Changes to my "Lucy Plan"

I have made some progress on my intense-cleaning plan, but I most defiantly have been derailed by the end of school, summer vacation, and my (almost over) job. However, this week is my last week to work as the job ends June 30th, so I have a modified plan in motion. So far it has worked well. ...but it has been only one day!

My new plan involves the kids. Together we are going to clean their rooms and areas where they significantly contribute to the overall mess and clutter of the house. This means that we are spending 30 mins each morning before we do anything else working on an agreed upon area.

Two days ago I sat down with them while they were happily munching a snack (and it might have even been candy, but my memory is fuzzy on the exact details) and told them that we were going to spend 30 mins each morning cleaning and doing chores before we did anything else. They were receptive to the idea - Hallelujah! I then wrote down a list for each girl, dictated by them, on what part of their room they wanted to work on and in what order. I reminded them last night too, so that they would not feel ambushed this morning. So far so good. We'll see how day 3 & 4 go!

Today Annika cleaned up her bookcase. I know, it is not much of an effort, but it is a start! It took her about 20 mins to dust and straighten out the books. We also cleaned up the area in front of it. (and right now both kids came to me and said they were hungry ... because they have been working for an hour cleaning. yea, right! They did work, but to be hungry already? less than 2 hrs after a large nutritious breakfast?) Lauren wanted to tackle her chest of drawers, and that took her quite a long time, but in her defence, I was helping Annika first. And we pulled out the chest and vacuumed behind it ... which she did herself and felt quite proud of her accomplishments. Again, we'll see how this lasts.

As for me ... I was able to do my 30 mins in our room before the kids even woke up. But I do need to continue on with the mudroom. It has been so long that most of my earlier work has been negated already. And then my desk area is slowly cluttering up too. But hopefully after this job is done I will not have as many odds and ends to keep track of.

Onward Ho, Lucy!