Do you keep lists?  I do.  I keep them on steno pads–I have years and years in a box of steno pads–of course I didn’t date anything so it would be a challenge to piece my life together from these list but . . . I love my steno pad–my Mom used to leave us the chore list on a steno pad and I remember her leaving a “I love you” or “have a great day” sentiment as the kids worked a small farm while she was at work.

Growing up we  had a steno pad at the cabin–the entire family would go in separate directions so we would write where we were and how long we thought we might be gone–on the dock, out on the sailboat, at the beach . . . over at Karen’s cabin.  The places that we went were more or less the same but the combinations of kids would change.

I live by lists now.  I still have a steno pad, I use One Note, Evernote and my iPhone.  They are my safety net.  They are my journal of sorts.

When I need a list on the internet I go to Donna Young’s website DonnaYoung.org.  It is a “homeschooling site” but it is not just for homeschooling–it is for anyone wanting to be more organized.  Of course there are thousands of websites that have lists and even list makers–but I have found all that I need on Donna’s site.

1. Budget Planner–lets’ me plan a budget for the entire house, groceries, special event or school project.
2. Menu Planner–I have used several menu planners–I even bought a monthly planner that had a spot just for menus and grocery lists.
3. Grocery List–I have a list of items that I purchase  all the time and check off when I run out of something.  Even though I buy milk every week I still put a check by it . . . because sometimes I forget things . . . (my mind can only hold so much).
4. Grocery/Freezer Inventory–this helps me plan my stockpile.
5. Google Calender for the family calendar so both my husband and I can access one calendar and then you can add more calendars to it–like a menu. This allows me to plan a simple meal on the busiest of days or pull something out of the freezer.
6. 6 week curriculum planner is an Excel spreadsheet
7. Reading List for the kids
8. My HP printer has a blank calendar that I can print.  I thought it was sort of useless but I find that I use it quite a bit–a visual way of having the kids achieve a goal or just show them how long until . . . The words “go check your calendar” allows them to manage the concept of waiting–or at least postpones more questions for a few minutes.
9. Tax List (handwritten) is very useful to streamline what we need and what is outstanding.
10. Vacation List–We go on vacation to the same place each year and I find it very helpful to refer to my list from the prior year.  I keep notes on the way home of what we used and what we didn’t so the next year the packing will be streamlined.  (But that doesn’t really happen–in theory it is a great idea but each year is so different.  What it gives me is a baseline of really good information).

Some friends have a cleaning schedule–I like that idea and if the house would magically get clean according to the schedule, I would create that list!

I feel less stressed when I have a list.  I feel more organized when I have a list.  I forget less things when I have a list.  It is what works for me.

Thank you God for the gift of organization.  You are truly amazing in the way that you have created the world in such an orderly way.