Do It All
The process of paring down my life to have only what is necessary has been a long one, but I think I am on the right track. Here are some categories and how I have or am currently working on those areas.
Working: I have chosen from the beginning to stay home with my kids and not have a career outside of the home. With that comes some sacrifices, one of them being that my husband works two jobs, but there is more on that below.
Homeschooling: I have joined a homeschool group that has the lowest number of requirements. I have done this because I know that my life is hectic and I do not want to be required to go to a meeting once or month, etc. There are many resources in the area for us to go on field trips or take classes with other homeschoolers should we desire to do so.
Housework: I have boxed up and gotten rid of many of the things in my house so that there is less to pick up. This is a continual project, as birthdays and Christmas bring more "stuff" into our home. I have also set up routines to keep things flowing smoothly.
Finances: We are currently in the process of selling our home in Orange County, CA so that we can rent for cheaper and use our equity to make some investments and eventually have my husband only work at one job as a pastor. This is going to make a huge difference in our family in that it will free up a lot of time for my husband.
Kids Activities: My kids are in activities one at a time. Right now my son is in baseball so my daughter is not in ballet. When baseball is finished, my daughter is going to try out gymnastics. Please do not give me any advice on this subject.
Ministry: My husband is a youth pastor. That is the ministry I am involved with and I have minimal involvement. I do not go to women's bible studies, sign up for meals for moms, helping in women's ministry and so on. My main ministry is my family. For me that involves caring for the children and supporting my husband in ministry.
That is my life in a nutshell. I have a very supportive family and they help out a LOT. The last few weeks have been unique in that we had a few extra meetings, we had a couple over for pre-marital counseling, my husband had a deadline at his side job and we were also asked to make a video for a family who had a 6 year old pass away.
It is in the midst of all of this that I am determined to persevere. To take what has been handed me and make the most of it. To stay home with the kids during the day if we are going to be busy with my husband at night. To keep errands and activities minimal so that our home life will be peaceful and calm. Please do not tell me that my kids are going to be warped if they don't do more activities or that I am going to go insane if I don't go to a women's bible study. I have been called to support my husband and care for my children. I am doing that the best way I know how.
- Julee Huy
Comments
Good for you and God bless you! It sounds like you know what you and your family’s needs are.
You are doing exactly what many of us are called to do (say no!), but don’t have the strength or backbone to do. You are a wonderful example!!
Julee,
You are great. Thank’s for the moral support. I feel related because sounds like my life. We live in Spain where homeschooling is not very popular. But I also felt from the start point that it is the right thing to do for our children. We have two little ones (4 and 6 years old)And specially the oldest one is very determined and hard work….but I love them to pieces. My husband is from England so we are raising the kids bilingual.
Thank’s again Julee…and all the best to all of you.
May the Lord bless you.
Chelo.
I enjoyed reading your list. I do work at home but recently cutback due to starting my online courses. With a eighth grader I can now spend some time on me.
I love your no nonsense style… Many of us moms can learn alot from your example. I find it very difficult to make my home my main focus… although I desire to do so. I have three children, 10, 3, and 1. I also homeschool. I always find myself very busy helping everyone else, or busy in church activities etc… Saying NO, is very difficult, because I enjoy helping others.
Kudos to you Julee. God help me to get the busyness out of my life.
Hi Julee,
I love your style. My husband and I run a tree service in Fresno CA - I do all the marketing, sales and paperwork from home, we have a two year-old son, we do a lot of community service, and I am a writer for a local paper as well as a writer of children’s books and devotional style writing for women. My plate is very full and I have been paring down a lot lately too - to only the essentials. My son is so smart, he scares me sometimes. I feel sure I will want to homeschool because I think he would be bored in school. He is only two but will probably be reading by age three. He already has all his books memorized - and I know that’s a huge pre reading skill. I love your lists. I feel I am constantly revamping my list to keep up with all the things that have to be done. What a whirlwind it is to be a busy mom!
Take Care and God Bless - I will be logging on to your blog now regularly to keep up!
To do a few things very well and not be spread too thin is an excellent plan. Many mothers are spread so thin they couldn’t possibly do any of it very well. I believe if it’s worth doing than it’s worth doing well. “You go girl!”
Oh, Julee! What a great gift from God this article has been. I guess in the midst of it all I feel I am the only one who insists upon my ministry to my family being the top priority just below that of being my King’s daughter. Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing what God has asked of you.