Lightening the Load, a Future Rock Star, & a Groupie (heaven forbid!)

Below are some things I've tried this week that have helped save time and lessened the burden on my shoulders.  It's not much, but it did make a difference. 

1.  Kids putting away their own laundry:  I mentioned before that I bought my older children their very own laundry baskets (blue for my boy, fuchsia for my girl).  As each load of laundry came out of the dryer, I folded and sorted it into 4 baskets - one for the grown-ups, one for the baby, and the respective baskets for the older kids.  Once all the laundry was done my older kids took their baskets upstairs and put their clothes away (I took care of the hanging clothes, of course).  It was such a help and had the laundry put away twice as fast!

2.  Making beds:  This one took a few days of fussing before it was accepted.  My older kids make their beds each morning.  It's not perfect and usually requires a little assistance, but it's getting them into the routine I will expect as they get older.

3.  Getting up earlier:  This one was hard b/c it meant getting up at 5AM instead of 6 (that extra hour is WONDERFUL!).  But this morning, I was able to get in a workout and shower before any of the three kiddos woke up.  It was peaceful and made my morning go MUCH smoother.  Instead of buying the fancy "light up the room" alarm clock, my husband and I are doing things the old fashioned way.  When the alarm goes off, he or I turn on our bedside lamp BEFORE turning off the alarm.  It's not fun, but it works. :)

4.  My friend the ponytail:  This may be gross to some of you, but I have cut my shower time in 1/2 by only washing my hair every other day (at most!).  My hair stylist has been telling me for years that it's better for your hair to only wash it a few times a week anyway.  Well, it took 3 kids + work for me to try it.  Not only is she right, but I'm ready in 1/2 the time b/c there is no drying and fixing involved!  My hair seems to be growing faster and feels softer & healthier.  Who knew!?!  Ponytails are my new friend - I have some dressy clips for work.  If you're like my mom and my sister, this concept will not be looked upon favorably, but don't knock it 'til you try it! :)     

On a fun note, our family went to a retirement party for a co-worker of mine last night.  It was fabulous!  The entire aquarium was rented for the party and there was a band and the works!  Having the aquarium to ourselves was wonderful and my kids boogied to their hearts content.  My son wound down around 8 (his usual bedtime) and pronounced himself done dancing b/c he needed to rest.  My daughter, however, kept the party going until the band quit playing and threw a big ole tantrum when they did quit playing b/c she wanted to keep dancing.  Imagine her at 16!!!   Someone mentioned that this was her first groupie experience and I had visions of Kate Hudson as Penny Lane in the movie "Almost Famous".  Heaven forbid! 

Her brother was invited to play the drums with the band and he had a BLAST!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!   Happy Monday!