So I posted last month how my lack of structure and routine was starting to kick my butt... well, I got sick on top of it and then it REALLY kicked my butt!! So... I'm giving you an update on what is developing in my life with regards to a routine (ack! structure!) ... and surprising myself with how much I'm liking it!
A caveat before I lay it out... this is a rough outline which obviously needs to be filled in some places with more detail. I expect that to happen as we get more used to living within a routine! Secondly... as with most things, about the time you feel like you've figured things out something comes along to throw a wrench it in it... I realize that this will more than likely happen to my "beautiful" plan, but if I continue to use that as an excuse not to make one, I'll be in the same place I was a month ago!
Sunday - Church and Family Day
Too often right now, Sunday's are a our "make-up" day for outside chores, inside chores, etc. I would love to get back to what Sunday is supposed to be, a day of rest (which with my husband's farming and soon-t0-be coaching schedule - he needs!) and family "fun" - whatever that entails.
Monday - Appointment and Errand Day
Karen has Speech Therapy and every other week I will be having my OB appt. until Crider Baby3 makes his/her appearance. It's an hour drive one-way, so this is a minimum of a three hour round trip for us. I plan to try and do grocery shopping and/or town errands this day if it works
Tuesday - Home Day!!
With all of our running around, I'm starting to cherish these! My goal on Tuesdays is to be more structured in my play with the girls and to tackle one "project" ... I use the word loosely as it could be something as simple as carving out an hour or two to work on my quilt, tackling a closet that needs organizing, catching up on our budget, etc.
Wednesday - School, Appointments, and Errand Day
Karen has preschool and then we have to leave by 10 for her 2nd speech therapy session. My goal is to try and have myself ready to go so that when Megan and I come back home from taking Karen to school, I can focus on other things in the house besides getting ready! I would like for Wednesdays to be my "quick" cleaning day... doing those weekly cleaning items like bathrooms, a quick run through with the vacuum, etc. I should be able to do this (if I'm not trying to get ready) in the two hours between when I take Karen to school and pick her up! Since we are in town again, this is another opportunity for groceries and/or errands if I'm organized!
Thursday - School and Home Day
Karen has preschool (and speech therapy at the school). She is dropped off between 8:00 and 8:15 - then Megan and I have three hours before we head back into town to pick her up. This time can be used to 1. spend some one-on-one time with Megan, 2. tackle something that is hard to do with 2 little ones underfoot, or 3. engage Megan in something so that I can have some time to "myself" to catch up on reading, housework, blogging... :)
Friday - Another Home Day!!
Yay! I'd like to follow my plan for Tuesdays with the additional item of completing any household items (cleaning, laundry) that are outstanding so that we go into the weekend with a fresh house!
Saturday - House Day
We have soooo many little and big house projects that we are hoping to get done before the weather changes and the baby comes. If I do a better job during my week of taking care of the every-day items, we can use this day to focus on these projects (and maybe I'll be able to carry some of them into my Tuesday/Friday routine!).
I feel like this is a pretty reasonable approach to putting some structure into our daily life. As you can see - the structure is kind of already there because of Karen's appointments, but I was still flying by the seat of my pants most days. This gives me something to work towards. But what do you think? Am I being as reasonable as I think or does this sound like I'm setting myself up to struggle?! I'm praying for the former!
