*note: This was originally posted 10/24/06.  I am reposting it as an entry for Works-For-Me Wednesday. 

This is so off topic it's not even funny... but hey - we homeschoolers need all the help we can get when it comes to getting organized, right?  I don't remember where I heard this idea or if I came up with it on my own, but with the onset of the cold and flu season I felt compelled to share it with you. 

It's bad enough being sick, having sick kids, or heaven forbid - both at the same time!  I used to have the hardest time keeping medications organized and orderly enough to be able to find what I needed WHEN I needed it.  And, if hubby was the unfortunate one who had to go scavenging through the cabinet during the night for some Tylenol or a thermometer, well, let's just say that I may as well have gotten up and done it myself.  But, when you're holding a feverish baby who only wants to nurse and hold onto Mommy's elbow, there may be no other choice than to call for help from Daddy. 

What I ended up doing was cleaning out a cabinet in the kitchen to be used only for medical supplies.  Some people prefer a bathroom cabinet, but it worked better for us to have it in the kitchen.  I got 4 small plastic bins from the dollar store and labeled them as 1.adult medications, 2.children's medications, 3.misc. meds and tummy meds and 4.first aid.  Since there are some prescription meds that dh and I take regularly, I got 2 smaller bins (long, skinny ones) to hold those, as well as daily vitamins. 

As you can see in the picture, the bottom shelf holds the basket with "adult meds" and the two small bins on either side are for our personal daily prescriptions and vitamins.  Dh's is on the left, mine is on the right.  It occured to me the other day that maybe I should put these on the top shelf, but I haven't gotten around to that yet.

The 2nd shelf has the bin with "children's meds" in it.  I try to keep a supply of Children's Acetamenophen (sp?) and Ibuprofen, since we all know that children are most likely to come down with some fever causing illness in the wee hours of the night.  Also, off to the side is a place for their vitamins and a small bowl that holds medicine droppers and dispensing cups.

The top shelf holds 2 bins side-by-side - the "first aid" bin, and the "misc" bin.  These probably need to go on the bottom shelf, since I am having to get to the band aids pretty often these days!  The "misc" bin holds things that we need occasionally, but not all the time, such as ACE bandages, an inhaler mask, vapor rub, mineral oil, diaper rash cream... that kind of stuff.  That way I'm not having to rummage through all that bulky stuff every time I need a bandage or a Tylenol or something. 

Here is the photo:

Anyway.... I hope this helps someone, somehow!

Just thought I'd share!