summer chores

we really like to enjoy our summer.  

we swim
we hang out with friends
we let the grandparents spoil all of us
we swim
we hike
we do day trips
we swim
we play
we love summer

so if i'm not careful, my house can get out of hand real fast.  

i don't follow a daily cleaning schedule.  i just can't get my brain to function that way.  if something needs to be cleaned, i clean it.  or i put it on the list to get to it when i have the time.

{this morning i put on the list to clean all air vents.  yikes.}

in the mornings, we like to lounge around.  cartoons, ipods, leisure breakfasts, before we head out the door.  

however.....all chores must be done before we officially start the day.  the boys have to make their beds, clean up anything that is out on the floor, put away any laundry that hasn't yet been put away, empty the dishwasher, brush teeth, and anything else they can do without help.  

they can't swim, play, go to the gym, or anything else until all chores have been completed.  so my 2013 summer motto???

Nothing fun until chores are done.

some of you are thinking that sounds harsh.  others are applauding.

kids need that discipline.  they need goals.  they need structure.

we stay pretty easy going, especially in the summer.  but that doesn't mean all self-control goes out the window.  and when we come home in the afternoons, we're tired.  so mornings are the best times for us to complete chores.  well, mornings and right before bedtime.

and now i'm off to clean some air vents.  again, yikes.  because after all, nothing fun until chores are done.