When I posted about printing and laminating a daily routine for myself, many of you popped up, asking me to share what I do and how I do it. First off, I’m hesitant to write this post because I love how different we all are. Please don’t read this and think this is “the way”. There is NO “the way”. What there IS, are many different ways for people to live great lives. For me, this is what most of my days look like and I hope you can remember that just like you, sometimes I oversleep when my alarm goes off, sometimes I eat the wrong things and sometimes I skip the gym- but day in day out, life flows like this.
Managing this website, plus mothering with intention and leaving space for spontaneity and adventure takes time and planning. I’m crazy enough to believe I can do all of it, so that’s where some serious planning comes in. For me, scheduling my days creates more freedom, peace and time in our lives. I don’t feel stressed, I forget less things and I feel like I go into the day positive, and ready to tackle what lies before me, not be tackled myself.
In my life, I want to make time for the things I love (my family, friends, working out, reading, writing, adventures with friends and growing NW Healthy Mama) and I’ve found to balance it all well, I need to only say “Yes” to what’s part of the big plan for my life and I need to live with a bit of a schedule, to be able to fit it all in. 
So, here we go. This is what my life looks like right now. Please remember we’re all different and we do what works best for us. I am NOT saying this is best for everyone. Also, take note that my kids are 2, 5 and 6. When they were 0, 2 and 4, life did NOT look like this. Basically everyday was pajama day back then and they were my alarm clock. So no judgement here!
Angela’s Daily Schedule (Monday – Friday)
5:30am- Wake up and write blog post, answer emails
7:00am- Make breakfast for everyone and take shower
8:00am- Start one load laundry, do breakfast dishes, load Judah’s backpack
8:35am- Leave to take Judah to school
9am- Go to the gym with the girls
10:30am- Playdates, chores, errands etc.
12:30pm- Eliza naps and I do a quick 20 minute pick up (set the timer and race to see how much can get done in that amount of time. Put all the things away- light a candle and then relax. It’s amazing what can get done in 20 minutes). Check in briefly on social media
Afternoon: Finish that one load of laundry, play outside with kids, go to the park etc.
3:30pm-Pick Judah up from school, girls watch a show while he and I do homework, kids put away their laundry and play
Evening: Family time- reading with the kids etc.
8:00pm- Do dinner dishes, relax, schedule and work on posts for the following day, answer emails.
9:30-10pm- Read in bed.
10pm- Sleep
Things to do daily:
Scoop Outside (from the dog)
Take Vitamins
Write in J&P’s notebooks (we write back and forth to each other)
Make lunches for school and go through school folders
Tackle mail and papers as they come in
Read to the kids
Cleaning and Responsibility Schedule:
Monday: One load of laundry, vacuum
Tuesday: One load of laundry, clean bathrooms -sometimes we have MOPS and I do nothing on that day
Wednesday: One load of laundry, clean something small
Thursday: One load of laundry, vaccum
Friday: One load of laundry, pay bills/review finances
Saturday: Family time and projects
Sunday: Church, plan week, grocery shop, vacuum car
Monthly:
Clean microwave
Clean refrigerator
Wash bedding
Take things to thrift store we no longer need 
Some of you will notice something big on this routine- taking Judah to school. I had mentioned earlier in the year that we started homeschooling, but after homeschooling for half the year, it was clear it’s not the right fit for our family right now. He and I grew closer and he was learning well, but I learned that I’m more of a cheerleader for the schools and an active participant there, rather than a teacher at home. To put it lightly, staying home and teaching made me feel depressed and isolated. I need to be on the go, seeing people and he missed being in a classroom and doing things like library and PE with his friends. For so many people homeschooling is such a great fit and I’m so glad we tried it, because I would have always wondered. His transition back has been amazing and I don’t regret trying, neither am I beating myself up for stopping. Sometimes bravery is doing something new and then being okay and having courage to make necessary changes when it doesn’t work, know what I mean?
So now that I shared a bit about how I “get it all done”, I’d love to hear what your life looks like, or do you have any questions for me?
Thank you all for being part of this site. Today over on our Instagram page, our theme is “Kindness”. Post your pictures using #nwhealthymama We’d love to have you play along!
I hadn’t realized J was back at school. I am proud of you for having the courage to try something and then to say, “That was not the absolute best thing for our family. Let’s adjust”. Sign of an awesome mom! Your routine makes me miss (a lot) the days when I had the girls at home.
Cami- Yes! His transition back has been SO great. We are blessed to live in an area where we have many different options for schooling and I’m glad we tried, or else I would have always wondered. Hope you’re doing well. I miss you!
My productive hours are either 9-1 or 8-11 pm. There is no such thing as 5:30 am in my world.
I love this peek into your life.
I also applaud you for trying homeschooling and realizing it wasn’t right for your family. Although I’m a big fan of homeschooling, it’s definitely not for everyone.
My FAVORITE thing you do (among many, you go-getter-adventure-mama!) is writing in J&P’s journals back and forth. This put a smile on my face! I want to do this with my girl when she’s old enough to read and write and always keep these journals to look back on in the years to come. How sweet.
Yes! Do it with Lucy. It’s so special.
I admire you so much, Angela. With homeschooling, I think it takes so much honesty and courage to step back and honestly evaluate what’s best for everyone. Love your list-I’m finding early mornings are a must for there to be any sense of quiet and calm when I start the day.
Thank you. His transition back has been SO great that I know we did the right thing. I regret none of it! I think sometimes you never know until you try!