Where do I start? Let’s start with time. It doesn’t belong to us; therefore, we try not to waste it. Because our family is very active, I schedule 95% of everything we do to stay organized. Take a look.
The Master Monthly Schedule:
Jimmie’s work schedule –preplanned two years out
Jimmie’s flight schedule – arrival and departure times have to be scheduled around my work schedule or dance rehearsals
My work schedule – determined one week in advance, times and hours may vary
Dance rehearsals – (this year) Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays
Daughter’s work schedule – Fridays and Sundays
Date Night – once a month, usually a Thursday
Daughter’s guitar lessons – Wednesdays
Typical Add Ons: family outings, birthday/teen parties, doctor visits, dance competitions, school activities, parent/teacher conferences, babysitting, hair appointments, massages, girls’ night out, etc.
Remember, I said our schedule is typically determined by the girls’ day-to-day activities. Anytime we (doesn’t matter who) get an invite somewhere, we have to check availability first. Having your days literally preplanned, because of previous commitments, can be stressful.
Quite often, Jimmie gets very frustrated when he comes home and his week is already planned out for him. I’m a grown a_ _ man. I can do whatever I want to do. Usually turns into, sh _ t! I can never do what the h_ ll I want to do. Go ahead and laugh….we do. Let’s say he wants to go see a movie. The following questions will come up: When and with who? If as a family, are the girls available at the same time? If me, am I off that day? Would this be considered our date night, instead of dinner? Going to see a movie is not a problem. Trying to go without checking availability or planning ahead is. Likewise, the girls stress out when they have to choose between a prior commitment and a party invite; particularly when it’s a close friend. Their friends all know how active they are. So if the girls show up, the excitement is usually overwhelming. Life is about choices. They know that first hand. Occasionally, we may cancel (reschedule if we can) a commitment for something more important or just because. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. As a result, we try to live it to the fullest!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Girl you are so right and i will never complain, just wait for my blessing
thank you very much.
Kudos to you and your family. I am very proud of the organizational and creative skills you exhibit on a daily basis.
Thank you Grandmommy. I call it “organized chaos”.
I am glad you said that I can go ahead and laugh about your hubby, it was funny to me because I’ve experienced some of those moments. I am enjoying you blog, my sister (sorority) Jameish told me about it. Thanks so much Jameish because it is good to see how other families manage in tough situations that we all encounter as mothers.
That will be my new word for all I do with my kids (you think juggling 2 girls, throw in an active 8 year old) “organized chaos”. I like it! and we are getting ready to start all over again, with cheerleading, football, and softball.