Use this time to hire a great nanny/house manager if you really want things to go swimmingly! Changed our lives to have our wonderful nanny/house-manager.

Teach them to do things for themselves. Both kids should be able to brush their hair and get most of the knots out. Both should be able to get dressed - maybe the 5 yr old needs occasional help and shoe-tying. The 8 yr old should be able to make breakfast and lunch. Both should be cleaning up after eating breakfast.

Be clear on the expectations from. your kids. "Larlo and Larla, I won't be home until 6pm M-TH so Mrs. Jones will take you to soccer. Dinner will be a bit later too so I'll leave extra snacks out on the table. Also, would you mind walking the dog and also picking out what chips and fruit you want for school lunch and put them in your lunch bag". You get the idea.

Prep, streamline, and life hacks.

(I set the non-perishable part of the breakfast table before I go to bed the night before to streamline the morning rush...just so much easier when the toaster/bread is out on the counter already, place settings, water is already poured, etc).

Family calendar with activities.
Schedule appointments.

Definitely meal prep.
Can you also meal plan?

I'm on an unexpected hiatus from work between contracts. The next one starts in a month and looks like it will be longer hours/more stressful. How can I best use this time between contracts to get everything set up to go more smoothly when I'm back to work full time? I've already started purging things from the house we don't need, began holiday shopping and am hoping to get a few meals in the freezer to use later. What else should I be thinking of to take care of to be able to stay on top of things when I don't have the time later? Kids are 8 and 5. Thanks!