This Means War!

While I was on maternity leave I had some time to think about how I wanted to manage my time.  So, during my leave I started putting together a schedule so that I could make the most out of my time.  The first thing that I put into place was a cleaning schedule. 

This was one of the best things that I put into place!  I know that the word "schedule" sounds so rigid and confining but in reality it has been very freeing!  Before I did a cleaning schedule I would clean "by the seat of my pants" sort of speak.  As I thought of it, I would clean it.  The problem was I was always spinning my wheels and never gaining any traction.  SO, I would eventually feel overwhelmed and frustrated that I wasn't getting enough done and would then block a weekend day and clean the house from top to bottom.  The biggest and most obvious problem with that is that I then felt guilty that I wasn't spending quality time with the girls or Norm.  Needless to say......LOTS of guilt to go around!

Now that I have a schedule, I tackle a little bit each day and it doesn't interfere with my time with the girls during the day! .......And, if I see something that needs to be done, I don't get overwhelmed or feel guilt if I don't get a chance to do it.......it isn't that chores day!  TADA! 

And it works.....for the most part......unless you have a week where one by one EVERYBODY in this house got sick, including yours truly (last man standing).  So, the daily schedule went to the way side and...........the house slowly became a disaster!  So I spent a huge chunk of Wednesday and most of the morning of today "catching up".  Hence "the is a war against my house" going on.....and I am proud to say that I am slowly winning!  However, the guilt......ohh the guilt, I feel terrible that I have had to have Renae watching a little more TV then I would like and she has been doing a little more independent play that I wish I could have participated in :( 

But I hope that by getting back on track there will be a lot more play time in the very near future!

Want to see it? Now keep in mind that I am back at work AND when I am working it is a 12hr shift.  So work days are a bit of a write off for getting chores done and so I have condensed it into 3 days a week. 

Monday - Laundry, Sweep/vacuum floors, Dusting
Tuesday - Work
Wednesday - Laundry, Bathrooms
Thursday - Work
Friday - Laundry, Monthly Chore (ie/dust ceiling fans) - more on the monthly chores later
Saturday and Sunday - no chores/family time (except the odd extra laundry - like when a certain little girl wets the bed....lol)

And that is it.  I find that if I tackle a little bit of laundry each day it isn't so overwhelming.  And if I at least get the above tasks done the house runs pretty smooth.  What do you think?  Do you use a weekly schedule or do you have another method to the madness?  I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!