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I was raised in a frugal household so I learned from the masters. I am a very organized person who believes "Time is Money" so I have learned to budget my time very wisely. I am a working mom of two girls (ages 14 and 8) we are busy with school activities, cross country practice (I help "coach"), church activities and family outings.
I have a planner and calendar which lists ALL our appointments, dates and family activities, doctor appointments and outings, etc. I am a huge list maker BUT in addition to the normal shopping list, mine also include LISTS of annual chores (cleaning the silver, windows, gutters), books to read/movies to request at the Library or websites to visit, vacation ideas, budget sheets and the like. I also include necessary telephone numbers in my planner. I also record any weekly TO DO items on the Saturday page of my Calendar, so I can check them off as they get performed during the week (things like returning library books, purchasing stamps, obtaining craft supply for girl scout project, balancing check book, etc.) I am a great proponent of using a spare minute to complete a chore and having these lists and notes makes it easier for me to fill up the time waiting at the bank or doctor's office.
I divide my household chores by the day and complete a small task each day before I leave to walk the kids to the bus stop.
On Sunday mornings, I clean the master bathroom (DH does the tub)
On Mondays, I dust the upstairs (3 bedrooms and a loft) The kids are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and bathroom.
Tuesdays, I dust the downstairs: sun-room, great-room and dining room, clean glass table tops, etc.
Wednesdays, I have early morning bible study so no real chores
Thursdays, I clean kitchen countertops and after dinner, I vacuum (if DH has not already done it!) and mop the kitchen and entry hall.
A load of laundry is done almost every day. I try to wash knits at night and dry in the morning so I can hang them before I leave for work. Whites I can wash in the morning after our showers and put in dryer before I leave for work. My 14 year old DD does her own laundry!
The children prepare their own school lunches. Dear Husband is better than most, I am told, as he unloads the dishwasher and makes the bed (two chores I abhor!). He also irons his own clothes.
We get up early (5:30 A.M.) so we can have a relaxed morning. We are generally out the door for school by 7:10 A.M. We go to sleep around 10 P.M. (DD around 9 P.M.). We do not watch a lot of TV. Exercise is gotten throughout the day by taking the stairs, exercise class during lunch and cross country practice.
We always eat dinner together. I keep a fully stocked pantry and freezer. I have a list of "easy meals" for the nights when we don't have much time before we have to be back out the door. I try to plan the meals in my head so I can purchase what I need on our weekly shopping trip to avoid rush hour grocery stops. I enjoy trying new recipes so also have a file and pull at least one new one each month. We do lots of pastas, roasts and grilled meals.
Lastly, I spend some time everyday in prayer and meditation. I exercise a little, call my mom and e-mail friends to keep me grounded and focused on the right things. I try to do ONE caring task for others each day (send a card or a phone call to a person in need). I try to make most weekdays "money free days", meaning I don't make any unnecessary purchases (groceries and gas don't count but the Ho-Hos purchased at the grocery store do! Ha ha)
This also helps me save money and TIME!! I take my lunch and read.
I am truly blessed, I am happy, healthy and I think, wise! Organization is the key for my success. Good luck!
Diana from Prospect, KY
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