There seem to be some months when my days are punctuated by constant calendar checking. Each day is allocated to more than one event, along with numerous reminders for me to prepare for the next day.
The weird part is that I am convinced I’ve cut down on after school activities. Yet my days are filled. This week alone we’ve had 6 music lessons, one harvest festival, orthodontist, parents’ evening, cross country….have I forgotten anything? Oh yes, trampolining and a language course.
For each of these events, I need to remember to prepare, buy or make sure that the children not involved are catered for/have keys/know what is going on/food provided. I need to pay deposits on time for foreign trips for Eldest (She has three this year. Three!) and fill in forms to book the next host of events coming up.
I love my wall calendar. It keeps everything happening.
I’ve also been experimenting with a new set of meals for my weekly meal plan. So easy to fall into a rut. When faced with the weekly shop, I’ve been on automatic. The same items bought and the same meals churned out.
By ringing the changes, I’ve fallen back in love with cooking again. It’s a total joy adding different ingredients together. Creating gorgeous fragrances. Seriously. Sometimes I go outside just to walk back into my kitchen, to enjoy the yummy smells afresh.
The biggest plus is that the rest of the family have loved every single new dish I’ve tried. I’ve also noticed that we have less food waste too.
I need to do this more often.
For example, the granola bars have been a big hit. A very big hit. This is my second batch. Yesterday, I stepped back to listen to two of the children debating who should have the last piece. The bliss of knowing that they were both standing their ground. For a healthy snack.
(After listening to them accusing each other of having more slices than they had, I did step in and point out that there was whole other tray. Problem solved. Although I bet they were still keeping an eye on how many slices the other one had!)
Must point out the plate the granola bars are on. The one thing I did just for me, although, of course, all the family use them. I popped into one of my favourite charity shops and found three more interesting plates for my collection. I’m building up an eclectic mix, which just makes me so happy. No matching sets for this girl! Been there. Done that.
So, next week is already filling up on my calendar. Bring it on. I’m ready for what ever it brings.
Wow, you are busy, and that’s you cutting down?! It is so easy to slip into the same shopping and meals rut, it’s great to get out of it, isn’t it? Glad ti’s all been a hit, too. Thanks for sharing with #WotW
A lot of the activities/events were one off so my week is not always quite so full. Always varied though!
Sounds like me and mine. Oh I couldn’t do without my wall calendar and my weekly to do list. My calendar is one by Susan Boyton, Mum’s Family Calendar. It comes with a load of stickers, is a drop down one with 6 columns so one for each member of he family plus one for “stuff”. I’ve used it for about 8 years I think. Fab.
I have to have somewhere that everyone can access and quickly if they need to. Good to know that I’m not alone.
I couldn’t manage without my wall calendar although my days are not quite so hectic! It’s so lovely trying new meals, isn’t it? Glad your children are enjoying them too and those granola bars do look very yummy 🙂 #WotW
Give it time and you’ll find as, they get older, that the wall calendar will get busier. It creeps up on you!
Some months just seem so jam packed don’t they, we would be lost without the trusty calendar. Those flapjacks look delicious no wonder the children were squabbling over the last piece. #WotW
Oh so true. A week can look quiet and then suddenly its full. At least it’s never dull!
wow, making me sleepy reading it all. Can’t live without a calender to keep everything together. The food pics looks yummy X #wotw
Calendars are essential.
My wall calendar is the most important thing in my kitchen. Without it I would be lost, too!
It quotes like your week is choca-block and you’re right, often it’s not the child who is taking part who needs organising it’s the ones who aren’t!
Glad that you’ve discovered booking again, it’s something I find very rewarding (when it’s eaten!!) Have a great week xx
It should get easier as they get older, but I’m not sure it works that way. I usually get a call asking if they can eat the contents of the pantry or fridge, so I’m learning to plan.
What a lovely, lovely post! It’s great to have a mish mash of plates, especially if you’re taking photos of yumminess! I can’t believe your eldest has 3 overseas trips?! Crazy! But more happiness in memory making… #wotw
Yes, three. I’m a bit stunned. Admittedly she hasn’t had a school trip for over two years. Not even a castle, so I guess she is due.
It’s great to read about your kitchen ventures and fun filled packed days. #WotW.
Quieter this week. Phew!
I’m the same, but it’s a diary not a calendar. I often warn my Husband that if it’s not in the diary, it isn’t happening! I love the look of those yummy granola bars too, no wonder your children were fighting over them! #WotW
I say the same to my husband. As the children get older, they have started to add their own arrangements to it and there is no way I’d be able to keep track without it.