Monday, January 18, 2010

Our Daily Routine for 2010

"Failure to plan is a plan to fail." ~Unknown

I have experienced this saying entirely too many times in the last year!  In fact, I'd say this pretty well sums up most of my 2009.

For much of the year we were just "winging it" as we went through our day.
Generally, "winging it" in my house ends up with a frustrated and yelling mama, toy covered floors, arguing children and supper from a box.  It's really not a pleasant place.

That's a big part of why I stepped back from blogging last summer.  I needed to refocus and start implementing new routines.  It hasn't been easy.  In fact, November and December were less than stellar around here.  But, I have started 2010 with a renewed dedication to planning our days.

There are 3 main areas I plan for: housework, schoolwork, meals.  Like I've said before, if I don't plan these things in advance they just won't happen.  So, below is our Monday-Thursday routine (we have homeschool co-op on Friday mornings).
This is our IDEAL day.  We've never had an ideal day.  In fact, I've yet to brush the kids teeth in the morning, read with the boys after rest time, take an afternoon walk, or have kids clean up the kitchen in the evening.  I put all of those things on there because they are my goal.  My hope is that eventually this routine will become habit and we will do those things.

So, I'm sharing my schedule with you to inspire you to plan your days.  If I can do it, anyone can.  Sticking with the plan takes work but the benefits are worth the effort!

Do your write down a daily routine? 

Disclaimer: 

I AM NOT SUPERMOM!!!  Please do not mistake the above routine/schedule as being perfection.  I am a work in progress just like everyone else.

(It might be helpful to know that Sam is currently 14 months, Ellie is 3 years, Ben is almost 5 years and Will is 6.5 years.  Will is in 1st grade.  Ben is "unofficially" in K4.)

7 comments:

Sheila said...

There is a book that I found very helpful in schedule planning called Managers of Their Homes by Steven and Teri Maxwell. In the book are lots of samples of schedules for homeschoolers. And they also walk you through an effective way to plan your schedule. Great tool!

Stephanie Kay said...

Sheila, I have MOTH by the Maxwells. It is GREAT!! It gave me a lot of practical ideas. I especially like the way they plan everything out so you can see who's doing what and when.

I only have half the number of kids they do (grin.) so I can be a little more flexible. Plus with small children it's hard to be rigid about how long they will take to accomplish different things.

The Maxwell's website is http://www.titus2.com/ if you are interested.

Amy said...

So true! Enjoyed this post! I have really gotten my meal planning back on track as well as planning for our family Bible Memory work/ lessons. It feels so good! I have other goals--but little steps! :)

Looks like Sam has given up a morning nap? If so, my sympathies!!!

Territory Mom said...

I've written several schedules I find them every now and then. You have your hands full, I'm praying for you and me.

Flamingo said...

i gave up on myself for schedules. why? bcause i continue to stay up way too late and can't get up early!

i have a new thing i'm trying to form a "habit" with in the new year called focus days. better fits me...havne't even gotten that underwraps yet!

Westafricanrains said...

Ok. Not being a mom, I have to say Wow even though I know the days don't always go like this. Schedules are good though. I have a loose schedule of my days that I recently decided I need to add more to so that I can better manage my time.

Christie said...

As I read this I am on the couch following two solid weeks of stomach bug being in our house. Me and Sawyer are the latest victims of the bug. ugh! I just liked looking at this schedule today since order has gone OUT the window in the past couple of weeks. This is the most orderly thing I've seen in recent days!!! :) I'm inspired!!! :)

I have made some written schedules at times. I think Caleb needs a more structured schedule than we currently have. I tend to be looser with the schedule and "fly by the seat of my pants" more. He is my planner. I like to plan, too, but there is so much unpredictablity with a 14 month old and a 3 year old in the house that I end up giving up on the dream of having an orderly schedule sometimes. :)

We just made some serious long-term financial goals, though, so I'm really looking at our spending and thinking organization really helps in the spending department!! It kind of goes hand in hand. I mean, more organization means less last minute scrambling that can get costly...in a lot of areas!

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