So how are things going on your quest for the New Year?  Are you getting on T.R.A.C.K.? 

Picking up and cleaning the entire house on a fast time frame is always a tough time with the kids for me.  I've come to expect all the character traits and heart issues that I've neglected or need attention to come "shining through". 

Even though it's hard, I know I need to be thankful for those moments too, cuz it certainly lets me know what we need to be working on!  So often those who don't homeschool put us in a box by asking "how many hours we spend" doing school.  But "school" is more than reading, writing and arithmetic... our children are learning constantly... it doesn't need to be called "school" to warrant whether their brains, or hearts are in session. 

Don't forget that as you call on your children for help (or ask them to be quiet, play nicely, or whatever part they play while you're organizing) that the Lord may use this time to reveal "issues" in each child.  Instead of getting frustrated (as I still struggle with) remember that there's life lessons to learn in every moment (some lessons are more time consuming than others...) and pray that the Lord would use them to help not only your child become what the Lord wills, but you as well.

SHARE and Tell:

• What have your stuggles while getting on T.R.A.C.K.?
  
• What were your accomplishments?
• How did your children do, help, hinder, ect?
• How did the Lord bless you? (What did He teach you...)

Thanks for sharing!  May the Lord bless as we glorify Him in taking care of our home... and those who live within it!

In Him,
Amy

I'm off to the BEDROOMS (I have 2.B.9, 3.B.7 and 6.B.1 in one room, 4.G.5 and 5.G.3 in another, along with my bedroom to accomplish... I will NOT be stepping foot, however, into 1.B.17 VERY MESSY and EXTREMELY GONNA GET IN TROUBLE FOR room!) 

1. Begin by taking a picture of the room before you get going... seriously... TAKE A PICTURE!  This will be evidence... um, I mean, this will be an encouragement when you're done and you see what you've accomplished!
2. Grab a couple of boxes or garbage bags... One is for garbage, one is for give-away or garage sale, and one is for keeping (but dealing with LATER... a box really is best for this one). 
   
3. Have a notebook or something to write on and a pen or pencil to make two lists... one for a "To Do" list of things you think of to do in other rooms while cleaning and the other one for any items that room you're working in is in "need" of (this may include a shopping list of reminder items and a "wish list" of things that would be nice to get when the money is available).  For me, some things on my "To Do list" will include: touch up paint on walls and trim work, washing carpets and windows.
   
4. Make sure you have water, the phone (but only answer if you need to!... you don't want to stop!), music to get 'ya going, and anything else you might need so you don't need to stop.  (Making sandwhiches for the kids now, so you don't have to stop later to feed them is a good idea too... speaking of kids... I like to have mine help me for a 30 minutes, and then have them take a "break" for 30 minutes (computer time, a movie, outside time...), however, since it's their rooms that I'm helping them with... they will be present for the entire clean up... including under their beds!
   
5. Since these are the bedrooms, if sheets need to be washed and changed, be sure you're doing the laundry loads (one right after another) to get the sheets ready to go back on the beds when you're done with the rooms (set a timer if you need to to remember to transfer the loads).
6. Start the furthest corner away from the door.  Begin the "bulldozing" process. (The bulldozing process is simply moving through the room like a bulldozer... not stopping to take something out (therefore increasing your chances of being side-tracked) and continuing until you reach the doorway.
   
7. Don't forget under the beds!  This an area that can get "yucky"... don't forget to clean out under there as well!
8. As I go though toys in the bedrooms, I also have another box.  I use one to put things in that have to go into the playroom downstairs, but also have one that I put things into that stay in their room, but need to be put away... that way I don't have to take the time to put them away, and the kids are kept busy and are being helpful, while not losing anything in the cleaning process.
   
9. Don't forget about the closets... my boys hang their clothes, but things have a tendency to get messy in there, so I help get them back on track in there as well as in their drawers.  Be sure to check clothing to see if they're wearing everything (if they haven't been, maybe it's time to bless someone else... throw those things into the "give away" or "garage sale" box!) and be sure to throw away any socks with holes in (or the lonely "I can't find my mate" sock and put on it on the list of things to buy... (remember that pad of paper?).  This is a good time to put clean clothes aways as well (and will help in the laundry room when we get there).
   
10. REMINDER for each room:  If you haven't needed it, worn it, looked at it, or used it in a year (6 months if you really want to be ruthless) than GET RID OF IT!  Quit keeping them INCASE... Jesus may come back before you use them, so bless someone else and give them away!
11. Once you make it to the door way, (after stopping through out the day... hey, you're a mom first and we know what that entails!) take your boxes or bags out... put the garbage one in the garbage... put the give away one in the car and take it immediately or put the garage sale one in the garage, and put the keep box in a place where you will go through soon (or in the next room we'll be working on, which is the kitchen).
12. Now, finish by vacuuming and wiping the little hand prints off of the doors and trim work (a great job for the kids as well!).  We have a lot to still do, so don't spend a lot of time on the "cleaning" part of it... we're just finding a place for everything... oh, and if you don't have a place for it... then it's time to say "good-bye"!
    
13. Step back, pat yourself on the back, and TAKE A PICTURE!  (Check out S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time: #12 to see how you can use this to SHMILY your hubby as well!)
    

Blessings to you and yours!  I'm off to get those kids' rooms done!  We'll be working until the 31st so pace yourself (at a fast past... tee hee) and Now... go into the next room and start all over!  We only have a few days, so really try to manage your time as best as you can!  Don't get overwhelmed and if things are really behind in some rooms, then put things in boxes to go through for the new year (a box a day).  YOU CAN DO THIS!  You'll feel so good about bringing in the new year in a clean house! 

REMEMBER: The enemy loves chaos, and will do what he can to prevent you getting this done!  Don't get discouraged!  Call on the Lord to give you strength!  He will sustain you!

In Him,
Amy

(To read how T.R.A.C.K. started, read "Calling All Side-Trackers".)

Okay ladies… brace yourselves cuz the new year’s almost here, and I’m determined to get my house in order (including the tree down and all those gifts from the grandparents put away)!  I mean it!  We’re officially going “light” on school, doing just Math (Math-U-See) and Language Arts (Language Arts Through Literature) until the new year.  The rest will be "Maintaining Your Home Together in Love... Fast! - 101 Class".

Now, as much as I'd like to "deep clean" while we're at it (and no, deep cleaning isn't refering to how far your arm goes into the clothes pile in the laundry room or the dishes pile in the sink!... I'm referring to dusting, washing, waxing, painting... ect.!)  There's really not that much time (only FIVE DAYS), so getting things organized first will be the key here.  We can deep clean when the new year begins (I heard the excitement ladies!), and having things picked up and organized will make that SO much easier (not to mention... possible!)

1. Decide what room you want to begin in.  You might want to consider things such as the "little helpers" that are involved.  There are things they can do to help, so use them when you can!  Save other things (like sorting) for when little ones are in bed, or when older ones could be doing school or having time together. 
   
2. Now, go into the room you've decided to bless, and take a picture (seriously... TAKE A PICTURE!  This will be evidence... um, I mean, this will be an encouragement when you're done and you see what you've accomplished!).
3. Grab a couple of boxes or garbage bags... One is for garbage, one is for give-away or garage sale, and one is for keeping (but dealing with LATER... a box really is best for this one). 
   
4. Have a notebook or something to write on and a pen or pencil to make two lists... one for a "To Do" list of things you think of to do in other rooms while cleaning and the other one for any items that room you're working in is in "need" of (this may include a shopping list of reminder items and a "wish list" of things that would be nice to get when the money is available).
5. Make sure you have water, the phone (but only answer if you need to!... you don't want to stop!), music to get 'ya going, and anything else you might need so you don't need to stop.  (Making sandwhiches for the kids now, so you don't have to stop later to feed them is a good idea too... speaking of kids... I like to have mine help me for a 30 minutes, and then have them take a "break" for 30 minutes (computer time, a movie, outside time...).
   
6. Start in the furthest corner.  Begin the "bulldozing" process. (The bulldozing process is simply moving through the room like a bulldozer... not stopping to take something out of the room (therefore increasing your chances of being side-tracked), and continuing until you reach the doorway.
   
7. Depending on the room you're in, there may be some things that need to be taken care of first (in the laundry room... be doing the laundry while you're cleaning, in the kitchen... the dishwasher or self-cleaning oven can be on while you're cleaning, in the bedrooms... throw the sheets in the wash while you're cleaning).
   
8. Continue "bulldozing" through the room.  Start at the ceiling (does that fan need dusting?... we're not "deep cleaning... but you can hit the real obvious things!) and work your way to the floor as you move through (sweep as you go... leave washing it for last).
   
9. REMINDER for each room:  If you haven't needed it, worn it, looked at it, or used it in a year (6 months if you really want to be ruthless) than GET RID OF IT!  Quit keeping them INCASE... Jesus may come back before you use them, so bless someone else and give them away!
   
10. Once you make it to the door way, (after stopping for diaper changes and everything that motherhood entails!) take your boxes or bags out... put the garbage one in the garbage... put the give away one in the car and take it immediately or put the garage sale one in the garage, and put the keep box in a place where you will go through soon (like that night).
11. Now, finish by wiping down anything that needs it, and any other cleaning that needs to take place (if you weren't doing that while bulldozing)...call in the recruits for this if you have to!  Getting my kids involved in this part is great, especially in the kitchen for wiping down the appliances, table and chairs, etc and gives them a way to make a little money for themselves (we don't pay them for chores so this is a special "treat").  Lastly, wash or vacuum that floor.
    
12. Step back, pat yourself on the back, and TAKE A PICTURE!
13. Now... go into the next room and start all over!  Remember, we only have a few days, so really try to manage your time as best as you can!  Don't get overwhelmed and if things are really behind in some rooms, then put things in boxes to go through for the new year (a box a day).  YOU CAN DO THIS!  You'll feel so good about bringing in the new year in a clean house!  REMEMBER: The enemy loves chaos, and will do what he can to prevent you getting this done!  Don't get discouraged!  Call on the Lord to give you strength!  He will sustain you!
14. When you get the chance, be sure to stop back and "SHARE and Tell" how things are going each day!
    

And, even though this really has more to do with getting organized and cleaning... this will bless your hubbies as well.  Check out S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time: #12 to see how you can use this to SHMILY your hubby as well!

(To read how T.R.A.C.K. started, read "Calling All Side-Trackers".)

In Him,
Amy

Instead of deciding for you what room we're going to do, take a look around and decide for yourself this time...  Think about a room that's in need of some attention and make a plan to start... tomorrow... Now I know we're not supposed to "put off 'til tomorrow what we can do today" but I want you to think about this, and arrange it so you'll have time.  If you can start tonight, GREAT!  Otherwise, plan it in the schedule for tomorrow (have the kids help by watching other siblings or by grabbing a rag and dusting!)  We're not making time-consuming lists... We're just blessing our family!


Now, go into the room you've decided to bless, and take a picture (seriously... TAKE A PICTURE!  This will be evidence... um, I mean, this will be an encouragement when you're done and you see what you've accomplished!)

1. Grab a couple of boxes or garbage bags... One is for garbage, one is for give-away or garage sale, and one is for keeping (but dealing with LATER... a box really is best for this one). 
   
2. Have a pad of paper and pen to mark down any thoughts or things that need to be done... you're not getting side-tracked, so don't leave the room to do this!
3. Make sure you have water, the phone (but only answer if you need to!... you don't want to stop!), music to get 'ya going, and anything else you might need so you don't need to stop.  (Making sandwhiches for the kids now, so you don't have to stop later to feed them is a good idea too... speaking of kids... I like to have mine help me for a 30 minutes, and then have them take a "break" for 30 minutes (computer time, a movie, outside time...).
   
4. Start in the furthest corner.  Begin the "bulldozing" process. (The bulldozing process is simply moving through the room like a bulldozer... not stopping to take something out of the room (therefore increasing your chances of being side-tracked), and continuing until you reach the doorway.
   
5. Depending on the room you're in, there may be some things that need to be taken care of first (in the laundry room... be doing the laundry while you're cleaning, in the kitchen... the dishwasher or self-cleaning oven can be on while you're cleaning, in the bedrooms... throw the sheets in the wash while you're cleaning).
   
6. Continue "bulldozing" through the room.  Start at the ceiling (does that fan need dusting?) and work your way to the floor as you move through (sweep as you go... leave washing it for last).  (I'd like to suggest leaving windows and  washing walls for another time if you're really behind, otherwise, by all means, deep clean as you go.)
7. REMINDER:  If you haven't needed it, worn it, looked at it, or used it in a year (6 months if you really want to be ruthless) than GET RID OF IT!  Quit keeping them INCASE... Jesus may come back before you use them, so bless someone else and give them away!
   
8. Once you make it to the door way, (after stopping through out the day... hey, you're a mom first and we know what that entails!) take your boxes or bags out... put the garbage one in the garbage... put the give away one in the car and take it immediately or put the garage sale one in the garage, and put the keep box in a place where you will go through soon (like that night).
9. Now, finish by wiping down anything that needs it, and any other cleaning that needs to take place (if you weren't doing that while bulldozing)...call in the recruits for this if you have to!  Lastly, wash or vacuum that floor.
   
10. Step back, pat yourself on the back, and TAKE A PICTURE!
11. Be sure to post this on your blog (with the pictures!) and please make reference to this site so others can be encouraged to get on "TRACK" as well!
    

Blessings to you and yours!  Be thinking of what room you'll do tomorrow and get it done!  Take two days if you need it!  REMEMBER: The enemy loves chaos, and will do what he can to prevent you getting this done!  Don't get discouraged!  Call on the Lord to give you strength!  You can do it!

• What room will you be working on?  (I'll be in my bedroom and cleaning out the closet as well... I'm sure my husband will be thrilled to find underwear in his drawer again instead of having to search in the clean clothes pile downstairs... hmmmmm... maybe the laundry room is next again?  tee hee...)
  

In Him,
Amy

How are we all doing in the kitchen?  Just wanted to check in and encourage you to keep going until you're done!  I had a couple of bad days, and the kitchen got "left behind", so today I'm "goin' in"!  Be inspired to have a clean kitchen and be ALL CAUGHT UP!  You can do it!  Don't forget to take a picture when it's done!  Remember: it doesn't have to be perfect!  The point is to be caught up kitchen, and have everything in it's place.  We're not going through items (unless you have time).  We're just getting on track by blessing our home (and family) by not having to walk over piles food on the floor, or search through the piles of dishes for a clean pair of silverware (hypethetically speaking, of course), or search the fridge for something that isn't moldy!  Go to it! 

In Him,
Amy