Getting organized!

One of my New Year's resolutions was to be more organized, and in turn, more efficient. After being a house manager for years, I knew there was a better way to run our home. For some reason, however, it's a lot easier for me to analyze and organize other people's lives!

I did some research to find the best system for our family and decided on a 3-ring binder to organize everything. The inserts are cased in plastic sheet protectors and I use a dry erase marker to make notations and write lists. So far it's working well to keep everything in one central location so I can see what needs to be done and prioritize so that I'm not feeling overwhelmed. I believe it's simple enough that I can really keep it up. It may need to be revised a bit, as we go, but for now, I'm really happy with it. Here is what I came up with.

This gives me a quick look ahead each week. I fill this out on Sunday night.

We are attempting to stick to this every day. It doesn't happen most of the time, but it helps me make sure I get some 1-on-1 time with each boy so they feel special, along with some exercise and fresh air for all of us every day.

This helps me stay on top my housekeeping. It seems so much less overwhelming when I know I'm only responsible for 1 or 2 items each month and I gave myself a free month in December because there's always so much to do that time of year.

 

This breaks up weekly chores so it, again, doesn't feel so overwhelming and I can be more efficient. 

Max is old enough, now, to have chores. He loves helping me around the house and I know he feels a sense of pride when he accomplishes his daily chores. I think his wife will thank me some day!

 We decided on a menu guide based on different food ethnicity. This helps when planning my menu and shopping trips.

I printed out 5 of these...

 I printed 2 of these...will print more at Christmastime

 I made a special one to help me with things associated with Max's birthday party planning...

I'd be more than happy to share the Word file with anyone interested. Please email me!

Fun with paint

The weather was gorgeous today...blue sky and warm enough for bare feet! We decided to take full advantage by moving art time outside. I cut off a large piece of brown paper and let Max paint to his heart's content. The fresh air and sweet bird songs were so uplifting! We will definitely be doing this again soon!

Our handsome boys

Mom's Birthday 2012

Today we celebrated mom's birthday! Here are some pictures!

We forgot mom's card so we gave it to her when she came over the next day... 

This is a REALLY weird photo!

 

Liam is 4 months old!

Wednesday, Liam turned 4 months old. I think he sensed this milestone, because he has really accomplished some big things this week. He is sitting up and began jumping in his jumper. He's also started grabbing on to anything within his reach...including his toes! It's so neat to see his world opening up with these big milestones!

He had his 4 month appointment Wednesday. Big brother Max came along to have his ears checked. It was a good appointment! Dr. Murad examined Liam first and said he looked great. He weighs 17 lbs. 4 oz, is 25" long. His head is 43cm. That puts him in the 90% for weight, 50th for height and 75th for head. It'll be interesting to see if he takes after Mommy in the height department. We already know he has my thighs! He seems to grow differently than Max did. It's like he dedicates his calories to growing lengthwise one week, the next week it's his head, and the next week he gets chubbier. Max just grew in all three categories at once.

Max's ears look great. One is completely clear and the one that had been full of fluid, 2 weeks ago, is only 1/4 full now. For now, unless he gets sick again, getting tubes is off the table.

Here are some photos from the last few weeks...

Liam wore the tie onesie his Aunt Kim had made for him for his 4 month portraits

Liam watching...enjoying his first Superbowl. 

Superbowl XVLI

Max was practicing and watching...

...and riding!

About to go to Liam's 4 month appointment. It was a gorgeous day!

Super Daddy and his boys!

Looking handsome in the outfit from Gramma and Grampa

17 lbs 4 oz and happy as a clam!

Measuring his brain growth

See...I told you he had Mommy's thighs!

Daddy and his littlest guy

Always has those toes, now!

So fun to snuggle with him!

4 months old!

Such a big boy!

Pretty soon I'll be eating his dust...got to get these while I can!

Such a lover and a happy boy!

Enjoying his new found skill...jumping!

Hello world!

 The boys on their "computers"

The boys

Liam already loves football like Daddy

Loving on my boys. Liam was ready for dinner!

Love his face! He rarely smiles with his teeth showing. I think they're so cute!

Max had the idea to go for a ride in the wagon...it was Liam's first time.

We'd like to wish Nana a very happy birthday! We're sorry we can't be together today but we love her very much and feel so blessed to have her in our lives!