Getting ‘Caught Up’

How do you get ‘caught up’ when you’ve had a busy weekend?  It’s really pretty much the same as any other day of the week…but everything on the list takes a little bit longer than usual if it has piled up.

 

For me, it’s this simple. I get my kids going on school work…take some time for devotions…and then hit ‘the list’.

First –Food! What are we going to eat tonight? Get something out to defrost…or decide to pick up something from the store. Chicken in the crockpot, spaghetti or hot dogs aren’t the fanciest dinners (or necessarily the healthiest..) but for a Monday..they’ll do.

 

Oh..and you might want to feed the pets while you are at it… Tiger gets very grouchy if he doesn’t get fed early..and often! (Photo by Christian)

Second – Dishes….Eewww yukk! Hope you didn’t leave them out last night!? We only had a few from late night snacks. Start them soaking or load the dishwasher..or unload it. You know the drill, girls!

Third- Laundry…sigh…  Ok- Start with hubby’s  ‘whites’..nothing makes a hubby happier than clean socks and underwear. Look at him smile!! LoL!  Of course, the kids will love you for it too. :o)

Fourth – Pick up….socks..toys…books…dishes from last night’s movie night (Wasn’t it great?!! We watched Frequency.  It is SUPERB..about a father’s love for his son… for teens and up only though.)  Run a duster over the living room—very quickly..or hand that job off to the kiddos.  :o)

FOR FASTER RESULTS: If the house is VERY messy and you feel overwhelmed by the sight of all the clutter, try this tip. Go to each room and pile all the ‘stuff’ into one spot like a chair, the sink, or one spot on the desk. Now the whole house ‘looks’ more orderly and you can put away the piles without being stressed by the magnitude of the mess!

Lena’s vacuum sounds real..but sadly…it doesn’t ‘work’. LoL!

Fifth – Floors - Sweep and Vacuum…just the heavy traffic areas. And damp mop the kitchen. Don’t spend all day on this! Just 10 minutes each. Set a timer if you must.

TAKE A BREAK! Time for tea… (You have my ‘official’ permission..so go do it…  :o)…now that the house is in order and the dishwasher and washing machine are humming their happy tunes..you can rest easy..and sit down at your desk. Time to plan…

Now…it’s time for some quiet tasks. What about Finances? Is there money in the bank? Any surprises? Did you over spend the budget. Get your checkbook updated and make sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s. What about registrations for children’s events…car tags..any due dates that have to be met? Library books to return? 

   

Our college age son’s textbook was a rental and was due today..as was his registration for the national speech and debate tournament…and daughter’s defensive driving course.  Failing to meet those deadlines can cost you a lot of money.

On the way to Nationals in San Diego, Ca… ..then boot camp! (Still waiting to hear back about the medical review.)

Thank goodness, I planned ahead and had son return the book before our company arrived and did the registration late into the night on Thursday. Today..I think I’m oK! :o)

Finally…Errands and Emails.. Check them..but don’t dawdle! Birthdays? I’ve got a package to ship for a grandson’s birthday..and six graduation cards to fill out. Print letters for military son. Shop for his next box. (Make a list!)

After school, I’ll hit the road with a list, and my cards and packages ready to go. 

Really, the rest of my week will go pretty smoothly once I get through this routine. I’m sure there will be interruptions..but I’ll go right back to my list until I’m done. 

I hope this little post helps you. It seems so ‘intuitive’ to me, but a friend emailed me asking how I ‘get it all done’ so I thought my approach might help you. 

You Gotta Love Mondays! :o)

How do you ‘recoup’ from a busy weekend?

Linking with Raising Homemakers'  Homemaking Link Up

 

(PS. We had a WONDERFUL weekend with our kids and grandkids!  Expecting grandbaby number 3 for A & E this fall! That will make six grandchildren for us! :o)

Update on Matthew: I talked to my son Matthew via satellite phone. His latest ‘adventure’ went very well. The place they were headed was amazingly abandoned! Miracles never cease. He’s in very rough conditions…but at least we can still talk. Thank you Lord for satellite phones!  Thanks!