Was I productive?

So often, as a stay-at-home mom, I find that I internally – and most of the time, subconsciously – chide myself for not being productive enough. I'm not completely sure what definition of 'productive' I'm holding up as my standard. That will have to be looked at another time. Today I've decided just to put down 'on paper' what I've accomplished this sun-up to sun-down.


Made 3 meals and at least 3 snacks - thus feeding myself, my husband, my 3 year old and my baby

Cleaned hands and faces, spills and messes resulting from this food consumption

Emptied and Filled the dishwasher. Emptied it again, halfway at least

Did 1 load of laundry and washed cloth diapers

Did 'school' with Abby – worksheets and coloring

Had my sister and my 2 year old niece down for a visit this morning; during this time we played a game, did watercolor painting, read stories and had a snack

Put two kids down for a nap, albeit at two different times

Made two important phone calls

Wrote three thankyou notes

Swept the kitchen

Changed 8 sets of clothing: 3 each for the children and 2 for me

Cleaned up 2 potty training accidents and changed numerous dirty diapers

Cleaned out the clogged drain in the tub – very gross!

Took a shower:-)

Picked up at least 100 books - one of Zack's fav things to do is pull all the books from the shelf. Takes him about 30secs to do the damage and me about 10 mins to remedy it. Not efficient;-)

General household pick-up and organizing

Cuddled, kissed and loved my two children

Managed not to lose my patience too much

Encouraged and loved my husband

Prayed – for my family, my friends and myself

Talked to God


When I look at all that – the big tasks and the small, the easy and the difficult, the enjoyable and the not so enjoyable – I realize that productive IS something that I can attribute to myself. Today and everyday that I give of myself to those I love.

And now I will close my eyes and try to sleep, for tomorrow will be yet another productive day!

Ad majorem Dei gloriam