It's May Now?

Will some kind person tell me where April went? I've been looking for it everywhere. And it isn't just April. I want to know where Tuesday went. Where last week went. Where the past year has gone.

It isn't fair. Stop the ride. I want to get off! I want a leisurely Ferris Wheel or something.

Did I even have a monthly project for April? I think my monthly project was to stay alive.

Speaking of life, I think my project word for May is Vitality. I feel like my body is no longer keeping up. I need more water. More veggies. More sleep. More exercise. I've been doing really well the past week, but I need to keep it up. So that is it. I want more Vitality in my life. I'll let you know how that goes.

For those of you who visit for the decorating projects, I sincerely apologize that there hasn't been much inspiration recently. I go in waves and it can't be manufactured. When there are other things on my plate I have to prioritize. I promise there will be more to come in the future!

Thanks for all the comments last week. If anyone else links to my blog and would like their blog linked on my side bar, please feel free to leave a comment. I know I've missed a few of you and would love to get you linked.

Meals, Menus, and Planning

I know that I chose Celebrate for my March focus word, and that I am still finishing up my Finances from February, and that Routine is still a conscious priority, but do you think I should do something with my meal planning notebook?

As we set a tighter family budget and I continue to work on our routine, it seems as if getting dinner meals under control would be a big help. Levi now has Tae Kwon Do three nights a week and piano one (late) afternoon a week, and that seems to be doing a number on my throwing-dinner-together skills. I need a plan. I need a stocked pantry. I need easy access to my recipes. This mess isn't doing it for me.

I could use a little help. I am in need of easy recipes that can be thrown together with little effort, that 3 picky boys would eat, and that are more substantial (and healthier, home-cooked, and cheaper) than chicken nuggets or fish sticks.

Just to be fair, I'll share a few of my favorites with you:

+Chicken strips (pre-cooked or homemade from frozen chicken breasts), grated cheese, lettuce, tomato, and salsa wrapped in flour tortillas (I buy the uncooked ones at Costco and heat them on my flat stove-top griddle).

+Taco Soup: a can of chili heated with a can of diced tomatoes, topped with Fritos, grated cheese, chopped tomatoes and olives. A pan of cornbread served with honey-butter.

+Spaghetti: jarred spaghetti sauce with browned ground beef added (and steamed, pureed veggies if I'm industrious) and whole wheat noodles. Bread, salad, and corn served as well.

+If I'm feeling lazy but still have the time, we love to eat glazed spiral ham and cheese potatoes with a veggie.

I have two boys who don't care for potatoes, one who doesn't want to eat anything with tomatoes/tomato sauce, two who don't care for anything spicy... I need to get better about making the kids go hungry if they don't care to eat what is on their plate!

So, favorite (preferably easy) recipes you all would like to share?

Celebrate

Project 2008 Continues:

I DID IT!

Halfway through this month I thought there was no way that I was going to finish my end-of-the-year paperwork. It just wasn't going to happen. I was determined to give it my best shot, though (thanks to the accountability of declaring it on my blog...). Here it is February 29th, and I'm DONE! Ahhhh. That feels so good. Like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am ecstatic that I can now relax and enjoy the rest of the short winter and spring as it arrives.


I haven't finished The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, but I've got a great start and plan on finishing it this next week. Then it will be on Russ's reading pile for a week or so. I'll be keeping better track of our spending in March and maybe April so that I can come up with a realistic and workable budget. Things aren't at a breaking point around here, but I sure would like to be more deliberate and responsible about our spending, saving, investing, giving, and record keeping.

For anyone interesting in learning a little more about Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover, Simple Mom is doing a series on her blog to review the methods spelled out in his book.

Finances

Unfortunately, the word (and Project 2008) that I have chosen for the month of February is Finances. There is just nothing beautiful or artistic about it. Nothing homey or calming. Not a bit soul-affirming or invigorating. Nope. Just money and paperwork.

As a child, the months of January and February were torture. There wasn't anything but rain, mud, and school. As an adult, my first impulse is to go weak in the knees with thrill at the thought of quiet, simple days of cookie baking and reading. I even start to get ambitious planning all of the organizing and cleaning projects I might be able to complete. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. End of the year book-keeping. Taxes. Paperwork. Ugh. My dream is shattered.

I have a bit of envy when I see those who meticulously keep records and receipts all year long. There are people not the least bit daunted by a tax form. Why couldn't I have that gift?

Even though January and February would creep along at a snail's pace as a child, they no longer do. I blink and my winter is gone. Gone are the dreams of snuggling on the couch with the blustery wind outside, fire crackling in the fireplace. (Not that my gas fireplace crackles.) Suddenly it is the middle of March and panic sets in. What happened to the projects I was going to tackle? The to-do list with satisfying check-marks?

At the very last minute, I force myself (under extreme duress) to add up numbers and gather any information that might be needed by our tax-preparers. Things were so much easier before Russ and I both had our own mini-businesses. How I miss the days of turning in one or two W-2 forms. Now, I stuff everything in an envelope and cringe as I hand it to my mother-in-law. That's right. She's an angel. Who else could deal with the mess I hand her with a smile on her face?

You would think I might buckle down and get it over with in January so that I could enjoy the rest of my peaceful winter, but, no. I'm an avoider. So this winter, my goal is to have all my paperwork finished and turned in by the end of the month. It might not be January, but it will do.

If I manage to get my paperwork done before the end of the month (gasp!), it is quite possible that I could even move on to making a household budget. Wouldn't that be amazing? And just because I like a challenge, how about I add reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover just for kicks? Okay, that might be going a bit to far. We'll see. Do you think I can live up to my Potential?

Have you chosen a project for this month?

January Project Update

How did you all do on your January projects?

I am so glad that I chose Routine as my first project! We aren't completely there, but we've made a great start. I posted an update a while back, and there isn't much new to report.

Working:
I love my evening routine. I have been getting the kitchen cleaned up including sweeping (and often mopping) the floor. Quite some time ago (I think when Levi was a baby) I was following Flylady's routines. Even though I haven't been doing this deliberately for some time, it is amazing how much of her advice has stuck with me. I have returned to the simple act of setting out my clothes for the next day. Even if it is just jeans and a t-shirt, this seemingly insignificant act makes my mornings go more smoothly. And I need all the help I can get.

Not Working:
Leif's naps. He goes to sleep just fine, but is it too much to ask that he stay asleep for longer than an hour and a half and wake up cheerful? It is really tough to finish Levi's lessons with a crying (and very heavy) 17 month old. I usually let him fuss for a while in the hope that he will magically drift back off to sleep. It never works.

Have you chosen a project for February? Be thinking...
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Semicolon hosts the Saturday Review of Books today. Check it out!

Quick Routine Update

I have lots to say about our routine. (I always have lots to say.) But today I will try to make it short and sweet.

My favorite thing about our new routine is the evenings. The boys are getting to bed earlier and with more consistency. Having specifics written down seems to have also helped Russ. He has a better idea of what needs to be done in the evening and has been really helpful! The benefit to both of these things is that I get my 'chores' done on time or early. It is incredible to have a whole hour set aside for reading in the evenings. I am loving it!

The downside to getting the boys in bed earlier is that they wake up earlier. At least that makes me get out of bed. The one thing I have not been able to do is get Bible reading done in the morning. If I do it when I first wake up, I'm too drowsy. If I wait until after showering, the kids are already going crazy. So, I've been doing that before going to sleep at night.

Part of what is making our new routine successful is that I was trying to be as realistic as possible when creating it. I could have planned to get to bed early and wake up early, but I know from experience that the evening can be my most productive time. Not only that, but I have zero self-discipline to get myself out of bed in the morning. Especially when I have not had eight (or ten) hours of sleep and it is cold. Nothing like three wide-awake little boys to be my self-discipline. I get the same amount of alone time, whether it is in the morning or evening (unless I further scrimp on sleep--not an option). Why not pick the time that is most likely to be successful?

Looks Okay On Paper

So, I've sat down and pencilled out what a day in my house might look like if I were following a specific routine. I don't want to be tied to the clock, but I had to have some idea of how much time each thing might take. It is amazing how lovely things look on paper. Wry grin. Why is it so much different in reality?

This post is insanely long, but I am the type of person who has to get her thoughts together in writing. I also work best with accountability. I'm pretending that you all will care if I get my act together. So, this is more for myself than my readers. Sorry about that. Feel free to ignore!!

Heidi's Attempt at a Weekday Routine:

7:00 Wake up, Shower, Read Bible
7:30 Boys watch video if they’re awake
Me: finish getting ready/put in a load of laundry/check email
8:00 Chores (Levi and Luke empty dishwasher), Breakfast prep
8:30 Breakfast
Circle Time notebook review, Devotions, or CD
9:00 Breakfast clean-up
Brush teeth, get dressed, straighten beds…
9:30 Read-aloud and/or ‘group lessons’ (Spanish, history, art, geography, Bible, etc.)
10:30 Playtime for boys (upstairs, porch, or outside) (listen to CDs if inside)
Me: Chores (or go for walk outside)
[OR appointments on Thursdays]
11:30 Lunch prep. Boys clean up toys and wash hands.
12:00 Lunch. Listen to CD.
12:30 Lunch clean-up
12:45 Read to Leif. Put him down for nap.
1:00 Levi—quiet time. (Read independently or listen to CD.)
Luke—lessons (phonics and writing) and picture books. Set him up for quiet time.
1:45 Levi—phonics, math, writing, grammar, other lessons or read-aloud.
(W, F)
3:30 Snack then Playtime
Me: Chores
5:00 Dinner prep, straighten up house, wash hands, set table…
6:00 Dinner
6:30 Clean-up
7:00 W—Swimming (Or other evening 'stuff')
F—Family time
8:00 Make sure house is straightened up, pajamas, brush teeth
8:30 Read aloud time
9:00 Luke and Leif to bed, Levi quiet reading time
Me: Chores
10:00 Me: Bed, reading
11:00 (Lights out. Up with whichever boy decides to not sleep this particular night…)
(M, TU, TH)
3:30 Playtime
Me: Dinner prep, chores
4:00 Big snack, straighten up house, get ready for Tae Kwon Do
4:45 Leave house
5:30 Home, dinner prep OR errands in town (groceries, bank, etc.)
(6:15 Pick up Levi, home at 7)
7:00 (or later) Dinner
7:30 Clean-up
7:45 Science with Dad or Family game if we have time
8:00ish Bed Routine

It seems as if I should have more than enough time for some things (lunch, for example), but I have found that completing lunch from start to finish takes forever with three little boys! I really want to say that lunch should take only a half hour at most, but that would be completely unrealistic.

The other thing is that I've scheduled 2-3 1/2 hours for my 'chores.' Unfortunately, the bulk of that is during playtime for my 3 little boys. I am sure many of you have an idea how fun it is to attempt 'real work' while a 1 year old, 3 1/2 year old, and 6 year old are playing together. Quite honestly, I really struggle with focusing on my own tasks when I am constantly interrupted, disrupted, and erupted (smile) with smelly diapers, bonked heads, complaints, and whatever else is needed by three little boys. I also want to have them play outside as much as possible, but that requires supervision from me--and no chores accomplished.

On my chores list are: all household cleaning/organizing, bookkeeping/household management, homeschool planning/record keeping/etc., laundry, meal planning... I do all the shopping, errands, kids' doctor and dentist appointments.

I know that the boys need to be responsible for as much as possible. I am at the stage, however, that having the boys do something (emptying the dishwasher, for example) takes more time and effort than doing it myself. My eldest child is imaginative, intelligent, and talkative--but focused, on task, methodical, systematic, and responsible he is not. It requires me being completely focused and consistent to teach him and expect these things of him. It certainly doesn't lighten my load any at this point.

I am also trying to figure out where to find time for my own creative or relaxing projects. Burn out is a real possibility if I don't leave time for myself. There is also nothing on my schedule for sustained exercise. I may have to try fitting something in with the kids such as a walk (not necessarily very aerobic with littles along) or a video (in our living room with the boys in the small space with me) rather than trying to do my chores during playtime.

Every time I read about or hear about someone who skates through life on 5 hours of sleep, I start feeling insanely jealous. Why, oh why, can't I survive on 5 hours of sleep? 3 more hours of time to myself! I get sick, cranky, lethargic, and unproductive when I don't get good sleep. And let me tell you, I've spent much of the last 6 years getting poor sleep. And it's not because I'm getting stuff accomplished. Nooooo. It is because the universe played a dirty trick on me and gave me 3 little boys who don't sleep much or well. Or maybe God has been trying to teach me something. I should hurry up and learn the lesson so I can get some sleep.

So, I've scheduled in 8 hours of sleep, but it will be a rare night that all 3 boys sleep straight through. And the hardest part of this schedule will be getting myself out of bed in the morning. Because I cherish my sleep. And I hate getting out of a warm bed.

Ack! I've just realized that I didn't plan time for baths. Right now, we don't have a specific schedule other than throwing one of the kids in the tub when they need some time alone or when they are really smelly or on Saturdays. I'll have to think about that one.

I'll try to follow this routine as much as possible this next week and let you know how it goes. It might need a great deal of tweaking.

Routine

I decided to incorporate my one little word with Project 2008. Each month I will be adding a word to Potential which represents my project for that month.

For January, I have chosen the word Routine. If there is anything in which I need to live up to my potential, it is establishing a calming, productive routine in this household. I must establish the routine, maintain focus, and stay on task.

I'll post throughout the month to let you know how my project is coming along.

Anyone out there joining me?

I'm still collecting the one little word from all my readers. If you leave a comment with your word in the next few days, I will add it to the list and post all of our words together.

De-lurking Challenge

One other thing: I love the friends and acquaintances I've made on this blogging journey. You are what makes this worth it!! I'm giving all my readers an opportunity to introduce themselves.

*Please* if you enjoy my blog on a regular basis (or even if this is your first time visiting), would you consider saying a quick 'hello' in the comments section? Even if you've commented in the past and feel like checking in... I'd love to say hello to friends that have been with me from the beginning, and meet those of you who are just now joining in or have been silent readers.

This post will be on the 'front page' for a week. I'd love to hear from you!

Project 2008

I'm joining Kelli at New Mercies Every Day for her Project 2008 Challenge:

Starting in January I am going to tackle some area of my life each month. It might be a closet that needs reorganizing, it might be my school record keeping methods, it might be the flowerbed out front.

Would you like to join me?

Feel free to join in. Each month you will need to announce your project of the month at the beginning of the month. Take pictures if that is appropriate to your project theme. During the month you can blog about how you are making improvements. At the end of the month share with us how you did in accomplishing your goal.

If we stick with it, in December we will have accomplished a minimum of 12 projects. That would be a great way to end the year!!

I would rather not make a bunch of New Year's resolutions that I won't keep, but this sounds like a way to concentrate on one thing at a time with a bit of accountability. You, my dear readers, will hold me to it, won't you?

Are any of you interested in joining me? Be thinking about your project for January!