DIY Cleaning Schedule

I've been "working" as a stay-at-home-mom for 8 months now (WOW!) I still don't have it all figured out, it's not as easy as I thought it would be, and our house is still a disaster almost all the time. I know I've talked about this before, but it's something that does really bugs me and I'm trying hard to correct.

To help feel less overwhelmed each day, I created a schedule, of sorts, to help manage what needs to be done each day and what can be left to another day in the week.

Some things are done everyday:
Some things are conquered once a week, or as needed (which sometimes is 5 times a week)

(Bonus Tip: With this being on the front of the fridge, it's not only my eyes who see it.  Meaning... the hubby might notice that I haven't gotten to wiping the counters for the evening and lend a hand)

I made some kid friendly ones as well for my little helper who is always wanting to do what I'm doing, whether it's more helpful for me or not.  I love it because it keeps her on track of what needs done in the morning before leaving for school, too, and I find myself trying to hurry her onto the next task as often - hallelujah!

These are her everyday "chores" - Brush hair, make bed, etc.

These are her extra "contributions" - sweep, change sheets, etc.  She does 1 of these a day.

Do they enforce things getting done on a daily basis?  No.  Do they help keep on track and feel less bombarded with chores? Yes.  I'll take what I can get.  Maybe when spring comes and I can open the windows for some fresh air, I'll be more apt to keep up with chores (ha). 

*The circles aren't cut perfectly, the colors are matched up well... it was a quick job.  I will probably re-make them until I'm satisfied with how they look then laminate them for longer durability from little hands that like to move them 30 times a day. 

Do you have a cleaning schedule you stick to? And how do you hold yourself accountable? 

Until next time... XO! 

Leaving on a jet plane

Today is the big day.  Only a few hours left before I board the plane to 'Sunny Southern California'.  It's been almost 3 years since I've been out that way to visit and I'm super excited for some time away to relax.

The week's not over yet, but since I'm leaving home I was looking back at my goals from this last few days:
Goals for this week:
*Pack my suitcase for a sister visiting trip!!
*Grocery shop for Ed and C while I'm gone
*Make some freezer breakfasts that do not include oatmeal or yogurt for C
*Spend time outside everyday
*Do all the laundry before I leave Thursday


 Have I mentioned what a struggle keeping a clean house is when you're around all day, and even better.. you're 3 year old is around all day.  I'm hoping to come back to find it at least as clean as I'm leaving it today (but I know this is extremely wishful thinking)

Here is my favorite pic from the week - On Monday when I return, it will be Ed and I's 1st wedding anniversary!  I can't wait for him to open his present... something he's been asking for for a LOOONG time!

XO!!

It's almost sister time!!

This week is shaping up to be as busy as the last 2 weeks!  I cannot believe how many things we've had going on since the last day of school... and I don't see it slowing down too much as the weeks are coming up.

Goals for this week:
*Pack my suitcase for a sister visiting trip!!
*Grocery shop for Ed and C while I'm gone
*Make some freezer breakfasts that do not include oatmeal or yogurt for C
*Spend time outside everyday
*Do all the laundry before I leave Thursday

Something we've been struggling with the last few days is nap time.  What are your nap time tricks to getting a 3 year old who NEVER NEEDS SLEEP to calm down enough to fall asleep?

XO

Summer is HERE!

Day 1-5 of a stay-at-home mom has been so much fun!  I can not believe the difference in our little girl's attitude just in 1 week of no daycare - it absolutely astonishes me!

We have done all sorts of things this week, including the Henry Doorly Zoo which was a blast!
As I review my goals, I feel pretty good...

Goals for this week:
*Get a morning routine started that does not include pajama's until lunch (how our typical weekends always end up, which isn't a terrible thing for the weekend I suppose)
*Spend time outside everyday
*Plan a menu for dinner everyday this week (not even 1 day :-( )
*End the week looking closer to this  (it was at least closer)


Here are a few favorite pictures from our week. 

After the zoo

Loving the park

Feeling fancy!

Relaxing in our new towel wrap after our bath... thinking about adding straps to her version to help it stay up.

If you would like to see how I made the towel wrap, send me an email and I'll put up the steps!

XO!

Day 1... Stay-At-Home Mom

Tomorrow marks Day 1 as a stay-at-home-mom.  C finished up her week Friday at daycare and we enjoyed an extremely busy and tiring Memorial weekend with Ed's brother in town.   Needless to say, I think C and I are both looking forward to a little resting at home this week.

Goals for this week:
*Get a morning routine started that does not include pajama's until lunch (how our typical weekends always end up, which isn't a terrible thing for the weekend I suppose)
*Spend time outside everyday
*Plan a menu for dinner everyday this week
*End the week looking closer to this

Not this

Oh... and I have the towel wrap completed, but it's in the washer and I haven't snapped a picture of it yet. I will get one up tomorrow... C loves it! 

XO!