Momof4, I do exactly what you have described. I buy supplies on weekends, but craft prep is all done while the kids play. I keep it pretty simple, so there isn't a ton for me to do...mostly taping paper to the table, getting paints out and brushes, etc. I use my leftover family dinner as daycare lunch for the next day, so that is double duty as well. I try not to think about daycare in my evenings..that way I can enjoy my own kids