basics plus more laundry, took lunch to a daughter, changed and burped her baby, read to 3 yr old, and tried on baby blessing dress im making. Drove a different grandchild to her gymnastics. Got gas. Sent a bday card to brother. Talked to other out of state brother. Practiced piano for church choir. Left encouraging notes for friends on IG. Finished a book. Cleaned out car. Worked on some genealogy pictures. Dead-headed flowers. Attending school choir concert with other granddaughter.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
It’s so neat to get a picture into a completely different stage of life! What a blessing you’re being to your children and grandchildren.
Vera says
very interesting thoughts Brianna! i’m one of those people who HATE lists. at least i was… a list is such a task master! because i tend to interrupt what i’m doing to take care of what i see & after 3 interruptions i might find what i started to do and half the day is shot and i haven’t crossed anything off the list.
then i started to make the accomplished list like you mentioned and it helps with perspective! and as i get older lists are good reminders. i also learned at work to “dump my mind” at the end of the day and make a list of what needs to be priority tomorrow & that helps a lot with not waking up in the middle of the night with i forgot…. and forgot… etc.
yes, i’m one of those single “career women”. and yes, it has it’s advantages but it also has it’s pain and loneliness. but each one of us has a God-given role to fill and we need to do it for HIS glory.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Amen and amen to that last paragraph!
Andrea Maendel says
Oh, I can SO relate with many of your feelings! When I had one child I often wondered how mom’s with MORE kids did it. You DO grow into it, but also their needs changes, they become more independent, and the older kids help out. For instance, when I had my third, my then 6-year-old daughter would often play with the baby or watch out for him sleeping in his swing while I grabbed a nap. SUCH a game-changer! Kids keep each other entertained much of the time too so it’s not mostly on the mom like it is when you just have one.
Accomplishments! I love love lists too!
Today I packed my husband lunch and got him out the door.
Fed three kiddos and myself breakfast.
Tidied house x 3.
Homeschooled from 9-1:30.
Filled 5 playdough orders.
Ran two short errands in town.
Made a latte. 🙂
Prepped for Bible Study tonight.
Answered e-mails.
Various other business projects online
Prepped grilled steak for supper!
Thanks for the challenge and perspective shift! Love it!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Ah! Great to hear from you, Andrea! I have always admired you so much for the way you juggle your family business + your family! Thanks for the encouragement.
Deanna says
I have missed you but I can see you are very busy living life is what I call it.
I was a military wife for many years and raising my children and working sailors children (Navy). I made everything from scratch and frugal shopped and kept a clean house. We had very little television and instead we played outside as much as possible.
Those were the best years . We raised our children to love the Lord and I am thankful all 5 of our grands have accepted Jesus 20,18,15,13 and 9.
One is attending Bob Jones University and next year there will be 2 at BJU.
I love your list and the most important part of the list is making time for the Lord and meeting the needs of your husband and baby. When we do that everything falls in place. I heard years ago our home is our husbands palace. Now 48 years later my husband still loves his home.
May God richly bless you in grace and love as you even have time to reach out in your blog.
Grace,
Deanna Newman
Simpsonville SC
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Praise the Lord! And what a small world. I grew up in Pickens.
Heather says
thanks SO MUCH, Brianna! i so enjoyed your thoughts, as i have a 3 month old baby, three preschoolers, three children in school, and a daughter finished with school who is teaching. Also we have revivals this week, and i just gave myself permission to serve my family what is easy this week, instead of worrying so much about the nutrition involved. Next week maybe i can do better! I’d love to make a list so i can see what i do, but i hardly have time. But i enjoyed your lists and the inspiration.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I think you’re choosing the better part this week. 😉
Lindsay Lewis says
I sat and marveled when you wrote to moms of many children to promise you that you’ll grow into it. I was you. 12.5yrs ago. I had a little boy and as much as I loved him, I dreaded my husband’s return at the end of the day because I knew he would ask me what I got done, and I would always feel so discouraged and shocked when all I could think of was “took care of the baby”. We had been married 7yrs before children, and during that time, I often juggled 3 jobs at once: getting a Master’s degree while running a million dollar Bed and Breakfast for a Christian college and working as a translator at a mental health counseling center for starters! I was not raised in a Christian home. I had no brothers, only 1 sister. My mom was a career woman so I never learned homemaking or had a biblical example of marital/family roles. Here I am today, nursing my 5th baby at 40, a girl, who was a “Covid special”, after a 1yr old girl, 3 yr old boy, 11 and 12yr old boys. I parent so much better now…from rest. in the gospel. in the knowledge that very little is truly urgent and every day has its twists and turns, so you should keep goals in mind but hands open. i try to ask the Lord to help me to serve His list for me, whether it is compatible with my own or not. Joy fills me easily when I surrender to His service and the honor of serving these little ones, so incapable of helping themselves, just as weak and dependent as I am. Bri, you will grow into it!!! praying for you!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Aw, thanks for that, Lindsay!
D Gehman says
Got up
Read my meditations and prayed
Fed the kitties
Packed a lunch and ate breakfast
Brushed my teeth
Got dressed and left for work
Helped customers with their moving needs
Cleaned trucks and trailers
Filed income taxes w/ accountants help
Talked w/ my dad
Went back to the house(driving on the hwy is NOT fun)
Did a load of laundry
Fed the kitties
Fed me
Showered and brushed my teeth
Read my evening meditations and prayed
Went to sleep
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oh, taxes, taxes. One of my least favorite tasks! That’ll make you feel accomplished for sure!
Amy says
I have to chuckle at your list of things you got done. Self care is so important, but questions such as do I hurry and shower or get 1/2 more sleep. Both of equal importance! I do like your idea though of making a list. Thanks for sharing.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
YES TO THIS.
Sara says
Hello, I loved reading you post. Not comparing is so hard not to do. In the spirit of sharing and encouraging here is my list.
We have a puppy and 2 kids.
Little man had a nightmare I was up with him for 20 mins in the wee hours, then the puppy needed to go out.
Got up and was dressed, ready, and working by 6:50. (I work part time online at home.)
Today was cereal day, because we had plans.
Got the kitchen clean and started a load of laundry.
Gathered the kids and puppy for PE special early park outing.
Played with kids at the park.
Came home switched out laundry, picked up some around the house, and had an early lunch with the kids.
We homeschool, so then we did bible reading and school for 3 hours.
Worked on deep cleaning our school/craft room.
Vaccumed down stairs.
Worked a bit more while dinner was cooking and the kids had Mine Craft time.
Cleaned up dinner.
Fed the puppy. ( I fed him earlier too)
At 6:30 the kids and I watched part of a movie and they went to bed at 7:30.
Read stories and helped them get ready.
Finished crocheting a blanket for my new niece or nephew.
It was nice to type this out. I will definitely do this more often.
God bless you and your family!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Way to go – investing some much time into your children!
Angela says
Such a good way of reflecting on the day.
So far today I have:
Met with my online prayer group (we meet each morning M-F).
Spent 10 mins learning Norwegian
Made breakfast for myself and husband (we’re both on food elimination diets at the moment)
Made lunches for my children
Made sure they were all ready for school
Dropped them off at school
Helped with a toddler playgroup at my church
Put a load of washing on
Made lunch for my husband and myself
Wrote a sermon for next week’s church service
Made dinner for the family
Phew!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I love that you include a bit of time to learn a new language!
Ellen says
Your daughter is so precious and I agree being a stay at home mom is a real blessing. Every day there can be struggles but I couldn’t imagine it any other way. I love lists, as well, and make a to do list every day. But I really like the idea of writing down what I accomplished at the end of the day because I tend to be a perfectionist and I feel like I’m always upset at all the things I didn’t manage to get done. I’ll have to try it! I’m learning daily what it means to let go of the things I can’t control like babies waking up during the night, being interrupted from a task to answer little one’s questions all the time, and so on. I’ll probably still be learning that lesson many years from now.
So here is what I accomplished for today!
Read in my Bible and daily devotional
Made breakfast, lunch, and dinner for my family of six
Fed my baby numerous times… I don’t keep track
Changed her diaper and clothes numerous times (she spits up a lot and goes through several outfits a day)
Did a load of laundry
Read the Bible with my children
Did math, phonics, handwriting with my oldest
Did phonics with my four year old
Did five in a row with all of my kids
Got a shower! ( That’s a win for me because it doesn’t always happen!)
Clipped digital coupons
Worked on organizing kids clothes and putting them into inventory for a consignment sale that’s coming up
Did food prep for tomorrow’s meals
Took a nap ( very much needed! My baby kept me up till 3 last night)
Got things ready for school tomorrow
Read On the banks of plum creek to the kids before bed ( we are learning about prairie life right now in school)
Spent time with my husband (he works nights and has been getting lots of mandatory overtime so it was really nice to have him home today. )
There were a lot of things I normally do when my husband is gone that I got a break from since he will do them when he is here like the dishes and cleaning. So I was able to spend a lot of time organizing the kids clothes which is what I spent the majority of my day on once I was done with school.
It was a good day despite feeling really tired! Hopefully, I will get some more sleep tonight. Lord willing!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oh, I hope so! Those longer blocks of sleep at night can make all the difference for my productivity the next day!
Christine says
So sweet! Loved the Arby’s splurge, that’s been mine too and now DH is game for it once in a while so bonus I don’t have to ‘cheat’ LOL.
As an empty nester I wonder why I don’t get as much done as is in my head most days, so I appreciated your honest confessions
and perspective and will also borrow the TaDa idea! Also coming out of a funk past couple months after MIL’s expected homegoing and furry boy’s unexpected passing put me in a tailspin.
So today just making my breakfast (THM pancakes), cleaning up that + clearing sink of accumulated dishes, sending some emails + deleting a bunch, a big text thread with 2 sisses, other text convos, prepping for a job app I’m submitting soon, praying for important council mtg at church tonight + sis concerns, cleaning a toilet, getting dressed, riding indoor bike a few minutes while grieving my furry boy (bike is where he used to sleep), fixing an easy cheese toast dinner, watching half an episode of America’s Test Kitchen (luv that show), listening to DH report on mtg and helping fix his easy dinner x 2 (lite before mtg, then again after), making deluxe egg cups for DH breakfasts, cleaning up kitchen AGAIN, and probably a few other misc things… Only a fraction of what I envisioned but better than nothing. I also have to accept the reality that I’m not as fast as I once was, and not able to multitask like I used to try to do.
Doesn’t seem very exciting, does it? And I can’t blame any of it on a baby, human or animal! :/
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
It sounds like life to me! I’m so sorry for your losses – human and animal!
GreenDoor says
I love this so much! It’s good to pause at the end of the day in gratitude for what we DID get done instead of feeling ashamed of what we did not! Here’s my list:
Did I wish my husband a good day this morning?
Did I give my kids an encouraging word when I dropped them off at school?
Did I do something today to support and lift up my colleagues or to champion the work of my employer?
Diid I feed my family well today?
Did I show my husband some affection and/or make time for some just-us companionship?
Did my children hear me laugh today (I admit, I yell to much and I’m working on laughing more, yelling a lot less).
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I love, love, love that list!
Melinda Kornelsen says
Mom to 4 children 4 and under here… and I have no idea how I do it. I feel good if the house is more or less tidy when I go to bed:)
– got up at 5 with the baby and it was actually a blessing since that was my best prayer time today
– also during that time I stuck my frozen baked oatmeal in the oven on time bake so it would be ready at 7:30
– got combed
– dressed all 4 children and combed 3 (1 with a French braid)
– put away several loads of laundry
– returned some Amazon items and ended up messing up the printer:(
– nursed a baby numerous times
– fed 3 children lunches
– ordered and picked up groceries at Walmart
– cleaned up the kitchen
– directed toy cleanup
– went to in- laws for supper and helped a nephew with homework
– did some planning and arranging for displaying family photos
– need to put children to bed now…
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oh, bless you! It sounds like everyone is well taken care of – and that means a successful day! And you even got groceries!
M.A. says
Love your post!
Sharon says
When I was pregnant with my first I read a book that turned out to be the best advice that I got for keeping the house clean in 2-5 minute chunks. You are pretty much doing what it suggested. Bedding that is easy to throw over the bed and look nice without a lot of time spent on it (my aunt taught me to put a few stitches of contrasting thread on the inside of the middle of all my bedding and a tiny dot of white-out in the center of the bed down low where it wasn’t noticeable when the bed was made so that one side can be completely made then walk around to the other). Put away dishes while waiting for the morning tea/coffee/oatmeal to boil. Rinse off dishes as used and fill the sink or dishwasher if you have one during the day, run after dinner. Use a duster on a stick for a quick once over sometimes. Wipe down things in the bathroom after a shower when it is damp. Pick up after yourself as you go during the day and take 5 minutes at night to put away things. If you have a washer try to do a load a day. Use a laundry sorter so that you only have to throw laundry from one of them in, add detergent and push the button. Spend at least 30 minutes during the day taking a nap or at least resting instead of trying to get things done while the baby sleeps. Your health is more important than cleaning. If you have the time it takes to do a “real” cleaning that is fine but doing it in chunks will keep it looking nice. I still have a habit of putting the dishes away every morning, and running the dishwasher every night or doing them by hand as well as making my bed when I get up and spending a couple of minutes before bed putting things away. I might give the toilet a quick clean before or after using it. Or like you wipe the vanity/mirrors, clean a counter in the kitchen, run the vacuum in the den, whatever I can fit into 5 minutes or less here and there. I always feel that I have something accomplished and if I don’t get anything else done the house is still presentable and healthy. One thing that is wonderful for mothers is to make a play mat out of a sheet, quilt, or whatever. It is a large round of the chosen fabric that has a casing around the edge with a drawstring. It can be laid out for the baby/toddler to play on then when it is time to put away the toys just move the baby and draw the strings and the toys are cleared up. The best thing to do is not to worry. Building a bond with your baby and caring for her and your husband is your most important task right now. What you don’t get to will wait. You are doing a wonderful job!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for the tips! I do a lot of those already, but there were some I hadn’t thought of! Love the play mat idea.
Emma says
Me and mine had oatmeal and toast for breakfast.
I’m glad you asked about yesterday, because it was a fun day! Up here in Canada our snow has been melting in some unseasonably warm weather and so me and mine spent much of our time outside. Aside from the usual diapering, feeding, etc for my 8 month old, and comparable services for my 3 year old, we went out for a morning walk to the post office, made a card for “Memaw” while the baby slept, and made another card for a friend because the 3 year old wasn’t done with stickers 😆. We also read a pile of stories and embarked on another walk/wagon ride in the afternoon. This walk took us to the library, the hardware store for a new pair of rubber boots for the 3 year old (much jubilation from that quarter), and the the grocery store. We stopped and splashed in each puddle in the way home. After supper and bedtime I baked bread (your fridge bread recipe, so thanks!) and listened to a book. That what I can remember and all of it was fun!
Be encouraged, fellow mother! With diligent and loving training your first child will be a big help in welcoming the 2nd. Also, the 2nd always has the first to watch and is therefore generally easier to care for by default! I also have the blessing of being a full time housewife and mother, and while it is not without daily challenges, with God’s help the rewards are great! Each day brings new instances of joy, and I delight in them all. I hope you do the same!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oh, I love reading how you savor each little moment. What a good momma!
Jeanne Rah says
Motherhood looks great on you! You are glowing with the beautiful grace that comes from serving your family and God right in your home! BTW, I made the jicama hash browns today-they were wonderful!
Sharon says
My list:
Took a shower
Washed daughter’s hair
Made coffee
Took two kids to the dentist
Did a drawing for an art group I’m in
Helped one child clean her room 🙄
Fed kids breakfast and lunch
Working on dinner when I get done with this.
Made copycat Chick Fil A sauce (to keep me out of the bottle my husband brought from the store.)
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s pretty impressive. I feel like every time there’s a doctor or dentist appointment involved most of my day revolves around that!
Amanda says
Today I..
Talked to my trucker husband while he drove
Made travel arrangements for this summer
Baked some sourdough bread
Baked a trimtastic cake
Baked pumpkin muffins for the children
Homeschooled 5 kids and occupied my toddler
Made low carb Mongolian Beef for dinner
Purchased next year’s homeschool curriculum
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Whoa…double thumbs up. Blessings to you as you “single parent” as your husband is on the road!
Robin Berkan says
When we were married 49 years ago my pastor’s wife gave me a book of tips for running a household. One tip was to take time, say after you’ve finished in the bathroom to grab windex and clean the bathroom fixtures and hang up the towels. Just in case company drops in your bathroom is at least mostly clean-looking. I’ve tried to do that as often as I could. It really does make a difference in how your bathroom is perceived. Lighting a fruity candle wouldn’t hurt either (just don’t forget to blow it out if you go out.)
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s a good idea!
Mikki says
I love that you did a accomplishment list!
It really helps a lot.
Someone pointed that out to be a decade ago and it really helped me so much!
It made a great springboard for my “to do” list. I am quite a list maker myself.
My accomplishments are teaching – I homeschool my 4 children- and high school is hard!
Fixed lunch for my husband and boys
Took off for 3 hours with my daughter to celebrate our birthdays. (5 days apart)
We had lunch and iced coffee out, then went shopping. I “cheated” and bought frozen pizza for the main meal for the evening. I roasted cauliflower to go with it.
In between, I completed 2 loads of laundry,
Had Bible study & prayer time with the family, washed dishes, and prepped by husband’s work food since he needed to leave at 1:30 am.
There was a lot I didn’t get done … but time with my children is worth it. Especially now that they are old enough to help greatly.
The pictures of your daughter are cute. Enjoy the time you have with her.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
How fun that you can go out with your daughter. As much as I love the stage I’m in right now, I look forward to that one too!
Savannah says
You will grow into it!!! Your post reminded me so much of when I was 20 years old, and had just one little daughter. I have also blessedly always (basically) been full time homemaker. I remember being so, so tired, barely getting meals made, and hardly finding time to take care of myself or clean the house!
Fast forward 10 years, I am now expecting our 5th little one, and homeschool our older 3, in addition all the other homemaking things. God’s grace is truly sufficient! I am far from perfect, but God’s strength is truly made perfect in our weakness. That first little daughter is now my best helper, as is her younger sister. And although the kids don’t always get along, they are each other’s best friends and playmates. Daily I know the Lord is continuing to work in my life, to make me more like Him, and a big part of that is through my husband and children.
Blessing to you and your family! Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life with us!
(And what did I have for breakfast today…oh yes – a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (sprouted bread, sugar-free peanut butter, homemade low sugar peach jam (my girls love helping me make this every year)) and an orange. My son requested this, and it sounded good to my pregnant self, so that’s what we had!) 🙂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
It’s so good to hear from more experienced mamas like you who are still in the littles stage! Such an encouragement.
Misty B says
This is fantastic and as an older momma with a new one again, I appreciate the reminder! Yes, I promise you will grow into the job as you add children to your family if God allows.
Misty B says
Oh my list!
*Yesterday I slept in a bit after nursing my toddler because I am struggling with insomnia and fighting a cold. Taking care of our needs is important too! The older children love playing with her.
*Made coffee and helped the kids do their lunch chores.
*Made lunch for toddler
*Drank coffee while I typed some encouraging notes
*Helped 4th grader understand his role in school – doing his best rather than worrying about the end results of when we finish (my job).
*got dinner going in the crockpot
*ft date with far away dear friend as we exchanged Christmas gifts
*Nursed toddler to sleep and realized I had yet to eat!
Oldest daughter made me lunch which I ate while toddler slept. (I was still holding her as she was not feeling well either). Her nap is more important than her independent sleep.
*Made a grocery list for my husband
*Helped 7th grade daughter with school during nap
*Wrote more notes during nap
*helped direct 10th grade daughter with laundry
*baby took unusually short nap so siblings helped me while I got dinner finished and while I caught up with my husband
*dinner ready in time to FT 2nd oldest college kid. We all ate together enjoying life and catching up! Will be scheduling for this again!
*guided dinner clean up
*transitioned to downstairs for helping finish the school day and enjoy family time
*nursed toddler again
*dug into some fabric that needed organized from some previously done projects.
*started packing up fabric for our upcoming move
*planned a pillow sham for/with 2nd oldest daughter
*taught algebra lesson at 9:30 while husband gave toddler her bath
*helped get kids ready for bed and supervise bed time snacks
*snuggled and tucked kids in bed
*took nighttime immune and sleep support with snack
*nursed toddler and got her to sleep then talked with oldest daughter
*scrolled Instagram while relaxing
*made sure I drank enough so stayed up to increase liquid intake
*unfortunately laid in bed till 3-4 am with insomnia
Normalish day?! I’m not sure … but typing it out makes it feel like I did get something done!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Wow, I’d say you got a lot done! That is so neat to see how you interact with each of your children – and how they in turn help out with everything around the house! And having a helpful husband is such a blessing too.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s a comfort!
Carla says
Brianna,
Thank you for sharing your heart. I am a mother of 3 grown children. I worked a 40 plus hour a week job when they were small. By the time they were teens, I was able to stay home with them. Everyday was a guilt trip going to work & leaving them.
Now days I am a grandmother of 2 teens & I have the privilege of homeschooling them. I feel very blessed to be able to do so.
I enjoy reading your blog & making your recipes. Wishing you a day filled with God’s love.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
How neat that you’re so involved in your grandchildren’s lives.
Krystle DeLeon says
What I accomplished so far today because yesterday is embarrassing …
I smiled when I woke up and told myself it would be a good day (this was purposeful)
Drove to my sisters and had coffee together before she headed out for work
Unloaded her dishwasher and washed her overflowing sink full to bless her
unloaded my dishwasher and started a load of laundry
SWITCHED that load and started another (sometimes thats YUGE)
Got my pillows out of the truck and camper from a trip we got home from 2 weeks ago
Cooked my little one breakfast and lunch, also actually fed myself lunch too!
Gathered some debris from the hallway to help clean up my husbands workspace
Went in the backyard to swing son and soak up some sunshine, played tag
Read this blog and responded
Wow that was good. Satan really attacks me in this area and in turn when I fall for it I tend to beat my self up and I feel unworthy when my husband gets home. I think I can learn a few things from this…also the tip to have a routine. Its not that I haven’t heard it before but i can see the value in not doing laundry every other day. Aside from it wearing on me, if rooms aren’t prepared for it sometimes it hangs around unfinished.
We have a hole or 3 in our ceilings from the recent winter storm here in Texas, so accomplished lists are certainly in order!
Thank you for sharing this wisdom.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I love that you started the day off with a smile – on purpose. And also that you took time to go outside with your son. My daily walks with Hadassah are such a refresher for me – and she loves it!
Barbara says
I so enjoy your posts, Briana! You are a breath of fresh air. I remember being a young Mama and how much I loved making my family my main focus! Now, at 57, I am working FT with one daughter married and the other one in college. So thankful for the opportunity to stay home FT when my girls were young. It was the BEST part of my life, thus far. You’re little one is adorable! Thanks for sharing the photos 🙂
Barbara says
Oops! I have to correct my You’re to Your!! And, yes, I’m OCD when it comes to grammar! Haaa!
Lisa Ferschweiler says
Hi Briana!
Your blog is so inspiring!! Kudos to you on what was accomplished and also being kind to yourself . My kids are all older now( 15, 19, 21), and when they were little( we homeschooled), what was helpful to me was praying for the Lord to guide my day each day after reading. What did not get done I knew was just from the Lord guiding my day. Just want to encourage you with that and through God you are doing all the right things! Being a new mom is awarding, a blessing and also a life change and adjustment. You’re doing so wonderfully well!:) My “mom heart” is hugging you right now. I hope this “reply” blesses and encourages you. Because I love to encourage and love on people.:)
I am on the opposite end of you ( well sorta), I was recently diagnosed with PAD disorder( panic anxiety disorder) . I now make a list of things that got done too. What used to take me a day to do now takes me 4-5 days to accomplish because I am just too tired and on medication. Nowadays making dinner each day to feed my family is big accomplishment if that is all I get done in a day. But you know what? It’s all okay. Everything will get done in time, the Lord will continue to help you like He is already, just like he is helping me in my situation now and when my kids were itty bitty.
Lots of love and hugs to you and your adorable little munchkin.
God bless
Lisa❤️
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Bless you, Lisa! I admire your attitude so much. And I love the thought that what we didn’t get done was from the Lord’s guidance. Often He adds other things to our day that are more important than what is on our lists.
Mary says
Great Post!
I have done this occasionally too! Fellow list person here 😉
Today I have:
Gotten dressed and dressed my toddler
Got ready for dishwasher delivery at 7am
Started prepping for potential substitute teacher job, then was told not needed
Fed 3 children breakfast, mine was leftover THM cornbread and coffee😊
Guided children through chores
Went on trip to library (about 25 books taken home)
Played at playground
Stopped at grocery store with children
Picked up prescription (thankful for drive through)
Fed lunch to children
Homeschooled a light day with 2 children
Glued dollhouse broken piece
Read 2 books with kids
Had my coffee and dark chocolate break
Nursed toddler
Currently catching up texts and emails
Your daughter is precious ❤️
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Bless you for investing in your children! I love that you went to the library – that was always a highlight for me growing up and something that my mom did very well at. I always maxed out my library card and maybe used some of hers too if she didn’t say I already had enough books. 😛
Susan Holder says
Beautiful! From my perspective (grandmother) you are investing in our world to come, one day at a time. Frankly, to hear there are young Mom’s who pray while they go about their day lifts my spirit to praise to God and I am encouraged! I love lists and they do indeed help me feel that “accomplished” feeling, especially with mundane repetitive tasks. I actually use an app called Home Routines which allows me to check off lists I have created. My cleaning is organized and includes deep cleaning in zones so that I never need to do a “Spring” cleaning. It is not rigid but rather it has become my Suggester of what I should do when I have 15 minutes unnamed. The morning routine lists time with the Lord in the Word and prayer and that routine is a must if I want to have joy in my day.
Thank you for sharing with us and for giving the Lord the praises He is due!
Susan Holder says
Oh I forgot, I had two eggalicious muffin cups and berries! So thankful for His bounty!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That sounds delicious! I love your thankful heart!
Janel says
I love the idea of a “done” list for my family members that get overwhelmed with “to do” lists. Great idea!
Here’s my “done” list from yesterday:
-showered and dried my hair
-completely my daily Bible devotional time
-worked full time engineering job from home
-kept 2 teens on task with homeschool and chores
-helped make lunch (our big meal of the day, it’s a group effort)
-swept kitchen floor
-picked up some puzzles from a friend
-went on a hike with my youngest on a new trail
-led our Bible reading time with my family
-emailed my doctor about lab test results
-emailed my child’s doctor with a medical question
-watched a tv show with my kids
Wow! I feel like even though I went to bed thinking about how I didn’t get any wash done and how I forgot to review History with one of my kids, I actually got a lot done yesterday. 🙂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yes, I’d say you did get a lot done. 🙂 Love that you took the time to go on a hike!
Cheryl says
Aw, little Hadassah is SO cute! It was so wonderful to have time to catch up with you today. Thank you for sharing your heart. Instead of sharing my list, I just wanted to mention how much I love Flylady.net. A friend introduced me to her many years ago, and I just love her cleaning and productivity schedule and mindset. I like her website, but I really love listening to her videos and live on youtube. She is so down-to-earth, inspiring, motivating, and teaches in a way that doesn’t make the listener feel judged or overwhelmed. In case you or your readers haven’t heard of her, I wanted to share about her here. She is a sweet Christian lady and is definitely worth following! God bless you and your family. 🙂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thanks for the recommendation, Cheryl! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Ali says
So far, today, I have gotten up, sent my husband and youngest out the door to work and school, did Walk at Home exercise video, got myself ready for the day, made breakfast for myself and oldest daughter (2 eggs and 2 sausages links), while making breakfast put a few dishes away and made another pot of coffee, pulled meat for dinner tonight (sloppy joes is on the menu), wrote a few emails, answered some questions for our accountant, tried finding some information on oldest daughter college stuff, worked on my Bible Study. Hoping to get a few cards done and sent out, read some more in my book, knit…who knows what else; but hey its a good list so far. Thank you for this post, it was very helpful to me.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
A very good list! Thanks for sharing – and for including your breakfast. 😉
Samantha says
Hi Brianna!
I have long used your recipes but today happened to see this post on Instagram and it really is helpful. I OFTEN feel this way. I have a 15 month old, and think to myself “I didn’t get hardly anything done!”. I think that because I never felt like things I did every single day “counted”. Changing diapers, nursing, meals, playing with my baby – I always do that! My sister pointed out “that” is actually quite a bit. Your post really was nice to read because even being the oldest of 9 I also often wonder how moms with many children survive. Praying over my day and tasks is not something I have ever done. I really think God has been encouraging me to pray more and more recently, and you really brought up a beautiful and new topic to pray about!
Thank you for the encouragement!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Praise the Lord! It’s so neat how God uses things to confirm what He’s trying to tell us!
Kate says
I feel that my current stage of life is similar to yours. I have a 1 year old, and sometimes it feels like all I do all day is just keep him alive and entertained!
Here is my list from yesterday.
-Milked the goat
-Made coffee
-Got a load of dishes started
(All this before baby woke up! Woot!)
-Made toast for his breakfast
– Had to shop on the internet for much needed goat milking items (successfully found and purchased everything I needed)
-Fed the baby a banana for an after nap snack
-Made hamburgers for lunch
-Took the baby outside to play for a while
-While he napped again, I walked all the way to the mail box and back (about 1/2 a mile)
-Prepared a stew in the instantpot for supper
I dont feel like it was the most productive day, but everybody stayed happy and fed! 😂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Um, you milked a goat. As a non goat milker, I would call that a very productive day.
Andrea Morrison says
Keeping the baby alive is the most important thing on the list.
Wanda Hendrix says
My daughter calls her daily accomplishments her “TaDa!!” list! I thought it was such a good idea to concentrate and celebrate what you DO GET DONE!! And now you talk about it in your blog. God is amazing!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I love that! How perfect!
Mary says
I love it!
jillian says
I so enjoyed the photos. Beautiful baby and mom. You look very happy. I was very blessed to be a stay at home mom, I truly loved that part of life. Now we are older and it is pretty quiet, but so many happy memories.
Becky says
“And no, I did not get a salad.”
That had me *literally* rolling on the floor laughing. Thanks for the giggle! You go girl!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Gotta be honest… 😛