Five Easy Cleaning Hacks For Busy Moms!

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I hope you enjoy your time here.

This post may contain affiliate links. 

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Keeping your home organized is hard when you have a child,

or two...but when you hit the number six, the word "organized"

becomes a bit more relative!

I admit I'm a bit of a neat freak.

My teen son says I have "Mom Cleaning Disorder"

because I don't have a cleaning day (like I used to...more 

on that later), but I clean in small snippets throughout

the day.

Every single day.

Today, I'm going to share my top five tips

on keeping your house (somewhat/fairly) organized.

Even if you have a whole bunch of kids, are

really busy, and find it hard to keep on top of things.

And no I don't follow a legalistic chart system (been there,

done that!). It's just five easy tips that'll help you keep

your head above the water.

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Five Easy Cleaning Hacks

For Busy Moms

1) Every time you enter a room, do ONE thing.

I don't have the time or energy to devote a whole or even a half day to

cleaning. There's just too much to be done!

So, instead I make it my motto to clean while I go.

If I come into the bathroom, after I'm done,

I pick up the garbage on the floor. Sometimes

clean the sink.

In the kitchen, I may rinse some dishes, wash the counter, etc.
In the bedroom, pick up and fold some clean laundry.
As I walk throughout the house, simply pick things up that
are strewn around.

You get the idea. Clean as you go.

2) Your motto needs to be: "All Hands On Deck."

Children need to be taught from an early age that

they are part of the "work force" at home.

Small tots can pick up their own toys.

Older children can learn to fold laundry,

sweep, mop, or load a dishwasher.

Teens can even mow lawns! 

Hubbies sometimes need to be "taught" how

to help as well (depending on how he was raised of course).

On most days, for us, this is about 10-15 minutes
of simple chores after a meal. Each child and adult
doing one or two things (i.e. dishes,
clean up floor, stove/counter, living room, etc.)

And lastly, with this thought, keep cleaning

supplies readily available.

I usually have white vinegar readily available (great

for young kids to use for mopping!).

Or a natural cleaning spray on the counter.

Mop & broom are right where (hubs) and kiddos can see them.

3) Do what you can, on the days that you can.

Some days I can't do much cleaning or organizing at all.

I have to be okay with that.

Most days I just do what I can, when I can.

Here's another "secret"...

When cleaning gets really really overwhelming
(like when I'm pregnant or sickness is in the house for

a long period of time), then I do pay or trade a friend

to come in & do a few hours of cleaning.

I do this about two or three times per year, but it 

always lifts my spirits to see the house clean

without my toil & sweat!

Find someone you can afford, budget it in, OR offer 

to trade one of your services.

4) Downsize & giveaway frequently.

The less things you have, the easier this gets.

I get our kids in on this too, but basically we always have

a giveaway bag/box on the go (once full, I take it asap 

to the local thrift store), and regularly throw away

broken or no longer useable items.

Some clean outs are seasonal (i.e. before Christmas, before

or after a person's birthday, spring cleaning), but if you 

make this a lifestyle habit, you'll find cleaning

MUCH easier than before.

If you're overwhelmed and don't know where to start,

set a timer daily. Start with five minutes, and work up to

15-20. During that time your goal is pick

one drawer, one corner, one closet, etc. and 

sort. Get rid of anything you no longer use.

5) Have a place for everything, & keep everything in its place.

The biggest battle is knowing where to put something.

Have a place designated for everything,

and ensure the whole household knows where

that place is.

Every once in awhile sort through each "place" (like number

4 suggests) and get rid of outdated or no 

longer needed materials.

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Question on the blog: 
what is your TOP organizing tip?

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What NOT To Forget! Packing For Labour Checklist

Welcome to my blog today.
I hope you enjoy your time here.

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Which means that if you purchase from an affiliate link, 
we receive a very small commission. This is at NO cost to you.

Thank you for supporting our family :)

Prepping for labour is sorta like packing for vacation.

You have a plan.

An idea of where you'll be traveling, and what

you'll be doing there.

You can even internet surf, and ask others

who have already been there before.

Based on that, you make a list.

You begin to pack your items (hopefully!) a 

few weeks before that anticipated time.

Ready to go at a moment's notice.

However, just like any experienced vacationer will tell you.

Things may not go, er, exactly as you had anticipated them.

But you prep, you get ready anyway.

So, today on the blog, I'm sharing

my packing & prepping list for labour.

So you can be ready for that adventure when it begins!

(another related blog post. Don't miss it!)

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You may have read in my previous post, how 

this is my seventh baby on the way, and

how difficult this pregnancy has been...

I sure am counting down the days til baby arrives!

As I do, I realize I need to start packing myself.

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What Not To Forget!

Packing For Labour Checklist

(to copy & print)

After the checklist, don't forget to read the awesome

story of answered prayer at the end!!!

For Mama: 

*loose fitting comfy nightgown or sleep ware

*change of clothes (2-3; depending on if c-section or natural birth; one nicer outfit to go home in)

*something warm for your feet (slippers, socks, etc.)

*toiletries & personal beauty items (deodorant, shaver, make-up, shampoo/conditioner, hair care, etc.)

*cell phone/contact list (don't forget the charger!)

*large pads (heavy duty; some even swear by using Depends afterwards)

*chapstick or gum (optional; lips may become extremely dry during labour)

*breast cream (Lanolin; if nursing then apply generously before EVERY feed; safe for baby)

*tops you feel comfortable nursing in (nursing bra, or bra that fits very loosely; I prefer sports type)

*nursing cover or lightweight blanket 

*something to help with constipation (I use magnesium; could use fiber supplement)

*reading material (in case labour is long and you've had epidural)

*health card

*insurance info (if applicable, for room, etc.)

*CD and/or CD player/MP3 player (if desire relaxing music during labour)

*anything helpful to aid in back massage (for hubby or helper in labour)

*special snacks for after labour (hospitals usually will bring something but it's usually blah!)

*change (or credit card) for parking 

*camera (if not on cell phone)

For Baby:

*pack of newborn diapers (pack a few size ones if you anticipate a bigger baby!) 

OR cloth diapers/products

*wipes

*sleepers (newborn or 0-3 months; 4-5 depending on how long you anticipate being at hospital)

*onesies (especially if winter)

*nicer outfit to take home in (optional)

*anything needed to feed baby (if formula feeding; everything for bottle)

*baby blankets to swaddle baby in

*burp blankets for your shoulder after feeds

*newborn hat (usually our hospitals give, but just in case)

*mittens (if baby's nails are long, these help keep scratching at bay)

*diaper bag (could simply pack everything above in)

*snowsuit for newborns (seasonal)

*baby wash or other toiletries you desire (bum cream/powder etc.)

*car seat (CHECK DATE!)

*stroller (optional; can bring when ready to take home; snap car seat in)

For Anyone Else Attending:

*snacks & drinks for them

*money to send them on errands (hey, you might need more snacks! labour is SO tiring)

*parking money

*carmera/cell phone (charger)

*numbers for them to contact in emergency such as babysitter, parents, etc. 

(***as well as birth announcement contact list)

*toiletries (if overnight labour anticipated; toothbrush, deodorant)

*change of clothes (again if overnight labour; or sometimes they just need freshen up too)

*wallet (again, insurance info, ID, etc.)

*reading material for them (if labour goes very long)

*thank you gifts or cards (for midwife/nurse or partner: optional!)

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God's Faithfulness

"God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

1 Corinthians 1: 9

In spite of all my short comings, and flaws, I am

constantly amazed at the mercies of the Lord.

This pregnancy has been tough.

On my body & my emotions.

Things that normally never bother me when I'm not 

expecting, can really tick me off when I'm preggers!

Alongside that, there have been lots of natural stressors

in our lives.

Financial pressures.

Small young tots that are going through normal child development.

Teens going through normal development.

Sickness (me with pregnancy & my hubby is just getting over shingles)

Disappointments. Hey, life happens.

My hubby's super busy work schedule!

But I've been recently reminded, yet again, of

how God cares about the desires of our hearts.

Lately, I've been stressed when I think about our

upcoming year of homeschooling.

I feel inadequate. Unsure of myself.

Particularly with a new baby on the way.

I had begun to pray, however, that God would provide

a balanced break in the midst of our school week.

A long-term co-op for our children.

A homeschool co-op is basically a place where (usually once) each week

you attend with your children.

 You either share teaching roles OR get a break

from teaching altogether.

I love homeschooling, however in this season

I realize that while hubby has to work hard at his business,

I need to have some breaks in my schedule.

For my peace of mind...

In our area, there is a very well-known co-op where

parents simply drop off their older children/teens

once a week for their pre-selected classes.

I was on the wait list, and praying intently that we'd

get my older two homeschooled children in it.

Earlier in the summer, I heard news that it probably wasn't going to happen

due to their very long wait list...

Probably due to the pregnancy, one late eve I found myself crying & crying over it...

Asking God why things weren't coming together...

(that one day free a week was my hope of having a sanity break)

I surrendered it and went to bed.

That very next morning I ran into a friend at swimming lessons

who told me about a BRAND NEW co-op in our area.

For older children only, but still a full day

of learning coupled with the ever popular "socialization" aspect.

I decided to enroll our eldest (homeschooled) child into it.

Only one child could attend this particular one, 

but I knew he would enjoy the time out.

I did try once more to see if there was a remote possibility

about the original co-op being a go,

(hey, persistence pays off sometimes, right??)

but the door was slammed shut 100%.

Okay, so that's how the cookie crumbles...

well, at least I have something for the eldest one, I thought to myself.

 Not what I had been hoping for, but an answered prayer nonetheless.

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Then, out of the blue, I got this email last week:

"Hi Rachael! Would you still like to join the co-op this fall? 

We are looking at our numbers and trying to see if we can fit your family in!"

This particular co-op consists of one morning out

per week, however, it has a FULL slate program for ALL of my children.

And to boot, every mama gets to attend bible study

and visit with other Mamas while the children are in class

(my extravert heart craves this so).

I felt elated at this new offer!

First, I talked pricing, and how many days per term, etc.

Hubby & I discussed it, and we came to the 

conclusion that this would be a wise investment

in this very hectic season to allow me to

refuel :)

Even as I write this, I am crying again knowing how much

this (seemingly small) answered prayer means to me

in this season.

He has heard the cries of a (sometimes overwhelmed) mother's

heart.

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Question on blog: what do you ALWAYS
ensure to pack for labour?

And, what are some of God's answered prayers
to you lately?

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The Wonderful World Of Being Pregnant!

Welcome to my blog today.
I hope you enjoy your time here.

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Which means that if you purchase from an affiliate link, 
we receive a very small commission. This is at NO cost to you.

Thank you for supporting our family :)

I'm currently in my 34th week of pregnancy.

& I have to admit that I can't wait to be done!

The discomforts are getting to me...

I don't have the luxury of babying myself,
as in times of expecting in the past.

There are already six other children in the home,

and most days it is really really crazy busy.

(courtesy of www.pregnancyhumor.com)

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Pregnancy isn't easy for most of us.

(although I do have a few friends that maintain

that they could barely notice their condition...pshaw!)

Today, I want to discuss some of the joys & trials of pregnancy.

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The Wonderful World

Of Being Pregnant

This is my pregnancy MO in a nutshell:

First Trimester Woes: intense nausea, all day fatigue, constant cravings, everything

smelling so intense it about drives me crazy, moodiness commences, wake up to go the bathroom throughout the night, excited for baby but beginning to wonder what craziness possessed me to do this pregnancy thing again!!!

Second Trimester Fun: ever expanding belly, immune system lowered so increased

rashes & allergic reactions, excited for baby but continuing to re-think the whole pregnancy thing, just starting the discomforts of back, hip & leg pain; forgetfulness, continue
with moodiness

Third Trimester Countdown: super duper expanding belly, people ask me on a regular basis if I'm having twins OR if I'm due any day now, back/hip/leg pain increasing, 

up through the night to go the bathroom again, tons of swelling & pressure all over,

feeling ready to deliver any day now...

(still rethinking the whole baby thing...have to be continually reminded of the outcome!)

Can anyone else relate??

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So the pattern I experience is this:

 I fight a constant battle in my mind to overcome

the physical & emotional pressure of pregnancy,

and keep the end goal in mind: a baby.

I LOVE children.

I love all of the children that God has

graciously blessed us with.


"Children are a gift from the Lord..." Psalm 127:3

Even on the hard days.

The really really hard ones.

(and yes, I have them)

Pregnancy for me is a trial 

that I've willingly signed on

for that lasts about 10 months.

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The beautiful JOYS of pregnancy are there as well.

The first time you feel that flutter

deep inside your belly.

Priceless.

That first ultrasound.

You can hardly believe there's another 

living being inside of you!

When you are finally able to feel the baby move

from the outside.

Hubby, and if you have other kidlets,

can now feel it too...

Special moments.

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However, the absolute BEST moment for me
during pregnancy is this: when it ends.

Once I feel that precious child
come out & the midwife pulls
him or her onto my belly.

I look into those sweet clear eyes,
and I am always floored
at the emotions that overtake me.

Then I know that it was all worth it...

Every single moment.

Every single trial.

Every single hardship.

All of this for new life.

And I wouldn't trade it for the whole world!


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***Special Note: This article is

for educational purposes only. For anything medical related,

you are to see your health care provider

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Question on blog: what has been
your most special moment in pregnancy?

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