How does she do it?

I don't see myself as a supermom but I get asked a lot how I balance everything. Some days I feel like I'm juggling and barely keeping the balls in the air. Other days its seems so easily and simple I don't think twice about it. I've already posted about my schedule and keeping organized this post is more about keeping your sanity.
Sometimes I see moms complaining and think to myself "We want to be martyrs because that's what we are used to hearing from other moms for generations" I think we make it hard on ourselves when it doesn't always need to be. Here's my tips:

#1: Make A Schedule.

One thing I do is give myself a "clock out" time. After this time of night I'm off so to speak. Ill cook dinner and tend to my kids if they get out of bed, are sick, or had a bad dream just like a mom that works outside of the house. However I don't do anymore housework. Once my boys are in bed for the night I give myself 30 more mins to finish up the end of the day stuff like vacuuming and cleaning up the kitchen and then I'm off. The rest of my night is to have time to watch TV or movies, read a book or one on one time with my husband. Granted I still don't go to bed before midnight usually but that's because I'm a night owl. I also use this time at night to work out if I didn't have time that morning.

#2: Teach your kids to entertain themselves

Kids having the ability to play alone is just as important as you playing together and them playing with other children. They need to feel secure enough to be self sufficient in some areas. This also helps when you need a mental break during the day or you need to tend to housework, work out, or make dinner.

#3: Empower your kids to make their own choices and teach them through daily life and play.

If you're trying to cook and your kiddo is clinging to your apron then sit them up on the counter at a safe distance and teach them how to cook. Cooking is also a great math activity as well. If you're cleaning then give them a towel, have them help load or unload the dishes (Toddlers can handle the plastic unbreakable stuff) If they're too young for that invest in a wrap. They are life savers!

#4: Pick your battles

Ask yourself how much this will this matter in the long run then let it go if you can. Clothes don't always have to match and sometimes breakfast for dinner and mashed potatoes and green beans for breakfast is ok.                                                                                               

#5: Take a time out when you need it

Time outs aren't just for kids. If you feel like your head is going to explode, they can play alone for 5 mins while you take a few deep breaths

#6: 15 mins is your best friend
Grab your to do list and work on it for 15 mins then stop to play. By the end of the day everything is done and youre not overwhelmed.

Most of all take one day at a time and enjoy your babies because the won't be little long. I do a good job balancing everything usually and sometimes I don't. I'm lucky to have a supportive husband and family to help on the days I have cracked. So be gentle with yourself and do the best you can.

Organizing and Routine

It occurred to me that I am incredibly anal about my daily routine and being organized. I'm a control freak, I admit it, I spent a few years being a run away from everything freak and it didn't benefit me very well so I like to have things done. I wanted to share my routine and some resources so other mamas trying to get some control on their day can get some ideas.

One of my favorite resources is FlyLady. She really gave me a foundation for my routine. I downloaded her app for my Android phone for a bit and then went with a new app call Chore List that I have customized for myself.
1. One of my favorite tips is instead of having a laundry day as soon as you wake up put a load of laundry on, switch and fold it (I'm terrible about the folding part so I have a folding day) It keeps from getting overwhelmed with a ton of dirty clothes.
2.Swish and Shine is another Fly Lady tip. While brushing your teeth during the rinse, wipe down your bathroom counter and mirror, when you're done and leave grab the dirty clothes to start for a wash. BAM! Your bathroom is always company ready!
3.I have 3 kids so I reserve floors and dishes for the last part of my day. While the boys eat dinner and the baby naps or I'm wearing him I wipe counters and load the dishwasher. Once they're in bed I run the vacuum and mop. No point in doing housework twice.
4. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! My oldest is almost 5 yrs old, he has his list of contributions to the house. He's mainly responsible for the cleanliness of his own room. He shares with his brother who is only 19 mos so M helps a little. I'm teaching him to pick up and put away. N feeds the dog in the morning, his fish, takes care of his room, cleans his dishes from his spot at the table, and at the end of the day he picks up and puts away his toys with M's help. As the younger boys get older they will have their own set of responsibilities.
5. When you absolutely don't feel like cleaning do 15 minute bursts. Pick a chore and set a timer, clean for only 15 minutes then relax for 15. You can do anything for 15 mins.
6. Give yourself a "time off" My workday ends when I put the kids to bed. By bedtime I enjoy the nighttime routine with my boys then vacuum and I'm "off". No more dishes or folding etc. This gives you 3-4 hours depending on when you go to bed for adult time with your spouse or just you time.
7. Make sure your kids have a set bedtime routine. Consistency is imperative for this. Children need routines and stability. Giving yourself time off at the end of the day hinges on your kids ability to stay in bed and be comfortable going to bed on their own.
8. If you have a "big" cleaning day (Mine is usually Saturdays) Don't schedule errands for that day if possible. No reason to overwhelm yourself.
9. Never feel bad about saying "NO". Your family, your relationship, yourself, and your home comes first. Helping friends and extended family come second. Don't over extend yourself.
10. Set up a household hub station. I used the dishwasher rack idea from Pinterest. I have a binder with family info and folders for incoming mail, medical info, reciepts, warranty info, etc. It keeps everything right where you need it.

Perry Family Hub

Perry Family Hub

 Here's is my checklist routine to give you an idea:
DAILY:
Make the bed first thing (Makes your room feel better and you instantly feel like you've accomplished something)
Start a load of laundry
Help with toy clean up
Wash dishes
Clean counters
Take out trash and recycling
General living room clean up
Vacuum Living room
Before bed make breakfast for the older boys and set up bottles for over night feedings for Baby J
Set coffee maker up

WEEKLY
Clean Bathrooms
Vacuum bedrooms
Mop
Change bed linens
Sweep front porch
Fold and put away clothes
Water plants
Wipe sliding door glass
Clean bedrooms
Dust
Clean kitty box

BI-WEEKLY
Vacuum furniture
Clean Playroom
Clean Microwave

MONTHLY
Clean windows
Wash out trash cans
Clean fridge
Wipe walls, pictures etc
Wash curtains
Organize and throw out papers
Disinfect toys and rotate old toys

I hope this helps anyone get a routine of their own going. Downloading the apps def helps and Fly Lady is a wonderful resource!