OPERATION: WORK BEFORE PLAY

When we were on our big adventure a little while back we stayed a couple of nights in Wichita, Kansas with Abe's brother's family--Russell and Melissa and their four daughters.  We had a great time and I noticed something about how their home operated.
--They were diligent in doing their dishes right after a meal.
--When I asked if I could do a couple loads of laundry, their laundry room floor wasn't covered in dirty clothes and clothes didn't need to be moved through in order for me to start a load.  The laundry room was ready and waiting. 
--The playroom was picked up before going to bed at night.
--There was a place for everything and everything was in its place (what a concept!)

Basically, they had time to sit in the living room in the evening and relax because all the work was done.

Many of you may be reading this, thinking, "Isn't that how everyone lives?"
Let me assure you that this is NOT how everyone lives.
Me for instance.

Oh, I do take time to sit and read, but it is always at the expense of work that needs to be done, so it's not true relaxation.

But I really enjoyed the order to their home, and I have made a vow to change my sloppy ways.  Well, not exactly a vow... but I really am going to try harder.  Part of that effort  to change my ways involves convincing/forcing my children to change their sloppy ways.  I do understand that their ways are mere reflections of my own ways, but it takes a pretty concerted effort to change deep seated house keeping habits of a large family.

Here's my plan for OPERATION:  WORK BEFORE PLAY 
1.  Each person MUST pick up their own belongings. You get it out-- you put it away. REVOLUTIONARY!!
2.  Each child is already assigned certain jobs to do each day.  They are responsible for their jobs for about 4 months before the jobs rotate.  When I see a job needs to be done-- SHOW NO MERCY-- call them in to do the job.   Yes, it might be easier to just do it myself, but I must be strong.
3.  Everyone picks up and straightens up before meals.  I'm just thinking about his one-- I haven't actually put it into practice yet.
4.  Although it may seem somewhat unrelated, I MUST have regular, nutritious meals planned and prepared every day.  I have long felt that having to feed this many people three times a day is excessive and unrealistic.  REALLY???  Three times a day???  It is too much!  But it must be done.  These healthy satisfying meals are the keys to a smooth family life.  *Sigh*  I must make (and stick with) a meal plan.

Perhaps I'll keep you posted on my progress.  Ooh!  Maybe I'll show you pictures of my clean kitchen sink?  Or my clear laundry room floor?

Oh, I'm just kidding!   I know you don't want to see that and besides, the moment of cleanliness would be so fleeting, I'd never be able to find the camera in time.