Is listening to me share about my large family and our organization even interesting? How could Jen really want me to share about this on her blog.
Then I remembered that families of 8 land big Cable Reality Shows and get to take fantastic vacations with their kidlets and drive cars that have built in movie theaters… and some even get a year supply of diapers… though I’d prefer chocolate instead.
The fact is: I forget everything.
I completely forget that my kids earned themselves a whoppin grounding for 2 weeks because my intense love for these little punk-a-noodles overshadows my memory of things they’ve done to deserve my wrath.
I forget that a family of 8 requires laundry to be done several times EVERY DAY.
Aren’t we all trying to forget about the laundry… it just won’t go away! I’m even at fault to forget a couple of days in a row… until I’ve worn that stretched out bra that I should have thrown away months ago for the second straight day and I have to start acting surprised when friends see the stains on my shirt, “Kids! Darn. I guess I’ll have to get this in the wash.” That excuse works incredibly well when you have a ton of kiddos. You’re always bound to have something stuck to your shoulder or belly. It’s sad however, when the same friends hear that excuse several times over the same shirt… BUSTED!
So here’s command central at my house.
Open up document to see our Family Meal and Cleaning Schedule.
This baby has earned it’s rightful place on the fridge next to the Scouting schedule and the realtor magnets.
It’s divided into 3 sections: Routines that I need to remember.
Meal schedule: For Breakfast and Lunch (dinners are always different)
Laundry Schedule: This shows me who has laundry on what day. If you want to see my octo-laundry routine check out this post.
Family Job Rotations: This is the meat of the schedule. (Applies to 4 older kids)
It details my kids daily Personal jobs, Trash assignments, Dinner Prep and Clean-up assignments, Weekly Zone, Weekly Job, and Saturday job assignments. WHEW!
There you have it. Functionality at it’s finest. You can thank the hubby for that one. I’m always worried about whether or not the colors I choose in the chart coordinate with the eyes and personality of the child they represent, and match the hues of the current season.
We’re a perfect match!
Any other questions on family efficiency or routines? What are you struggling with in your home?
Photo Credits: SouthernLiving.com
Hmm, so I don't really understand the chore chart- but it doesn't matter as long as it works. I am trying to revamp my own system, too. I clicked over and read the post on laundry and loved it. I have a super big front loading system, and I have wash day on Monday. I wash, dry, fold, and hang and the children put away the clean clothes and sort the dirty ones as they come off their bodies. I have a child turning 12 and I think for his birthday we will negotiate some freedoms and responsibilities wherein he is made to do his own laundry on say, Tuesday (A non-school day).
I came across your blog last week through some blog hopping. You have a great site. As a Christian mom, Bible teacher and writer, I write my blog to encourage MOMS in the fine art of Christian mothering. Your blog fits into the group I am trying to connect with. On Saturdays, I do a post called "Site Seeing Saturday" and I link to blogs I think my MOMS blog readers would love. This Sat. I am including your site in my blog. You have some great practical ideas for being a good steward for the kingdom of GOd. Blessings and thanks for sharing.
jean Stockdale
http://jeanstockdale.typepad.com
I host a meme called 5 Things Friday and I hope you will stop by.
Sounds like a good plan however I'm thinking I might need to have more kids so more zones have coverage…..nah, guess I'll just have to do the leftovers myself.
Thanks for the tips girls.
I think the lightbulb just went on above my head. The one thing I hate about laundry is sorting. And there are only THREE in my family! All I need are some 13 gallon trash bins to throw each category of clothes in and I'm good! Why have I not thought of this before? You ladies rock!
Hi Jen! I tried som hard to leave you a comment yesterday but it just would not let me. I could not find the comment button. I was so glad to find it this morning… Oh How I wished we would be neighbors..I need your help with charts and coupons…and life..hehe. Guess I will just have to hang out here till one of us move..hehe~
This will be a great resource for me as my kids grow. I just put in place a written out schedule of rotating chores for the older three (6,7, & 8)on a weekly basis.
Thanks for sharing. This is new territory for me. (Having it written down, that is.) Up until now, I've just pointed and said "you do this, you do that." Not a very effective method, I know!
-Melissa
Wow! Now THAT is a chore chart. 🙂 I struggle with a strong-willed three year old. The 18 month old is kind of clingy, but she does like to help. How do you enforce little chores (like clearing your plate, feeding the dog, etc.) for a three year old? Spanking goes nowhere with her (believe me, we've tried!), but timeouts alone in her room work well.
I cannot wait to check it out! I've been wanting to implement a chore chart and a plan for a while…looking for inspiration!
What stuck out to me is your KITCHEN! Wow…what an amazing kitchen!!!!! I love it! So beautiful! Love the bath too!
I have been following a little while now. I love your Fashion shows from yard sales/goodwill! Have you shown your house before? It is worthy of being shown….more please! ;o)
Have a wonderful day!
I only have three kids and I'm not nearly as organized as you, but I've become a huge fan of Choreganizers.
Thanks for the tips – trying to revamp our routine and chores to get ready for kindergarten. I'm bookmarking this as a resource!
I LOVE the board in that first picture! I've got to figure out how to make one.
And I'm looking forward to seeing you, too!
This was great! Thanks for sharing!
I wanted to leave a comment from yesterday, so… thank you for the heads up about the coupons in All You. I have picked that magazine up a couple of times in the past and enjoyed it. Now it has even more value! BTW, I never knew it was a Walmart exclusive. Learn something new everyday, especially with a friend like YOU! 🙂
hey girl. Yes, I'm working for Kristie. It was an opportunity that God provided. It is something I really enjoy, but am missing my kids at the same time. It will be better when the kids get in school.
Can't wait to see you in choir!
Love to you!
A
Wow, that's certainly organized. And what a gorgeous home!
There are 5 kids in my family, but we just knew what chores we had to do, and did them.
My mom also cut down on laundry time by teaching us to do our own as soon as we were old enough. Don't know if yours are old enough for that, but I bet you can't wait!
This is great! Thanks so much for these ideas! I'll let you know if they work with my two!!
Jen, I read your comment on Rachel and Renee's posts about She Speaks! First, I want to see those snazzy dressy crocs!! I heart those ugly shoes! They are perfect after running long distances and standing for hours on a pool deck during a swim team meet!I could do commercials for those people!! So, plz don't forget them next week!
Second, I am not finished with my 5minute talk either!! I always wait until the last minute to see if God has anything else that He wants me to say! Then, I'll forget half of the talk that I've tried to remember!! Oh, well!!
Anyway, looking forward to meeting you next week!
Hugs!
Susan
This is such a good reminder as I think my kids would thrive would this. I went over to your site and read the section about getting your kids to do jobs is like herding chipmunks. I laughed out loud as that is sooooo true! It is quite challenging to keep them all on track. (I have 5 kiddos) I would love a little more explanation on the chore chart as I didn't quite understand it either, but love the idea!