The Undone To-Do List

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There it is, sitting on my kitchen counter staring me square in the face; the undone to-do list. How have I been racing around all day, and yet this list still has things left on it?! The answer is simple… it’s never going to truly be “done.”

You see, I may have made pancakes, nursed the baby, got both kids dressed, played monster trucks with my toddler, nursed the baby again, made a picnic lunch, built a huge train track, read stories, nursed the baby *again*, filled up juice cups, changed diapers, and gave endless snacks; but NONE of those things were what was written on that list.

At the end of the day, I am still left with a to-do list a mile long and feeling like I haven’t accomplished anything… yet, I’m exhausted! Can I get an AMEN? I know I’m not the only Mom feeling this way!

This used to bother me, until one day I realized that none of the things on that continuously-growing long list of mine were fleeting. The dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, and dusty shelves will all be there tomorrow… still needing to be done. Yet, my babies will be a day older.

We get 18 delicious summers with our children.
This is one of your 18.
If that’s not perspective, I don’t know what is.
– Jessica Scott

I’m sure you have all seen this quote floating around Facebook lately; and seriously, how fitting and timely! This quote has helped me shake the “to-do list pressure” this summer and instead focus on the sweet time I have been intentionally investing into my kids. Some days, this is as simple as listening to my toddler’s crazy LONG stories or laying in bed an extra five minutes just staring at my newborn. These are the things I am going to want to remember, and what I want my kiddos to remember about me!

I’ve started capturing more photos of the random things I spend my time doing with my littles. At the end of the night, if I’m feeling like I haven’t accomplished anything or when it seems like the day has slipped away from me, I am able to look back at all the pictures and see just how much fun we’ve had and how many new memories we made along the way! It is not about the amount of time spent, it is how you spend it. Quality over quantity! 

Of course, things still need to get done, but when they surface, I just ask myself if it can wait for another moment. I add it to that list and just know that it will eventually get done. Even though, let’s be honest… that whole list of mine will never truly be complete; and that my friend, is actually a REALLY beautiful thing!

Mamas, you will never regret playing dress-up, having spontaneous dance parties, letting them stay up a little later, sneaking in those slobbery kisses, making cookies, or building another fort! Trade the pen and paper for crayons and coloring books; I did and it’s been SUCH a glorious choice!

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Rebecca
Hey there, I'm Rebecca! I am a believer, proud military wife, Mama of 4; 2 in Heaven and 2 here with us. I’m originally from Florida, but we moved to Ohio about three years ago and I honestly LOVE the change. Dayton was quick to feel like home to us, and we've definitely been enjoying the seasons! Being a Mom is the happiest full-time job, but I love making the time to keep up with my personal interests as well. I run a blog and Instagram @theivynest; where I share a bit of our story and everyday life, along with my love of home decor and keeping things simple. Life is definitely busy, but I truly believe that it is equally as beautiful when we choose to see it that way!