thebusyfrugalmom.com

One thing I’ve intentionally left off my blog is that we actually care for 5 children not 3. We do, in fact, have 3 but we have been fostering 2 additional children for about 2 months now. We are caring for these children with no subsidy from the state so that means we foot the bill. Now don’t get me wrong, there is not one complaint in that statement. We know full-well God has called us to this duty and are truly blessed everyday by having them in our lives. The point of that statement is that frugalness is even more important in our lives.

Defining Busy

In addition, I run a photography business, albeit very part time at the moment. I also homeschool my 8 year old. Busy doesn’t even begin to fully describe our lifestyle. While we always have clean clothing to wear, laundry is never caught up. I feed my kids home-cooked meals 6 out of the 7 days. The other day is usually a cheat day where I serve a quick breakfast meal for dinner (sometimes just cold cereal).

A Bit About Me

I’m an ADHD gal. I can be chaotic most days. I can over look things that should be done and forget to do other things. I can’t live without my calendar. But overall I LOVE all the blessings that comes with and ADHD brain. I work best in a chaotic environment. I can easily think outside the box and don’t feel the need to walk a straight line with my routine. But since I’ve taken on 2 additional children (giving me 4 that are 4 years and younger), I’ve learned to accept and create routines. I’ve become quite obsessed actually.

Routines

Having five kids has taught me a little bit about routine and how good it is for my kids. Without a routine, I’ll order lunch or dinner out. Or even breakfast. I love take out and dinning out. It’s my personal hole in my money bag. Routine helps me keep this hole mended. It also helps kids that have had no routine in their lives have a predictable day. Our day looks something like this:

• 5-6am I’m up and if I’m lucky I’m the only one up until about 7am. Usually my 4 year old is up by 6 or 6:30. In the morning I usually work on my blog and/or read my Bible.
• 8am - Eat breakfast (if you sleep in you miss it)
• 10am snack which is almost always fruit and some kind of dairy
• 11:30/noon Lunch
• Right After lunch is naps for the younger 3 and tv or reading for the older 2. (Ahhhh a bit of rest for me. I try not to do too much during this time)
• After naps we have a snack. I let them have a fun snack usually. Maybe sweets or chips/cheetos or something.
• 5pm - Dinner
• 6pm - baths
• 7pm - bed for the 3 little ones

In the beginning, I’d beat myself up if everything wasn’t done just right. But over the few months, I’ve learned to except imperfection. Right now I’m looking at a pile of clean clothes on my couch thinking well at least there is another couch. lol It is rest time after-all.

Many days 5 small children and homeschooling can seem like too much.

So What’s the Point?

The point is that most everything you’ll find on this blog is things that even busy people can carve out time to do. A few minutes here and there add up to some really great and money savings things for your family. Enjoy and let me know if there is anything you’d like to see!