Summer Housekeeping

I have surrendered to the fact that summer is an intense time for me as a mother of six.  The phrase “lazy days of summer” makes me laugh.

Here are some summer housekeeping things I’ve found that are important to make my life run smoothly in the summer during this season of my life:

Laundry-first thing in morning, I always put a load in and fold another.  If I skip a day or two it gets backed up and takes too long to catch up.  (Here is the laundry system I use.)

Master Spreadsheet-Every Sunday I have been writing (on a simple piece of notebook paper) my master schedule for the week and tape it to the fridge.  Each day I list where I have to be at what time-swim practice, or soccer practice or dentist appointments, etc., and what time older guys are working. Writing it not only cements it in my head (because it is already on calendar but I need to be reminded of it again) but it is a reference for everyone.  The three oldest have five different jobs between them, and although they keep track of their own schedules I like to know when they are going to be home. (Especially since sometimes the work shift ends at 2 a.m.!)

Cleaning/Straightening-It seems like it would make sense not to make this a priority in the summer, but I’ve realized I feel so much better when my house is clean and straightened.  I do NOT mean perfect-it is always far from perfect-but in the summer it can get out of hand quickly and then pretty soon it won’t take me minutes but hours.  I wipe down the bathrooms every morning, vacuum at least once a week and try to keep the kitchen counters clutter free and wiped down and floors swept and mopped.

Food-We go through food so fast right now.  I just know I will have to go to the grocery store more than once a week, sometimes more than twice, and that I have to keep the fridge and pantry organized.  I make out my menu every week and keep it really really simple.  I buy so much fruit-dozens of plums and peaches and nectarines.

Books and Walks-These are my treats for myself.  I have stocked up on good books for the summer-some are from the library, and I bought a few from Amazon (I always buy the used copies) and others are from a little donation center that charges pennies that they give to charity (I really found great ones there, and it made my day!).  I love to have good books waiting for me.  I am also back into the swing of walking with a friend in the early early morning, something I haven’t done for years and years (just because I needed the sleep more than a walk!)  I love it-I feel like I am killing two birds with one stone-great conversation and exercise.  It’s so pretty and quiet in the morning too, I love that time of day.