How do you keep your children’s schedules together ?
I’m a big list maker. For my nine-year-old, I have a list of basic things for him to do when he comes home from school, including homework, putting away his laundry, putting his lunchbox on the counter (so I’m not searching for it frantically 10 minutes after we were supposed to leave) and setting the table if it’s his night.
For my daughter, who is 12, I’ve learned that rigidity with pre-teens just doesn’t work, so my requirements for her are a little more basic. (I have more important battles to fight!) Before she can be on the computer (her favorite thing), she has to finish homework, tidy her room and read a little bit from a devotional book.
I don’t give my kids a lot of time to unwind after they get home from school. It doesn’t work for us. They get off track and then it’s a homework battle at 9:30 at night when my patience and energy levels are on empty. Plus, they both have sports practices, so they really need to get homework and other responsibilities done right away.

Do you use a particular day planner ?
I use a planner called “Hot Chocolate.” I buy all their notebooks, too. They are so fun and funky that I’m more likely to make lists and keep on top of my schedule. I need all the incentive I can get!

Do you own a blackberry?
I don’t. Although my daughter told me today that I “need” to get one. She claims my current cell phone is “so lame.”

What is your most used ‘time saving tip’ when it comes to running your house?
I’d say, “Don’t procrastinate!” Leaving dishes in the sink, for example, makes them so much harder to clean the next day. The more you let things pile up, the longer it takes to dig out. I don’t always follow this, but when I do, it makes my life so much easier.

Do you have a favourite quick meal for your family?
I’m big into healthy. I buy Boboli Whole Wheat pizza crusts, use Organic Ragu, pile on the cheese (soy cheese is healthiest) and add our favorite toppings. Instead of regular Pepperoni, I use Turkey Pepperoni. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time. And my crowd isn’t so easy to please.

Tell us the truth ? What would we find in your car right now ?
Ooooo… You asked me this question at the right time! I just cleaned and vacuumed my van a few days ago. Right NOW, you’d only find a few Encyclopedia Brown books that my son likes to read when we’re on the road. LAST WEEK, you would have found a treasure trove of goodies, including a bag of rotten celery that somehow didn’t get brought in with the rest of the groceries. My house is always far more clean and organized than my van!

You seem like a mom who understands the importance of not expecting perfection. What advice would you give to other moms who feel the pressure of trying to be ‘super mom’?
I spent many years being crushed by that pressure. But, for the most part, I’m free now. Understanding God’s unconditional love for me helps me to remember to do the same with my children, which can be very difficult sometimes! When I was trying to be “supermom” I felt so isolated. But as I began to share my struggles and let my guard down, I found SO many moms who were having the same fears and struggles. I found community and support. That also made a huge difference.

What is your number one goal for the year ? How do you plan to reach it ?
From a professional standpoint, my number one goal is to write my first book. I’ve set aside 1-2 hours a day to work on this alone. I’m getting up earlier in the morning so I can be sure to keep up with all the other things that need to be done for the family. I’ve also shared my goal with others so that I can gain support and encouragement along the way. And, most importantly, I’m praying ALOT! ;0)

Melinda is a mother of two, ages 12 and 9, as well as a writer and speaker. She writes frequently on parenting topics, as her children and her experiences with them provide a great deal of meaty and humorous material. You can visit her blog “Coming Clean: Confessions of an Imperfect Parent” at http://www.parentingconfessions.com

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Actually it was the video on their front page that resulted in my children running to see where the music was from and they twisted my arm. So Head on over to the party ….. Click Here

To those of you from the party … be sure to subscribe to my feed. Because you won’t want to miss out Mothers Day Contest next month!

So who is this Organized Mom at Organized Families?

I am a mother of three children – My middle son the “SPY” wanted to share the top secret desk of the Organized Mom …

Yes I have successfully not only infiltrated moms office but taken Michelle’s camera as well. A spy in the making – Peace everyone. D you think she will know its me ? Wait is this thing working ? FLASH CLICK Oops busted

Yes I am the Organized Mom. Well I was the professional nanny who kept other moms organized then I had three children of my own ;) My skills are goal setting, planning, time management, marketing and advertising. I work in advertising for an online company to pay the bills and have recently turned my website OrganizedFamilies.com into a BLOG website. The official launch isn’t until April 1st 2008.

I have a few printable dayplanners I have designed and on occasion I help other families (with no fee) to get a system in place to help the stay organized and keep their schedules together. I also volunteer on my children’s PAC, and as a family advocate in my community.

I look forward to learning more about from all the great Bloggers at the party….

Prizes in order:

7 — Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace
Provided by: Elemental Memories

20 — $50 gift certificate to Paperlicious
Provided by: Paperlicious.com – Hip Invites & Notes

62 — Boca Beth Bilingual Beginner Set
Provided by: The Boca Beth Program

29 — $25 gift card to My Mommy’s Bracelets or Baby Girl Bracelets.

8 — 50 Nights of Family Fun
Provided by: Essential Family Living

38 — 20 Custom Made Teacher Notecards
Provided by: My Little Monkey Boutique

64 — Pirates of the Caribbean portable CD player
Provided by: The Geeky Housewife
11 — $40 gift certificate to Good For The Kids
Provided by: Good For The Kids

18 — Wrap-N-Mat and Chico shopping bag
Provided by: Nature Moms

44 — Jump Start World 1st Grade
Provided by: Mom Reviews

61 — The Very Cool Lunchbox
Provided by: Victoria P. Zurcher Designs

The site has undertaken a few twists and turns and last year I attempted to launch an online organizer/planner for parents with the help of a contracted programmer. The year has brought many changes and it is with renewed enthusiasm that I am working on a plan for a new direction at Organizedfamilies.com .

I look forward to bringing back the resources inspired by a busy mom for busy moms along with humour and real life posts to remind you all that super mom really only exists on the other side of the door. Inspiration to help you make it through your day, goal setting, parenting resources for our busy lifes, children, and families.

Tips and trick to help you save seconds, minutes, and hours because just like that savings account at the bank, every penny counts!

Our new template should be up and running in time for the site to re launch officially April 1st 2008 ( Yes April fools day!)

I have decided to blog through the next few weeks to remind you all that Organized Families really is run by a busy mom with three children ! This way you can see all the hard work and tears put into the relaunch.

Welcome back moms, parents, and families …

Organized Families – Resources for busy families will relaunch April 1 2o08.