(update: my washer is now working...I fed it, gave it kisses and a new toy, all is well...grrrr)
many people ask....EVERYONE asks......, "how do you do it?"
I'm not sure I have a complete answer, other than my staple,
"Same way you would if you woke up and had eight little eyes, four little hearts and four hungry belly's needing you. You just do it."
a half-answer would be to share some of my systems.
I am a system kind of girl, I thrive on systems so take this for what it's worth.
Snacks:
buy the boxes of snacks once a month
pre-baggie them into appropriate portions
throw them in a big container at the kids level
*no, they are not allowed to snack whenever, it's just at their level so that when it is time, and they have permission, they can access them without me having to stop what I'm doing
*I buy the boxes of snacks because it's so much cheaper than buying the already pre-portioned ones but there have been times - like early on, that I did buy the pre-portioned ones out of necessity
this continues to be my all time favorite system
Breakfast/Lunch Schedule:
(this one is new and I love it, why did I wait so long?!)
Breakfast every: Monday is Oatmeal, Tuesday is Pancakes, Wednesday is Oatmeal, etc...
Lunch every: Monday is Hot Dogs, goldfish and applesauce, Tuesday is Sandwiches and carrots, Wednesday is Mac&Cheese (with pureed cauliflower, of course!)
*this sounds complicated but the only complicated part for me was deciding what would go on what day and writing on the common calender on the fridge.
*the worst part of every one of my days is right before a meal - I hate deciding (using my brain), checking to see what we have, etc....this way I know and I know we have it because that is exactly what I've shopped for.
Cleaning Schedule:
I have gotten away from this but writing down and sticking to cleaning one big thing a day and 2 small things.
i.e. Monday: Floors (big), mirrors (small), take back play room (small)
Tuesday: Wash all laundry (big!), dust (small), clean off dresser (small)
*even just writing this down makes me excited to get back to it (I told you, I thrive on systems!)
*I have only recently been doing everything household without a once or twice a week mother's helper that I've had since the twins were born. Things are slowing down here 'demand wise' and I am able to at least make it look like I can do it - even though we all know the truth ;-(
Time Schedule:
Grocery shop on the same day every week
Do a Target run one week and a Wal-mart run the next
(stick to these two trips - you'll spend less and you'll get really good at planning what you need in advance....this schedule takes time to adjust to)
Go to playgroup/or whatever on the same day every week
Basically, plan out the same week and stick to it. "Plan" a free day if you are a free spirit and need to not be 'locked' in...give yourself that freedom - I have to.
Breaks:
These are not as scheduled as I'd like and everyone calls this by a different name...we call it breaks, you can call it bologna for all it's worth
what is worth it is doing it!
the little girls 'take a break' at 10a for about 30min.
they go to their room and play, with the door shut...no crying.
everyone 'takes a break' or 'takes a nap' from 1-3p (sometimes, if it's a nap, it goes to 4p)
big girls are in separate rooms, babies are in the same room
toys, snack and sippy cups are provided. they can only come out to use the bathroom, if there is more than one cup of blood (just kidding) or if something really scared them and I rarely answer or make phone calls during this time. (if you call, it's ok! I turn the phone off if I need it off - call away!)
if it's been a hard day everyone gets another break right before dinner so I can hurry and get dinner on the table and food in those bellies
you have my permission to judge and my schedule - you also have my permission to copy!
I copied most of them myself....
these have provided a sense of predictability in the day, peace at crazy moments and order in general....all that adds up to major freedom ladies!
8 comments:
I have fantasies of being a "system" girl. I was just thinking earlier today that I'll start the "lunch system" when they start school....plus a LOT more! :O) I can't decide if I'm looking forward to it or dreading it!
While reading your post, I just realized that I have absolutely no systems at all. Maybe that's why things seem so chaotic here.
Do you have a designated time for blogging? You seem to blog a lot, and I always wonder how you find the time.
What is sad is I too thrive on systems and have lots of them yet I only have one child, one husband and two pets. I am pretty sure my child is already type a. Today she had to have her slice of cantaloupe just so before she could ignore it and not eat it.
1st: So glad your washing machine is working. I know how much laundry you must have, and a non-cooperative machine just won't do!
2nd: I enjoy hearing about all your systems. You asked why people are so interested in your life a few posts ago, that might be a part of it...they might wonder how you do what you do!
3rd: My computer is in my kitchen area too. So good, so bad. Convenient, yes. Too convenient, yes.
4th: My request: More pictures of your house. I love what I can see, but it's not enough! I like the 'vintage' look you've got going. In your spare time maybe you could snap a few pics and share them, not like you're busy or anything : )
Thanks for letting us all catch a glimpse of what you embrace!!
"Systems", huh?! You sound like a pilot...wait?! ;)
I aspire to be like you Holly!
hee hee Katie!
...I'll work on that Tisha.
I just found your blog, from Jody and I LOVE it! I love your system and your girls are all so beautiful!! I have three boys here (no girls). I'm going to add you to my sidebar and I'll stop by again soon :).
Hi! I am a blog snooper - just discovered blogs in the last few months as we have been in transition with the Air Force. Came over here from Jody's page (found looking up adoption stuff) and appreciate your systems. I only have two boys (3 and 1 1/2) and need to start finding new ways to structure our weeks. Thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment