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You are here: Home / Family / Getting It All Done – I Don’t

by Stacy  57 Comments

Getting It All Done – I Don’t

Image by WordRidden

When I’m having a workshop, the questions always vary. “Does vinegar in the wash make you smell like a pickle?” “Can I sniff you?” “How do you store 25 pounds of beans?” “How do you know when your milk is bad?”

BUT, there is always one question that I get at every single workshop. Sometimes it’s asked aloud, and sometimes I’m asked in private afterwards. “But Stacy…how do you get ALL that done?!” How can I make all my stuff homemade? How can I grind wheat and make bread and then have time to vacuum up all the dirt tracked in by my toddler? How can I hang dry my clothes? How can I take the time to save money by visiting yard sales?

The answer is simple…I don’t do it all.

Image by Monica Arellano-Ongpin

Coming Clean

Please understand something. Yes, I do make multiple posts about things that I do at home…like homemade mouthwash, homemade croutons, using cloth diapers, and scrubbing the toilet. BUT, I don’t do them all every day. It’s just not possible.

I don’t get it all done…I’m just one Mommy. I don’t have a mommy-helper. Sometimes I have help from my mom, but not every day. I have to tackle what I can do day-by-day. Some days I clean. Some days I don’t. Some days I make homemade bread and some days I’m too tired to cook dinner so we eat popcorn. The important thing to remember on your journey to frugality and sustainability is this – GRACE. You won’t be able to do it all every day…but you can tackle ONE thing today.

If the thought of trying to measure up to Susie Does It All Homemaker down the street has kept you from trying anything at all, then forget her. Let me tell you something else – she likely sweeps her dirt under the carpet just like everyone else. If you open her closet, you might get creamed with flying debris. Start from where YOU are and quit looking at everyone else.

Image by Robert Couse-Baker

I’m Not Superwoman and Neither Are You

This is something I’ve had to learn….I can’t do it all, but I can do something little every day. Whatever you have time for today, just make it count. If you have time to make laundry detergent today, then make a quadruple batch…if you have time to make bread, then make a double batch and freeze the other loaves for later. The important thing is to manage your time well.

Listen, I am not Super Woman. I’ve actually had people call me that. I hope I’ve given you a pretty good view of how I really am – I mess up on a regular basis. I set fires on the stove…and in the oven. I spill entire batches of granola. I pour kefir down the sink in moments of stupidity. Sometimes I wipe a butt, miss and get poop all over my hand. It happens. I mess up. You mess up. We’re human and we can’t do it all.

We’re not meant to do it all. We’re meant to do what we can to the best of our ability. That’s it. So the next time you wonder how Stacy gets it all done, remember this…I have dust bunnies that have taken up residence in my corner – and they don’t look like they’ll be moving out any time soon.

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About Stacy

Stacy is a Homemaking and Business Mom Mentor, the author of two cookbooks, creator of multiple e-courses, seasoned life coach, and comedian extraordinaire. Her first priority is her husband and her children - family first. She presses on each day because her calling is to teach, train, and mentor other ladies to have their dreams. She believes if it’s not easy, you won’t do it – because she’s lived it. She’ll bring YOU the awesome so that you can get your home back into control and watch your business soar. For tips and easy strategies, you can follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. Liane says

    May 18, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Rachel says

    March 16, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    I just want to thank you for reminding all of us moms that we all are only human and not super woman! I had to learn this about 5 years ago when I had back surgery.I got so mad that I couldn’t do what I use to do in a day. I learned something though, my friends didn’t like me less, my husband helped me more, and I forgave myself for not being able to accomplish all the things that I thought had to be done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. I learned to do what I could and not worry about what didn’t get done.

    Thank you again 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      March 17, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      Good enough is good enough for me!

      Reply
  3. Candace G. says

    April 25, 2012 at 8:30 am

    What an incredible post!! I’ve been struggling with this as a newly “at-home” mom, who is trying to go a little crunchy. No more chemical cleaners, laundry detergent or shampoos and conditioners, no more processed foods. I’m baking my own bread, cooking real foods every night and trying to maintain a garden, animals and 4 children. I’ve beaten myself up because I can’t get it all done, I’m glad to know that I’m not alone.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 25, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      Stop beating yourself up….it’s a just a waste of time – I know, because I’ve been there. 🙂 And if you ever need a pick-me-up, you just give me a shout! We’ll stick together.

      Reply
  4. Anne @ Quick and Easy Cheap and Healthy says

    April 24, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Oh this is so so so so true! Bottom line – we’re human. Can’t wait to get to Heaven and be rid of these earthly struggles!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 25, 2012 at 6:53 am

      Preach it, sista!

      Reply
  5. Shannon says

    April 23, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    It totally is all about time management. Some days I get so much done and other days not so much. You can tell when I’ve been busy working (I work at home) because the house is mess. But it’s getting little things done here and there that make a big difference. When the kids are finishing up their lunch I’m cleaning the kitchen, that sort of thing. I know people think I’m always cleaning and everything is perfect, but they don’t see me on the days when I’m sitting around doing nothing and the house is a mess. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 1:22 pm

      LOL Making the most of the time you DO have is what matters…and that will vary from day to day. 🙂 Moms are great at multi-tasking!

      Reply
  6. Roxy says

    April 23, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Great post, Stacy. I read it at exactly the right time. Our house is on the market and someone is coming in an hour to see it. I did the best I could; now I leave it to the Lord!

    Roxy in Montana

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 1:28 pm

      🙂 Your best is good enough. And I hope your house sells!!!!

      Reply
  7. Katie M. says

    April 23, 2012 at 11:50 am

    It’s posts like this that remind me how much I love your blog. There have been blogs that I have stopped following, because despite the good information they give, they we’re very “all or nothing”. I look forward to reading your posts.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      Katie, I could receive no higher compliment. Thank you.

      Reply
  8. Jami Leigh says

    April 23, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Love this Stacy!!! Thank you for sharing your heart 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Thanks Jami…sharing my heart is my favorite part of this blog!

      Reply
  9. Summer says

    April 23, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Definitely NO spandex!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 1:36 pm

      *Shudder*

      Reply
  10. Suzanne says

    April 23, 2012 at 9:46 am

    I so enjoy your posts. This one in particular strikes home for me and I hope your readers take it to heart. As a mom of three (now grown) boys, I learned the hard way that I just could not be perfect, but I could be good enough!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 1:37 pm

      Good enough is good enough for me! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Summer says

    April 23, 2012 at 9:09 am

    Great post! I think we need more GRACE, all the time, with each other. It’s so easy to see blogs and facebook posts and pinboards filled with fabulous things others are doing and then think we’re not doing enough.
    This is why I feel like it’s super, duper important to be brutally honest (in real life and on my own blog) about my ups and downs. Lay it all out there, let everyone know we’re *real* people with *real* struggles!
    Thanks for sharing!!! I think we ARE super-women…precisely because we’re honest about not being able to do it all, all the time. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:48 am

      Yes, maybe we ARE Superwomen! Minus the spandex. LOL

      Reply
  12. delloraine says

    April 23, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Very edifying Stacy, if Susie Does It All Homemaker does do it all, it is at the expense of her relationships and hobbie-time. You are right that you can’t do it all every day. I determined years ago what was an acceptable level of “clean” and funny, but that level has continued to adjust downward as I have acquired a husband, dog, children, In-laws in my home, homesteading and homeschooling. We all have the same amount of time, but the Lord gave us different gifts,missions, and challenges. Learning how to best use them all to His Glory is the trick. Thank you for using your time well.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:50 am

      🙂 Using them best for His glory is my goal….and it sounds like you’re doing that too! Thanks!

      Reply
  13. Tina Whitman says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:56 am

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for telling the truth. I have struggled many days with feeling like a failure for not being able to “do it all”. I’ve found myself doing nothing since “I’ll fail no matter what I do.” I wish more moms would be honest and open.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:53 am

      The next time you need a little pick-me-up, you give me a holler. 🙂 You are NOT a failure!!

      Reply
  14. Christy, The Simple Homemaker says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:33 am

    Great post!

    Oh, we feed our dust bunnies. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:54 am

      Dude! I never thought I needed to feed mine. I hope they’re not dead….

      Reply
  15. Stacey says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:32 am

    As I said when you posted about “not soaking your flour” (GASP!), when is good enough, enough? I’ve been trying to make the transition from being a working PT/homeschooling mom to being a full-fledged SAH/homeschooling mom. It’s been hard–not only do I miss the paycheck (and I loved my job! once…)–but I keep feeling that I’m never going to get caught up on all the stuff that didn’t get done while I was working…over the last 17 years. *EYEBROW*

    What do you suppose the odds are that I’m ever gonna get caught up? Really? I think it’s probably more likely that I’ll hit big on the lottery, don’t you?? LOL I better play this weekend!

    Still I AM very much a Type A personality, and sometimes I get very down on myself for not getting as much done during the day as I “planned” to. My hubby has been pretty good about reminding me–ONE thing at a time, then move on to the next. Meals need to be made. Laundry needs to be done. Essential Schoolwork is Not optional. Everything else is just…extra!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:56 am

      Do we ever catch up? I hardly think so…there is always something else that needs to be done. 🙂 I struggle a lot with being upset when my day doesn’t go as planned and I get NOTHING done. It’s so wonderful to have a supportive husband, like you do as well, that reminds me that every day that I take care of my family is a day that is well spent.

      Reply
      • Stacey says

        April 23, 2012 at 11:18 am

        LOL–We may never catch up–but even the days when “NOTHING” gets done, I think it helps to make a list (even if it’s just in your head while you do the dishes) of what I did accomplish that day. Some days it looks like a) got up, b) got to bed a reasonable hour!

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          April 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm

          I love lists in my head! 🙂

          Reply
  16. [email protected] says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Love this! I think more bloggers need to come clean–and admit we’ve been humbleD! It’s physically impossible to do it ALL! Oh, and the pic of the fire on the stove? That, ahem, could totally be at my house. 😉 Thanks for the great, REAL post!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:57 am

      We need to come “clean.” Pun intended, right? 😉

      Reply
  17. Veronica says

    April 23, 2012 at 8:16 am

    “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
    ~Theodore Roosevelt

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 9:58 am

      AMEN!!!!!!!!! I love that quote! Thanks so much for sharing it!

      Reply
  18. Melanie says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:54 am

    Good post. As a single working mom of 2, I only get done what I can in the time I have. The rest will just have to wait. And you know what ? That’s okay.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:00 am

      It’s TOTALLY okay! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Cynthia says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Love this post, love you! You make me laugh!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:01 am

      🙂 You are easily amused. lol

      Reply
  20. Tara @ Simply Made Home says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:35 am

    Great post. I also tell people that it takes far less time/effort to make laundry soap or wash cloth diapers than for me to load up four kids and rodeo through Target! 🙂

    Thanks!

    Tara

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:01 am

      Oh my gosh….you are SO RIGHT! I didn’t even think about that part….that almost gives me a nervous breakdown. LOL

      Reply
  21. Angie @ Sunny Patch Cottage says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:26 am

    Stacy, you hit the nail on the head! There’s blogs out there about how you must have shiny white floors with no scuffs, how everything must be spotless at once, how all must be done to please hubby. Here hubby is happy when I cook a meal, when I do the laundry (and I do it by hand on a scrub board most often due to no washing machine/dryer), when I actually halfway keep the dishes caught up, etc. Does it all get done at once? Nope. With 3 special needs kids and a hubby, nothing gets done all at once.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:02 am

      I’d like to meet the lady that gets it all done at once. 😉 I’m not sure she really exists.

      Reply
  22. leslie says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:05 am

    Good for you. And a healthy attitude, as your family grows! None of us get it all done, either. Blessings!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:04 am

      LOL And we have to stick together! Thanks, Leslie!

      Reply
  23. sherrie says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:42 am

    this makes me feel SO much better! i didn’t get my floors mopped over the wkend and mt saint laundry is about to topple over. i spent time w/my friends, my favorite lil cousins, my momma and my honey. i also spent time at an awesome worship svc. yesterday was filled w/hours outside working on my mother’s and father’s day gifts. so who really cares about my dirty floors? 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:04 am

      I’m pretty sure that when your kids are old and grown, you won’t lament over the fact that you wish you had mopped more floors. 🙂 I try to remind myself of that on a daily basis….

      Reply
  24. Kathy says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:40 am

    Thanks for being real!

    That is one of the reasons that I love your blog!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:05 am

      🙂 Thanks, Kathy! I always love your comments!

      Reply
  25. Jen says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:34 am

    Well said!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:05 am

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  26. smallthingsbynona says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:26 am

    Stacy, you really do make sence. Love your thoughts in this post. Its great to know that I can’t do it all, but I can do enough. Enough is not everything and never will be. Trying to do more just makes me less, less of a great mum, less of a loving wife, less of a good friend. I think it was Sarah Bessey (http://www.emergingmummy.com/) who wrote about being enough because He is enough and I try to remember that too!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 6:40 am

      Most of the time, doing enough is enough. 🙂

      Reply
  27. Bobbie Bushman says

    April 23, 2012 at 7:23 am

    Well said! I always tell people that I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to make everything from scratch. I started by making one thing, then another, then another. When you tackle one thing at a time it isn’t overwhelming. This is especially important to remember if you are new to the simplicity lifestyle.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 8:03 am

      You’re right…it’s really important. If you try to do it all at once, you’ll just have a breakdown and be admitted to the insane hospital. 🙂

      Reply
  28. Becca C says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:27 am

    With 4 kids that I homeschool, I don’t even TRY to get it all done, because it doesn’t do much good to make the effort. LOL

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      April 23, 2012 at 6:39 am

      🙂 And that’s why I love ya, Becca.

      Reply


Hello! I’m Stacy!

I believe God created you to be the hero of your home. You CAN manage your home instead of it managing you. That’s why I empower women with simple solutions for their homemaking needs – because if it’s not easy, you won’t do it. {Read More…}

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