Welcome

Once upon a time, I was an avid blogger.  I used to enjoy blogging.  It was sort of an outlet and honestly there was something therapeutic about blogging.  Since I stopped blogging our family has added another child, Bennett.  I've taken a part-time job with Family Connection of SC.  Richard has been to Kuwait as a government contractor and returned back home to civilian life.  However, things are a little hectic around here sometimes.  It seems as if the kids and the hubby have their own agendas and much of my time is spent struggling to get everyone on the same page.  So, what did I decide to do?  I'll be re-taking control of my household and you all will have the privilege to follow along.  So, what do I mean by "re-taking control"?

1.  Defining family roles, chores, responsibilities, etc. - I'm really weeding my way through this one.  I'm not sure if we'll go to a chore list, responsibility chart, or just simply verbal assigning jobs.  However, we're all a part of this family and we all have to meet certain expectations in order to function as a cohesive unit.  Many times it's just easier for me to do it rather than argue or plead with the kiddos to do what's necessary.  (I know we've all been there)
2.  Setting meal plans - I used to do this regularly and just let it go to the wayside.  Well, how many times have you moms heard, "I don't like that" or "Can you fix me something different"?  The bottom line is...this mom is no longer fixing meals to accommodate unless I simply know you have a genuine dislike of a meal.  If haven't tried it, then you don't have a valid argument.  In the end, meal plans save you money and time.  I'll be doing them weekly to start and hope to graduate to monthly plans.
3.  Couponing - The good Lord knows I need to get back to this one.  It was saving our family so much money and I really enjoyed the whole clipping coupons and researching sales.
4.  Setting a schedule - Oh man, this one is so hard!  How can I possibly set a schedule and stick to it.  However, I firmly believe a schedule is super important to the structure of our household.  Additionally, a schedule is necessary for Mason who requires lots of boundaries.  I feel like this will be most beneficial to him in the long run as he prepares for preschool/kindergarten.
5.  Planned Shopping Trip - Again, I really used to follow this one to a T.  That's not to say if I saw a deal in the store, had coupons, and could practically get it for free, I wouldn't pick it up.  I'm not going to pass up an almost free deal, but I do intend on making shopping lists and sticking to them.  Again, in the beginning I plan on shopping on a week to week basis with the goal being to shop on a monthly basis (with weekly trips only for staples and perishables like milk, bread, eggs, fruits, veggies, etc.).
6.  Setting bed times and sticking to them - This isn't so much for Mallory.  She's pretty good about going to bed when she gets tired and she is 12.  However, for the 3 Miller boys bedtimes are a NECESSITY.  I've let this go to the wayside with Tyler especially and I can see the difference.  So, we'll go back to set bedtimes and maybe just maybe I'll get a little more done in the evenings!
7.  Organize and get rid of clutter - This is where we all fail in this house.  Mallory and Richard are pack rats.  They'd save everything under the sun if  I would let them.  Mallory is really into art and well she's just not organized while enjoying her art.  Richard saves every little piece of paper he possibly can.  Tyler and Mason would rather spread their toys all over the house as opposed to keeping them in one place.  Well, and I quite honestly would love to save every single piece of schoolwork the kids bring home!  This is not feasible nor necessary.  So, we'll rid our lives of things we don't need and keep the important stuff!

Whew!  I feel like that was a lot, but it's just the tip of the iceberg of what I would like to see change.  The one thing I struggle with is; I want change NOW!  I would like to Mary Poppins, snap fingers, and do a little dance and have everything fall into place immediately.  This is of course not going to happen, but I can hope.  Right?  Say a prayer for us as we begin this journey!  I'll share things that work and things that don't work!  I'm hoping to share recipes, menus, and yes even the dreaded clutter!  So sit back and hang on tight, because it's surely going to be a wild ride to to get The Fab Four Involved a Little More!!!