text: Somehow We Manage: Systems and Routines are My Friend
  We all have a lot on our plate, and I find one way to manage it all is to get a few good systems going. A couple of phrases that run through my mind when regarding systems is "no fuss" and "uncomplicated" - "just do it, even if you don't feel like it."
  One "system" is I keep a tube of chap stick by the kitchen sink. I never have to wonder where it is. I stand there and apply it and keep the rule to put it right back.
  Another system, I started feeding my older two children Cheerios with sliced bananas, milk, and a little sugar every single morning with no variation. They love it, they eat it quickly, I don't have to cook it, and it is nutritious enough for my standards. For years we have been eating oatmeal, scrambled eggs, toast or smoothies. But decisions! I'm weary of them. I don't want to make these decisions in the mornings anymore.
  A couple of sysytems I'm trying to get going are a Sunday night system and a Monday morning system or routine rather.
  Sunday night: put kids to bed, make sandwhiches for the week (made 13 last night), clean out purse, take e-mail down to zero, glace at my calendar, meal plan, make a thorough grocery list, shower.
  Tuesday- Italian Meatball Soup
  Wednesday- salmon with vegetables and pasta
  Thursday- French dip sandwhiches
  Saturday- turkey burgers
  Monday morning: rise early, read Bible, get kids dressed and ready for nursery school, drop them off, go to Pure Barre class, grocery shop (multiple stores if needed).
  A few weeks ago I shared my evening routine. I strayed from it over the holidays, but I'm finally getting back on track.
  People often ask how life with three young kids is. I always say the hardest part is keeping up the home and maintaining order, both physical order and scheduling order. Babies turn into people with lives and dentist appointments and school applications. It's seriously like running a small business to meet all the needs of family life. Flying by the seat of my pants just doesn't work.
  And so I streamline and make systems and build routines.
  Thoughts? What systems do you have in place?
  Posted by Sarah Barry at 4:40 PM
  Labels: our household, to eat well, to organize
  Erica January 13, 2014 at 7:48 PM
  so i found your blog through my sweet friend (& your SIL, joy).....i love your writings, perspective, & thoughts on family, kids, parenting, marriage, life, etc. i just had my 4th when you had your 3rd.....so I LOVED your paragraph summary on adjusting to new normal over the course of year 1! so so so true! my first three children came in less than 3 years---a little crazy and a whirlwind for sure! but then we had a 3 year gap and baby #4 was born....so different this time around, but still a baby and still definitely lots going on and now that she's 13 months i'm beginning to feel our "new normal"......ok and LOVE you do PB!!! i love it too and it's been the best workout this time around to get back in shape! when i can get there b/c it's so darn expensive!!! but still love it the same : - ) thanks for sharing all your great thoughts! erica
  Sarah Barry January 18, 2014 at 8:45 AM
  Erica, I've heard Joy talk about you. Great to connect.
  Yes! PB, it's my vice.
  Margo January 13, 2014 at 9:19 PM
  this is fun to think about! I keep hand lotion at my kitchen sink and chapsticks and hankies in each coat.
  We take our shoes off at the door. We always have pancakes on Saturday mornings and popcorn on Sunday nights. I go through my inbox every Wednesday, scheduling things, paying bills, dealing with email. I go to market every Tuesday. I have daily chores, and then I have a weekly to-do list for one-time things. I put a checkmark next to each thing when I work on it if it takes multiple steps until I cross it off - I love me some progress on a to-do list!
  I looked at the Pure Barre link and I'm so bummed that there's no studio near me! It looks so wonderful and graceful and fun.
  Sarah Barry January 18, 2014 at 8:47 AM
  I think there are some PB videos on youtube. Not quite the same, but still a good workout. What I love is the atmosphere. Loud music, pretty workout clothes, and the people! It's social as well as a workout.
  whitney January 14, 2014 at 8:38 AM
  I have a spiral notebook (I found it unused at the thrift store with Scripture for each page!) that I write my week-long, running to-do list. If I don't get around to it, it runs over to the next week. I keep my grocery list there and meal plans too. I like my notebook system better than iPhone bc I can scratch it off etc. and I like it better than loose pieces of paper. I do like my iPhone for quick notes, though. My friend strips her sheets when they get up on Sundays and washes while they're at church. I thought that was a good idea! I'm like you, Sundays are my meal planning day for the week and Mondays are grocery days. Thanks for sharing tips! Keep em coming!
  Sarah Barry January 18, 2014 at 8:49 AM
  I like that sheet idea. Maybe when my kids are older.
  Funny thing, when I went to collage I had NO CLUE how often to wash sheets. At Christmas, in passing, I mentioned to my mom that I had not washed them all semester. She was horrified.
  Lynn Beck January 14, 2014 at 3:02 PM
  Love these ideas. SB, you and your friends jsut amaze me with your wisdom!
  Sarah Barry January 18, 2014 at 8:52 AM
  We have a lot of resources these days....the internet!
  Emily January 14, 2014 at 7:53 PM
  Good ideas! I, too, thrive on a system. Things start falling apart around here when I deviate from it. Funny you should mention Cheerios---I just bought the gigantic boxes from Costco and declared it b'fast until it runs out. I could just FEEL the stress melting away as I loaded the boxes into my buggy. :)
  It's really, really difficult for me, but we try not to do anything but church and rest on Sundays. At some point, I usually have a moment of anxiety (because there's SO much to do to prepare for the week!), but my body and mind need the rest. Monday mornings are usually cray, but, you know, somehow we manage. :)
  Love this comment, especially the last sentence.
  Nell January 14, 2014 at 9:29 PM
  How am I just making my way over to SHWM?? Love it! Systems and routines are a must with multiples, too. I operate on them daily. "Just do it." Yes. Love you, SBS.