When we're helping we're happy...

Lately both Ben and I have felt completely overwhelmed with the house and work that needs done. It seemed as though we couldn't stay afloat. You would think with 2 of us home all day more could and would get done but it seems we fall behind faster and further. It has been frustrating...to put it lightly.

I feel as though I am doing everything and getting no help.

Ben feels as though he is doing everything and getting no help.

We are not making headway.

The other day we were talking about the dynamics of our situation. His being unemployed can cause days of great depression when all you want to do is sit in front of the computer vegging out to games or shows all the while eating a box of chocolates. Ok so the chocolates part is made up but the computer vegging unfortunately isn't.

As we talked we realized much was getting done but as we were working on completing different chores and tasks around the house we had others that weren't working towards that goal with us.

Our children have always been good about helping out but recently that has changed. I would get dinner almost complete and ask one to come help set the table only to be setting the table myself 10 minutes later. After dinner I would ask for help and instead I would be sitting at the table with a sink full of dishes and no desire to clean up from a meal I just spent an hour fixing.

I am not doing it anymore!! This is all changing this week. A full force Chore Chart has been put into place. The chart should be finished tomorrow, Friday at the latest. The Chores have already started, so have the vocal revolts. The girls have been less than thrilled with seeing ALL they have to do.

In one day each child will have 7 magnets that are moved from the "to do" side to the "finished" side. Each chore is minimal. Instead of putting a "homework" magnet, I broke it down to math, spelling and reading. They will both also have a "make bed" magnet. I then have a magnet for cleaning the table off after dinner, setting the table for dinner, doing the dishes, unloading the dishwasher, picking up barbies and picking up dress up clothes. They will each have 3 of those jobs along with the homework and bed magnets each day that they need to complete. The next day they will have the alternate jobs. I have broke this all down into color coordination to days and a magnet with each chore for each day, so we can see which days got missed on chores.

I am hoping this doesn't overwhelm us all, especially me! Many of the things they had always helped with until routines were thrown askew when Ben lost his job. Getting back on track is always hard.

Already I see hope and I am a happier mom. It was so nice to cook dinner tonight and only worry about cooking. While I was making dinner, Katy loaded the dishes from the sink into the dishwasher. Lyse came in and set the table. When dinner was complete I didn't feel overwhelmed from setting the table, washing the dishes from making dinner and making dinner. After dinner, Lyse cleared the table and helped finish loading dishes in the dishwasher since Katy had unloaded the dishwasher earlier.

Following dinner, Katy started in on her homework (we try to do it before dinner but tonight it didn't work). While Katy did her reading, math and spelling, Lyse picked up the Barbies. Even though it was a little more work for me right now, it is still less. I know that makes no sense whatsoever but it is coming from my brain and not much makes sense coming from my brain!

I do know that I feel relief! I feel happiness! I see my girls excited to complete their tasks. I see their excitement to have a goal to work towards and accomplish. I see (especially in Katy) the excitement in helping me.

I am thankful that I was inspired to start this chore system formally. We had always had them help but never in an organized matter. I think I am going to like this organization!