Simplicity- Step Two

"God made man simple; man's complex problems are of his own devising." Ecclesiastes 7:30 JB

This week has been stress free and simple. By following the 5 steps from last week, I have had more time with Brian and Addie, my responsibilities have been completed faster, and I have had time to enjoy my hobbies.

Here is a quick recap of the 5 steps:

• Have a morning routine.
• I only do one load of laundry a day.
• The dishwasher is loaded throughout the day and the dishes are washed at night.
• We pick up as we go along.
• I do a "Clean Sweep" several times a day.

Today's simlicity point is an extention of last week's points. Prep the night before. I had gone into this a bit in a post at the beginning of the school year, but here are some other ways that I have worked these into my home.

• Making and packing Brian's lunch (most of the time). By packing the unperishables and putting the sandwich in the fridge, it is one less thing for me to do in the morning. It also gives me a chance to be creative with his lunches, instead of trying to slap a lunch together when I am still groggy. Hey, ladies, while prepping your husband's and/or your children's lunches, try sticking a little note inside. Brian has kept all of the notes I have put in his lunch box over the years, and it is a blast reading back over the notes. Doing this the night before helps me to really think about what I am writing to him without feeling rushed in the morning.
• Getting the coffee pot set. Cleaning it out, setting the water, and measuring out the coffee makes the morning very sweet. All I have to do is push the button as soon as I wake up.
• Checking the calendar to see what dinner is for the following day, and defrosting meat that will need to go into the crock pot in the morning. Nothing is worse than having a crock pot/slow cooker meal on the schedule, waking up and having a frozen piece of meat to work with. This point will be discussed further next week, but having a plan for dinner will help your preparations considerably.
• Give your house a "Clean Sweep" one last time. I hate waking up and finding a cup or mug here and there. Having everything in its place the night before ensures a smooth morning. There is something to be said about not waking up to clean yesterday's mess. It also helps me sleep better knowing that I do not have anything hanging over my head.
• Look over your plan for the following day. Knowing what is on your next day's agenda will help you plan accordingly for meals, dress, lunches, schedules, and diaper bags.

By prepping the night before, I have plenty of time in my morning routine to have my devotions without feeling rushed. I am able to sit and enjoy my quiet time with a cup of coffee (prepped the night before, of course) without the feeling of just doing it to cross it off of my list. I hope you find these tips helpful for your upcoming week.

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I have added a button on the side bar for an organization blog called Simplify 101. In addition to all of the free resources they offer, they also provide workshops (for a fee) and online classes. I have browsed the site and have been impressed and inspired by some of their ideas. I hope you enjoy their site as well.

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Also, please take the time to visit these two blogs, TeamMac and Rebecca Sower's Weblog of some beautiful women that have been directly impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. Please keep the people of Haiti in prayer that God can use this tregedy to bring many to Himself.