to the beginning of a new routine. i actually like this part of the process. i am definitely one who needs structure to get much done :o) i dread the part where you have to get to bed early and wake them up in the morning. but i am hoping to start a few things at the beginning of the school year to make the transition a little easier for all of us, + some. here is a list of reminders:
date nights once a week with a different child (mom and dad will alternate taking them). so the first week of the month will be Sydney, second will be Gracie....you get the idea. i was talking with a lady about this last week and it reminded me to get this written down on the calendar and actually plan for it, or it will never happen :)
family night. i haven't decided which night yet. we have these periodically but nothing on a regular basis. the kids have actually asked for this. i think it will be great. the hard part will be saying no to things and not letting life get in the way of the family night!
dinner help. the girls love to help with dinner but most of the time i am so behind i am in a hurry to get things done. so i want to really make a huge effort to meal plan and shop ahead so if i need to i can even prep things during the day. one girl can help with dinner and one can help set the table/clean up.
morning routine. sometimes the mornings can get hairy around here. i am on a mission to make them better. i am thinking of healthy breakfasts that include smoothies, fresh fruit and breakfast burritos :) this will take some some planning ahead and make ahead time but i think i can get some ideas from my sister in law. she makes breakfast burritos/sandwiches ahead of time for her kids and it works great.
missions project. this has been on my mind for a long time now. i want to get my kids involved in something like this but haven't found the right fit yet. i know God will lay the perfect thing on my heart.
I am sure I have a ton more ideas, so this was a start. Why is it that every time you go to document something, your mind goes blank? I love new ideas, so what are some things you plan on doing?
Wow, girl, when you blog...you really blog!! :) There's so much to comment on! I love all your ideas. I have been thinking about of couple of them myself. The key is getting organized I think. Which is neverending for me! Your a great mom and I'm sure your kids will be super excited about these ideas. Good luck! :)
Posted by: Jen K | August 21, 2008 at 09:54 AM
I like your ideas too. I think a family night is a great idea and the date nights too. That is something that Brent and I need to work on. It is so easy to let things get in the way!
Posted by: hannah | August 21, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Can I come live with you? I really like these ideas and may have to steal a few to do myself. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: andrea f | August 21, 2008 at 12:39 PM
As much as I love summer, I am looking forward to some routine in my life too. I am in the cleaning out/organizing phase right now. I love your list and you have inspired me to adopt a few of these ideas. I have thought of some of them before, but like you said, unless it's on the calendar it doesn't seem to happen. Oh wait, what calendar? That's something I need to do, MAKE a family calendar. That will be a start for me. Thanks for sharing. Love you sis!
Posted by: Chris | August 21, 2008 at 01:07 PM
What great ideas! And you're right, life tends to get in the way if you don't have them written down.
Posted by: Christi | August 21, 2008 at 01:53 PM