Streamlining...follow-up thoughts

In response to my post a few days back about streamlining, I received a note from my sister, April. I asked her if it would be ok to copy here, as I found it very helpful in seeing everyday life from the proper perspective. She wrote it eloquently as well as candidly, so I left it exactly as she wrote it. My mother also had some excellent thoughts, so hers follow April’s….both pieces are unedited.

April’s….

You might direct her to the Flylady emails and I don't know who
she is or how old her children are, but they need to pitch in more if she
is feeling stressed with all the work. For example... after
supper the girls would just take off and play with Sam leaving
the table/kitchen in disarray. So, a couple of weeks ago, I asked
Sam if they could help for 15 minutes before the fun began and
he agreed. If they don't work quickly and/or cheerfully, I add a
couple of minutes on.

Funny you should mention the list for each child. It's a great
idea! I just last week made one up for Abby and another for Brooke
of chores that they needed to get done each day...
(fill the distiller, get all the dirty clothes, water the plants, drink
a glass of water, etc, etc...) Works great!

But as you said, just let some things go and enjoy the life you
have. Someday those kids will all be gone and the house can
be spotless all the time. (Honestly, that sounds rather boring),
so I enjoy the mess at times and know that in 30 minutes
it can look nice again. Really though, does she want the kids
to remember her stress or having fun with them. Even work can be fun.

ok, I've said my peace. but, having lost a child, opened my eyes
to what matters. people are fun! especially children.

My mom’s…

I was thinking about your friend.
I have noticed that when a task is finished in advance, it is
fun and there is no strain. The same thing done just in time is
drudgery and no fun.
This can be anything like making the chicken crock-pot dinner
early in the morning, laying out Sunday clothes on Saturday and
even making sure they are washed on Monday, sewing
the dresses two weeks before they will be needed, and if someone
needs to recite or play an instrument for some occasion, get that
ready two weeks in advance. No surprises. In other words, plan
ahead. This also involves always writing it down.

I'll let you write the chapter. That was just the outline.