Back to School Stuff

We're gearing up to get ready to go back to school around here. The girls don't start for another few weeks but I'm trying to get us back to more of a routine to make the transition easier. I made this picture schedule for the girls in the morning and it's working so well I'm going to make one for bedtime too.

If you have a school age child going back this year make sure you check out Flylady's Student journal to keep everything organized. I use her regular journal too.

I'm also trying to meal plan better (again...still?) and I've read some pretty neat ideas in this Back to School cookbook from my favorite recipe site Allrecipes.com

Got any back to school sites or tips to share?

Peekaboo

Just a peekaboo at baby CJ. His fine hair is finally starting to show the hint of some beautiful curls to come.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

The snow isn't even here yet and schools are closed and everyone is bracing for a "blizzard". I say that lightly because in this midwestern city that isn't used to great amounts of snow 4-6" will keep most people off the streets....and will definately keep us from venturing out.

I need the time in anyway, in the process of putting together my IKEA stuff the dishes havn't been done, the laundry is still waiting and I have two days worth of messes to clean up instead of one.

I sometimes wonder if all moms get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of housework that needs to be done or if it's just me. How did our grandmothers do it all without dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, roombas, microwave ovens and even refridgerators.

I asked my mom that question and she answered "We lived simply, we didn't have extra stuff we didn't need". I've been thinking about that lately and thinking about buying Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich ....anybody read it?

I need to go do my flylady routines.

Flylady

I've been following along with Baggage as she begins babystepping the Flylady system. I have been a flybaby (that's what followers of the cult call themselves) for about 3 years on and off. I know that I have come sooo far because sometimes when we are in a certain zone I don't even have to declutter. I am really glad I found this site before I was knee deep in kids, if you've never heard of it...check it out.

Like my kids, I love having a routine. A simple set of steps that I follow each day makes me feel comfortable and makes me feel like I'm making some sort of progress in life. When you are a full time parent it's hard to see the success of your labor. So as a domestic engineer (housewife....cough) I often seem to put more value than I should on completed household tasks. This often sets me up to fail because some projects....like dishes and laundry, are never completed.

As a product of a corporate culture it's so hard for me to switch gears to SAHM and not be valued for the work that I do. No one ever says....great job! Maybe I should buy those stickers that teachers give their kids....and stick them all over my dishes and dirty laundry.


What is the hardest part of parenthood.....or preparenthood for you?