Family Command Center

I decided that this summer I would pick a few Pinterest ideas and run with them. My main objective was to have a Command Center up and running before school starts August 5th. Today it came to fruition.

The original idea came from A Bowl Full of Lemons. I had pinned it under Organizing and went on the hunt for thirty-one gifts. I was not prepared to pay the $$$ for the Hang-Up Home Organizer. Ever the ebay gal, I went on the search. I found a brand new, in much cuter design I might add, for $0.99 plus $9.99 shipping. DONE. Once in hand, I went to work.

Each family member is color coded and has a pocket for important papers. I chose the color orange, always thinking of my Beloved, for family functions. I located cute, functional and free, printable calendars at Pretty Unpretentious Blog. I decided to keep the calendar out of one of the 2 pockets for easier access to jot down any last minute appointments or changes. I used one of the pockets for the lunch menu, so the kiddos aren't asking me every morning what's for lunch. I decided to use the last pocket for something spiritual. Another search for printable scriptures and voila, I have about a dozen amazing scripture based pictures printed on card stock to switch out at will.

On a side note: I would really love to find someone to paint my hall tree, it definitely needs some TLC.

Summer 2008

I haven't been on here much this summer, or haven't you noticed? Well, first of all, I have been fighting with my computer. I am in need of an upgrade. We have had ours long enough. I want a laptop and I just have to figure out how to make it happen.

Other than that, I have been busy playing, organizing, and spending quality time with me loosing weight. Summer seemed to end so quickly for us this year. Hubby worked summer school, which means he only had 12 days home with us before back to the grind. In those 12 days we hit the beach, twice, and, FINALLY, bought annual passes to my favorite place in the world, Disneyland! Prior to that my time was spent with all 3 of my children at home, chaos, mayhem, running amok. Okay, well, Peyton can't run, but she can scoot all over the place. As for Boo-Boo reports, well, she dislocated her arm, TWICE in 24 hours. They call it a nurse maid's elbow. That pretty much sucked. Dylan got a sunburn, never mind the child had sunblock on, on his nose the first time we went to the beach, he still has a little pink discoloration and I pray it won't scar. Cameron seemed to fair okay this summer, nothing out of the ordinary to report there. Well, except that, unbeknownest to us, his school decided to extend the day by 1 1/2 hours. It's a grant and several classes are doing this, one of which is his. This means I am up at 6:15 rather than 7:30 every morning, plus I get to hear the joyous cries of mutiny from Dylan and Peyton. Our schedule has been uprooted and there is no turning back. This time next month we should be old pro's at it. I HOPE!

As far as the house goes, WOO-HOO! Some much needed organization has taken place. The laundry room is done. The hall cupboard is done. The bathroom's are done. The playroom is next and Dylan will be graduating into a big boy room pretty soon. Don't get me wrong, there are still things that need to get done around the house, but it's so much nicer knowing just those few things have been accomplished and my daily chores run much more smoothly.

It's terrible, I haven't read one thing this summer. Scratch that, I have read Eric Carle & Dr. Seuss, does that count? I understand now why Katrina only does Spring and Fall Reading. There is just too much going on. However, Hubby FINALLY picked up Sacred Marriage and has begun reading it. I pray he gets as much out of it as I did.

As for quality time with myself. FANTASTIC! I have continued my water aerobics three times a week. I have refused to get on a scale, but I can tell you I have to buy bathing suit #3 because of the inches I have lost. They have extended our class until the end of November. A gigantic (47,000 square foot) gym is being built in our area with indoor pool, but it isn't set to open until mid 2009. By then I think I'll be ready. My goal? This is the last year Mama will be fat in our Christmas picture! It's my mantra right now.

I look forward to seeing ya'll more often. God Bless.

Say goodbye to April

I'm just amazed that tomorrow will be May! Where has this year gone? When I actually think about it, I can pretty much tell you. January was non-existent in our life, my cousin was murdered January 5, his memorial was January 12, and his murderers were arrested on January 17. February was spent celebrating Dylan and my birthday. March was Easter and into April was Spring Break. There are only 6 weeks left of school. Unbelievable! I can't believe Peyton will be 6 months tomorrow. I really have accomplished much this last month. I FINALLY found a schedule that works for me. This house is humongous and it really had taken over our lives by not being able to keep up with it.

Monday ~ Clean bedrooms (includes vacuum) and change sheets and towels. Hubby & Cameron (with the help of Dylan) work outside for 20 minutes.

Tuesday ~ Office ... this space is like the blob, it just keeps growing and takes a whole day to keep up with it. I'm also still organizing it like crazy. Wish I had taken a before picture.

Wednesday ~ Dust living room and clean kitchen (plus floors courtesy of Hubby). Trash night.

Thursday ~ Bathrooms and change towels. Try to get ALL laundry done.

Friday ~ Playroom (which is technically our formal living and dining area). Finish laundry if Thursday became overwhelming. Laundry room (courtesy of Hubby) and another 20 minutes outside for Hubby, Cameron, & Dylan.

This schedule allows us to have the weekend to ourselves and no hassle of chores. I'm even trying to figure out how I can grocery shop during the week, but I refuse to give up my grocery shopping ALONE time by taking the children with. I whole heartily believe that no matter what, Hubby has to help, otherwise the house will continue to keep it's control over us. Also, I still have a little residual stomach problem from my 3rd C-section. It twinges if I do too much pushing of the vacuum or mop. I'm seriously considering investing in a FloorMate.

Say goodbye to April and good morning to May. Before we know it, we'll have our swimsuits out, the barbecue will be working overtime, and our electric bill will bankrupt us. Have I told you how much I HATE Summer? Fall won't be here soon enough!

Organizing Junkie

I must say I have enjoyed being on Blogger. I came across a site last week that has transformed my life in as little as 7 days, if you can believe that. Laura a.k.a. I'm an Organizing Junkie has so many wonderful tips that I didn't know where to start. Baby steps is always good. I created a house schedule. We moved into this ginormous house and it seems to win every time we try to keep it clean. I have now broken it into 5 days of work (Monday-Friday) and started this Monday. So far hubby and children are amazed! If I can keep this up, the overwhelming dust bunnies should seize to exist. Secondly, I created a chore chart for the family. I realize Dylan won't be able to keep up with Cameron, but instilling the values now will only help in the long run. I have set up a payment schedule for Cameron's chores, with a deduction system for various offenses. Hubby & I will share housework, with the bulk coming to me, but 3 evenings a week, I will require some type of assistance from him, providing my schedule works. Last, I have begun organizing the office. I have said for years how much I'd love to have an office. Little did I know just how disastrous it would become. It is so easy for me to close the door and not worry about. In the last 2 days, over and above my regular daily chores, I have been purging the office and organizing it. Hubby will be completely shocked when he arrives home today. All in all I am very fulfilled in my accomplishments. Thank you Laura! You have been a glorious God send!