Today’s question is from Alrena:
Do you have any suggestions for websites I could use to check prices before buying things?
I just bought a new dishwasher and did a web search by name and model number — in the process, I found a different store not far away that had the same model for over $100 cheaper!
I told the store I was at, and they matched the price — but I’m wondering if there is an easier way to do these types of searches? -Alrena
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Ruth at Living Well, Spending Less shows us How to Create a Cleaning Schedule That Works For You. This post is full of practical tips and lots of free printables to help you get your house clean on a schedule that works for you.
Here’s a little of what she has to say:
“If the idea of creating any sort of cleaning schedule sounds overwhelming, try not to worry—I promise it is not as bad as it sounds. In fact, as you will see below, you can do it in three easy steps! The point of a schedule is not to make you feel guilty or to make you have more to do, but to actually relieve guilt and to create a routine that gives you more freedom and less stress. Knowing that you have a workable, manageable plan to tackle those sticky sinks and dusty dressers makes the idea of cleaning house seem a lot less overwhelming in the long run.
So bear with me. We can do this. I promise.”
Don’t forget, you can get a bunch of cleaning printables for free!
There’s a reason I don’t have a parenting blog. And there’s a reason I don’t give out parenting advice.
Why? Because most days, I feel like I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.
I see these moms who have all these specific systems and philosophies for their parenting and I wonder what’s wrong with me. I’m over here on my knees praying I don’t mess up my kids too badly.
I love my children beyond what words can express. But some days? I don’t do a very good job of showing that love.
Take last night, for instance. We’d had this wonderful weekend trip to Oklahoma City. We’d unplugged, laughed together, had great discussions, enjoyed fun experiences, and made beautiful memories.
And then we came home and, in the process of cleaning out the car, my patience disappeared. I got frustrated at the messes made and said words I regret to my family members.
My kids went to bed feeling hurt and I started to go to bed feeling like a failure. Why did I have to ruin a perfect weekend? Why can’t I be more patient? Why do I get so frustrated sometimes?
The thoughts started swirling around my brain and I began to beat myself up over failing, yet again.
But then I realized: the night’s not over with yet. I couldn’t take back the words I’d said or the attitude I’d had, but I could ask my family to forgive me.
So I went into my children’s room and sat by their beds. I confessed that I’d been wrong and asked their forgiveness for getting frustrated and saying words to them that I shouldn’t have said. They readily forgave me and expressed their love for me.
I walked out of their room feeling ten times lighter! Yes, I’d messed up. Yes, I’d made a mistake. But my kids still love me — in spite of my many imperfections.
I might not have any amazing parenting advice to dole out, but one thing I’ve learned through making many mistakes is this: being willing to ask forgiveness and admit when you are wrong is hard, but it’s one of the best things you can do for any relationship.
Read this post from Ann Voskamp on Why Your Kids Don’t Need a SuperMama.
