My Empty Nester Life + Weekly Routine with My Husband 

What about you? Is our routine seem similar to yours?

My and the husband's weekly routine is pretty simple. I do everything and he helps with nothing.

Hi Renee, I did enjoy your video . I was sorry to hear about your mother, I know she’s had health issues in recent years. My prayers are with you and your family.

I guess we're pretty typical and maybe old school, but my husband takes care of outside stuff, handyman type things, trash and keeps his man cave and bathroom clean (ummm, for the most part). I do the cooking, shopping, laundry and cleaning of the two other floors. But there isn't a day goes by without him asking if there is anything he can do to help me, which is sweet, but I'm pretty particular about the things I do.

Almost 50 years ago my husband told me that if I cooked he would do the cleaning and he’s stuck to it all this time♥️

I forgot how much I love Randy

My husband and I are much like you and Randy. We didn't sit down and hash out who was going to do what when. It just sort of "evolved", although it fluctuates. I'm retired, my husband still works. If he's really busy at work, I'll do things around the house that he normally does. If one of us feels bad, the other will pick up the chores of the one feeling bad. He does do things that require carrying something heavy or carrying things up and down stairs. Since my fall down the stairs, we've been very careful about me going up and down--I'm "required" to hold on to the banister and I'm "not allowed" to carry things up and down (I was carrying laundry up when I fell). But that's all come about since my fall. I'm so glad your dad can come to dinner with you and Randy. I'm sure that helps him immensely. Not only is he getting appropriate foods, but it helps him feel less alone and lonely.

I love that you guys feed your parents!!! ❤😁❤

This is unrelated, but I think your home is beautiful. I love your office, the kitchen and your new living room. Randy looks comfy on the recliner. 😊

I love our routine as well. My husband and i have been empty nesters since 2009😀 and we love spending time together. Our grandkids, kids and family love coming over because they say it's chill and cozy which makes me so happy.☺️ You guys out there enjoy your life while protecting your piece and loving on your friends and family.

Monday is my reset of the house also. I try not to leave the house on Monday. Tuesdays are my go out and get groceries and exercise classes. I cook most meals unless it's a grill night or fish fry. Husband takes care of outside chores. I do inside chores. Ten is our bedtime normally. Weekends are free to do what we want to do.

I heard someone say yesterday, “Have a good day, and if it’s not, try to change it!” I thought that was fantastic and so every time I hear that phrase, I add “and if it’s not, try to change it.” I think many of us will be looking for something to do to make life better. And in many cases, there will be many who will take a second look to decide maybe the day is a pretty good one after all. Your day in most cases, is how you look at it. But wouldn’t it be fun to know the stories of what people find to make it a better day? Until then---❤

My husband and I are also creatures of habit and have a pretty similar routine to our week. We LOVE our empty nester life and seeing our daughters grow and thrive as adults!

I change my bed sheets every single Monday also. And if I am away from home, my husband remembers to do the sheets on Monday also. It just works.

Your routine is SO mine. Monday is clean and laundry. Wednesday is grocery day. We are retired so avoid weekend shopping. I'm a stickler for a routine.

You should set up a phone line for organizing meals. Your family can call in and Press 1 for meatloaf, 2 for barbecue, 3 for seafood, 4 for reservations. Etc. Lol. 😂

How very organized you are. Sounds wonderful. You’ve inspired me to make a few changes around here.

Renee, I switched my room around including moving my couch away from the wall and at an angle. Its the best. Each corner, what is the centering point.

I do the inside chores and he does the outside chores. However I have to pick out the flowers I like so its more colorful outside.

Fantastic video! Renee, I’m curious about your basic weekly house cleaning schedule. And then also the deep cleaning you do room by room during the winter months. Your home always look so clean and tidy. Please share your routine! I love your videos! You always give great advice and practical suggestions for all aspects of life. 💕

Love your videos❤️ I’m retired and happily single sooooo honestly it’s whatever . My motto has been “ I get to” and not “ I have To” Took me a while to decompress after many years of working full time single parenting and so many challenges . I live in Los Angeles so lots to do if I choose or if I don’t . Oh and I love Sundays now ❤️😀 Have a very blessed day Renee

I am fortunate to have a husband that can do anything! He is a jack of all trades. He loves to cook and he mops and vacuums for me. I clean the bathrooms and I do most of the laundry. When we retired, our routines changed, as I use to have to do everything. He even goes to the grocery store without me. He's a keeper alright!!!

Really enjoyed this video. Love looking at your home xx

Good morning Renee enjoyed your video this morning.I have never been married or lived with my significant other.But I did live with my mother who had some serious illnesses I did move out from home for 1year when I was 22 and moved back home Iam 53 now she died 8 years ago but if I sit back and think about in some sort of a way we had set things we woulddo I worked she ways a live at home grandma who helped me with my 2 boys I was a single mother anyways Renee sorry for going on so long you just really made me remember the way I used to live and the routines we had . I have a different life now and its a good one still single but happy to be that way .

I'm with Randy! I love Chick-fil-A! The Chick-fil-A closest to me is next to Walmart, so I always plan Walmart shopping around lunchtime and treat myself to a Chick-fil-A lunch!

I found a flexible fashionable binder at Office Depot/Staples and hole punch my To-do list that is similar to yours. I have sheet protectors in the back that I put favorite images, quotes, workout plans, health articles, calendar pages I printed, monthly bucket lists, or whatever. Also, I found this recipe in either Southern Living or Garden and Gun of a dish that instead of putting bananas in banana pudding; they replace with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Oh no!😢 My sincere condolences 🙏🏾. I had not known your mom had passed.

Interesting question! With household routines you have to come to an agreement and forge through together as a couple! It's not "cookie cutter' , "one size fits all", right? I don't think we should genderfy a household job! If your husband likes to cook and you do lawn work, so be it! I love , as you, my husband is the grill master! Other than that , I cook! Also, I think roles change as we age, due to physical limitations! As long as jobs aren't overwhelmingly one sided , and mutually agreed, things can pleasantly work out! 🤗

Great question, Bee! I think having a routine and jobs that work for both , is the key! If jobs not working for you, and you feel overwhelmed , it has to be expressed, or resentment can set in, right? Being retired has made the job dynamics change considerably (been empty nesters for years)! Plus, physical limitations for my husband has made male gender roles, mine! However, male/female gender roles are a thing of the past, at least in my book! Teamwork, makes the dreamwor, is how I roll! Lol 😉 Nice to see how we all work! Thanks , Renee!

Boy you sure make living middle age look like a breeze. I’m sure you have rough days maybe that would be easier to identify with since you are sharing ?!? But then again maybe you don’t ? I know me and my girlfriends share our great days and things we struggle with, being authentic helps giving love to each other !!

I live on my boy friends farm he does out side stuff I do inside stuff. I use to mow but I'm 75and quit mowing I change filters u name it I m not 🚭 not on the computer or TV so I spend alot of time ime doing what ever. Boy friend still works so gone alot of the time which is fine I'm use to him not being around. Sat is my day so we go shopping out to eat what ever. I enjoyed the video I always wonder what other people do that don't live where I do.

We definitely have a routine , my husband grills every day , I cook side dish inside . Unless there is a blizzard or hurricane depending on which state we are in , Florida or Michigan . We both do dishes , laundry vacumn all the things . He would never dust or change sheets, lol . We grocery shop together . I pay all bills and manage money . I also book travel and keep things fun, he hunts and fishes a lot

Same here. Duties got split up as time went on. It just evolved. When it comes to the doggies tho, they want mommy first. Like you, I walk them, feed them, do the baths, pick up the doo-doo, do all the vet visits., give the meds, give the treats, brush their teeth, kiss the boo-boo's, etc In the afternoon they get a second walk with the both of us. It's a nice comfy, old shoe feeling.

I just read your October 15th newsletter & loved your outfit! I immediately looked it up on Amazon Canada & was disappointed to see that as usual the Canadian price was ridiculous! I wish I could post the screenshot but you’ll have to trust me, the price for the exact same top you wore in the picture was listed 7:20 as $68.27-$71.19 CAD…Can you believe that?!

You two are wonderful role models for your Daughters and everyone watching..... I loved the video of how you came back together years after high school.... I'll have to watch that video again.... Miss the videos of Max and Pollux playing...❤️👍

Renee I really love new couch very very nice 👍👍

Hey Renee, hope your all doing ok! The first few weeks are struggling one's but it's good just to keep yourself busy! Great to see the boys, even if it's on the new couch 😊 the new office make over looks really nice and bright. I think it's good that men also do some chores in the household, I'm sure we do more but it's nice to see men also doing a bit. Cooking too that's great you don't get that everywhere either. We have a routine and it seems to work. Take care and have a good rest of the week ❤

Hi Renee, I love your channel but dont normally comment 💖 I have just re-watched about 5 of your videos as Im looking to find the supplement you take for your cholesterol? I wrote it down but cannot find where I wrote it ! Silly me, hope you read this comment! Much love 💖💖💖

We’re empty nesters. We’re flexible and manage to get everything done. He does most outdoor stuff, but we have two large organic gardens, and I do a lot with that, including food preservation and donations to others. I handle most cooking and laundry, but he fixes his own breakfast and cleans up supper dishes every evening. We grocery shop as a team. We have pet birds, and he handles all their care, including cleaning cages and vacuuming our great room and other rooms. I clean 2 bathrooms, but he does the 3rd because it’s in his music studio. He’s a retired pro musician and engineer, and I’m retired from social work and Bell System.

how lovely to have your own pool and lovely weather to be able to use it,I am in the UK and currently its freezing, if I had a pool would probably only use it for about 2 months a year with our terrible weather!!!

Our rule (for 35 years) has been, Hubby takes care of the outside, and Wifey take care of the inside!

If I told My husband after dinner that “The kitchen is closed” He would look at Me like I had two heads.😂🤣😂

Here's a video idea for you, Renee - tell us what type of Mom you were when your girls were growing up. Were you the strict mom-were you the structured mom - was Randy the the rule maker or was he a softie and you were the rule maker. LOL Your daughters seem to never give you much of the problem and you are very close. Just an idea.

Hi from Cleveland TN! I found your RU-vid channel while I’m recuperating from rotator cuff shoulder surgery. I decided to go grey since I can’t get in for my hair appointment. That’s how I found your channel. Your channel is a great blessing to me in many ways. I love everything you share. I am binge watching to catch up. I love all your videos especially when you rescued Pollux and when Mia was rescued. Thank you for all your hard work to keep your channel going. You are greatly appreciated.

Married 28 yrs I work mon through fri he is at home. Home,dinner,tv every night. Weekends free time. Laundry,clean, groceries! So we pretty much have fallen into a routine also😊

Hi Renee! I loved this video, and think you are so special, and that Randy is darling💕 Please, please, please tell me where you got the sofa’s you are sitting on during your video??

❤ I did not know that your Mom had passed, I love your videos❤

Present🙋‍♀️

I find that cleaning on weekends takes up a huge chunk of my time. Your home always looks so beautiful. Do you do a big weekly clean or just keep up with dusting, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms etc during the week?

I would like to know what kind of food you feed your dogs?, enjoy your videos, my husband and I have been married 59 years, have a son and daughter and grandkids and 6 great grandkids

Well done interesting to listen too. It works

My Dad made homemade wine so that was their before dinner ritual. Their kitchen also closed after dinner. Unfortunately I my two cats don't believe in a closed kitchen!😊

Hi Renee!! LOVED this video and to see how things are done. My hubby and I are very similar and empty nesters too - we share duties and work together a lot. I would be interested in a video about how you keep up with cleaning. Is that a routine on specific days or his and her duties, etc. I’m in central Indiana and enjoying the change in weather (even tho summer is my fav too 😂). Thank you for your insight, wisdom and especially your strength with the loss of your mom ❤. My parents just turned 81 - and I cherish every day I have with them as I know they are limited!! ~hugs Kim

Have you considered getting another dog because of the age difference between the boys?

❤you are a very beautiful lady!

Your hair is fabulous! I absolutely love that hair. Go get ‘em Renee ❤

Your routine is very similar to ours. The big difference is I grocery shop at the end of the week so that we have nice treats for the weekend 😊.

Loved this video! Thank you!

Want to know if you are ok in tornados

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We have a schedule that's evolved. My husband empties the dishwasher every morning. We sleep in separate bedrooms because of his sleep issues so he makes his own bed, picks up his bathroom and I do the same for mine. I don't touch his den or, as I call it, the black hole. 😂 I do all the laundry - he puts the new sheets on his bed and folds his own clothes. I batch cook main meals 1 or 2 days a week, he reheats 3-4 days a week along with a salad/veggie and takes me out to eat every Tuesday. I clean up and he helps. I'm fortunate to have a housekeeper come in every other week but on the off weeks I clean both bathrooms and do light dusting. He will gladly help if I ask or need help. (We both were hospitalized this year and the other person stepped in and did the necessary chores). I grocery shop but he keeps an eye on what needs to be restocked. He rarely does yardwork, but he handles everything automotive (I can't remember the last time I put gas in the car} and financial. We both feel comfortable with this and it works. The main thing is we each do what is best for us but pitch in when we need to. No "that's your job" in our house.

Hi would you ever blow dry your hair straight?

Life! We were empty nesters for 15 years, after youngest left home at age 20. We have always shared all household chores - not evenly though. Husband was in military 20 years, then an employee for the court system, and now works at a family care clinic full time and adjunct nights. I retired 8 years ago and we moved to our retirement home. I then took on all household chores and we hire out yard work. Then 5 1/2 years ago we were blessed with the only grandchild we will have - a true unexpected miracle for my daughter after 18 years of marriage! So now I take care of her and have since she was 6 months old. Are there any grandmothers here doing the same? Sure changed my idea of retired. But I would not have it any other way. We even home school, started during the ___ time and we continue.

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I like the cook, but my husband actually does most of the cooking. I clean the kitchen and take care of the dishwasher.

We have a year old pitbull mix named Buster, he's a big lovable goofy boy, a rescue

My husband and I are very similar to you and Randy. It’s funny how amongst friends we are considered rigid but in our eyes their just slothful and disorganized lol! I love routines and order I love cleanliness in my home. I hate when things aren’t in there proper place! Maybe their right we are rigid 😂but that’s quite alright with us!

Renee....what are and where did you get the couch cover ups on your leather couch?

In our house, hubby plans the meals, food shops and cooks. I clean the house and do laundry.

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I figured it was your daughter that asked. It's funny some of the things they ask you. I always fixed cinnamon toast on Sunday mornings and after my youngest son got married he called to see how I fixed the toast. I was embarrassed because it was so simple because he thought it was the best thing ever!😂❤

Can you link your necklace please?

Hi Renee, I do all the cleaning in the house. Change the bed very Sunday. I do most of all the cooking. My husband does the grilling during the summer months. I do my Laundry and Bob does his. My husband does all the outside chores. We go for shopping on Tuesday together. This works for us well!! Could you leave the link for you necklace please looks very nice! Thank You

You recently Said you followed an intermittent fasting diet… but not on Sundays then ?

love your new couch!

Good morning! The only thing I do on schedule is wash clothes on Thursday night. If I wait until the weekend seems like it takes forever to get it done. I always keep things picked up but the dust may be 3 inches thick (hate to dust!). I only have to run the dishwasher once a week. Other than that it’s whatever whenever! Hope you have a great day!