Getting a Grip on the Spring Sports Schedule

I feel like I have been thrown into the lion’s pit.  The lion’s pit of an over-scheduled-family!  How did this happen?  Just this weekend we had three birthday parties, one soccer game, two baseball practices and running up to the elementary school twice for baseball-team pictures.  I can almost breath a sigh of relief that the weekend is over!  Almost…

This week we have three soccer practices, two soccer games, and four baseball practices, if I’m counting right.  And if I thought this last weekend was crazy… wait till next weekend when Hubs is out of town for a JAG conference.

I’m not a “soccer mom”.  I don’t have cute little family caricature-stickers on the back of a giganimous SUV.  I certainly cheer for my boys and their teams, but don’t expect me to be perky about it at 8am on a Saturday morning!  I’m just trying to make it through one evening at a time.  One Saturday at a time. When the kids are busy they are happy.   When the kids are happy Mom is happy.  I didn’t say /how/ happy.  (And busy … not stressed out to the max from being /too/ busy.)

• The crock-pot!  (Can I get an ‘Amen’!?)
• I took two old school-backpacks and put each of the boys’ soccer gear (shin guards, cleats, uniforms) in their own bag.  Nothing fancy.  Just something to keep them organized and be able to say ‘Grab your bag and get ready’.
• I keep a golf umbrella and a “camping chair” in the van’s trunk.  (And I’ve had to use that umbrella more times then I’d like to count this Spring.)
• Another organization tip: I have a trunk-organizer that holds soccer balls, baseball mitts, and a few light coats in case it gets chilly.   If we are going grocery shopping or travelling and I need the trunk space it comes right out.  Otherwise, the boys know right where to check to make sure they have their stuff before we jump in the van to go.

I’d love more ideas.  What works for you?  What makes managing your family schedule a breeze? or at least less of a hurricane then we are experiencing.