Managing the MotherLoad by Jennifer Applin

Our version of lockers

This week I reorganized my foyer closet. I needed something more functional for four smaller children. I forgot to take a before picture, but here are two after pictures:

The focus was creating an area that the kids could really use to be fairly independent when it came to getting out the door (or putting items away when they came home). I also wanted to get school-related papers, files, etc. off of my desk (where they will surely get lost!). I figured since lockers work at school they could probably be a good solution, but they are expensive to buy. Thankfully my mom was getting rid of some closet organizers so with them I designed this system and my husband built it. It looks taller than it is. This top wire shelf is below my shoulders and I'm only 5'2".

There is one more wire shelf to go above this one and together these two areas will have baskets/containers for hats, scarves, gloves, sports-related items, lunch boxes when not in use, etc.

Below that is the wooden shelf which holds school-related binders, files, library books etc. for the older two and snow pants for the little ones.

The coat area has a total of 6 hooks each for coats and backpacks. Previously we had a short coat rack for the kids, but hooks are easier for little kids than hangers.

Finally we have a few shelves for shoes, slippers and boots. I like to keep everything we need to get out the door downstairs--it's much quicker that way.

So this is the kid's side of our foyer closet, complete with our version of lockers :-) 

Benefits of Early Dinners

We're finally getting used to the back-to-school schedule around here. As I mentioned before this is the first time my daughter has been gone all day, every day. Since she still needs an early bedtime we have a lot to cram into those few evening hours (dinner, family time, homework, showers, getting ready for the next day, a few chores, etc.). So I've gone back to our early dinner routine.

Actually I don't know why I ever get away from it. Everytime we start this life is easier and not as hectic. Thanks to the hours my husband works we are able to schedule early dinners. If I'm organized I have everything planned out (and some meals already started) in advance. Here's how it works and why it's beneficial:

-I do most of the dinner prep work while my litlte two are finishing up their nap and the older two are still at school. This allows me to avoid the chaos of cooking with kids underfoot and dealing with any "when's dinner ready?" whininess.

-When my son gets home from school he's the dinner prep person (setting the table, etc.). This is a help to me and keeping him occupied and not fighting with his little brothers is always a plus.

-Shortly after my daughter gets home it's time to eat. Everyone is usually hungry at this point and instead of offereing a snack we have dinner at this piont and a snack later. Also after spending a long day at school I hate to make my daughter get started right away on her homework. This gives her a little break and the entire family has a chance to catch up on the day's activities.

-My daughter helps my husband clean up the kitchen while the rest of us hang out and play. Then we take our time giving everyone baths, getting them ready for bed, ready for the next day, etc. If we waited to eat later all of this would immediately follow dinner which can get pretty tiresome for my husband and I. The relaxed pace is just what we need.

-The rest of the evening is spent tackling homework, playing games, having a snack and on some evenings attending an event (Brownies, church activity, sports, etc.). Again, if dinner was later in the evening these events would immediatley follow and the evening would feel rather hectic and rushed.

So that's it! My mealtime solution for avoiding the hectic dinner hour (or two)/homework/getting ready for bed rush :-)

Jessie Steele Aprons

As part of my Smart Habits Saturday, I'm trying to save my yoga pants for the times I'm actually doing yoga and dress a little nicer on a daily basis. The only problem is that I'm slopping stuff all over my clothes when I'm in the kitchen. A simple solution...wear an apron. The thing is I've really never worn an apron. I can't ever recall my mom wearing one and it's really never occurred to me to do so. Even though I'm a HUGE fan of Little House on the Prairie (seriously..I really do have the books and DVDs from the series), I don't necessarily want to spend my days looking like Ma Ingalls.

Well the Internet has helped me again. Check out the site for Jessie Steele. Here you will find vintage, yet hip-looking aprons in a wide variety of styles and fabrics. They've been featured on Oprah, numerous magazines, and even Desperate Housewives. Now these I could wear! I found the best prices on eBay for new ones (free shipping too) :-)

Writer Mama Giveaway!

In case you missed it, Christina Katz at Writer Mama is in the middle of her month-long Back-To-School Daily Giveaway. Check it out and enter daily to win some great writing resources!

Oh poor, neglected blog!

What can I say!? Life got in the way!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks here. My daughter started back to school a couple of weeks ago. Having her gone all day every day has definitely been an adjustment. But she loves it!

My son started back to preschool last week. Here he is, ready to go!

I've had tight writing deadlines, my babysitter went on a last minute trip and now my 15-month-old has the chicken pox (yep, even with getting the vaccine)! So it's been a little nuts, but I'm getting back to blogging. Stay tuned...