New Year, New Routine

A very happy New Year to you and yours!

Yes, I realize I am only 9 days behind. We traveled over the holidays, visiting family in SC, NC, and OH and it takes a while to get settled back into the old routine!

Only we're NOT settling into the OLD routine. We're busy starting new ones.

This year, I am DETERMINED to get my house under some type of control. I am ashamed to admit it, but housework is the thing I always slack off on when there is too much to do in a day. But NO MORE! I know that my girls are totally old enough, and capable enough to really lend a hand and help out around here. So that's exactly what I'm trying to teach them.

In order to not overwhelm everyone, each kiddo has ONE morning chore that they must finish before noon. It's already written down for them and I don't remind them what they are supposed to do. If they don't finish it before noon, they loose a toy (something we have in plentiful supply).  Then they also have ONE dinnertime chore to do. Because I have three kids who are old enough to help out (Max gets a pass for this year), I'm amazed at the amount of work that has been accomplished and I DIDN'T DO IT! But I didn't leave myself out either. I also have scheduled myself with one big morning chore to do. Again, it might not be much, but it's a manageable and realistic amount to keep up with day to day.

Then in addition to our new routines, there's the normal schoolwork, laundry, dishes, shuttling to basketball/cheerleading & choir, etc.  Yup, I can already confirm that it's going to be another busy year around these parts!