I had this really cool three part post in my head Saturday evening and then I went and missed two nights of sleep in a row.  Now I can't ever recall all three topics at the same time and it is making me crazy.  My brain is total chaos.

I know one topic was about the wonderful pumpkin pancakes we had for breakfast Saturday morning.  I got the recipe from the Seasonal Delights magazine I linked to earlier.  We are quite the pancake connoisseurs and we LOVED them.  I took a picture much to the bewilderment of my children, but the camera's gone missing so it was for naught.  By the time I find it y'all will have lost interest I'm sure.

Topic #2 was the football game on Saturday.  I've decided not to share the details after all, but teenager had a really difficult spiritual challenge and did the right thing.  I was excited and disappointed all at the same time.  He and I had prayed for spiritual growth for him and we both know that can only come through trials and persecution, but it is hard to watch when it is your child.  It's very good to see God's hand at work in their lives though and to remember that He disciplines His own.

Hebrews 12:6  "It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects."

Okay, now that I've decluttered a little, I remember the third idea.  *drum roll*

I have tamed the laundry monster at our house.  I know you are all thinking, "Homeschooling mom of six--No way that will last!"  But it's true, I think I have found the foolproof system and have been doing it for two weeks with nary a slip up, so I can attest to its efficacy.

Step 1:  You have to be completely caught up before you start or it doesn't work, so get all the laundry in the house washed, dried, folded and put away at the same time.  I know of no easy way to do the catch up part.  It is just plain hard work no matter how you slice it, but I've found the secret to staying that way.

Step 2:  Every night when I tuck the children in, I take an empty basket up and gather all the dirty clothes from the day.  I also stop at the bathroom and check for dirty towels and socks hiding behind the bathroom door.  Then I sweep through the rest of the house and get myself ready for bed so I can get my own clothes in the basket.  I then start the first load before going to bed.  Sometimes I'm up long enough to put it in the dryer and start the next load, but if not, I am that much further along the next morning. As soon as I get up I reboot and then I fold it all while dinner is cooking and have everyone put away their own stuff.  The laundry has been completely washed and dried by 10:30 every morning on this system and I have only had to do two loads most days.  Three if we are doing sheets.  The other bonus to this has been that if some big laundry mess comes up during the day, the machines are free and I can wash immediately.  So that's my system.  I've always tried to do all the laundry every day, but usually never started until morning.  The day gets busy and by lunch time the laundry is largely forgotten, no matter to what stage I have gotten.  Starting it at night instead has been the key.  Wish I had though of it 10 years ago.

Now I'm off to bed to try and catch up on my zzzzz's.  In case you are wondering--Saturday night 6 yo's basketball goal kept sounding off on the back patio.  It has this crazy loud music and annoying announcer voice.  It's supposed to make one feel as if he is well and truly at the game.  After about the 10th time (no exaggeration) of hearing it I realized where it was coming from.  Up to then I had been jumping out of bed and racing around the house trying to find the source.  I think I had maybe 20 minutes at a stretch and was only in the bed four hours total, so I don't know why I bothered.  I was looking forward to a good rest last night and Littlebit had a rare bout of insomnia and a stomachache, so I wrestled her all night.  She has an ear piercing scream that will make your ears ring and is also a flip flopper in the bed, so it was quite a night.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Posted by Canadagirl

I can't wait to try the laundry trick ! I have a problem keeping up with it too. [0=

Oh btw. you can use what ever black tea that you like. I forgot to say that instead of Red Rose. lol I love my Red Rose but I know others will work too. [0;

God Bless my SSiC
In Him<><
-Mary

• Permanent Link

Posted by 2peter318

I'm so glad you found a way to do laundry that works for you. Sorry what what your son is going through, I'm sure it's hard, but like you said, it's growth too.
I hope your little one is feeling better. That is always hard when they are sick.
JoAnn

• Permanent Link

Posted by mamazee

my little one (18 mob) has that too! Feels like it will peeeeeel your brain right out of your head. And he's so cute! And he does it when he's happy, or sad, or scared, or bored, or alone in a room... Wish i knew how to fix it. I've got the littles running to him and putting their hand on his mouth and saying "We don't make that sound!" (if they're closer than me) - but i don't think we ever get there fast enough!... Let me know if you figure something out!

• Permanent Link

Posted by byourlove1

I love your laundry idea. I only have 3 children, I may actually get away with one load this way. I'm going to try it, your right-catching up won't be easy!

Angela

• Permanent Link

Posted by Canadagirl

Hope you don't mind that I gave you a link to your laundry idea. ((hugs))

Blessings and ((Hugs)) my SSiC
In Him<><
-Mary

• Permanent Link