after school events

Do you know how I know that fall is approaching?  All of the extra curricular activities are starting!  I only have two children, but wow!  As they get older, they keep wanting to do more and more!  Prince is currently signed up for Running Club (cross country through school), Lego Robotics Club (through the military), and soccer!  Princess is doing piano lessons, Running Club, Choir (through school), and wanting to do gymnastics!  All of these activities happen on week nights, with the exception of soccer games on Saturday.  At this moment in time, I am very grateful for my calendars. 

I LIVE for my calendars and to do lists.  Without these tools, I would be a mess and would forget my head.  Between the kids' after school stuff, work, my school, army, church, and anything else going on, I HAVE to stay organized.  My idea of organization: wall calendar in kitchen, phone calendar with alarms, my school planner for assignments, kids calendar for their chores and weekly activities, and a calendar for what to eat for dinner all month.  This probably seems overboard for many people, but for me it works.  I love that by using these I can just glance down at it and see immediately what is going on on any given day.  It also helps me balance everything and keep the kids on task.

We usually allow the kids two extra curricular activities outside of school.  They are very aware that if the activity starts to interfere with school work, that activity is gone.  They sit and down and do homework and their chores on schedule.  I like that they are so busy.  It keeps them out of trouble, and doing activities helps teach them great life skills.  They learn about being part of a team, keeping your commitments, dedication, and so many more lessons.