my organized chaos

Over the past few weeks I have been anticipating the beginning of school, soccer, and dance and have been gathering lots of new tools to help me keep my chaos organized. I hear that some people actually read my blog (how flattering!) and so I thought I would share some of the ideas I love the best- just in case they can help someone else!

*Mom and Mo, ya'll can stop laughing now- as I am sure you find it pretty hilarious that I am writing about organization...since ya'lls organization skills put me to shame!!*

I am definitely not taking any credit for these ideas, as most have been "inspired" (I prefer over "copied") by others, but they have been really helpful and I thought it would be worth writing a little about....I will probably look back at this later and laugh..I THINK I have a lot of keep track of now, I can't even imagine when I have 3 kids in high school at the same time and ALL of the activities and things I'll have to keep track of at that point! Kind of makes me tired to even think about it!!

After seeing a fellow Mom's momagenda at a moms of multiples meeting, I knew I HAD to have one. It is just dreamy....(at least for someone as in to paper products as I am)...It has tons of room for me to keep track of my own to do list, as well as a spot for up to four children as well. I use a row for each child, and then one for two you- to keep track of the orders I need to complete. LOVE IT!!!!!! If you sign up on their website they will email you about sales and offers. They often offer 20% off and free shipping over $75, so if you order with a friend like I did you won't pay shipping. And, they will emboss your name on the front for $4.50!! FUN!

My next "tool" we have been enjoying for quite a while now....I ordered this fab magnetic calendar awhile back after seeing it on Jon&Kate. First of all, it is just fun to look at. They customize it with whatever you want, and have tons of fun colors. But, more importantly, it is a great way to keep track of the family's plans for the month and to have it posted in a place where we can all see it. I think it will be even more helpful as the kids get older and are able to read. It isn't cheap (although they also often offer coupons- I got mine 20% off- you know I am all about a good sale), but it is dry erase and will last forever!!

Since I love my calendar so much, and since we are encouraging the kids (especially Elise) to help out with simple chores around the house, I had been eyeing their chore chart as well.

I was so excited when they came out with it, until I saw the price. Kind of steep. So, I was thrilled when I stumbled across the below one at target for $10!!!

It is a big peel and stick vinyl chart...so big I ended up putting it on the front of the washing machine! But, it is at a level where the kids can see it, and our laundry room is so centrally located that it works. For now we are keeping it simple: brush teeth, no time outs, hang up school bag, cooperate at bedtime. But, its a place to start.



Lastly, the "brain" I alluded to the other day. It is actually a really simple concept. A three ring binder, dividers, and sheet protectors. Each child gets a section, and this is where you store all of those random papers that would normally be stacked on the kitchen counter- the ones that you have to have but you don't know where to put them. The ones that you need to refer to too often to file away in a cabinet (school handbook, soccer schedule, class list, etc..) This way, you eliminate the stacks, and have a binder that you can keep on the counter for quick reference when you need it, or tuck it quickly away in a drawer when company comes by. Kimberly also has a section for coupons and invites in hers- I may add that, but haven't yet...but, I do have a section in mine where I keep my house ideas- magazine clippings etc...

I have been having a good time getting organized and it really does make things easier. I by no means have it all together all of the time, but all of these little tools are things that I hope will help me get to my ultimate goal - to spend most of my time enjoying my children, instead of worrying about what I am forgetting and where we need to be.

Happy organizing!

Goodnight!

Nicole