Tackling My Elephant - one bite at a time!

I have completed my 15 minutes for today. I actually filled a whole rubbermaid container! In the process I found some treasures. a box with all the hospital bands from when my children were born, Mothers Day presents, and Anniversary Cards. All these items are evidence to me of how truly blessed I am! I love that my job is to take care of my family! I am so grateful that I can do this without having to take on a money job. I thank my hubby for that.

I cleared a spot in the living-room that was an out of control hot spot for clutter. Adopting the &quo;Just do it! &quo; mantra has really helped. It is funny how the task is never has bad as you think it is going to be. I am learning a lot of neat things like this as I slowly pull things together. It is amazing what you can do when you just worry about the step before you.

She`s Crafty....Now organise her!

Knitting, arts and crafts with the kids, Water colours, scrap-booking, sewing! Activities I love but I really need help with organising them. This is my project for late November/December and will likely take me through January (I have a lot of craft stuff) I have a plan to get there. I will divide the job into many steps so I do not get overwhelmed. I think once I do this my crafting experience will be so much better and be more productive. There are so many things that I could have made for Yule/Christmas this year but I didn't get anything done because of the chaos that is my art supplies, This is really sad!

Here is my plan:

1. Gather supplies from all parts of the house.

   I will start at the top and work my way down. I will collect everything in rubber bins. I have chosen to sort everything in the basement so when I fill a bin I will put it there. I will set my timer and do this 15 minutes each day until everything is gathered.

2. Declutter and Sort all supplies
   

I will sort one bin at a time. I will use a garbage bag a give away box and put what I am keeping in each craft specified bin example: Arts and craft supplies in one bin, knitting in another, sewing stuff in another etc.

3. Design the set up

I have an idea in my head of how I want it to look but I want to look for other ideas for how to best set up the space (suggestions are more than welcome)

4. Put it together

The next 2 steps will be the most fun because they will just be amatter of putting things in their place.

5. Put supplies in their place.

   See step 4.

   Now that it is written out the job doesnt see so big, especially broken into smaller jobs. I can do this! I am actually excited about it too! Anyone else want to join me setting up their craft area?

Taking Time for Me

I am going out with some girlfriends tomorrow night. There will be wine and cheese and laughter. I am very excited! This is my favourite kind of pamper mission. I cherish my friends.

I make time for me each week. I have to schedule it like any other task. If I don`t it doesn't happen. I am not alone in this am I ladies? Why don't you plan something special just for you? Do it now!

Dear Santa

It is that time of year again when we have the children reflect on their year and see which goals they accomplished and set new ones. They could be for school behavior or a new skill they want to acquire. Oh.! They also make make a request of the fat jolly man in the red suit. This year I decided to find some stationary to make the task more fun. I printed stationary from here: http://multimediadesignbysandy.com/christmas/xmas_home.htm. We will do this after we watch the Toronto Santa Clause Parade while we dig in to a mug of hot chocolate and a sample of the first of the holiday cookies. I like this tradition for the Obvious reasons but also because I think it is good for to set goals and to be striving for self enhancement. It always turns into a really good family moment.

Kitchen Declutter

I am purging my kitchen. When I am done I hope to have a kitchen inventory similar to the one below. I also have a wish list. on it is a Microwave and a Kitchen Aid. One I should have no problem acquiring in the near future, the other may have to wait until a milestone anniversary or we win the lottery! lol

1 spice rack 
1 colander
1 coffee maker
1 grater
1 toaster
1 food processor
1 hand mixer
3 plastic mixing bowls
1 crock pot
1 measuring cup set
1 blender
1 ice cream scoop
10 piece cookware
1 measuring spoon set
5 pieces of bake ware
1 cooling wrack
1 set of tongs
2 cookie sheets
2 ladles
broiler pan
3 mixing spoons
2 muffin tins
2 serving spoons
loaf pan
1 serving fork
13 piece knife set
3 rubber spatulas
4 piece dish set for 8
4 plastic spatulas
5 piece flatware service for 8
1 spaghetti server
8 ea. wine, rock, tall, & beverage glasses
8 placemats
2 serving bowls
1 garlic press
1 ea. sugar bowl and creamer dish
1 cheese slice cutter
1 serving plate
5 speed mixer
1 tea kettle
1 wire whisk
2 glass measuring cup
1 can opener
1 food storage set 
1 bottle opener 
1 nut cracker
1 potato peeler
1 potato masher
1 corkscrew
1 water pitcher
3 cutting boards
1 pair of scissors
4 hot pads
1 fire extinguisher
12 dish towels
1 garbage can
1 silverware tray
1 broom and dustpan

Absent With An Excuse!

I have been working on my Christmas Plan. You may view it here. I have also been coping as a work widow these last few weeks. My hubby has been super busy at work. Alas! There is light at the end of the tunnel - so he tells me. lol

This is my favourite time of year. I will be blogging about my holiday preparations. I hope to get some comments about what folks do to prepare for theirs. I will share some of my family’s favourite recipes and traditions and I hope people will comment about this too. Todays mission on Flylady.net is a Fling so I will be doing this in the kitchen gadget drawer of my kitchen.

An now for your viewing pleasure. Our Halloween Costumes this year.

Fire Escape plan

I just put one together for our family. I created a floor plan in Photoshop but you could just draw one by hand. Whatever you do make one and practise it with your family! It could save a life!

Make The Plan
Draw a plan of your house and clearly label windows, doors stairs and rooms.
With a brightly coloured marker, draw the escape route from each room. try to have two escape routs from each room.
Designate a meeting place outside.

Put the Plan in Action
Have a family meeting to discuss the plan and practise it.
hold drills at least twice a year. We will do one in winter and one in summer.

Dont Forget!
You should have at least one smoke detector for each floor of your home; one near sleeping areas and one near the kitchen. A fire extinguisher is also important to have in the kitchen.

Please do this! I found out that 70 percent of families in Canada do not have a fire safety plan. I hope you never have to use one but wont you be glad you had one if you ever have to?

Comfort Food Made Simply - Cabbage Roll Casserole

Today we got slammed with a bunch of snow. The very wet and heavy kind. It was so cold you could hear the house whistle reminding me that I still have to put plastic on the windows (But this is another blog for another time). I decided we needed something hearty delicious warming -comforting for our supper. I had a beautiful cabbage in the crisper so I decided to make cabbage rolls. Then I gave my head a shake. I had all three kids home and to be honest with you we had things to do that were not going to afford me the time to do all I had to to make those delicious traditional culinary bundles, so I turned it into a casserole! It seriously took 30 minute from the gather of ingredient to the first comforting bite.

The Recipe


1 tbs Olive oil
1 lb of ground pork or beef (I used beef)
1 large onion
1 19 oz can of dice tomatoes, drained
1 2 cups of tomato sauce
1 tbs oregano
2 tbs of brown sugar
2 tbs of white vinegar
1/2 half head of cabbage, shredded
salt and pepper to taste.


lightly oil pan with olive oil, add diced onion and ground meat fry until onions are translucent.
Add tomatoes, sauce, sugar, vinegar, oregano and cabbage. Season and cover.
Simmer while setting the table and washing little hands

Time to Face Facts

With us being in the middle of a snow storm watch, It is time to put the summer clothes away. I really need the closet space to be honest. I will do each person after I do their laundry. I will cull closets and dressers and put items that will work for next summer in their own seasonal bin. We are lucky because we have very high shelves here so these bins fit in the closet on a high shelf. anything that is in good shape but too small goes in the give away box and anything else that is damaged or worn goes in the clothing recycle bin. Summer Jackets and shoes go in a closet in the basement (It is a very dry basement) I hang the jackets up and the shoes go in pockets that hang over the door. In the summer the process is the same only the clothes trade spaces. I also switch out my bedding too.

I cannot say I mind terribly. I like my snugly flannel jammies! I don't mind winter, I just wish it was shorter. I love this time of year though. The Christmas Countdown at Organized Christmas has started. This task falls right in with get Organized week!

Lovely Laundry

I was thinking today how great it is to not have a Mount Washmore any more. I read about a laundry system on a Christian Home Schooler's blog several months ago and I adopted some of her suggestions and low and behold! I now have laundry under control! In a nutshell, I have each week day designated a laundry day and I try to get laundry in to wash during the morning routine rebooted to the dryer during lunch routine and folded and put away during early afternoon routine. I get my 7 yo to put her own clothes away and sometimes she will even put her own clothes in the machine, Each person has their own hamper for their laundry and I have hampers for towels and linens too, My Laundry days are:

• Monday: My and dh's laundry
• Tuesday:Children's Laundry
• Wednesday: Bathroom Laundry
• Thursday: Kitchen Laundry
• Friday:Bedroom and other Laundry.

It is such a great system that I have kept it up for over 3 months now and the best part- I never have to do laundry on the weekend! How great is that!

Holiday Countdown Begins!

OK.. officially it doesn't start until Sunday according to Organized Home but according to Fly Lady It started this week. Being the Christmas Junkie I am I was only too happy to have a head start, So far, I have set up my Christmas Journal (picture coming soon), gathered all of last years left over cards and wrapping and started a supplies shopping list. I am finding I have to pace myself though. I want to make my baking list, decide my menus, make decorations, plan parties, pick gifts.... This is the most important reason why I need to follow a plan! lol Keeps me under control. Please wish me luck!

Full DeClutter Mode!

I am rescuing my worst room this week. How do you rescuing a room? The way I do it is to first gather my supplies; a garbage bag (or few) for, you guessed it - garbage, a box for "Give Aways" and a box for "Put Aways". Then, I stand at the doorway and look to my right and going clockwise around the room I pick up each item in the room and decide where to "File" it. Once I have the three piles I will take out the garbage and put all the things that need to be given away by the front door of the trunk of the vehicle taking them away. However, I do not put anything yet. I do a full detailed cleaning first. I start at the ceiling and work my way down finishing with the floor I of course do all of this in Flylady fashion by doing it in 15 minute increments, pausing for a break and some water every hour. When every thing is done I like to enjoy my last break admiring what I have accomplished while enjoying a nice cup of Tetley.

A Tribute to My Friends

You are so very important to me. These last few months have been very trying for me and I am positive I would have crack up with out you. You lent me strength, supported me when I was the hardest on my self - and kicked my ass when I needed it. You were kind and wise and hilarious. You all are so beautiful!

Some of you I have hugged with my arms and some with typed parenthesis. Some of you I have known forever and some I met recently. You all deserve to be celebrated and so I dedicate this post to friendship.

Election Day

Thank goodness and end at last to ridiculous campaign ads and all those trees wasted on election literature. I feel bad for our neighbours south who still have 3 weeks to endure!

so to amend my To Do List I will Vote tomorrow. I hope you will too.

Meals on a Budget

Fly lady has a recipe on her site call Rubber chicken and I have adapted it to all sorts of roast. Basically it is roast beast with veggies on day one then wraps, rice, noodle bake or pizza with left overs then throw carcasses into crock pot after stripping them on day two. Add garlic carrot, celery onion a bouquet de garni and top with water and cook until next day. add more veggies and/or meat, bake some bread or biscuits and Volia! and sometimes I can get two days out of the soup! These meals work out to cheap shmeap!

Grocery List for Three or Four Days of Supper

Roasting Chicken ,beef, pork ham or lamb...can even work with a big fish! (I never pay more than 10 dollars)
5lbs potatoes
5lbs carrots
5lbs onions
2 heads of garlic
1 celery bunch
2lbs fav veggie like beans, Brussel sprouts, peas, swiss chard, spinach turnip whatever!
flour and butter eggs for dumplings or yorkshire pudding and gravy (optional)
tortilla shells or rice or noodles or pizza dough/premade shell for ease
cheese (swiss, cheddar, parmesan mozzarella)
any extra veggies needed like luttuce, tomatoes, green peppers mushrooms etc.
sauce (salsa, soya, bernaise, tomato)
spices and herbs for bouquet de garni)
recipe for bread or bisquits or buy some for ease.

there are the basics personalize to suit family but there it is in a nutshell. Never costs more than 50 dollars and feeds my family of 6 for 3 days so less that 3/person/meal.

October’s Projects

Each week I try to complete a project around the house. It can be a seasonal chore or something that only needs to be done once a month. this month my projects are sorting the playroom toys, cleaning the oven, putting away summer clothes, and shampooing the furniture.

To sort the toys I will use a trash bag a give away box and the dish washer and/or washer. I will pick up ever item and decide which category fits. It go in the trash if it is broken, the give away box if it is still in good shape but no longer enjoyed and to the dish washer or washer if it is staying. Another thing I will do is store seasonal toys.

The reason I do the toys now is because the Ottawa Le Leche League has its Kids Giant Garage Sale This is a great way to to find new homes for items that the children have out grown. The key of course, is to not buy more stuff while you are there! lol

Creating a Home Journal: Step 8 - "Me" Section

n Thursdays I like to schedule "Be Good to Me Time" The idea is to have it be something where I get to relax and de-stress. Let's face it- If mama ain't happy ain't no body happy! lol seriously though, as the mamas we really do set the tone for the home. We have to make a point of taking care of ourselves as we take care of our families. Make a list of things you find pampering and put them in a section of your Home Journal that is just for you. I also use this section to make my wish lists and hobby journals. This section can also be used to track goals and personal projects. Have fun with it! To get you going I have made a list of pamper mission I like to do.

• Arrange for an undisturbed shower or bubble bath
• Girls Night Out/In
• Manicure/pedicure
• Trip to the spa
• Weekly exercise class
• Indulge yourself with a yummy treat and a good book

I hope you get the idea. For more ideas you can visit Flylady's web page.

http://flylady.net/pages/pamper1.asp

Whatever you do, take some time today to do something nice for you!

Thanksgiving Plan 2008 -Part 2

Gathering Week

There are a lot of little things that go into making an extra special Thanksgiving Dinner. Sure there is the meal and really that is all that is required but the extra details can help make the memory even brighter and really that is what life is about isn't it? Making special memories. Putting it all together requires a little planning and that is what I have been doing these last few weeks. I made my plan. Wrote out all the steps I need to take to make it happen. decided the menu, the guest list, the decorations and table setting. One of the important details for me is that all the food right down to the condiments be as fresh as possible and homemade too! I canned pickles, relishes and fruit preserves last week. This week is about gathering any supplies I can. I will get out the linens I want to use, make sure they are clean and in good repair and replace anything that needs it. I will make sure I have all the equipment I need to make the meal and arrange to borrow or buy anything I am missing. I will also gather all the supplies for the center pieces, napkin rings and any other decorations I want to use.

This task is probably the most fun part of the plan because it means the children and I get to go on a walk to gather pine cones, colourful leaves or whatever else strikes our fancy.vI will pack us a lunch to have while we are on out nature walk. We will walk along the Ottawa river where our backdrop will be the gorgeous Gatineau Hills and it is just breath taking! I promise to post pics!

So this is what I am up to this week If any of you are following along with me to I wish a Happy Gathering Week ;)

Thanksgiving Plan 2008 -Part 1

Time to kick off holiday season! In Canada Thanksgiving is the second Monday of October. It is a celebration of the harvest and a time to express ones gratitude. I start preparing 6 weeks a head of time. Each week has a theme assigned to it. They are as follows:

• Week 1:Planning
• Week 2:Canning
• Week 3:Gathering
• Week 4:Decorations
• Week 5:Baking and Cooking
• Week 6:Celebrating

Last week I thought of who I would invite and invited them, planned my menu, made my grocery list and decided how I wanted to set the table. This week is about canning. I actually got a head start because we went Apple picking last weekend. I made apple butter! I must say it turned out very tasty! I made apple pancakes for supper tonight with some of it. I also plan to make some mustard pickles and zucchini relish this week. I use the recipe for my apple butter. from Pick Your Own.org It turned out amazing.

Master Schedule

To help me stay on track with what I need to do in the course of a day I have developed a Master Schedule. I have seen other post about using this and wondered if it would work at out house. It totally does! It is a guide so there will be some days it isn't followed perfectly. This is a typical day for us though by following this schedule I am less inclined to waste time. I keep this schedule in the front of my Home Journal.

	me	7yearold	3yearold	1yearold
Early Morning	Make breakfast After-meal routine* Empty dishwasher Start dinner in Crock Pot (if needed) Get dressed for the day Make beds and tidy room Start laundry	Eat breakfast After-meal routine*	Eat breakfast After-meal routine*	Eat breakfast
Late Morning	Walk 7 year old to school run errands and/or playdates	Walk to school	Walk 7 year old to school	Walk 7 year old to school
Lunch Time	Make and eat lunch After meal routine	@school	Eat lunch	Eat lunch
Early Afternoon	Finish laundry Sort mail Daily chores Take out recycling Pick 7 year old up from school	@school	play help with recycling	Naptime
Late Afternoon	Make snack Read to children Finish dinner	Eat snack Homework or Listen to story Tidy for dinner	Eat snack Listen to story Tidy for dinner	Eat snack Listen to story Tidy for dinner
Dinnertime	Serve dinner After dinner routine	Eat Dinner After Dinner Routine Time with Daddy	Eat Dinner After Dinner Routine Time with Daddy	Eat Dinner After Dinner Routine Time with Daddy
Early Evening	Supervise children’s bedtime routine QuickTidy the house	Wash For bed put on pajamas Lights out	Wash For bed put on pajamas Lights out	Wash For bed put on pajamas
Late Evening	Time with wonderful Husband Shower or bubble bath Brush Teeth Lay out clothes for next day Read a chapter or two from a good book Lights out	Sleeping	Sleeping	Sleeping

Things for which I am greatful...

The health and happiness of my family
That I am loved
That I love
The bounty of tomatoes, zucchini and peppers I have this year
The sweet smell of my baby`s head
Apple pie.

Routine Adjustment for Today

Saturdays are usually Family Fun Day but I needed a day to regroup and reorganise a few areas in the home. So Daddy will have a fun day with the children while I accomplish this.

I am really not happy with my Paper Handling Center so I want to reconstruct it. This is the place where mail and school communication is sorted. To do this I need to decide an appropriate place for it, then put it together. I am going to use a cart beside the computer in the Home Office I have a cart to store everything I need. By everything I mean the in and out boxes, the supply caddy where I keep pens highlighters stamps paperclips, stationary etc., a calender, an address book, a folder for take out menus, a recycle bin, and trash can. I will also store my Home Journal on the cart.

After I finish the project I want to go through the boys clothes to update the inventory list to reflect culled clothes and add the new additions thanks to a friend passing on some wonderful outfits.

Once I am done all of this I home to pamper myself in some way. I think I will go to the mall and enjoy a nice cup of Timothy's and my new Chatelaine magazine.

Happy Saturday everyone!

Back to Routines!

I am feeling so good about this! I seem to thrive on them. I think the children do too. I know the house does! lol. Don't get me wrong- I do like spontaneity but I have found that when the routines are in place and the house is in order spontaneous events are more likely to happen. I can decide to invite a friend over without having to worry about the state of the house. We can take off for the day because I have a meal prepped to go into the crock before we leave. We can decide at a moments notice to go for a swim because I have clean towels and out swim suits are folded and in their drawer for when we need them. Such was not the case in the past. The house was a mess so we couldn't have said friend over, The day trip could not happen because I had to figure out dinner or worse I would blow my budget on the takeout we had to order because I had no dinner when we returned etc, you get the picture. Things are far from perfect but very much improved and getting better everyday. I know I am not the most eloquent of writers but by sharing my journey here I keep myself motivated and maybe inspire others to help themselves too.

Coming Soon:

Thanksgiving Day Planning.

Comfort Food

We all have our favourites! Mac and cheese, tomato soup with homemade bread, hamburger casserole, Roast Chicken/beef/pork Dinner, meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, beef stew chocolate pudding (from scratch) are some of mine. With taters and gravy, it is the velvety feel of the food on my tongue and tomato soup and bread has a fragrance that takes me back to lunchtime in my mothers kitchen, Bread and butter pickles do this too.

As the weather is turning cooler I am finding myself craving these things. I am going to be making some of them and posting about them from time to time. Todays recipe is:

Hamburger casserole.

1/2 box of elbow macaroni
salted boiling water
1 pound lean hamburger
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, crush
1 green pepper, diced
12 sliced mushrooms, sliced
1 19 oz tin of tomatoes or equivalent fresh romas.
1 4 oz can of tomato paste.
italian spices salt and pepper to taste.
1 cup of shredded cheddar (optional)

put pasta on to boil.

fry hamburger, onion garlic, mushrooms and pepper until beef is well cooked and onion is translucent

add tomatoes, paste and spices. cook until pasta is cooked, drain pasta and add sauce. stir to coat.

toss with cheese if using.

I serve this in bowls with a salad and garlic bread.

Last Week of Summer Vacation! Part 2

Changing of the Guard in Ottawa

My mom, daughter, youngest son and 2 nephews (older boys). I swear we are a happy lot! dunno why no one smiled for this. lol

Last Week of Summer Vacation! Part 1

school starts on September 2 this year. We are looking forward to it! We had an amazing summer. We got to see much of the city we had not seen, had a lot of fun and also got to relax. This is the week to squeeze in anything we still haven't done. This week we will see a movie matinee, visit a museum and go for a hike. Below is small gallery of our summer this year.

Trip to Canadian Museum of Nature

Fun at the Water Park

Planning a Party!

So my blogging has been sporadic at best but there is a good reason for this! I have been party planning! My youngest child turned a year yesterday (how is that possible!?), My sister turns 35 on Friday so I am having a birthday for her, and lastly my parents are having their 25th wedding anniversary the next day,vI am not totally responsible for the last one but I am helping a fair amount. I thought I would share how I party plan. Since I have developed this habit parties have become a fun activity for me rather than a stressful headache! This goes in the Misc. section of my Home Journal

Party Plan

1 month ahead for a formal party; 2 weeks ahead for a casual gathering

• Decide on the date, place, and style of party.
• Make up the guest list.
• Plan the menu.
• For formal parties, mail invitations. For casual parties, mail invitations or telephone your guests to invite them.
• Decide what table settings, decorations, centerpieces, and music you'll use.
• Make arrangements for any items you'll need to rent or borrow.

1 to 2 weeks ahead

• Telephone any guests who have not responded to your invitations so you can get a definite guest count.
• Do preliminary housecleaning, especially any time-consuming tasks. Make sure all appliances that you'll be using work. If you're grilling, don't forget to buy charcoal or fill the gas canister.
• Compile your grocery-shopping list. Check on items such as matches, candles, and liquor, and add the things you'll need to your shopping list. Don't forget ice.
• Check that table linens are clean and ready to go. Decide on tableware and serving pieces. Wash infrequently used pieces. If you're using disposable paper or plastic items, inventory what you have on hand and add the items you need to your shopping list.
• Order any special flowers, meats, seafood, or other ingredients you'll need.
• If you're making decorations or centerpieces yourself, now's the time to get started.
• If possible, make some foods ahead and freeze them.

2 to 3 days ahead

• Shop for everything but the most perishable items.
• After you return from shopping, recheck your recipes to make sure you have everything you need.
• Plan your timetable for cooking the foods.
• If possible, make nonperishable items, such as snack mixes, ahead.

1 day ahead

• Shop for perishable and last-minute items.
• Reclean the house as necessary.
• Decorate for the party. Prepare an area for coats and umbrellas.
• If possible, arrange and set your tables and serving areas.
• Prepare as many recipes and ingredients as possible. For example, chop vegetables you'll cook as part of a recipe. Some chores, however, such as cleaning salad greens, should wait until party day.
• Thaw frozen items. If the items are perishable, thaw them in the refrigerator.

Party Day

• Go over the house again for a final cleaning check. If necessary, move furniture.
• Prepare the foods according to your timetable so everything will finish when needed. Wash dishes as you go along to save cleanup time later. Don't forget to run the dishwasher, so it'll be empty and ready for party dishes.
• Make sure all foods and beverages to be served cold will be well chilled by party time. Last-Minute Details 1 hour ahead
• Put all the finishing touches on the meal and tables.
• Clear a spot for placing used dishes as guests finish with them, and provide an easily accessible place for garbage.
• Set out cheese and nonperishable appetizers or snacks, if using. As the Doorbell Rings 5 to 15 minutes ahead
• Open wine, if serving. Set out remaining appetizers and snacks, if using.
• Light candles and turn on music, if using.

For:
Date:
Place:
Theme:
Table settings:
Decorations:
Centerpieces:
Music:

 

Guest List
Name	Address	Phone#

 

Menu Plan
Appetizers
Main Dish
Salads
Side Dishes
Bread
Desserts
Beverages

 

Grocery List

Produce

Meat

Bakery

Frozen

Deli

dairy

Grocery Items

Wine/Beer Store

Extra Notes

Creating a Home Journal: Step 8 - Children's Section

In this section of my binder I keep all things pertaining to the children. Ever get asked "What do the children need?" or "What size is certain child?"by a grandparent or auntie? Well let me tell you it makes life so easy to flip to the children's section of journal and have all the info right there in the Clothing Inventory table.

CLOTHING INVENTORY
Name/Size
Shirts, Winter
Shirts, Summer
Pants, Winter
Pants, Summer
Skirts
Dresses
Light Jacket
Winter Coat
Snow Pants
Raincoat
Sneakers, Outdoor
Sneakers. School
Dress Shoes
Casual Sandals
Rain Boots
Swimsuits
Pajamas

Next in this section is School Information Our school request that we pay a flat fee at the beginning of the year and they provide school supplies. If your children's school doest do this, you may want to keep a list here. Blow is a blank version of the record I keep for each child attending school.

 

Child's Name			School Name
Room Numer		Teacher's Name		School Numer

 

Schedule
1st Period	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
2nd Period
1st Break
3rd Period
4th Period
2nd Break
5th Period
6th Period

Project/ Test Name	Date Assigned	Date Due

I also keep vaccination records in this section and any other medical information.

The next part has all the information for the children's activities including schedules, equipment inventory, fee/rental receipts/contracts etc.

This part has a list of each child's friends and their phone numbers and addresses..

I also keep a running wish list for each child. when I see there is something they would like to have or do I write it down in this part. This section comes in handy for Holidays and birthdays.

The last part of this section is Rainy Day Activities. I keep ideas for activities like crafts and, fields trip ideas and Schedules for the pool, library and play groups here.

There you have it. Eventually Id like to inventory he toys too. but I dunno if I will ever get that good! lol but you never know!

Please feel free to use anything posted here to help you create your children's section. :)

Lunch Box Quest

I am searching for yummy recipes to put in school lunches, My children's school is changing their schedule to a Balanced Day so this means they will have two 20 minute nutrition breaks.

So from time to time I will make a post about lunch box ideas. I would totally love to hear about any ideas you might have. There is one rule and that is they must be nut free. Today I tried this recipe for zucchini muffins I wanted to try Gills recipe but I was out of carrots so I will try it next time.

What we thought:

Fantastic! We didn't put nuts or fruit in them and got 12 restaurant sized muffins. on the muffin bcale of 1-10 these were a 10!

Zucchinis!

We Collected the first harvest today! I am going to make muffins and various side dishes with them. The were grown completely pesticide free and watered with only rain water. I used organic fertilizer too. I cant wait to taste them in muffins! I already ate one right of the vine and it was so good!

I am also waiting on tomatoes beans peppers and cucumbers. I think my cukes may have swallowed the peppers those so I don't have much hope for them. I have loads of green tomatoes though. Beefsteak and Romas. This is the first year I planted food other than tomatoes. I am really happy with the results. I have big plans for next year!

Motivation

Sometimes I just don't feel like doing housework. There! I said it! Today is such a day. The only thing to do is find inspiration. How do I do this? Blogging helps BIG TIME!! so does making a list and starting at the top. To set things in motion I also put together a good sound track. Here is todays:

And so it is proven to me once more just how important a home journal is!

Our vacation has ended and it is time to get back to routines. Just to review, my morning routine is:

Make and eat breakfast

Tidy up after breakfast

Empty dishwasher

Start dinner in Crock Pot (if needed)

Make beds and tidy room

Get dressed for the day

Start laundry

I don't even have to think about it! It is all written down for me in my journal. I just open to my Weekly Schedule section and follow what it says. I do the same for my laundry too.

Now I must admit my house is in need of some rescue but it wont take too long to have things back in order. I wont get overwhelmed or discouraged becasue I have all the steps I need to take right infront of me, to follow one line at a time.

Going on vacation.

I am off for 5 days to hang out with my mum at her trailor. I love it up there! I thought this might be a good opportunity to post about preparing for a trip. By writing it all down for review I can decide what I need to do. This way I don't get overwhelmed because all I have to do is consult my list. I rarely forget anything important now either!

I start with a list that looks like this:

Where are we going?

Do we need passports or visas or vaccines? (make photocopies of documentation to leave at home)

Do we need plane, train or bus tickets?

Who will collect my mail/water my plants/take care of my pets for me?

Do we need to stop any subscription services?

Next I make my packing list. For this camping trip we didn't need much because my mom usually takes care of meals and the trailer is all set up so we just have to show up with our clothes

Packing List

CLOTHES
5-changes of clothes (include one warm outfit)
5-sets of underwear
2-sleep shirts/pjs
3 pairs-shoes (beach, rain, hiking)
1-swimsuits
1-swim towels
1-hoodie/
1-raincoat

TOILETRIES
toothbrushes
toothpaste
deodorant
hairbrush
hair things
shampoo
kids' shampoo
bug spray
sun block
medications
nail file
shaving kit

FOOD
pasta salad
bean salad
fruit
veggies
juice boxes
hot dogs
treats (we are on vacation after all!)
healthy snacks

MISC
videos
cell phone, cord, charger My phone is also my camera)
books, magazines
pool and toys
large garbage bags for dirty clothes
cash

so now I know where I am going How I am getting there and any other special concerns like vaccines and I have cancelled the paper for while I am away. Now I make my last check list. My walk out the door check list

Unplug all electronics
set timers for lights unplug auto garage openers
Set air conditions up to 85 degrees
You should already have mail pickups and plant and/or pet care arranged
load luggage and purse
Insure you have house and vehicle keys
do one last walk around the house make sure everything that needs to be is turned off and/or locked.

Now you are all set to have a great vacation!

Knit Dish Cloths

I love these! They are a quick project for when I need to feel like I accomplished something.I can usually make one up as I watch an hour of TV. Here is the pattern I used:

Diagonal Dishcloth

Supplies needed:
• 1-2oz. skein of worsted weight cotton yarn
• Knitting needles size 8 or size needed for gauge
• Gauge 8 st=2"
Finished size 9" square

Instructions:
Cast on 2 sts.
Row 1: K2.
Row 2: K1, inc. (3 sts).
Row 3: K1, inc., K (4 sts).
Row 4: K2, inc., K (5 sts).
Row 5: K2, inc., K2 (6 sts).
Row 6: K3, yo, K3 Continue working in this manner (inc. 1 st each row with yo) until you have 50 sts on
needle.
1st decrease Row: K2, K2 tog, yo, K2 tog, K to end of row.
Repeat this row; decreasing 2 sts each row and forming eyelet by yo until 6 sts remain.
Next row: K2, K2 tog, K2 (5 sts).
Next row: K2, K2 tog, K1 (4 sts).
Next row: K1, K2 tog, K1 (3 sts).
Next row: K2 tog, K1 (2 sts).

Creating a Home Journal: Step 7 - Budget

This section helps me keep my finances under control. I have a list of all monthly expenses here and all the information I need to pay them - such as due dates, method of payment etc. I also have a sheet with my budget calculated that I created in an Excel Spread Sheet. The budget lists what money I have coming in and what I have to pay out. The last part of the budget section is a big brown envelope where I store bills and receipts until filing day.

Homework

• Make a list of all financial obligations include pertinent details


• Create a monthly budget


• Install (I just punched holes in one side and put it in my binder) a manilla envelope

Next
Children's Section

Meals for July 15th -21st

Sweet n Sour Chicken/Rice/carrots
Baked Fish/Taters/Green Beans
Curried Chicken/Noodles
Pea Soup/Homemade Biscuits
Lasagna/Salad
Hamburgers/Baked taters/Pasta Salad

I dunno if anyone is reading this but...

I created this blog for myself. This blog helps keep me on task. I know it isn't for everyone and I am fine with that. I let a negative comment discourage me from continuing and by doing so my efforts to achieve my dream of a well managed home have slipped. I didn't fall totally off the wagon; beds stayed made every day and I kept up with meal plans etc. I didn't get as far a head with my decluttering goals however so I am just going to pick up where I left off. Blogs serve many purposes. I am not trying to get a book deal or show off my writing abilities, which I realise are average at best. I created this blog to help me run my home and if it helps another that is bonus. I also hope others will share what they do too. This kind of sharing is really helpful because the same thing doesn't work for everyone. I want this to be a supportive place for folks like me just trying to do the best to create the kind of home they want.vIf I am the only one using this space to support myself then it is still totally worth while.

So here is me jumping in where I left off. My goals for the week are:

• Complete routines everyday


• Complete a pamper mission (tbd) this week


• Declutter and set up guest room.


• Excersise daily for a minimum 15 minutes

It Is So Great Having the Laundry Under Control!

My dryer is broken. In the old days this would have sent me into a panic because the laundry room would be piled high with dirty clothes so that I would have to find a place to hide them all so that I could have the repairman come in to fix it. This time the only laundry in the room is a load in the washer and the load that was drying. Actually, they wont even be there by the time the repairman gets here! Those loads will be folded and put away after being dried on the clothes horse. :)

Cherie's Declutter Challeng

Why not join me? I have challenged myself to declutter for 15 minutes everyday. My challenge will last 40 days. Aug 15th I plan to be clutter free! I will update my progress as I go.

The Clean Sweep....

Super fling boogie, massive declutter, how ever you refer to it, this is the absolute first step to reclaiming your home. The way I like to do this is to get three boxes. I line one with a garbage bag - this is the Throw Away box, The other two are my Put Away and Give Away boxes. Once my boxes are ready I start at the top and do one room at a time. sometimes I will set my timer but often I just go until feel the need to stop. The weekend I am going to take some time to clean sweep my first floor. Anyone want to join me?

I also wanted to remind everyone to do something romantic today! It can be for a partner but it could also be for yourself.

Creating a Home Journal: Step 6 - Menu Planing- Part 2

When I make my menu plans there are three components - the menu, the recipes and the grocery lists.

The menu is comprised of 6 meals allowing one day for leftovers or dining out. I arrange my meals so that there is a range of quick & easy to meals that require more time and are involved. I make each meal according to how busy the day is rather than the day of the week. for example, I have posted a typical menu plan below. The pot roast would be a good meal for Family Day and the Key West Penne is good for a busy Errand Day.

My Grocery list I make up so that I go through the isles first then the perimeter of the store last, to decrease the time cold food is out of refrigeration.

The recipes make it possible for any member of the house to take over.

Menu for the week of July 6-12

Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos, Guacamole
Rotisserie Chicken, Potato Salad, Coleslaw
Key West Penne
Lorraine's Club Sandwich Twice Baked Potatoes
Roast Beef Dinner
Chicken noodle soup

Grocery List

Baking Supplies
White Sugar
Celery Seed
All-Purpose Flour

Basic Cooking Ingredients
Canola Oil
Vegetable Oil

Canned Foods
1 jar Pimentos
2 jars Artichoke Hearts

Herbs And Spices
Salt
Paprika
Black Pepper
Dried Parsley
Dry Mustard
Dried Thyme
Bay Leaves

Pasta, Rice And Beans
1 lbs Dry Penne Pasta

Condiments And Salad Dressings
2 (8 Ounce) Jars Salsa
2 (16 Ounce) Jars Mayonnaise
Sweet Pickle Relish
Prepared Mustard
White Wine Vinegar
Jar Stuffed Green Olives
Sweet Pickles
1/4 Pound Greek Olives
Browning Sauce
Sliced Black Olives

Produce
1 Garlic, Whole
1 Lime
6 Green Onions
1White Onion
4 Tomatoes
2 Avocados
2 lbs Onions
1/8 Bunch Cilantro
9 Pounds Potatoes
1/4-Pound Celery
1-1/2 Pounds Carrots
1 Red Onion
1 Green Bell Pepper
Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Packed In Oil,
1 Head Lettuce

Meats, Fish And Seafood
Whole Chicken (2 extra breasts)
1 lbs Shrimp
1 lbs Bay Scallops, Raw
1 pkg Bacon
1/2 lbs Sliced Deli Turkey Meat
4 Pounds Rump Roast

Bakery
12 Slices White Bread

Dairy, Eggs And Milk
900g Cheese for Nachos
Butter
Sour Cream
Heavy Cream
3-1/2 Ounces Parmesan Cheese
Milk
5 Ounces Cheddar Cheese





Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos

INGREDIENTS
2 cloves garlic, crushed
6 green onions, sliced, white parts and tops separated
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 shredded, cooked, whole chicken breast
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup salsa
1/2 (12 ounce) package tortilla chips
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese blend
1/2 large tomato, diced

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a 12 inch skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the garlic and white parts of the green onions in canola oil until tender. Mix in shredded chicken, salt and pepper. Toss until well coated with oil. Stir in the salsa.

Arrange tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Spoon the chicken mixture over tortilla chips. Top with Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese blend and tomato. Bake in the preheated oven 10 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onion tops before serving.

Guacamole

INGREDIENTS
2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 large tomato, diced
1 onion, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice


DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados and stir in salt. Mix in the tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

Rotisserie Chicken

INGREDIENTS
1 (3 pound) whole chicken
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 tablespoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Season the inside of the chicken with a pinch of salt. Place the chicken onto a rotisserie and set the grill on high. Cook for 10 minutes.

During that time, quickly mix together the butter, 1 tablespoon of salt, paprika and pepper. Turn the grill down to medium and baste the chicken with the butter mixture. Close the lid and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (83 degrees C) when taken in the thigh with a meat thermometer.
Remove from the rotisserie and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.
Potato Salad

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds russet potatoes
1/2-cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
4 teaspoons white sugar
2 teaspoons chopped white onion
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced celery
1 teaspoon minced pimento
1/2 teaspoon shredded carrot
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste


DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and chop.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, onion, mustard, vinegar, celery, pimentos, carrot, parsley, pepper and salt. Mix well, chill and serve.


Coleslaw

INGREDIENTS
Cabbage, either green or purple or both
Carrot
Green onion
Rice vinegar or white vinegar
Sugar
Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Starting with a head or half a head of cabbage, thinly slice the cabbage until you have approximately 4 cups (not packed) of sliced cabbage. Add half of a slivered carrot. Thinly slice a couple green onions.
finish with a couple tablespoons of vinegar. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

Club Sandwich

INGREDIENTS
2 slices bacon
3 slices bread, toasted
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 leaves lettuce
2 (1 ounce) slices cooked deli turkey breast
2 slices tomato

DIRECTIONS

In a heavy skillet cook bacon over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels.

Spread each slice of bread with mayonnaise. On one slice of toast, place the turkey and lettuce. Cover with a slice of toast, then the bacon and tomato. Top with last slice of toast.

Twice Baked Potatoes

INGREDIENTS
4 large baking potatoes
1/4-cup milk
Salt to taste
1/2-tablespoon butter
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Clean and scrub baking potatoes. Pierce skin with a fork once or twice. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 1 hour. Let potatoes cool slightly. Cut baked potatoes in half and scoop out pulp within 1/4 inch of the shell edge. Mash the pulp with milk, salt and butter to taste. Stuff shells with mashed pulp mixture sprinkle tops with grated cheddar cheese. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and bubbly (15mins).

Key West Penne

INGREDIENTS
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
1-pound shrimp
1-pound scallops
1 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 (8 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
1-pint heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Combine shrimp, scallops, artichokes and sun dried tomatoes, then cook until shrimp turn pink. Reduce heat, and stir in cream and Parmesan. Toss with cooked pasta, and sprinkle olives on top.

Favorite Pot Roast

INGREDIENTS
4 pounds boneless rump roast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2-teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
3 cups water, divided
8 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
8 large carrots
1 pound small onions, peeled
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon browning sauce (optional)
Additional salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a large frying pan, brown the roast in oil. put roast in crockpot.

Combine salt, pepper and thyme; sprinkle over meat. Add bay leaf and 2 cups of water; set to low cook for 6 hours
Add potatoes, carrots and onions. Cover and cook 1 hour longer or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Remove the roast and vegetables to a serving platter; keep warm. Discard bay leaf.

Skim fat from pan juices, pour juices into saucepan; add water to measure 2 cups. Mix flour and remaining water until smooth; stir into juices. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in browning sauce if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

Slice roast; serve with vegetables and gravy.

Homework

Make a menu of 5 or 6 meals for the week

Gather all the recipes for each meal

Make a grocery list from all the ingredients, don't forget to add beverages and condiments to make list complete

Sauturday!

I love Saturdays! This the the day I get to have some fun and recharge. I especially love it because dh gets to join us. Often we will have Family Movie Night or Games Night on Saturday evenings We are really into Cranium these days. During the days we will go swimming or take a trip to the dollar store or go for a walk in a park or visit friends; you get the idea. The activity doesn't matter - spending time together does. I think dedicating a day for this purpose is paramount, especially with lives being as busy as they are. I hope you will spend time doing something fun with your family today. If you do I hope you will share with us what you did Today we are shopping for a birthday present for a good friends 6th birthday later we will have movie night. Tonight we are watching Water Horse. Speaking of I better get going as dh has rounded up the troops and they are waiting for me! lol

p.s. When I returned this post didn't publish so I am posting it late.

Creating a Home Journal: Step 6 - Menu Planing- Part 1

OK! Menu planning is something I have fun with. I really like to cook but when life is busy I really need to plan. I really like Menus 4 Moms for this. They do all the work! the food is good and inexpensive. Using their system monthly food budget is about 400 for my family of 6.

In this section of my Home Journal I keep my Master Grocery List. With my well stocked pantry I can make all the foods my family eats. With my Master Grocery List I can keep inventory and make my weekly grocery list with it. When I run out of something I highlight it with a red dry erase marker right away, then on Monday when I make my grocery list It is easy to determine What I need to put on it. Here is my Master Grocery List.

Pantry Spices & Seasonings Adobo Basil Bay leaf Cayenne pepper Celery seed Chili Powder Chili spice blend Chives Cilantro Cinnamon Cumin Curry Powder Dehydrated onion Dill Dry mustard Garlic powder Garlic salt Ground ginger Italian seasoning Lemon pepper Liquid smoke Marjoram Nutmeg Onion powder Onion Soup Mix Oregano Paprika Parsley Pepper Poppy seed Rosemary Salt Taco Seasoning Mix Tarragon Thyme Balsamic vinegar Red Wine Vinegar Rice vinegar Vinegar Beef Bouillon Granules Chicken Bouillon Granules Dry red wine White cooking wine Cooking sherry Hot sauce Ketchup Worcestershire Sauce Ranch Dressing Mix Sesame Oil Olive Oil Vegetable Oil Baking Needs Almond Extract Baking Powder

Baking Soda Biscuit mix Bread flour Confectioner's Sugar Corn Meal Corn Starch Corn Syrup Evaporated Milk Flour Honey Jell-O packages Rolled oats Stuffing Mix Sugar Vanilla Extract  Yeast Baking nuts   Beans Pinto beans Black Beans Kidney Beans   Lentils Red Beans White Navy Beans Fruit Individual Fruit Cups Pineapple, Crushed Raisins Cran-rasins   Miscellaneous Croutons Graham Crackers Peanut Butter Sunflower Seeds Taco Shells Tea bags Coffee Pasta and Rice Egg Noodles Elbow Macaroni Fettuccini Linguini Rice Rice Noodles Shells (jumbo, medium) Vermicelli   Produce Apples Bananas Grapes Oranges

Canned Goods Cut Corn Creamed Corn Green Beans Mushroom Pieces Peas Roasted Red Peppers Tomatoes (variety) Water chestnuts, sliced Coconut Milk (for Thai dishes) Cream Soups Enchilada Sauce, red and green Green Chiles, diced Salsa Spaghetti Sauce   Paper & Plastic Heavy Duty Foil Paper Plates Parchment Paper Plastic Baggies Plastic Wrap Wax Paper Toilet Paper Refrigerator Items Cheese American cheese slices Cottage Cheese Feta Cheese Shredded Cheese String Cheese   Condiments Barbecue sauce Dill pickle spears Fruit Preserves (100% fruit) Hot sauce Lemon Juice Lime Juice Mayonnaise Salad Dressing Salad peppers or relish Soy sauce/tamari Teriyaki sauce Yellow mustard Dairy Butter Buttermilk Cream Cheese Eggs Milk Coffee cream Plain Yogurt Sour cream

Meat Bacon or bacon bits Deli Meat Pepperoni Produce Carrots celery Garlic cloves Green Bell Peppers Lettuce leaves Mushrooms Onions (a bag) Salad Mix   Freezer Items Frozen Fruit Bagged berries, miscellaneous Frozen Vegetables Asparagus Breaded Okra Broccoli Cuts Cauliflower Hash Browns Mixed Vegetables Peas Peas and Carrots Corn Stir Fry Vegetables Sugar Snap Peas   Meat Beef (ground, roast, stew, and flank) Chicken Hot Dogs Hot Italian Sausage Pepperoni Pork Chops Prepared Ingredients Black beans, cooked Buttermilk biscuit dough Chili Chicken, cooked and diced or shredded Ground beef, browned Ham, cooked and diced Meatballs, raw Peppers & onions, chopped and sautéed Onions, chopped and sautéed

Home work

Think about everything your family eats and make a list

Make a Master Grocery List of all the items you need to buy from the grocery store. Don't forget to include any cleaning supplies

Creating a Home Journal: Step 5, Part 3 - Cleaning - Children's Section

I use this section to list the children's chores. Here
is a great article to help you decide what chores you children can do grouped according to age.

Here is an example of what the children's chore chart looks like:

CHILDREN’S CHORES
Name	Daily Chores	Weekly Chores
7 year old	Room chores - Get dressed, make bed Money - Tidy front porch Table chores - Set Table, Help clear table Bedtime chores – Tidy toys, Jammies, teeth, Pack bag for next day	Mondays - Put clean sheets on bed; Tuesdays - Dust living room Wednesdays - Clean bathroom mirror; Thursdays - Empty bedroom trash; Fridays - Sweeper living room
3 year old	Room chores - Get dressed, make bed (with Mommy) Table chores - Help clear table, Run sweeper on dining floor; Bedtime chores - Tidy toys, Jammies, teeth, laundry in hamper	Mondays - Dust; Tuesdays - Help clean windows Wednesdays - Help with laundry; Thursdays - Empty trash Fridays - Tidy book shelf
baby	Be mommy's helper. :-)

Homework

Make a list of the chores you want your children to do. Have a row for daily chores and a row for weekly chores.

Put a copy in the last part of your cleaning section and post a copy in place where the children can consult what is expected of them for each day.

Do It Anyway

wise words to remember

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centred;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true
enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

- Mother Teresa

Creating a Home Journal: Step 5, Part 2 - Cleaning

The next few pages include my supplies Inventory and my favourite cleaning solutions.

I like to keep a list of the tools I use where I bought them and make and/or model numbers for replacement parts like mop heads or vacuum filters. I also use this section to keep handy cleaning tips and special care instructions.

here are the cleaning solutions I like to use. these recipes will save you money and are much kinder to the environment.

SUPPLIES

Liquid Castile Soap
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil

1 empty detergent bottle
6 clean spray bottles
2 glass jars

DISH DETERGENT
Mix 2 cups castile soap with 1'4 cup of water and shake

CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER
Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough castile soap to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.


WINDOW CLEANER

1/4-1/2 teaspoon castile soap
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Use as you would a commercial brand.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER

1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of castile soap

2 cups hot tap water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a rag.

FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

Tile Cleaner

2 teaspoons tea tree oil

2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.





Homework

Record vacuum filter model numbers or any other important instructions related to cleaning here.

Decide what products or recipes you want to use

Make a list to put in your journal

Creating a Home Journal: Step 5, Part 1-Cleaning

This section is big so we will break it into a few posts. In this Section I keep my Cleaning Plan, the Children's Chore charts and some of my favourite cleaning solution recipes. The first part will be about my Cleaning Plan.

This is the first page of my cleaning section. The table shows each day of the week, What cleaning I need to do, and the tools I need to do it. In order to create it, I made a list of all the important chores that must be done. then I divided them by tools needed to complete them and lastly, I assigned them a day. When I was done I had a chart that looked like this:

Cleaning Plan

Day	Chore	Tools
Monday	Sweep and mop all floors	Broom, Dustpan, Mop, Bucket. Mr. Clean, Plastic Scraper
Tuesday	Clean all mirrors and TV/computer screens and inside windows; wipe down all surfaces; dust	Window Shammy, Windoe cleaner, Plastic Scraper
Wednesday	Clean all sinks, toilets, the shower and tub	Abrasive Cleaner, Plastic Scouring Pad, All-Purpose Cleaner, Rags , a Towel
Thursday	Water plants, collect garbage	Watering Can and Fresh Water, A Lrg Garbage Bag
Friday	Clean stove, refirgerator, dishwasher; washing machine and drier	All-Purpose Cleaner, Abrasive Cleaner, Plastic Scouring Pad, Rags Towel

You might want to includyour laundry schedule here too. Below is mine

Laundry Schedule

Mondays	My laundry
Tuesdays	Wash younger children's laundry
Wednesdays	All towel and wash cloth laundry
Thursdays	Laundry day off
Fridays	Bedding Laundry

Homework

create a title page for this section.

Make a list of weekly chores

Divide them by tools needed.

Assign each group to a day of the week.

Put the information in a chart or a way that makes sense to you and print it out and put it in your binder ;)

Next
Supply lists and solution recipes

Creating a Home Journal: Step 4-Weekly Schedule

My Weekly Schedule keeps me on track during the week. Certain tasks are assigned on each day; This is the next sheet in the Schedules part of my binder. This is something that evolves over time. I would start with just writing a simple plan on loose-leaf until you figure out what works for you. Here is what mine looks like:

Monday: Menu Day
Work on menus and grocery list for next week.
Make sure refrigerator is clean.
Dust and Mop all floors
Work on project

Tuesday: Grocery and Errand Day
Double check list and remember to with you.
Clean Inside Windows, Mirrors, TV/monitor screens
Grocery Day
Errand Day:

Library

Post office

Groceries

Wednesday: Zone Clean and Partial Desk Time
Clean sinks, toilets and bathtub
Make Bread
Work on project
Write thank-you notes.

Thursday: Free Day
Garbage goes out today: Empty all garbage cans.
Water Plants.

Friday: Paperwork and Misc.
Be romantic today.
File papers.
Write letters and cards.
Clean large appliances
Clean laundry room.

Friday: is "Date Night", Saturday: is "Family Fun Day", Sunday: is "Renew Your Spirit Day"

The important thing to remember about schedules is that they are guides. They are very useful for keeping us on track but we are not a slave to them. They should make living easier not stress us out!

Homework
Write out all the tasks you need to get done during the week-groceries, cleaning, paperwork, time for self, etc. assign each task a day of the week. Create your weekly schedule. Tweak as needed.

Next:
The Cleaning Plan