Two of my favorite things to do are planning and organizing.  Yes, that may be a little weird, but I can't help myself.  ;)

Since Christmas, I've been in a spring cleaning sort of mode.  Bags and bags of Goodwill giveaways have been loaded.  Bags and boxes of baby things have been given back to my sister.  Toys have been sorted, clothes have been organized, nooks and crannies dusted, and office spaces decluttered. 

I've planned menus and clipped coupons.  I've browsed through all my magazines to tear out anything important and pitch or give away the rest.  I've even been hanging pictures that have been patiently waiting for TWO years since we moved into our house.

No, I'm not pregnant.  I'm just ready to breathe some fresh air.  I've let too many things go over the last 22 months when I was pregnant then keeping up with the demands of an infant.  I'm ready to get the house in order, so I don't have to fly into panic mode when guests are coming over - or mope around wondering where to begin with the massive amount of things to do.  Do you feel a weight lifted off you when the house is in relatively good order?  I sure do!  And I'm finally beginning to feel lighter.  The kids are, too.  Even though organizing and deep cleaning hasn't been their idea of fun, I see happier children bouncing around my house.  Even if that happiness is the result of a mom who isn't hounding them all day to pick up this or pick up that, they're happier nonetheless!

I asked a question about keeping up with chores a few days ago.  Thank you to everyone who answered!!  Keep the answers coming if you find wonderful resources!  Even though I think I've settled on something for now, my urge to reorganize will land me in this spot again sooner or later.  ;)

I'm very excited to share Motivated Moms with you.  As soon as Sandy from Falling Like Rain told me about it, I knew it was just what I've been looking for!  For $8.00, I had immediate access to a year's worth of chore sheets to keep me on top of my house.  I'll print out one page per week.  Daily chores are listed on the left with little squares for me to check when they're completed.  On the right are the days of the week, with various chores listed under each day.  As far as I've looked, no day seems too overwhelming.  There are several chores to do each day, but most of them don't take too long.  This system even includes things like "clip your children's nails" and "change toothbrushes"!  I am so excited to start!!

I've decided to use a highlighter for chores that I want the kids to do.  Green are chores I expect Mahayla to take care of, blue for Caleb.  I'll take care of everything not highlighted.  We'll keep the list on the refrigerator for the week and everyone can check off their jobs when completed so I can keep up with them.

I'm sure I'll keep you posted as to how well it goes.  I know you'll be sitting by the computer waiting for my chore updates!  lol  I've also been reorganizing my school planning just a little, but that will have to wait for another post.  Happy New Year!