the cost of disorganization

(the face of Autism, isn't it cute?)

(Me with my Ivan)

(falling asleep in the recliner is not the best way to stay on a schedule!)

One week has passed. Can I tell you that I really haven't accomplished much over my bloggy break? I keep wondering why I don't have any motivation...to do anything at all!

My dishes are stacked in the sink, I have loads of clothes waiting to be put away, floors that need mopping...and yet, I watch tv, mess around on the computer or nap. I do have kids to take care of but...they are at the age when it isn't a 24/7 hands on job.

We have been back to school for almost 2 weeks now. It has been rough on all of us getting back into the swing of things. But...

my 5 (6 in a couple of weeks) yr old has struggled the most. This kid is adorable. He has beautiful brown eyes, a great sense of humor, gives the best kisses, wears his hat everywhere (even to bed!) loves anything that is red. He also has Autism.

This means that he thrives on routine and schedule. This is something he hasn't had basically since Thanksgiving. Days off from school, traveling, staying up later, waking up later, no rush to go anywhere...it is taking its toll.

When I checked my email this morning, I had an email from his teacher listing all of the things he has done this week...so far. I asked her to do this, so I can help work with him at home, but it really is not easy getting those emails.

To make this not so short story, shorter, it all comes down to one thing. The cost of disorganization. My disorganization, is costing me in many ways.

1) Actual $$- I have had to replace items that have been lost, pay for the repair of items at the last minute, paying for organizational products...
2) Mentally: my SANITY. Seriously. When things don't work out the way I want (controlling much?) I get frustrated. I get irritable. I lose my patience...and unfortunatley my temper.
3)Emotionally (although similar to mentlly): all of the above causes a lot of tears. And is draining.
4)physically: I am always tired. I am an emotional eater and so emotionally drained + physically tired = pizza & oreos

I need to get myself together. Not just for me. But for him. He needs his world to be in order...and I am going to do it. For both of us...

break

So I have a ton on my plate. I feel over extended and EXAUGHSTED! I need to get my house in order. Blogging (which I love!) just feels like one more thing on my to do list right now. Which is not what I want it to be.

I don't know when I will be back to regular posting. I'll let you know. But for now... I need a break.

I don't want to leave any loose ends though...the winner of Resolution Challenge giveaway is BETH! Congrats hon. I will get it out to you asap!

For those of you who signed up for the challenge, can I just tell you I am sorry?! I thought it would be a great way to get MYSELF organized but like I said, it just feels like one more thing on my already full plate.

I know I am a crazy lady who is here there and everywhere. Maybe someday I will be a normal blogger. (:

Anway, I will see you all soon!

What's for Lunch?

So with my kids being out of school for the past two weeks, I really haven't been making any bento's. But with school back in session, lunch bags are on the menu once again! (:

I have been a little out of practice and so this was pretty sad but it is what it is...

A mini bagel w/cream cheese and ham, cubed cheese, apple chunks and m&m's

I also added a yogurt, drink and carrots w/ dip

I found these containers at Target in the $1 section! There were 4 pink and 4 red in a pkg! I think they are perfect for little treats/dipping sauces!

The lid does come all the way off, no hinge. But I think it was a good deal! Head to Target and pick some up for yourself!

hoppin' along!

Tomorrow is Wednesday and so that means...I am blog hopping! I am joining in Feeding Fours' Friendly Wednesday hop!
If you are a new follower to Just A Mom, please leave me a comment so that I can follow you back! (:

Back to school

At the end of August/beginning of Sept. I am super organized. It's true...the one and only time  of the year that I am but whatever. My kids back packs are new and clean, filled with their school supplies. Their back to school outfits have been purchased or washed and ready to go. I have stocked up on fruit and other lunch favorites to send them on their way. I always feel so accomplished and that I get them started on a new year, with a good start.

My kids are done with Christmas break and head back to school tomorrow.I am so glad. Having 5 kids with me all day has been seriously cramping my coupon shopping (: not to mention the never ending fights and the constant need for me to entertain them.

So today what am I doing to prepare for them to go back?
Laundry: making sure my daughters pe uniform is washed and dried
              also washing the nasty out of my kids lunch bags (what do they do to them?!)
              not to mention backpacks!
Cleaning bedrooms: I have a hard time relaxing in filth and I imagine they do also. Bedrooms are being cleaned and "clothes people" are being set out (down to the shoes and socks)

Grocery shopping: grabbing some fruit to put in their lunches
Filling up water bottles and putting them in the freezer to go in lunch bags
Making banana bread and boiling eggs for tomorrows breakfast
Going to bed early BECAUSE IT IS A SCHOOL NIGHT! (:

Monday blog hop

I am participating in Be One Fine Day 's Meet Me on Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

I am so excited to send my kiddos back to school on Tuesday!

I love vacations but I love routine and getting back on to a schedule.

Not to mention that I would much rather take 1 child to the grocery than 5!

This is what is on my menu for the week:

Monday:
orange chicken, rice and vegi's
Tuesday:
hamburgers, pasta salad, sliced tomatoes
Wednesday:
ranch chicken, rice, salad
Thursday:
breakfast for dinner
Friday:
pizza
Saturday:
still undecided (:

For more great menu's head over to Organizing Junkie

Is this a sign?

I had planned to start my challenge today. Have an automatic post set up so that you would see the weekly challenge and the winner of the giveaway when you woke up. Well guess what? It didn't happen!!

The more I have thought about the weekly/daily challenges the more I realize that they are for ME. I need to get my act together and y'all are just here for the ride. lol

So without further ado...here are the 1st set of weekly challenges. My theme will be PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION IN 2011! Catchy isn't it?! I thought so!

ORGANIZATION: the month of January will be dedicated to the kitchen aka the heart of the home. So this week we are going to clean out our tupperware drawers! If you are anything like me, you have a million and one containers. Mine fall out when I put them away! So anything that no longer has a lid, or a lid without a bottom is out of here! If you have had a container that has been sitting around and never used, it is out of here. Set a time limit every day (between 10-20 minutes) and work on it until is done!

HEALTH: this week we are going to start with drinking water! I am so bad about drinking diet soda or juice or...anything else. You can drink whatever else you want BUT we are going to drink 6-8 8oz glasses of water daily!

KIDS: Do your kids have daily routines? Or is it more of  a fly by the seat of your pants? They need to make small changes and build on those habits. We are going to start off small, making the bed! Help them succeed. The more blankets, stuffed animals, sheets, pillows etc. the harder it is to make. So simplify.

MONEY: this week take some time to look at your budget. Do you have one? Do you need to make changes? Are you happy with the balance in your checking account? (Is anyone?!)

SPIRITUAL: I love to read. It is amazing that I can always find the time to read a novel, a self improvement book, or to peruse a cookbook/magazine. But it is hard for me to find the time to read my scriptures.  Interesting isn't it? 5 minutes. Surely we can find 5 minutes a day to read out of the scripture/devotional of our choice.

FOOD: dinner. By 10am you need to know what you are going to be eating for dinner. Look in your pantry, freezer etc and make your plan.

So good luck! I will let you know how I did next week.I look forward to hearing how all of you did also! Feel free to blog it, comment, email...and let me know how you did.

I am computer illiterate but I am hoping to have a blog button for this soon. Unless of course someone wants to make me one...(: