Monday, August 18, 2008

First day back...not bad at all.

Today was the first day back to school for teachers. I have been trying for a couple of weeks to get back into the early morning routine...seems silly, since I really had only three weeks off between summer school and today. All and all the day went fairly well. We got out of the door on time, although it did look like a tornado had cut right through my house. The girls went to Grandma's with no problems at all (Kate has been a little teary lately, so I was a little worried). My day at work was good, but I did way to much visiting... I love catching up after a busy summer.
What I was most proud of today, was our evening routine. The last 9 months have felt terribly disorganized, and I very much did not want that to become a way of life at our house. I been reading a lot of stuff written by the FlyLady , especially about not living in a state of CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). Anyway, she is big on routine. I don't think that I will every be as over the top regimented as she promotes, but I have certainly gleaned some worthwhile things. So, tonight we tried out our new routine, goes something like this...
  • Arrive home, get dinner started.
  • Bath girls while things are cooking.
  • Sit down for dinner.
  • Girls read on the couch for 10 minutes quietly, while mom picks up dinner dishes and throws in a load of laundry. I really set the timer for 7 minutes with the hopes of building up to 10. I was quite pleased when the timer went off and Meigan asked if they could PLEASE!!! read some more.
  • Fifteen to twenty minutes of chores with mom... girl helped me fold laundry and clean up the playroom.
  • Reading books.
  • Brushing teeth.
  • Off to bed... at 7:30 on the dot.

No TV... just family time. The girls had a good evening, and I feel less stressed. Now, if only I could get my girls to go to sleep without having to have me sit in their room. Although, I do make good use of this time sitting in the dark, it has become my time to check blogs and make posts.

6 comments:

Jamie said...

Sounds like a great routine. I'm in much need of some structure at my house too.

Wendi said...

I know at that age they seem to take a lot of work for the bedtime routine but it does get better. Ty was an awful sleeper until about age 5, he would cry at the door and wake up like 300 times in the middle of the night. Now he sleeps like a log and he actually enjoys going to bed.

I'm glad school went good. I am in much need of the routine and structure in my home as well, even with the older kids. I think they function better.

Jill said...

Congratulations on a great first day back! I am looking forward to some routine back in the schedule.

Good job implementing the fly lady stuff. I started using her ideas a couple years ago and really benefited from it. I am not a die-hard fly girl, but I try.

Carol said...

I am glad your first day back went well! I will have to check the fly lady out... =) Your previous post about meg made me laugh OUT LOUD! =) She is so funny!!!

Leslie said...

Hi Beth. I am so glad your 1st day back went well. I love fall and getting back into a routine...a busy routine but at least the same things each week. This is our last hurrah before school starts in the Oleson home. I am ready for structure. I'll have to check out fly lady.

Tricia said...

Your schedule sounds great! No tv, hmmm....that would be nice...even no game cube....that's an aspiration I'll have to try...