Chore Jars

Good morning long lost friends!
I've missed you
and all the therapy that blogging brings.
Remember when I told you
that the first few weeks of anything is tough?
Well, establishing our summer routine has been c-r-a-z-y!

Between juggling everyone's schedules &
the things that have to be done
(you know, buying groceries, cleaning & such)
there hasn't been much Mama left over for fun.
I look back on last summer and wonder
what happened to the Mary Poppins I remember??

So today I'm here to share the possible key to my sanity.
Instead of saying the s-a-m-e things over and over,
I've created an ongoing jar of instructions.
I considered a chore chart,
but I never keep those going for long.

As I considered solutions, I realized a few things.
1. I was more willing to put work into it on the front end.
   Then I could make minor tweaks as needed.
2. It had to be completed in one day.
3. It had to allow me to customize each day.
4. Last but not least, cute!

Here's what I did...
I printed out the boy's everyday tasks,
routines chores and a few extra things.

I cut the paper in strips,

then used Modge-Podge to attach them.

For the base I took large popsicle sticks 

and spray painted them.

You know I love me some spray paint. ; >

Once everything was secure I topped it off

with a clear coat of glossy acrylic.

Remember, I intend for these babies to last.

Finally this morning, everything was ready to go.

I separated them into jars.

Well not just any jars,

jars with ribbon of course.

The turquoise jar is James'

and the navy blue jar is Joseph's.

I also made an extra jar that includes 

green sticks for bigger chores

& silver sparkly sticks for summer fun.

Every morning I can decide what needs to be done

and load our jar full of instructions & fun. :)

There you have it,
the equivalent of a spoon full of sugar.
Just call me Mama Poppins,
because these jars full of instruction
promise to make the summer go round!

Need more ideas?
Stop by the DIY Showoff
and the CSI Project for inspiration.