[Soliloquy]

I buy the clamshell package of baby spinach or baby power greens.

Baby field greens get slimy very quickly but not the spinach or power greens.

I add them right at the end of whatever I'm cooking, just until wilted. No prep.

You can buy organic carrots already grated.

For homeschool books and papers each kid has a big plastic craft box. They have to put their things in there. The boxes stack easily. Another option is to have a wire basket hanging on the wall for each kid.

Also, at our house, dinner doesn't start until the table is cleared and set. Dh used to be in the bad habit of telling them, "go put your papers somewhere." I had to get him in the habit of saying, "go put your papers where they belong." I have a zero tolerance policy for shuffling things from one inappropriate place to another inappropriate place.

Nobody eats until this is done. I see it as teaching respect for the person who is preparing them a meal. Not just food, a meal.