Control Journal~

One of the questions I'm asked the most is; T, how do you stay organized and on top of things with all of the children you have.

Can you guess what my answer is? (insert jeopardy theme song here). Yep you are correct, you have won the $10,000 cash prize -ahem, in monopoly money.

Ok really folks~ I stay on top of things, and keep organized by keeping a Control Journal. This journal is chalked full of things. Today we will be covering one topic and be sure to check back to see all that I put in my journal to keep the juggling a little less chaotic.

What things you ask? Well, on of the biggest things that got me on track an in order is doing a 'Bedtime Routine' that Flylady prescribes. This is what Flylady says about a 'Bedtime Routine'

The Before Bed Routine is the most important routine of the whole day. Set a regular time to do your Before Bed Routine. Then do it - starting tonight. I start mine as soon as dinner is complete. Others start theirs in the afternoon while they are getting supper ready. It is up to you. - FlyLady

Once you get going on your Bedtime Routine, you will wake in the morning, wishing to continue on with the orderliness, and cleanliness routines. You'll wake to see that sink shining an your day improves right along with the shining sink.

Here is what is on my Bedtime Routine (that I keep in my control journal, along with all the other routines I complete on a daily basis)

Excuse the weird mark on the page above...shall I suspect some greasy kid fingers got a hold of this paper? LOL

Ok let me lay out my B/R

1. Clean up the house before I go to bed (20 minutes-tops) This includes Living room-putting all things away, Kitchen-clean it up, shine sin, lay out clean dishcloths, and run dishwasher, Dining room/entrance- clear the hotspots (i.e where there is a build up of belongings...piles)Review check list to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.

2. Think about tomorrow before I go to bed: Checking calendar/planner for appointments, start a to do list for tomorrow, think about what I can do tonight to make tomorrow easier (make lunches, set breakfast table, etc), gather up items that I don't want to forget -place by door, make sure kids have their things gathered up and put away, Plan what I'm making for breakfast...or just look at planned menu from Menu Plan Mondays. Lay out clothes for tomorrow~ this is simple and saves a lot of time and work.

3. Focus on myself before I go to bed~ now before we put our undies in a bundle...let me explain. This means Cool down time, get ready for bed: brush teeth, jammies, work on journal, read, reflect on the day.

Tell me about your Bedtime Routine, or how you bring organization to your home. I can't wait to hear about them.

Check back tomorrow for our next step of my control journal.