July 11, 2018

In The Morning And In The Evening

Routine. Something I cling to like a life preserver in the middle of a storm. I need it. My children need it. Years ago, when I was teaching sweet second graders, I began every morning by sharing our schedule for the day. Kids need structure, and thrive when they know what comes next.  I am the same way. I function best when I follow a routine. As I grow older, I am finding my routine less structured. But it is routine. And it works for me!

Every morning, after Steve and I have our coffee and tea, and as he gets ready for work, I tidy the kitchen, and throw a load of laundry in the washer. I make the bed, smooth the comforter, and arrange the pillows. Then I fold up any blankets and straighten the cushions on the sofa. During these beautiful summer months, I also head out to the deck and check the plants. I like to sweep the deck too, and arrange the furniture. Usually by this time, the kids are still asleep and Steve is headed off to work. I either exercise...less likely...or hop in the shower...more likely. Sometimes I even hop back into bed. True life here, my friends.

Every evening, after dinner, I help the kids with the kitchen. The kids do most of the cooking now, so I usually clean up the kitchen. They all head outside and go for a walk or play a game of Four Square together. I love that they have so much fun together. Standing at the sink, listening to the laughter coming in from the yard, I am reminded that I am blessed to be living the life I dreamed of. After the kitchen is clean, and every surface is wiped and gleaming, I sweep the floor, I turn out the lights and light the candle. Then I close the blinds and turn on some lamps. I tidy the sofa and fold any blankets, even though I know soon enough we will be using them while we gather together for our evening television time.


My life is simple, I know.
Simple. And happy. 
Thanks for visiting, my friends.
Have a cozy day!





23 comments:

  1. Sounds so peaceful, hoping I can get to that point at some time in m life;)

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  2. Yes! Schedules and routine are huge here too!! And when we get out of it, even for good and wonderful things, we feel it and it's so comforting to get back to the safety of the routine. :)

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  3. Sounds wonderful! As much as I love summer, I do sometimes start to miss the routine the school year provides.

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  4. Your simple life sounds perfectly wonderful!! You are definitely living your best life!

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  5. We have so much in common, Billie Jo. My days are very similar to yours. I'm really glad to see that you enjoy the same kind of lifestyle that I do.

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  6. A reminder of how my life used to be with the girls at home. I love the simple life that I now have which always links me to my girls by some use of technology.

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  7. Simple and cozy is good.

    I love routine too!! Enjoy, Janie

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  8. I was raised on routine and so my kids were raised on routine...and their kids are being raised that way. I so agree with you that children need structure. Anyway, I also continue with routine. And, as you said, your routine isn't is less structured, I also have less structure...especially since hubby has retired. But I still crave certain routines during my day. Thanks so much for sharing about your routine. :)

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  9. Your life wounds wonderful to me my friend. I do most of the cooking and my hubby does the cleaning of the kitchen now. My daily routine varies from day to day depending on when I actually emerge out of bed and what kind of a night I have had.

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  10. Structure is so important and your kids have learned early in life. I have a morning and evening routine as well, and like it that way.

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  11. Simple is good! I love routines as well. I work really hard to have my simple world and enjoy the life God has given me. Lovely post, my friend. ♥

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  12. Love this! I like routine too, it's comforting!

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  13. I need some lessons in this...smiles

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  14. Simple and routine is the way I roll too:) Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

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  15. Routines are the best. I thrive on them too. I'm glad you've found what works for you and your family. You are blessed indeed!

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  16. I agree with you 100% about routine. Mine is much different now that I am retired, but there is a routine just the same and I keep a calendar hanging on the inside of the walk-in pantry door where we put down all appointments and events. The calendar has become so important now that we only have one car and I do most/all of the driving. Yes to routine!

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  17. Your life is exactly the way you made it! Beautiful! I love reading your Blog. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

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  18. My life is simple,too, which, for me, is a true blessing. I don't really stick to routine that much. Now that my Mr. is gone, I eat when I'm hungry and go to bed and get up when I am ready.
    I don't sweep my kitchen every evening...but I never, ever go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink...either I hand wash or put in the dishwasher. Nothing in the world worse than waking up to a dirty kitchen...

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  19. Nothing wrong with simple - we could all use a little more of it! Like BJ I cannot go to bed with a sink full of dishes and must make the bed every morning. My kids are all grown - how I miss hearing them playing and laughing outside! New routine with the two of us at home....and out little dog, Pearl too of course.

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  20. Simple and happy is the best. And routine too. I think your beautiful and thriving family is proof of all of that.
    Have a blessed weekend ahead. xoxo

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  21. Yes I need a routine as well....always have. I do let our routine go a bit during the summer though.
    Have a great day friend!

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  22. Simple and happy is indeed the best. I Love the comfort of a routine! And I Love the way you do it, my friend! :)

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo