Welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF). We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like). Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.
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- JANINE
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- DAWN
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- STEPHANIE
And now for this week’s sentence to finish: “A typical day in my life looks like..”
Next week’s sentence to finish: ”If I could live anywhere I’d live…”
A typical day in my life looks like.. absolute madness and insanity to anyone who might observe me and my family on a daily basis. By the way, I actually just recently answered this question for a guest post I did for Daughter of Maat and pretty much using that post tweaked ever so slightly to answer this week’s FTSF. By the way, this is a weekday that I have shared and not a Saturday or Sunday, when Kevin is home and the kids may have dance.
See it all begins with the simple fact that most already know and are aware of that I have two small kids that are only 16 months apart and quite frankly because of this only one word can truly describe my daily life and that is “Crazy!”
That said if you were a fly on the wall in my home, you would see that I begin my day usually between 6:30 and 7 am in the morning. Why you might ask do I get up that early? Well, my kids usually don’t, but the reason is that my husband and partner in crime wakes up to get ready for work around this time. The house is still relatively quiet, because he usually goes to take a shower and our girls are as I just said still asleep.
I admit the first thing I do with having peace reign is open my trusty friend, my Macbook and go through e-mails that have accumulated from the night before. Once I get to the bottom of them, then I check out new blogs and Hubpages articles published by friends overnight.
I feels Like this much e-mail on most mornings!!
One thing I have learned and that I try to do is read and share as much of my friends’ work as possible. I think we can all agree that it is nice to know that you have people who do have your back and care enough to read, leave a short comment and even share or pass on to others if possible. So, this is exactly what I do in the early portion of my morning.
Once that is done, my latest post that was pre-scheduled usually is live by then and will share on all the social media networks that I can.
Then it is usually time to either wake my girls or have them awake and raring to go.
Emma is my morning person. She very much loves the morning and from the time she was about 2 years old would tell me, “The moon is not out and the sun is, so it is time to wake up!”
However, Lily (Ms. Go Big or Go Home) usually will wake up crying and whining telling me, “I want juice!” Yes, she has one track mind and this kid knows exactly what she wants–a cup of Elmo Juice!!
Once, the first glass of juice is had in the morning. Then, both my girls use the bathroom, because they are both fully potty trained (Emma is 3 1/2 years old and Lily is a little over 2 years old). Yes, I know Lily is young to be completely potty trained, but am so thankful that she is and totally was all her (if you read my blog, you know the story behind this). She even now tells me when she goes, that she is a “good girl” and a “big girl”, too.
Once the bathroom trip is done, my girls get dressed for the day. And I do have two little princesses (even as I write this Lily is walking around with her Barbie Princess doll that sings, “Princesses want to have fun!”) that need to wear skirts everyday. Yes, I swear these two kids both won’t wear an outfit unless a skirt is a part of it.
Breakfast is next and then I do their hair, because they are again Princesses, especially Emma, who doesn’t like her hair in her face (Pigtails, ponytails and recently braids, too rule!).
Braids, too!!
Once I am done with this (I am truly grateful for this), I get to take a shower. My parents live upstairs, so usually the girls hang out with my mom, during this time. And I get a few minutes of peace and quiet to take shower, which I swear I love my mom for more than life itself!! That shower makes me feel human and then I am able to get my real day started.
The next portion of the day includes getting a workout in (even for a half hour) on my stationary bike, while the kids play and hang out with me (I am trying to get slim/fit for the summer). They usually watch Disney Jr and by this time Doc McStuffins is on.
After this, I check in online for a bit and then I get lunch together for the girls. We usually eat lunch (yes I try to get a quick bite to eat, too). During lunch, silliness usually reigns and even a bit more crazy times can also occur. Lately, I have had to fight Lily to eat this meal, while she licks her peanut butter off her bread (for some reason my picky eater has decided lunch is optional).
On the days, Emma has pre-school it is usually around this time that we take her to school and then I come back to try to get Lily to nap. If Emma doesn’t have school, she too will nap (she still loves her naps).
If nap-time is successful, this is when I get to write and also check in on social networks to see what is new. This is truly my most productive time of the day and that is why I have tried to hold onto nap-time with my kids for as long as I have.
Because once nap-time is over, then it is either time to go get Emma from school or even think about dinner and bath-time.
Kevin also gets home from work now between 5:30 and 6 pm. And once he is home and everyone has eaten dinner, then the kids are usually occupied playing in their room for a bit, Kevin works out for a bit and I surf the web, reply to comments on my own blog and possibly comment more on other blogs, too for about a half hour checking in on friends and such.
Then, it is time to unwind for the day. We usually hang out together with the kids for a bit.
The Best Part of My Day–My Girls!!
And after that, it is bedtime, where the girls use the bathroom, brush their teeth and then get tucked in. Lights are usually out at this point, but I would be lying if I told you they went to bed that easily. We usually get a few trips out of bed for each girls asking for a tissue, one last kiss or anything that could prolong falling asleep, but once they are asleep I must admit we are lucky, because for the most part they sleep all night and don’t hear from them again until around 8 am the next morning (as long as no one is sick and feeling ok).
Once they fall asleep, I usually catch up on the DVR, read or finish up any last minute chores.
And that my friends is a day in my life. Not very glamorous, but it is my life and believe me when I tell you I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Yes, it can be crazy, but then again it is also quite entertaining, especially some of the things that my kids come out with daily and that is why I blog/write, because I never want to forget this time in my life and have a record of it to share with my girls when they are older.
Now tell me, in the comments, about a day in your life. Or write a post and link it up! And be sure to share my story with all your FB and Twitter friends. We’ll also be featuring some of our favorites on Twitter with the Hashtag #FTSF and our Facebook pages too, so make sure to follow. Don’t forget to grab a button and put it somewhere people will see. We’d are hoping to keep this hop going strong and continue this for a long time to come!
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Bill says
Up at six, breakfast with Bev at 6:30 after a shower. Then to the writing studio where I write until three or four in the afternoon. After that it's run errands with Bev, have dinner and relax the rest of the evening. Five days a week. Weekends are for Bev and I to relax and enjoy life. Most of my days are the same…writing is what I do. Bev works part time as a merchandiser for grocery stores.
Have a great weekend Janine!
Janine Huldie says
Oh Bill, you have a great weekend, too Bill. And your day sounds perfect, as does your weekend, too my friend!! 🙂
Jean Heff says
My daughter has yet to grow any substantial amount of hair but I am not looking forward to that new part of our morning routine!
Janine Huldie says
Jean, I was dying for Emma to get hair. She was bald until almost 18 months, but she actually is the easier out of the two. Lily fights me more about doing her hair and she has a ton of it and very long, too!!
Kat Biggie says
Our days are pretty similar! I am actually getting to enjoy my kids this week. I took them to family's place in Orlando. Just hanging out!
Janine Huldie says
Oh that sounds so fun Alexa and wish I lived in Florida near Orlando. Here in NY, we are still experiencing cooler temperatures and just so longing for more spring like temperatures now!!
Dana says
So that's how you are always the first commenter on so many blogs! You seem to make very good use of your time, Janine. I hope your kids nap until kindergarten!
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Dana I hope so too, because I truly do get a ton done when they do. 🙂 🙂
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
Yep ~ absolute insanity! You are even crazier than me!! And you are so right. I know that when I login to my WP account every night there will always be a comment from you there! I absolutely LOVE you for that!! You are the best ever!
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Happy to be insane I suppose, because it truly makes sense to me somehow and you know I love you, too Lanaya!! That feeling is so mutual!! 🙂 xoxo!!
Sasha Oystrakh says
Dropping in from the Aloha blog hop. Love the site and hoping to participate in this blog hop tomorrow or the next time looks like fun, your newest follower from http://waytomotherhood.blogspot.ca/
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Sasha. Hope you do join in and we would love to have you. I am checking out your blog now, too!! 🙂
Dawn says
I wish my girls hair was straight like yours!!!!!!! Your day sounds jam-packed!
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Dawn. Totally jam packed, even though they have straight hair Lily has a ton making hair styling sometime impossible. Hard to tame it!! 🙂
Kate Hall says
Boy,your day is similar to mine, except I don't shower. Do you use Hootsuite to schedule your blog posts on social media? Huge time saver/organizer for me.
Dawn says
I signed up for Hootsuite, but I don't have time to schedule anything! I just use Twitter mobile and use my regular blog link. I blame that for the reason I don't pin anything, because I can't do it on my phone. I can't do it on my phone because I don't want to learn if I can or how to…
Kate Hall says
schedule them as soon as you finish your blog post. And there's an app for Pinterest. Wait,I can't remember if you do apps on your phone.
Dawn says
I don't like Pinterest enough to figure out if Crackberry has an app in CrackberryWorld for it. That takes WAY too much brain power.
Janine Huldie says
I think I need to look into Hootesuite and may ask you questions when I do!! 🙂
gigigirl says
Quite a day and I'm sure things can get very hectic some days. I always say my days are filled with my being busy doing "nothing." Taking care of details makes the day fly by! I have lots of good ideas about what I would like to do, but don't get to do most of them. I guess that's what retirement is all about…no pressure to be or do anything at any special time. But I rarely miss my yoga classes….that's a must! Love, Aunt Gloria
Janine Huldie says
Yoga is how I feel about the bike and working out a bit. I think we all have something that we just can't do without!! Thanks Aunt Gloria and love you, too!! 🙂
Melanie Chisnall says
Shew, what a day! So proud of you for getting in that exercise ("you time") and that you have time for a shower and spending some time together as a family. You somehow make it all work, and you are like a machine when it comes to blogging and commenting! Happy weekend! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Melanie and will say the working out and the shower are truly the only me time I get and I take advantage of it!! Happy Weekend to you, too!! 🙂
Eddy Jones says
Another great share Janine and yes how busy our lives are when there are little ones around but of course we wouldn't trade it for the world would we !!!!
Lots of love from my little corner of Wales my friend.
Eddy.
Janine Huldie says
So true Eddy and you are right I wouldn't change it for the world. Sending you lots of love, too as always my friend!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Clark, I honestly do try my best and just hope I don't miss anyone daily with the commenting 🙂
Robin Rue says
Part of me wishes that I lived that close to my parents, but then a bigger part of me is glad that I don't. I am only about 20 minutes away and that's just far enough for my mom to mind her own bees wax 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Robin. My mom honestly is the best and just so glad she is the way she is, but can understand how you feel!!
Kim- One Classy Moth says
Whew! I'm exhausted just reading it! It's so funny that my kids wake up the same way- the oldest pops out of bed just chatting away, while the youngest is a complete whiny, crying, bossy, crabapple!
Janine Huldie says
Kim, so glad it isn't just my kids who are like this, because I was starting to wonder how I could have two kids so different on morning wake-up calls!! And I am exhausted right now just thinking of the day ahead of me, lol!! 🙂
erintheirishmama says
Sounds like you have your routine down pat…. Can your mom come to my house so I can shower on Tuesdays & Thursdays! Ha! thanks for hosting!!!
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Erin. You can ask her. She usually reads my posts!! 🙂 But seriously my pleasure co-hosting as always!! 🙂
Kerri Ames says
Wait, if your mom is taking numbers for shower time…
Janine Huldie says
You'd have to ask her that, lol!! 🙂
Kerri Ames says
Wait, your girls sleep in? What is your secret because I am so not worthy!
Janine Huldie says
Kerri, not this morning and I was working while they were watching Disney Jr and needing me every 30 seconds, lol!!
Menopausal Mother says
Your girls are so pretty! I love, love, LOVE that last picture of them hugging. I got a kick out of reading your daily schedule–because it sounds like you do one thing, then check on the computer. Do another thing, then go back to the commuter!! I am the same way, especially about Facebook. I drag my laptop around the house with me—just so I can check in every hour to see what the world is up to. An addiction, I know…but I just can't seem to help myself!
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Marsha!! You are so right and literally have the computer open all day and am always checking back in between doing other things with my girls. Bad habit, but I am definitely a bit addicted and cannot help but love it, too!! And thank you for your kind words about my girls, too!! 🙂
Break the Mom Mold says
I could not be more jealous. I am stuck on the "get a shower, and exercise part" after that all I read was "I am clean when I do this, I am not wearing my pajamas when I do this, etc.) Sounds awesome! Love the hug!
Janine Huldie says
I didn't say I don't put my pajamas back on if I don't have to go anywhere, lol!! Seriously, still love to be comfortable when I can!! And I do love that hug, too. But then again I am just a teeny bit prejudice 🙂
Cyndi says
Have a great Friday, Janine. A typical day…sigh…haha. Mine hasn't been so typical, which is why I'm commenting rather late in the day. Long story…and good read. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Hope you too have a great rest of the day today. And I hear you on being so busy today, but thank you for still stopping by, Cyndi!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Steph. I ask myself this quite often and have no answers!! 🙂
More Than Mommies says
Lily is to Elmo Juice as I am to Coffee.
Thanks so much for linking up to the Mixer this weekend! 🙂 We truly love that we can always count on you to comment and be part of our little community!
You rock!
Janine Huldie says
I am more that way with tea, lol!! But that is besides the point!! Seriously so happy to link up and be a part of your community!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh so true Amy and gives me such hope!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh no worries and I think I have done that from time to time, too. And thank you for giving me hope, Julie!! 🙂
Jessica Dy says
Hi Janine,
My day usually starts out as a battle royale with my little one – Usually begins about 7:30 am. Then I am hanging out at work till 5pm. Work is always different. I'm either rubbing elbows with the community or planning a staff engagement activity. Once I get home, it's mommy time again. dinner, bath, and the battle of trying to get the little one to sleep. By the time 10pm hits, I am blogging and doing homework till about 2am in the morning. Not a fancy day but it works 🙂
Jessica
The Wondering Brain
Janine Huldie says
Jessica, totally sounds like it works for you and your job sounds very interesting. I remember working in an office when I was younger and always having something new happen daily. As for the battles with your little one, have been there and then some and can truly relate. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing, too!! 🙂
The Dose of Reality says
A mother who will watch your children while you shower is a treasure!!!
Love the braid! Very chic!
Janine Huldie says
Couldn't agree with you more about my mother and just was so happy to be able to put braids in Emma's hair being that she was bald until almost 18 months!! 🙂
Stephanie Sprenger says
Oh, how I love Doc McStuffins! And yes, the opportunity to shower in the morning is a gift! I will get there again someday…but it may be awhile! So fun to take a peek inside your day! And I am envious that you get to wake up before your kids- I would have to get up before six for that to happen, and I just can't do it!
Michelle Liew says
Ack! I can totally relate to the madness of daily living, Janine. It's getting more rushed daily! Thanks for sharing! I am sharing this too.
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Michelle and I agree each day gets a little bit more rushed as I go through. Hope you are having a great weekend now!! 🙂
ttoombs08 says
I'm glad I only have 1 to chase after and he's in school Monday thru Friday. 🙂 Well, hubby leaves a mess like a kid. 🙂 Just reading your post made me super tired! 🙂 What colors do your super mom capes come in? 🙂
Janine Huldie says
My super mom cape doesn't come in nearly enough colors, lol!! But seriously, I feel like I deserve anything, but many days. That said my hubby is a mess too trust me and I just tired thinking about it. Thanks Terrye and hope your weekend is going good so far!! 🙂
Kera says
Our hubbies don't know how rough we have it sometimes! This was a fun prompt this week and it was fun to look into your day…there's not much difference at our house, except I have one crazy toddler running around and you have two! Linked up 🙂 Have a fab weekend mama!
Janine Huldie says
Oh so true Kera, so true!! I think it is safe to say our days are truly similar and you are almost there with #2!! Thank you and truly so glad you linked up with us. Again hope you are having a wonderful weekend!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
You are one busy momma! You must be a way faster blog commenter than I am because it take me so much longer than it seems to take you! Thanks for a glimpse into your day. Oh and I am so jealous that your parents live upstairs.
Janine Huldie says
Kristi, I love that my parents live upstairs and know we are going to buy a house eventually and will miss them being only a flight up for me!! That said thank you seriously. I just try my best, but believe me even I am not as quick as I wish I could be!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Heather and believe me time seems to be getting away from me too daily. I have a book to edit and want to read more. I have done neither of those two things. Any extra free time (when my kids are napping/sleeping) is my blog and on social networks. So trust me I know and can so relate. Maybe next week, I will try to keep the link open through Sunday night and I always think people are so busy on the weekend that no one will link up after a certain point, but could totally leave it open. And I will definitely be reading your day in a life post!! 🙂
joan robertson says
Hi Janine, your post seems to have received a load of comments! I must admit you seem to get through your posting activities faster than I do! I just can't seem to catch up!. It must be old age arriving! Lovely post, seems so productive to me, very fulfilling. See you soon!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Joan. I really not sure some days how I do, but am not going to lie when I say that I look forward to Saturday and sunday, when I do get a bit of a break for it all. So glad you linked up with us again and do hope you too have had a great weekend!! 🙂