“Must-Dos” Or “To-Dos”

Posted: September 30, 2011 at 7:00 am

Despite busy schedules, a lot of rambling thoughts, exhaustion, and cranky toddlers to manage, we have still had plenty of good times this week. Including our Thursday ritual of picnic lunch with daddy!

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The past couple of weeks we haven’t been able to have our regular Thursday lunch meet-ups because of radio shows and dermatologist appointments (in the clear! yay!!), so I couldn’t wait for today.

Like I said – things have been slightly hectic around here lately, so I had to toss together the quickest things possible for our picnic lunch. PBJ sandwiches for them…

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And a hummus, tomato, and sharp cheddar cheese sandwich for myself.

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For the record – that combo is immensely better grilled with some butter. Stacy’s pita chips by the handful help make it more satisfying though. Winking smile

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After lunch, came play time. Prepare for picture overload. You simply can’t help yourself but to snap pictures when you have the two cutest kids alive.

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Told ya. Cutest kids alive. Open-mouthed smile

I also had some fun learning that kids are strong little creatures and would own me at their games. I tried out this funky sliding monkey bar thing…and could only ever get halfway across. How do kids have endless energy for this stuff?!

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And we can’t forget Peter’s “Me Tarzan. You Baby B.” moment either.

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Classic. And now, bring on the “I can’t believe you would do that with your 9 month old baby you horrible, horrible parents” comments. I can take ‘em. Ninja

It was the perfect little afternoon.

“Must-Dos” or “To-Dos” to Make The Day Count

Lately, I have thought a lot about how I fill my time. You know I am a doer. I incessantly have to-do lists running through my mind. Yet, I know that in order to live a fulfilling life I have to take the time to focus on what truly matters.

Then one day it hit me. I have to shift my focus from my “to-dos” of laundry, dishes, organizing, emails, etc to the “must-dos” of loving others, taking a breather, caring for the health of my body, my mind, and my relationships.

Now, I have my to-do lists, but more importantly I have my “must do” list that trumps anything else for the day. I tell myself that if my "must-dos” happen, I accomplished all I needed to for that day. Sometimes things like laundry and emails can wait if you don’t get to them. Your children, your body, and your spirit can’t. Give it a try sometime. It’s pretty freeing. Smile

  • What is the last thing you did outdoors?
  • What would be on your “must-do” list for a day?

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51 Comments to ““Must-Dos” Or “To-Dos””
  1. Katie says:

    Your kids are seriously SO adorable! So sweet!

    I love the idea of picnic lunches, how cute you guys do that every Thursday! I think that is so nice!

    Loving the pic of you with the kids and husband, very cute!

    On my to do list today..

    Visit my grams grave , she passed away last October, she would of been 80 today , so today is a special day to me.

    xoxo <3

  2. Katrina says:

    I loved this one. And there is nothing wrong with playing Tarzan with a baby. Play away. 🙂
    Last thing I did outside (that I enjoyed and did for myself) would have been my long run of 15 miles. That was two weeks ago before I got rhabdo and now can’t exercise until I’m healthy again. I think about every minute of that run. Had I known it would have been my last for a while, I would have taken pictures, freeze-framed each turn, and maybe even stuck my hand in some wet cement.

    Lately my “must-dos” have more to do with my inner struggles with myself. Not being able to exercise is causing some major struggles. I don’t know how to NOT work out. But I was in the early stages of renal failure so my mind knows I can’t risk anything until I’m back to normal. My mind is also playing all those mental games like I’m going to get fat over 2-3weeks. I’m going to lose all fitness over 2-3 weeks. I’m going to have to miss the marathon in December. Etc. So my “must dos” are to really keep this in perspective. Focus on the positives in my life including my family and friends. Pray. Be still, shut up, and let go. My body will take care of the rest.

    • Tina says:

      Those definitely are important “must-dos”. I hate knowing you are going through all that. Hopefully you find that peace and the time passes quickly for you. Hugs!

  3. Khushboo says:

    Yes, we totally need to stop and smell the roses! When did life become so fast-paced that we put the important things like spending time with loved ones on the back burner! My must-do list for this weekend is to make sure my cousin has a wonderful birthday tomorrow! She is hosting an ’80s-themed party! Guess who’s in charge of the jello shots and mini cupcakes :)!

  4. Love the “must do’s” – as women, I feel like we constnatly have to do something… whether it’s around the house, with the kids, with the husband, making dinner, etc. I need to stop and remember to do my must do’s too!

    Happy Friday!!!

    (and yes, you have the cutest kids!)

  5. Stephany says:

    Oh, goodness, that photo of Baby B and Peter is priceless. Love it! 🙂

    On my must-do for today? Work, a run, and some quality nephew time. I’d say it’s going to be a good day!

  6. lindsay says:

    simple sandwiches and picnics make for a GREAT DAY! i love it Tina! and I have to say I was cracking up at the Tarzan and baby B shot. Impressive Peter!

  7. Kelly says:

    That very first picture of M and B is priceless….Christmas card!!!!

  8. Cuties!!! Haha I went for a long bike ride yesterday 🙂

  9. I must go to work! I love work, but I really need to clean the house today! It’s 8th grade night at the high school, so Jay is going to play with the high school band. I can’t wait to see this! I hope you have a great day Tina!

  10. i went on a fun walk on my lunch break on wednesday…and yesterday i WISH i’d done something outside! it was way too beautiful to miss!

  11. The last thing I did outside was run – definitely nothing laid back like the park. And the overwhelming feeling of the to-do list is why I created my to-enjoy list.

  12. You were right that we were writing similar posts this week! Love the must do vs to do and totally need to remember that today and this weekend. Maybe that way I will actually sit on the couch and relax for a few minutes. 🙂

  13. Must do: thank God for all that I have!

    Tina — M is looking more and more like you every day! She has such a sweet face. I’m glad you got to have a nice picnic playdate at the park. Looks like fun!

  14. Must Do: Tell other people (especially the husband) ‘thank you’. Sometimes I forget to tell him how much I appreciate his help, so it always sounds to him like I’m nagging.

    Last thing I did outside was attend a wedding, but I’m not so sure that counts.

  15. Amy says:

    Well, technically, the last thing I did outside was take out the trash 😉 … But the last *fun thing* I did was a morning run with my running buddies yesterday. …Today the weather is gorgeous, and I hope to get out for a walk at lunchtime.

    My “must do’s” include taking time to write, getting 7+ hours of sleep, and ending the day snuggling with my cats & my husband <3

    …Love the pictures of your kids. You have a beautiful family!

  16. Oh my goodness, the tarzan picture is priceless!

  17. jobo says:

    I completely fell into the must-do trap last night! I was in Boston for the day for work meetings when usually I am home working and had SO much to do when I got home, I felt, and tried to hammer through it, while M was sitting on the couch…and then I realized, my MUST do was to spend time with him, as the work could be done later. It was a good decision even though I semi-fell into that must-do trap too quikcly!

  18. Awwww… love this post!! Family time is so important 🙂

    Must do: Give my family a hundred thousand hugs and kisses – and tell them I love them.

  19. Rebecca says:

    LOVE the photos, as usual!!

    The last thing I did outside was walk back from work last night… It’s at least a mile on the path, plus winding through buildings to get to said path.

  20. LOVE the pic of Peter and Baby B! So funny and cute!

  21. Wow, your daughter looks so grown up in these photos! She’s looking more and more like you:)

  22. Lynn says:

    Thanks so much for the must dos. I’m so excited to think of things this way. You are an inspration really.

  23. Looks like a fun family day! The last time I was outdoors, I was taking a walk with the husband and the little guy. It was awesome!

  24. I feel like my must-do list is getting longer and longer each day 🙁

  25. stephanie*L says:

    OMG that picture of peter and brandon is so adorable. I love it!! I need some outdoors in my life, so a trip to the greenway tomorrow morning is in order!!

  26. You and your family are just adorable!! I can’t wait to start a little family and have fun park days like that!

    We’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors because we’ve been planting lots of trees\shrubs in our backyard. We’re just about done. Next week looks full of sunshine so hopefully we can get some fun bike rides in!

  27. Your kids really are so stinkin’ cute!

    The last thing I did outside was go for a run with our lab, Ryan, last night! It was a beautiful evening.

    On my must-do list today? Spend some quality time with the hubby this evening. We’ve both had busy weeks, so it’ll be nice to hang out just the two of us.

  28. i love this ritual. you guys are too cute, and one day you will look back on this and really cherish these moments! I love it tina

  29. Hmmm the last thing I did outside was walk from my car to Meghan’s doctor’s office for her 3 year old check up. It’s a rainy day so I doubt I’ll be outside much today. 🙁

    • Tina says:

      That just means cuddle time, right? 😉

      And….you have now reminded me I need to make M’s 3 year check up. Thank goodness I have you a month ahead of me. LOL

  30. I love your point about “must-do’s”. I become so obsessed with my to-do lists and constantly stress myself out. I realize that it affects the people around me and I need to take a moment and think about what is really important!

  31. You have the cutest kids! I am not sure what gives kids all their energy! My last outdoor activity was either going for a run or playing catch with The Boy. I love going outside to play catch!

  32. Fun! This made me want to go run outside and find a playground – sadly, I don’t think my boss would like that. 🙂 Happy Friday! My “must-do” list for today is to get some kitty cuddles.

  33. Your kids are so adorable! I just want to hug them.

    What a great way to spend the day. And no kidding about kids and their energy levels. My D always wipes me out with what he’s able to do. He’s already able to do like 5 push ups in a row and he’s only 4! Shame face. 🙁

  34. Bari says:

    Your kids are beyond adorable!

    Let’s see, the last thing I did outdoors was run 20 miles in the drizzly cold rain, and now I have a cold. Pure awesomesauce – NOT.

  35. Hilary says:

    So much cuteness! The last thing I did outside was my run yesterday morning. And must-do? Tell someone I love them, pray, devotions, exercise….good distinction: to-do/must-do!

  36. Sara says:

    I love Baby B’s expressions. He is so cute 🙂 And so is M! I think she looks like you, am I wrong or am I right? It’s so fun to watch your kids grow up on your blog! 🙂 And now I wish I was at the park instead of in my cubicle and I wish I had a Crock Pot full of something yumtastic waiting for me at home. (I read both posts today.) Do you leave your Crock going when you’re not home? I really don’t feel safe doing it, but I know a lot of people do. Thoughts?

    • Tina says:

      I do…but usually when I’m running out it’s not for the full time. I’ve never had a problem. Although I get the concern.

  37. Haha…I’m glad you wrote the comment about “how could you do that to your child” because I think it shuts down people saying something by you addressing it before people have the chance! I would trust my husband to do that to our invisible child, so no worries 😉 hehe

  38. I love the idea of “must dos.” I am a big list maker and even carry a pad of paper at all times so I can add to my to-do list when I think of something.

    Have an illness that is so affected by stress really taught me to keep things in perspective, though. Now if the dishes don’t get done one day or the laundry piles up a little bit, it’s okay. Jon and I will survive.

    Isn’t it funny how difficult it is to learn something so simple?

  39. Aww this post makes me so happy and excited to start our own little family VERY soon! And you do have ADORABLE kids!!!

  40. Tina, I love your closing thoughts *and of course the cute kiddo pics ;>*

    I think about that too often…like how I need to make my list of things that I MUST do every day…to stay sane!

    Maybe I’ll blog about my list. Happy Weekend!

  41. Brittany says:

    Your kids seriously are too adorable!!! I always say “awww” when I see pics 🙂 Looks like you guys had a great time! The thing I MUST do that I really need to focus on more often is calling my grandma. I don’t call her nearly as much as I should!

  42. Yes, you do have some pretty adorable kids! I don’t blame you for all the pictures!!!
    The last thing I did outside was take my dog for a walk/run…it was so much fun and makes the times pass by as I watch her pointy little ears be-bop up and down!

  43. Jess @ Jess Go Bananas says:

    A must-do of mine would be to tell someone that I loved them, or make someone smile. 🙂 I love the Tarzan stunt! lol

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