Now that we're back into the swing of school, our new organization tactics have begun to become habit, and we are handling it all pretty well. I'm substitute teaching now, so that does sometimes throw a wrench into our plans, but we've seemed to organized so well that even early sub days are going on without a hitch!

The first thing we do is lay out our clothes. Every day. I always have an outfit ironed and ready to go at a moment's notice. And that has happened a few times; I've gotten a call to be there in half an hour. And I've made it every time. I've gotten a haircut that I can either let air dry, or I can style it for a different look. I have a bag packed with sub essentials (binder, notepad, pens and change) and I have two areas on my shelves with resources I can just grab and run, depending on my assignment. I have stocked up on frozen microwave meals, and we always have fruit and yogurt and granola bars, so I can grab lunch in just a few minutes.

Emily is typically out the door around the same time I have an early morning call. She's pretty self sufficient, so she fixes a sausage or eggs and toast every morning. Each night, she packs her bag with her books, a nylon sling with her cross country clothes and shoes, her flute, and gym clothes if needed. These wait for her by the front door, and she just grabs them and runs out the door. We live about 6 blocks from school, so she walks, meeting up with friends along the way. She always texts us when she gets to school.

The boys are doing well. I was really concerned about them, because they have never really had to do it all themselves. They seem to handle it well. Again, they lay out their clothes, socks and shoes the night before. When they finish homework, they pack their backpacks and put it next to "their" clothes area on the couch. We have a rule that if Mom isn't home in the morning, Mikey is not allowed upstairs once we leave. They fix toast or pop tarts or cereal and fruit for breakfast. They have a checklist to remind them to brush their teeth, wet and comb their hair, and Matt to clean his glasses while Mikey feeds the dog. They have an alarm set on Matt's cell phone that tells them when they need to walk out the door for walking club or regular class time. They've done this twice now, and have been on time and looking good. They do have 2 neighbors' phone numbers in case there is an issue. They text when they make it to school.

Tuesday afternoons throw a bit of a wrench into the schedule. Matt has piano right after school. He gets off the bus, and he and Mikey walk to the end of the street. Matt then goes right to his lessons, and Mikey goes left to our house. Matt also has dance at 5:30, so it's a particularly busy day for Matt. He has to rush home from piano, change for dance, and grab a quick snack.

It all seems to be going smoothly right now. I know schedules will change throughout the school year, but this works great for where we are right now!

What's working for you?