We're in countdown mode here for school starting even though our schedule still has us running from one summer activity to the next. We are going to get as much out of summer as we possibly can.
I've been organizing and de-cluttering the house during these last few days of the girls freedom and they have helped along the way.
We created a breakfast menu. When I was a kid my parents did this and it worked for them. They discussed breakfast options and assigned them to a day of the week. It was super easy when Mom went to shop plus we always knew what we had on Monday, Tuesday etc... It was always the same. The girls and I created their list as well. A personal favorite for both is Waffle Wednesday!
I made waffles this morning and we froze them. We keep doing this throughout the year, making pancakes as well on weekends to cover busy weekday mornings. My plan is to add more to our freezer stash after the girls are back in school and I have a little free time before I go back.
I also created an excel worksheet that will help me prepare a shopping list. I've gone from idea to idea, trying to make one fit and work smoothly and I think over this summer I've accomplished that. I made a worksheet that covers everything we need, when I see we are out of a basic supply I mark it one the list. I also create my menu plan every two weeks. Once the plan is done I add food needs to the list. It compiles it all and I put it into a Grocery list app on my iPhone and off I go. It's worked so far and takes care of the many post it notes I had laying around as reminders. It hangs inside my pantry with our breakfast menu list and the girls lunch menu for school.
I also created this summer a cleaning schedule for Fall. It's not a set list. I don't assign certain days to certain tasks around the house. I found last fall I couldn't keep up with the list and it frustrated me. Activities would come up and things moved. So, this year I am going to mark off tasks when they are done, that way I know when the last time I cleaned the girls bathroom last etc.... I'm also big on cleaning as you go and I'm trying to teach my girls that. It is a challenge for them but I've seen progress. I like this list because it gives me freedom to clean when needed and to not feel pressured because I didn't make "the schedule." It is also a reminder in case I forget something. Laundry will probably be on a schedule, fitting it in on the nights I have more time at home but everything else will be done, on a need to be done basis. As I said, I clean as I go everyday. I've also learned to keep cleaning supplies under the sink in each heavily used bathroom (ours and the girls). Grace has learned to wipe down the vanity and mirror (those pesky toothpaste spatterings) which has helped. I've come to rely on my girls to help out and they have stepped up to the idea. I do get grumblings once in awhile but they are always eager to get their reward come Sunday! Art is a help too in cleaning all the showers, tubs, putting away our laundry and helping to keep his stuff picked up.
Summer flew by as it always does. I am going to miss warm days in the pool BUT getting back into a routine is always a blessing. At least I think so....
This girl isn't in agreement with me.
This is Grace working on some multiplication. Can you tell she's really into it? I gave them a break last week from homework and sometimes when I do that it's hard to get back into the swing of things. It's going to be a harsh reality for her in seven days :).
