How I Do it - Secret Revealed...

So, everyone always asks how I do it. You know, juggle school, domestic duties, and still manage to squeeze in projects like these...

You know how much I love dressing my kids alike - aren't these so cute?!?

One year old birthday gifts - Left, Crunchy Beach Mama's little guy, Right, JKMommy's little guy.

For my friend Katie's little guy's three year old birthday.

There are actually a lot of reasons I am able to "do it all". First, T Rex Dad handles at least 50% of the household duties. He's a very domestic guy. We had an almost argument over who keeps a cleaner house. But he helps with diaper duty and diaper cleaning, dishes, laundry, vacuuming - you name, he does it. In most households women usually assume more of an 80% role of domestic duties. So, you can see how much of a help this really is. And yes, I am grateful for him every day.


Also, I have really great kids. They are just great - I don't know what else to say. They stick to their rhythms pretty good and are also great at entertaining themselves when I need a few extra minutes to wrap things up after nap time. And they still nap at the same time - heavenly.

 

One of my favorite books from childhood was Cheaper By the Dozen. It's much different than the modern movie. It was written by an efficiency expert who had 12 kids. Since reading it, I try to turn every repetitive task I do into a study in efficiency and attempt to figure out how to make completing the task as quickly but thoroughly as possible. 


One of the tasks mentioned in the book is bath time. Well, I've adapted it to fit my current situation. We have a large shower. When I say large, I mean gigantic. There are two shower heads but there could probably be 4-8 and still have elbow room. It can get a little cold so we try to be quick. However, it does have its perks. When I became a parent, I found that eating and showering were often luxuries. I think there are a few parents out there that can relate to this. 

When T Rex was tiny, we started putting him in the shower with us - just holding him close enjoying that skin to skin time. As he got older he would just play with his letters or other bath toys in the shower while I washed. It was nice because then I did not have to worry about him getting into trouble while I had my shower. The other plus, I could save shower time for when he was awake. 

I think I surprised T Rex with the camera here - I've never brought it into the shower before, hence his startled look. But Bebe Sister is SO happy here!

When Bebe Sister came along we put her swing (and then later the exersaucer) in the bathroom and continued our showers. She would also get into the shower if T Rex Dad was home to help. Now, she's mobile and stable on her feet enough that she's allowed in the shower. And boy does she have a great time. If she is not allowed in she is not shy about expressing her disdain. 


Another secret - I rarely sit still. When I'm awake, I pretty much don't take a break. It's go, go, go until bedtime. And bedtime, well, that's midnight. The kids go to bed around 8:00 pm which is when I get the largest stretch of  studying done. However, when the school work is done, kids' bedtime equals craft time.


Another tidbit - multitask. When I listen to lectures I will also knit. The lectures are recorded so I can pause as often as needed. And this happens a lot when I'm watching during free play time - sharing toys is still a learning process for both of them and someone always has to "go potty" or have a diaper change.


Another thing I do - pre-make meals and freeze them. I'll make a big batch of Shepherd's pie or lasagna, freeze them, and then we can put them in the oven on those days I'm at school. I also make big batches of salads (green or egg salad). Instant meals - very handy.

It's just little things like this that help me manage my time. Little things and big help.

What are your time savers?