Different Standards...

So, we've finally decided to finish unpacking the last 15 boxes that have been up in the Guest Room/Sewing Room/Upstairs Playroom, etc... In going through the boxes, we've found most of them are books, photo albums, journals and camping/outdoorsy equipment. Lately, I've felt like I've been back 'on top of my game' with Ainsley settling into a decent schedule, me fully recovered and exercising again, feeling settled in this house and city, etc.. UNTIL I STARTED READING AN OLD DAY PLANNER. I was laughing out loud as I read through one particular day...it looked like this:

October 2002
6:30am Bible Study with Dublin Young Life Girls
8:00 at office
11:30 Lunch with other YL Staff to discuss Banquet preparations
Then back to office until...
2:30 Go to Dublin Coffman HS to meet some students
3:15 Meet OSU Female leaders on Campus for Coffee
5:00 Work out
6:00 Home and dinner with Adam
7:30 Leave for Campaigners
8:00-9:30 Campaigners/Bible Study with DCHS Students

I'm tired just reading that now (and have continued respect for moms who can "do" full-time ministry/work while raising kids!!) Yikes! I remember the old feeling of "So, what did I accomplish today?" and how that would determine if I felt successful at all. Although I don't think that's the attitude God is totally pleased with, that's how I lived for a long time...
These days, I REALLY feel like I've accomplished enough at the end of the day if:
1.I'm dressed/makeup/hair done before the girls wake up
2.I keep the TV OFF during most of the morning so I can really pay attention to Elise and ENJOY the time with her
3.I make sure Elise is out of pj's by 10 am.
4.I eat real meals- no snacking-and try to prepare dinner 4-5 nights/week
5.I work out 5x/week
6.I keep the house relatively clean/organized/laundry done
7.Get out at least one or two weekdays to DO SOMETHING with the girls- park, zoo, strawberry picking, etc...

And, yep...that's about it!! Really! And, trust me, there are plenty of days that I only get 1/2 of those 7 accomplished.

I'm not sure if I'm:
a)Proud that my life is simpler
b)Embarrassed that I really have no life
c)Trying to take this "stage" in life as it is and know that it'll change again soon...

Regardless, I feel pretty content most days. I know that I'm doing my best as a mom/wife/friend/neighbor, the kids are usually bathed and dressed (ok, not always bathed, but good enough!), and trying to be content with the ROLE I have right now in life...I guess it's good that God challenges us in new ways all the time and has grace with us when we screw up even that! =)