The Back of Nowhere

I've been too busy doing to have time to write. Seems like I only have time for one or the other!

Here are the summer lists I'm using to organize my children's closets. I've modified them from Living On a Dime's lists. We need some winter clothes even during the summer, because it can be pretty cold here on rainy days and in the morning/evening. Also we need long pants for feeding chickens, gardening, working with dad, etc. I still try to keep everything as simplified as possible. It makes it easier to choose clothes and to keep up on laundry.

Toddlers (up to size 2-3)
9-10 everyday one-piece outfits
3 dressy church outfits
1-2 cardigan sweaters for church
2 casual dressy outfits (going-to-town)
2 zip-up hoodies
4-5 pajamas
1 warm pajamas
1 swimsuit

2 pairs shoes (1 sandals, 1 tennies)

1 windbreaker coat

Pre-schoolers (over size 4)
6-7 pairs shorts
2 pair jeans
2 pair sweatpants
10-12 t-shirts
3 dressy church outfits
1-2 cardigan sweaters for church
2 casual dressy outfits (going-to-town)
2 zip-up hoodies
4-5 pajamas
1 warm pajamas
1 swimsuit

2 pairs play shoes (1 sandals, 1 tennies)
1 pair dress shoes
1 pair casual nice shoes (optional)
1 pair rubber boots

1 windbreaker coat
1 “yard” coat (flannel?)
1 rain coat

School Age
6-7 pairs shorts/skorts/skirts
2 pair jeans
2 pair sweatpants
9-10 shirts
3-4 church dresses
2 light sweaters (for church)
2-3 casual dressy outfits (going-to-town)
4-5 pajamas
1 warm pajamas
2 zip-up hoodies
1 swimsuit

2 pairs play shoes (1 sandals, 1 tennies)
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair dress shoes
1 pair casual nice shoes (optional)
1 pair rubber boots

1 windbreaker coat
1 “yard” coat (flannel?)
1 rain coat

• Hand-me-downs


• Our thrift shop, $4.00 a bag (not for school age children- kids can be mean if they see you in their old clothes)


• G'ma's thrift shop, $2.00 a bag


• Rummage sales, 25-50 cents each


• Good clearance sales (I only do this 1 size ahead, so I don't get carried away!)


• Gifts from Grandparents (I usually "pad" sizes by 1 size when asked)

I keep everything in large storage tubs marked by size. We are blessed with a large storage area in this house, but before that we kept everything in the children's closets. My wonderful husband moved each of the clothing rods down to child-height and put shelves above the rods for boxes of clothes. I don't wash anything before I store it. I used to spend a lot of time washing clothes that were eliminated from the wardrobe in the next step.

When it's time to pull out clothes for the year, my children and I "shop" out of the storage tubs. We use wardrobe lists, which I'll post tomorrow, to pick just what they need for the season. Any extras go back into the tubs, because sometimes we end up needing more than I've estimated.

If we're missing things on the list I try to find substitutes. For example: A cardigan sweater can be worn instead of a dress coat and some items can be used from larger sizes.

At this point I purchase anything else they may need (or decide to sew it). Each child gets only what they need. Also there are a few items they always get new- socks, underwear, one pair of good running shoes.

This is the best way I've found to store our children's clothing, but there is always room for improvement, so I would love to hear about your clothing storage system!

I know I haven't been on here in forever. But since no one, but my mom, has noticed I guess that's okay because I've gotten a ton of stuff done!

• I weeded and planted the gardens (2 good size vegetable gardens and several small flower beds)

• I sewed 6 pairs of shorts for my oldest son, who can't keep his pants on because he's so skinny.

• I sewed 2 fitted crib sheets and 1 pack-n-play sheet.

• I decided on curriculum for next year, sold last year's, and used the money to purchase the new.

• I'm almost done with lesson planning for next school year.

• I hit several garage sales, thrift shops, etc. and stocked up on clothing for the boys for the next few years.

• We've also had more success with our schedule, just in time to drop it for Summer!
  (I do plan on making a Summer schedule, which will leave our afternoons free for Summer projects and fun.)

I still have a long list of Summer goals I want to get accomplished before we start school again in the Fall, so I may not always have time to write. But I should have something to write about, when I do!

We'll have a busy week. I'm on call Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Missy will be in a play Friday, so she'll have practices each afternoon this week.

Hope you all have a great week!

Monday
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Peas
Fresh Bread

Tuesday
Eggs (cook's choice- Cory)

Wednesday
Pork Steak
Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy
Green Beans
Fresh Bread

Thursday
Pork Pot Pie

Friday
Snotdish (Tomato casserole)
Corn
Fresh bread

Saturday
Cook's Choice (Cory)

Sunday
Pick-Its

Breakfast is always Children's Choice- Oatmeal or Malt-O-Meal

Lunch is always Leftovers, PB&J, or Tuna Sandwiches


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.

I mentioned we were starting our new schedule this week. It's not working out like I had hoped. We are just trying to do the morning routines, yet we can't seem to get a grasp on that. I had planned one week to adjust to each section of the schedule (morning, midday, evening). It will take us much longer...

Cory is working from 11 pm to 7 am. I started our days later, so we could spend more time with him. He is enjoying the extra time in the mornings with us. He's able to come home and eat breakfast. I have also scheduled the children to do their chores at this time. It is such a help to have him around while they do this.

But, I feel like the day is half over before we even get rolling in the morning! In the past he has worked from 6 am to 5 pm and I would get up with him and have my alone time before the children got up. I am missing that time alone.

Even with adjusting our get-up time, I feel like we are running late in the morning. I haven't been able to have my personal bible time consistently this week. I've skipped it, to shorten our mornings and fit everything in. Maybe I am trying to get too much done?

Even though we are only officially doing the morning routine, we have been better about getting the children to bed on time. Last evening we were able to sit on the couch and watch a movie alone. This is something we haven't had time to do in quite awhile.

I have scheduled my post writing time at 11 pm, after Cory goes to work. In reality, by the time he leaves I just want to crawl into bed! I can't concentrate and I don't get as much done as I do in the morning.

I'm not ready to scrap the schedule yet. I think I will rearrange a few things first. Even though I am feeling discouraged right now, I know that if we look at our schedule as a goal and keep working toward it, we will benefit greatly from it.

How do you schedule? Or have you given up?