Truth: I am a big nerd.
Let me back up. If you ask the people who know me well, they would tell you that I like a plan. A good, solid, thought-through, forward-thinking plan. I pride myself on being a very steady (albeit nerdy…) person. For example, I usually don’t commit to things unless I am positive I’ll keep it up for the long haul, I don’t really buy into fads like extreme crash diets or overly intense exercise regimens because I know they aren’t completely long term solutions, and I am loyal to those I love with my whole heart. BUT. With Steady comes it’s evil twin: Control Freak. I like a plan; I like a calendar; I like a list. Maybe (definitely) a little too much sometimes. My family enjoys teasing me by quoting the following back to me:
“To me, having a plan is like having a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you.”
–Erin
See? Nerdy. 😏
Most of my life, I have been a planner, an organizer, a person who keeps multiple calendars that cross reference each other. When I taught Senior English and was the Senior class sponsor, my kids would tease me about the excess of calendar in my classroom. One calendar the size of a white board on the wall keeping track of Senior events; another wall-sized white board calendar for British Literature lesson plans and due dates; a third calendar by my desk for any extra to-do’s that didn’t fall into the previous two calendars’ categories; a lesson plan calendar booklet in my desk to cross-reference what I wrote up on the huge board for the kids to see; and a fourth virtual calendar on my laptop. Oh. And the calendar on my iPhone. Forgot that one. Did my kids make fun of my anal-ness incessantly? Yes. Did they ever have an excuse to “forget” to finish a project or get their homework in on time or lose track of a meeting? NOPE. Bam. Calendars are cool, kids. Super cool.
😉
Anyway, my love for order, for planning, and for control has been around as long as I can remember. (Did I mention I’m a first-born? Yeah.) And, as with most things that I feel I need to handle on my own, God seems to find it humorous to mess things all up. Usually (read: always…at least eventually) for my good, but still. He really thinks He’s funny like that.
If I look around my closest circle of influence, I am surrounded by go-with-the-flow, laid back, carefree folks. My husband, some of my closest girlfriends, my sister, many in my husband’s family. Don’t get me wrong. They have plans and are organized…just not bordering on OCD levels like someone we all know. Ahem. Ahem.
I don’t think it is an accident that God placed these people in my life. Not at all. My husband balances me perfectly. When I get all twitchy and angsty and demand Excel spreadsheets detailing every, well, detail of the next five, ten, 250 years of our lives, he calms my nerves. He reminds me that we need to slow down, to breathe, to enjoy what we have right now in this moment, instead of planning away every free minute of our existence and then wondering where all the fun went. When I get bent out of shape because I’ve over-thought some aspect of my plans, my sister is quick to just shrug and blow it off. I admire how easily she can allow frustrating things to roll off of her back if they aren’t really that important in the first place, and this skill is developing more and more the longer she is out in the world living her grown-up life. When I become overwhelmed with the many and ever-changing tough stages of motherhood, my girlfriends nod their heads, hand me coffee, and soothe my soul with stories of how they had to learn to let it go. Everything has it’s season, turn, turn, turn, and all of that, they say. These women have no idea how they act as a balm to my weary Mom-spirit, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.
When I get all anal and calendar-y and overly angsty, my people balance me out. When I lose sight of the forest because of one tree that is frustrating me to no end, my people nudge me in the back until I learn to bypass that annoying tree all together and go have some fun in the forest with them. No matter how detailed my plans, how color-coordinated my lists, how scheduled my days may be, my people remind me Who makes my plans, Who structures my existence, Who orchestrates my days.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17
My people, my wonderfully laid-back, perfectly easy going, and lovably less-anal-than-Erin people. These people are the ones who continually challenge me to be the best version of myself, work on the areas that are lacking, and, as a result, point me back toward dependence on my Lord, a hard place to be when you’re a natural planner. But…He’s the best Planner of all.
And, you know, I bet my people don’t even know they’re doing it.
😉❤️
What about you? In which category do you fall? Angsty yet lovable over-planner? Laid-back lover of all things unpredictable and fun? Somewhere in-between? Can we still be friends now that you know of my calendar addiction…? Pretty please? 😬😂
Oh man! I’m just like you, Erin…calendars, schedules, plans….got to have them! Good thing we have people to balanace us out.
I was a planner and a list maker but my life got too chaotic with things beyond my control and I couldn’t keep up, as much as I tried, so I let it go. I’m new to instagram, blogs and all that and I just love yours!! You’re very real and very pretty!! P.S. you have a beautiful family!
Definitely fall into your category but married to an easy going guy so that works well 😊
I feel you! Plan all the things!!!! My husband is my laid back, we’ll figure it out opposite and completely balances me. Oh! And my nickname from some of his side of the family is “The Plan.” So there you have it!!!
I am so so so the calendar-y person. I live by my paper planners, color coded for different events. Not counting the lesson plan book and the schedule on my white board and the calendar in the back of the room…it’s never ending. I’m so Type A and always in my head. I definitely need my people to help bring me down to Earth again.
Totally the same, girl!!
So great! I’m a first born, too, & was working on a list of things to do for tomorrow while watching your insta story about this blog 😀😉
Love it! ❤
I’m the polar opposite to laid back… no plan.. the just wing it type. But I stress myself out because I forget things, I run out of time and I procrastinate. But I also live in the moment and let god take me down the river to where I’m going on his own terms. 😊
You sound like a certain someone I’m married to…. 😉
I used to be like you but age had gotten to me ha! Enjoy this season in your life. Love your style and spirit!
Erin, you just ROCK! You are so transparent and so relatable!!! You are you! And that is what is so great! There will be negative nellies out there, but no matter you just keep up the beautiful job you have been doing! We need more people like you on social media for women frankly, I so enjoy watching your stories and looking at you gorgeous pictures. Keep up all the great work you do! ❤️
Oh I sure appreciate this–more than you know!!
Confession: I get some serious satisfaction from buying a new planner and some highlighters. 💁🏻
Bhahahahah!!
Oh and I so write everything on my calendar that I hang in the kitchen wall. Appointments, birthdays, events, bills due and important things that happen! 😉
I’m not a multiple calendar planner but I’m definitely not laid-back. I guess I’m just a regular ole planner that loves a schedule. 😁
Love your Insta stories, blog, and your sweet self! 😍
I too was an extreme OCD , I must be in control Nerd, ( my nickname was Monica if that sums it up) but as I got older I realized that at the end of the day you truly don’t have complete control of the wheel, and the more I embraced that truth the more free I felt to let go and let God. Mind you those perfectionist OCD pieces are still very much part of who I
am, but learning to loosen the reign a bit has
served me well. ❤️
I can totally relate!!
First born here too and the same way. Hubby balances me too! I’m good with being a nerd! ❤️
Erin- loved your post. You are who you are and that makes you special :). Your girls are precious. Can you share their first names or would you rather not? I’m a grandmother and my daughter is expecting her second daughter. First one’s name is Grace. Haven’t made a decision for the next baby girl 🙂
Thank you for this! Probably won’t share their names as they haven’t really signed up for any of this internet craziness 😉 Congrats on the grandbaby! How exciting!
The hubs is the planner in my house. We have a running joke with my three boys that whatever dad does must be laminated and color coded! I on the other hand, am a procrastinator and get myself stressed out last minute. Love watching you and really enjoy your fashion tips! You have a beautiful family
Ha ha, you and I are switched!
I’m laid back, sometimes I wish I was more of a calander keeper/planner but I leave that to my sister 🙂
That sounds like MY sister…. 😉
You are the best at being real as well as being kind! I’m older and retired ~ very different season. 🙂 I used to be more uptight and frustrated if my schedule was changed but I think that God kinda laughed and said “Yeah, right!” Having kids and a work schedule that required flexibility helped also. All we really have is this moment and we need to really “get that” and enjoy it ~ take a break, enjoy the kids and family, have another cup of coffee and just be! I use a calendar, however, there are lots of changes and that’s ok! I figure God is in charge and I need to go with the flow. 🙂 Thanks so much for all you do and share for all of us!
xoxo
Pat
Well thank YOU for these kind words, Pat!! Made me smile.
I love this post. Most of my friends are like you, amd I’m the super laid back one. Although I do enjoy a goid plan, I’m cool if it turns into something else. I am also a firstborn (and only for 20 years) which some are surprised to find out.
I absolutely love how God makes us all so unique and special. I love how He gifts us all in such am amazing way that we compliment one another so well. All the praise be to Him for we are all wonderfully made.
Thank you for letting all of us share in your little square of the world!! 😙
I use to be more anal about it all. I’d have lists for my lists. 😂
I really think as I got older and my kids grew and moved on I began to be more layed back and in the moment.
There is nothing wrong with what you do! As your girls get older and move on, you might relax a little. Then again “you do you” that’s your jam. Fly that flag High!!! 😉😍😍😍
I am the same way! OCD all the way! I love a plan too, and like to overthink things way too much. My husband is also the maid back one and keeps me grounded. I thank God for him! My favorite verse is: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”The older I get (I’m 40ish now 😂😉), I’m learning to live more in the moment and not worry about what is to come so much. You are doing a great job! . I love your Insta stories and blog posts.
Lists, lists and more lists. I make budget books then redo them again and again lol. I like being neat and organized and like you it’s hard for me to relinquish control to those around me lol. I’m a single mom of a 20 yr old girl ( who’s just like me, so organized 🙂 and a 17 yr old son who could care less lol. I enjoy following u and hearing all u have to say 🙂 u r a strong woman to put up with nasty comments! Good for u 🙂 just thought I’d comment after watching u talk about starting a blog etc. Haven’t commented before, hope u get it lol 🙂
I’m more like, whatever has God for me today 🙂
Some days I plan and some days whatever happens.
I love that verse Proverbs 27:17 , those are the people I want to be with , those who I can sharpen and those who sharpens me.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m a calendar freak too!! Haha I even decorate mine for fun…my husband thinks I’m a nut but I love it! I love planning 😂
Nerds unite! 🤓 I don’t know what I’d do without a plan! I always tell my family “Trust Judy!” And I even shorten it and just say “TJ!” They would run around like chickens with their heads cut off it it weren’t for me! 🔪 🐔
The way you are is why I love ya. I am OCD and have delt with it my entire life. My hubby of 38 years has helped me balance too. I do find with age you do slow down a lot and not take on as much. I did suffer a nervous breakdown at 37, was doing two jobs and raising three boys, sadly I learned the hard way, so be careful and don’t overdo, its great that you say no, that is a must. Keep being you, your great.
Girl I totally relate with the multiple calendars, to do lists and notebooks full of lists 😂😂😂 I couldn’t live without them and my husband has none of that! So we balance each other out too! As long as you can see th forest at times, the lists and calendars can stay 💗
Coming from someone who’s family has made fun of them for their calendars and crazy organization stemming from an ‘Academic Agenda’ created to manage the very strenuous fifth grade, I’m right there with you! Trying to lose some of that to live in &I enjoy the moment, and I certainly appreciate your reminders and Insta stories. So relatable and they always seem to come at juuuust the right time- no matter what the topic! So thanks for being you and for sharing yourself and your light and your insights with us!
Same same same!!! Ahh how do these people put up with us?? But I sure am thankful they do. Husband. Sister (younger of course). Friends. How is EVERY.SINGLE.ONE. of them more easy going than me?! Ah well, God knows what he’s doing, that’s for sure!!
I’m just like you. 😜 I ALWAYS say that God put the wifey in my life to be the totally opposite of me. I can be worrying about the year 2026, and her words “we don’t even know if we will be alive by then… stop worrying” will calm my ass right down. People are put in our lives for a reason. Enjoy all of your people. 😘
Erin,
I grew up in chaos, so bordering the OCD line gives me comfort too! I totally get the “warm and fuzzy” parts…I know God is so good to put me back into my place of needing Him to be in control daily as well… I call it my “facesmack” 🙄😜😘
I
Angsty yet lovable over here too! With a mix of anxiety.
Planner, list, schedules you name it 🙂
My husband (the most lay back person I know! Because oposites attract) makes fun of me because of things I put on the calendar and her reminders for (add bleach to the AC drain). I love my color coordinated calendar, my phone calendar my spreadsheets and mounts of list 🙂
I’m a super planner too!! I’m still on the hunt for my unicorn planner — any suggestions?? I currently have a Plum Paper, but it’s kinda bulky 😕
Love your Instastories, Erin. I watch them daily. Your realness really shines through. I’m a planner too. Just bought my first Emily Ley Simplified Planner, and I write EVERYTHING in it. (You never know when that iCal is gonna crash!) I’m an oldest child, and LOVE being organized!!
Love! First born here🙋 AND the daughter of a retired Command Sgt. Major!!! Eeeek!! We made plans for our plans and all the while we better be able to bounce a quarter off that tightly made bed🤣🤣🤣However, fast forward to where I am (45yo, 4 kids and 18 years with my hubby) I have learned to SLOW DOWN (thanks to said hubby). Appreciate life and all that God has given you and don’t EVER miss out on a chance to slow down, take it all in and love HIS plan and all the glory within it!!
I love this!! Calendars are my jam!! I don’t want to admit how many I have had going at one time….☺️ It’s awesome how God places the right people in our lives!
I can relate to you on many things but not this 😊 However, you sound a lot like my husband!! Isn’t it great how God brings different personalities together!? I feel way too confined and panicky at the thought of a strict schedule cuz you know… Life!! 😁 Also if my husband ever puts groceries away in my kitchen he gets frustrated cuz I don’t have a place for everything!! I try but then stuff happens and ya! Anyway love your posts!
I just watched your whole insta story and well…I might just be that one person who really needed to hear it. So thank you for listening to Gods nudges. Thank you for sharing your heart! Keep doing what you were made to do! Shine for HIM (like you do) because it’s all that matters. 🙂 Blessings to you and yours ❤️
Oh my word Erin!!!! I love this! I am the ultimate planner/list maker/over thinker. Unfortunately I don’t always get everything in said list accomplished-but I ha e some mighty organized, matuculous lists, I tell ya! 😆And I just bought ANOTHER calendar/planner the other day that was too cute o pass up. You know it’s bad when your children start doing it. My kids make their own lists just so they can cross things off, and they each have a calendar so they can mark the days off. 😳😂 Thankfully I too married a man who helps me slow down, breath, and actually enjoy and take in those precious moments God continues to give me daily in this beautiful life. Love you heart and your blog and your being real girl! And especially love your humor and grounded perspective! So refreshing!!!! Congrats on your success! 😉💗👍🏻
And sorry for all my typos. I was all excited and made an English mess of my comment! And I’m a English lit minor and teacher too! Whoops! 😆🙈🤦🏼♀️
I too have a calendar addiction and am a list-maker. My calendars and lists are color coded and marked up and have notes and scribbles and arrows that keep me focused and organized. To the unknown eye, it may look like chaos, but I feel organized and put together and calm. Loved your insta-stories today. You do you.
Thanks for being you, Erin. & for sharing yourself with us.
Hmmm- not sure where I fit into this mix- 🤔 I’m sooo OCD with organization… everything has its place! Prioritize every task at work- yet while I love calandars and planners I rarely use them for anything other than appointments! I’m 3rd out of 4 siblings. I love a good plan but not so rigid that I have to stick to it- pretty easy in that regard, but not when it comes to filing, labeling, putting things where they belong is a must for me 🤷🏼♀️!! Lastly, I love your Insta-stories and blog w/ all the tips you share!!! 💖
Oh, I wished I had just 10% of your nerdiness 🤣! I’m sooo not organized and I hate appointments that fix me in the future.. last week I took the chicken out of the freezer ON TIME to be cooked! Would you believe that, haha! Usually at noon I ask myself, what am I going to cook..? And as a flight attendant I never know where I’ll be next month.. Well, I feel pretty free, and in the end things work out and the kids have a warm meal on time.. ahem just not Saturday’s always and Sunday we come back late from church, and.. well usually it works out well 😂😅😇 Relaaaax! 😘
Nailed it !!!!
Be YOU !!!
Erin
Thank you for your IG story tonight. You said somebody out there may need to hear it and I am that somebody. I have been a little lost and o erwhelmed lately and having a difficult time saying no. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Oh I’m so so glad it was helpful–hugs to you!!
Girl I’m your twin sister separated at birth!! I’m also a huge list maker! I’ll even add things to my list that I’ve already done, just so I can mark them off!! Nerd #2!
I am definitely an over planner! Which, has been pretty hard on my momma heart. Since becoming a mom planning has become way more difficult and I have had to TRY and learns to go with the flow. Which, if I can be honest just isn’t in my nature. lol
I am definitely a planner , multiple calendar person ..VERY type A….on the other hand my husband’s nickname is MR SPONTANEOUS….because girl he just goes with the flow…😂 …but I’m glad that we appreciate that about each other, with 5 kids we NEED both personalities in the house !
I totally agree about needing the balance with a whole bunch o’ kids in tow–gotta keep each other balanced!
Y’all are the same as me and my hubby! God and the hubby keep me sane! LOL love your blog! Keep up the good work 😊
Hi Erin,
I can totally relate! I’m a lot like you when it comes to cleaning (not calendars). My husband is a good balance to help me see what’s right in front of me, instead of all the clutter in my house. I definitely still have my moments but I’m trying to get better and don’t worry, we’re still friends…I get it girl!! 😜
“To me, having a plan is like having a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you.” -Erin
⬆️This so me to the point that I want it framed on my wall! ❤️😂 But I love the lessons in letting go here… I’m forever working on that part. Maybe I could make myself an excel spreadsheet with a detailed plan on how to let more things go!🙈
If you frame it, PLEASE send a pic, ha!! 😉
This is so me – I plan all the things! Love when I purchase a new planner and start filling it! But so thankful that I have my husband to balance it out, and my kids who constantly remind me to leave the list and enjoy life a little more!❤️
Aaah! I feel like we are twins that were separated at birth! (Ahem… full disclosure: I was born first. As in, *years* first. But I digress). I am a relatively new Instagram follower, but I find you so wonderfully refreshing! I love that you love God, putting Him and your family first. I love that you’ve cultivated a kind and loving heart, and have settled yourself in a place of being self-assured without being condescending. What an amazing example to your daughters and an encouragement to your followers! I also love the fact that you love planning and organization! My heart flutters just a bit when I get my new, fresh, clean calendar for the year!
There are other things I could say (all good!) and similarities I could point out, but I’ll save them for another time. Truly, I think we’re bffs but never knew it. 😂
Ha ha, long lost besties! Planner nerds, unite! 🙌🏻
Oh goodness, you are not alone! Loved this and have loved getting to know you 😉
Lists and planners fill me with joy! Bahaha! I just bought a new planner today! I’ve used a planner since I was a kid and it’s still one of my favorite things to buy and organize. I have realized the older I get that some days it’s ok to just go with the flow and enjoy the moment!!!
P.S. I adore the phrase ‘You do you’ and I use it regularly now! My 3 girls have started saying it too! Lol Hope you don’t mind!!
P.P.S. You are amazing and your stories, pictures, and blog are some of my favorite things!!
Well, thank you! And of course I don’t mind–I love it!!
Opposite! But still friends. Think we are drawn to opposites to balance us out. Love reading your blog it brightens my day -can’t believe you do all that you do with 4 kids, hubby & you do you! You are real and beautiful inside & out.
I fight the urge to completely plan every detail…I watch my mom drive EVERYONE crazy with vacations that are so scheduled there is no spontaneity, and her stress out so much if someone’s late or the schedule is not happening as she planned, everyone rolling their eyes at her, that I make a sincere effort to not be like her lol!! I still like a plan and a calendar, but try (very hard) to be flexible around it! The struggle is real.
Love your insta stories! Don’t ever let anyone get you down! Thanks for the tips!
I totally relate, and thank you Shannon!
I’m so glad I’m not alone in this struggle. I have serious mental break downs when something I planned doesn’t go the way it was written down on the itinerary! it’s also really encouraging to know that you are able to function as your husband is a pharmacist and those hours can be all over the place and unpredictable! my husband is in medical school and wants to be a surgeon (aka-80 hour work weeks) and I have to remember that not having a plan CAN be my plan. as long as I have a general outline, I can shake the small details off. haha! thanks for sharing. I love watching your stories and I hope you keep them up! your family is precious and you are a little sunshine in my day! 🙂
I love calendar’s too although I use my iPhone a lot I need to see things visually in front of me as well. As I get older I’m trying to be more organized so I jot things down more. I love reading your stories and your blogs. U r one of my favorites to follow because u keep it real. Thanx for sharing ❤️
I was hoping to see and example of the madness!!! Lol well really just for planning help! Still love ya girl! Plan on!
Yesss! My calendar is always full with something I need to do or plans I’ve made with somebody, apts, reminders. Although God changes those plans occasionally He is the best planner of them all! Which is hard for a planner to accept sometimes in the moment. Still trying to work on “going with the flow”. But it’s true, that is why God has blessed us with our wonderfully laid back family and friends. 😁 Fun read! Glad I’m not the only one. 😉
You are SO not the only one–ha!!
I love this Erin! I love having things planned out, color coordinated with stickers on a calendar, the whole nine yards. As my kids and I have all gotten older, I’ve gotten more laid back and let some things go. Of course no one knows when I’m going to freak out about some random item being out of place, even when it’s in the middle of an all-out messy room. My ocd is unpredictable like that. My husband and closest friends are non planners and I love how you described us helping each other. So true!
We all need each other, that’s for sure!
Would you believe, right before I read this I thought out loud to myself, “I need a totally chill laidback friend”? We moved cross country last year. I’m definitely more like you. But other than my husband, everyone else I’m close to is more like me 😬
I know, I need my go-with-the-flows to keep me sane! 😉
Ha ha, I will say a prayer you find one!!
Oh my good heavens Erin!’ When my girls were growing up, school supplies shopping was my FAVORITE (eeecks) I could not wait to get the girls all of what they needed, (purposefully leaving an item that could only be found at Staples, so I could go and buy all the notebooks, spirals, colored pens, sharpies, highlighters, several calendars of different sizes, tabs, cute lil safety clips etc… UGHHH THERE GOES THE SUMMER BONUS MONEY! But my girls & I were cute & organized to the hilt! I say hallelujah for a lil OCD, just a pinch! Now I’m older and SO MUCH BETTER, I can chillax and go with the flow (sometimes) big ole hug friend!!
I totally understand this, Ann!!
Hey pretty mama! Do you have any planners you love? I’m trying to get organized and i love your style so I’m interested in what type of planner you’d recommend for a busy momma of 4 like yourself 🙂
The one I am using right now is a rose gold by Color Crush!
Erin! This is my first comment! I found you randomly three days ago on Instagram (I like through hashtag… ha! They work!), and I just love love love your content and IG stories. I have two daughters, so obviously I love that you’re a “girl mama” too. This post is so me. Seriously, I could have written the whole darn thing. First born. Laid back people in the life. 50k planners and notes all over the place. And I’ve always been this way. Anyway… just wanted to say that you have a new follower (me!) who is so glad she found you. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words, and welcome!!
Hi Erin – I am definitely a list and calendar girl! And don’t get me started on the joys of colour coding! 🙂 Thankful for my husband who appreciates my organization, but who can also talk me into calmness when the lists start to control me. Anal girls unite – and help each other to release control to the Lord!!
That’s so true, Janice!!
First born also and I am sometimes OCD and sometimes super ADD because I get so many projects going at one time and I look around and my house looks like a bomb hit it. My biggest issue is that one create impulse leads to another and I need to learn to rein it in until I have finished one thing and can begin another.
I totally understand this, Lisa!
You’re a woman after my own over-calendar’ d (3 , currently but 4 once school starts 😉) control-freak heart. And we’re freaking awesome. And praise the Lord for those who mellow us out. Love you!😘