Planning Saves My Veggie Bacon

My calender...an endless list of tasks crossed out, tasks to accomplish...tasks that have changed. The ones that *change* drive me a little bonkers...doesn't make for a very "neat" looking schedule. But, oh yes, me and this calender are becoming very close friends. It has allowed me time to do little things, has kept me accountable this last 2 weeks....it has given me space. What more could a girl want?
I have felt pretty productive being able to accomplish a couple of household chores a day (besides dishes and making up beds.) For instance, yesterday I did all of the "normal" stuff but also washed sheets, vacuumed the house and stairs, and I was able to bake muffins with the kids. On top of that, I have listed our meals for everyday of the week...sometimes even snacks. That right there is pretty much what gives me the MOST peace of mind. Instead of having to dig around for things or not having all of the ingredients on hand for what I'm wanting to eat...it's all right there, listed. Another perk....it saves moula...bread...dough...hard cash.

So, how does one actually accomplish attacking a list of chores with little ones around (four of them)? I find activities for the kids to do...yesterday it was play dough while I washed the dishes and vacuumed. When I bake I include the kids and usually do it while the baby is napping. Also, in between chores I will read a book to them, or we will go outside for 15 minutes of play, or we will just simply talk or have tea. When I wash laundry I let them dump in the soap (after I measure it of course) and then I let them put the washed laundry into the dryer. This makes the kids feel included and then when I need to be by myself they aren't feeling neglected. Also, once again...keeping only a few things to do a day and not tackling the whole house at once helps tremendously.

Today on my *task* list is to re make all of the beds with clean sheets, to clean the two bathrooms and to bake a spinach pesto lasagna. I also need to help Trinity write a letter to a friend and I need to give Tristan a bath and wash his hair (I don't give my kids a bath every night...thats pretty much modern society making a big deal out of nothing...kids do NOT need to take a bath everyday. That's just insanity. Sorry. )

And, in case your interested....these muffins turned out moist and delicious. We had them for breakfast this morning and it totally hit the spot and helped me out since I wasn't up to making breakfast this a.m.

Morning Glory Muffins

1 cup of white flour

1 cup of wheat flour

2 teas baking soda

3/4 cup of raw sugar

2 teas cinnamon

1/4 teas of salt

2 cups of shredded carrot

2 apples, peeled and shredded

1/2 cup of raisins

3 eggs

1 cup of applesauce

1/4 cup of melted butter

2 teas vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 18 muffins cups

Mix dry ingredients together. Stir in the carrots, raisins, and apples.

In a seperate bowl, beat together eggs, applesauce, butter, and vanilla. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture, just until moistened. Scoop batter into the muffins tins until each muffin tin is 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Yummo.