I don’t know about you but I find working from home requires me to be more organized than when I worked at a j.o.b. I’m not sure what it is but maybe it’s my tendency to be a workaholic. The internet just has too much information. I can easily spend hours researching and learning new skills that will help me more valuable in my work. More valuable means I can charge more money. Charging more money means I can work less. That’s my ultimate goal. In the meantime, I need to find a way to continue my quest to work less hours and keep up with my housework at the same time. My kitchen sink has too many dishes in it right now and my laundry pile is getting bigger by the minute. I forgot to pick up soap at the grocery store the other day, which means I have to go out again tomorrow to pick some up. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. I need to get organized!

Anyway,  yesterday I found these most awesome whiteboard wall decals. I just had to order them so I can put them in my office and in my kitchen as a great place to write my chores down and for my husband and kids to write down grocery items we need. I certainly can’t remember everything and writing it down is a great place to start. I’ll post pix as soon as my new whiteboards arrive. I have high hopes for them!

Since having children, I step back every December and reflect on the things I learned in the previous 12 months.  Thinking or writing about the experiences I had and how I connected (or didn’t connect) with my children helps me understand exactly how I grew and/or changed over the year.

In 2009, my second precious child was born. If anyone tells you that having two kids is easy, they’re lying. It’s a lot of work and sacrifice. Those who have more than two kiddos – you’re just downright brave.

The experiences of her birth and watching my oldest learn to cope with the fact that she’s no longer the only child have taught me a great deal about patience – and so much more.

So what did I learn this year about raising two small kids?

1. Don’t fret about germs. My husband believes his immune system is strong because he was allowed exposure to more germs. I’ve relaxed my germophobic tendencies and I must say – it seems like my kids are sick much less. My youngest has never been sick in her whole 7-month-old life.

2. There’s no shame in bribery. Can’t get a 3-year-old to eat her (relatively) healthy dinner? Bribe her with a frosted animal cookie. Works like a charm.

3. It’s ok to ask for help. This is one I struggled with after my oldest was born. I felt like asking for help made me weak. Not so. Asking for help when you feel overwhelmed is smart. It keeps you sane.

4. Don’t take on too much. Working from home and raising kids can be, by nature, a bit overwhelming. Being unavailable can affect your children negatively. Learn how to say no to projects or clients that are potentially draining. Working for yourself gives you the freedom to choose your clients. Take advantage of that by only working with people you enjoy, and only taking on projects that make you feel fulfilled. If you already have too much on your plate, it may be time to fire some clients or cut back your projects to a more realistic level. You aren’t Superwoman, despite what you may think!

5. Set aside special time with your kids. Designate the first two hours of the day or some other time to staying off the computer and away from work. The goal is to help your children feel special and loved by dedicating some of your time to them (and only them). No iPhone allowed – unless it’s made out of Play Doh.