(Updated with Stacy Julian's links-just clink on them to check it out!)
Saturday-it seems to come so fast. I keep thinking that the summer is going so quickly. I want to sit and just enjoy it. I want to find a shady spot under a tree and read Anne of Green Gables. It is my favorite book/series ever. My Mom and I read the entire series many summers in a row. I need to do it again!
I have really had a very busy week. Where it is Smart Habit Saturday again I thought that I would look at what I have actually accomplished this week. I am really hard on myself so it is so easy to look at what I didn't get done.
Today I decided that I need to make a master list for all jobs that could possibly ever need done in this home. I KNOW all the things that need done. I have nightmares about the dirty baseboards and doorjams. I know that the hall closet is a crash waiting to happen. I can feel the clutter hiding behind closed doors in the furnace room. The problem? I am the only person that KNOWS what needs to be done. Everyone else walks around and looks at the dirty jam smeared across the wall and thinks "that is gross, Mom should really clean that up." Well, this Mom is tired of doing too much work!
So, what is my new Smart Habit Saturday habit? I am going to quit being the martyr and demand more from my family. My #2 said to me today after I had asked him to do his jobs--"Why do we have to do this? Kids aren't supposed to work!" I was ready to jump across the room and yell "that is the problem with our society, we have listened to people tell us that children shouldn't work. That is why we have 19-30 year olds that still live at home with their parents. They don't think that they should work!" Well, I am here to say that I feel that if you live in my house you have to help take care of it.
How am I going to get my family to buy in to this new regime? A really big 2x4 board! No,just kidding! One step at a time! However, I am going to us a technique that I learned in a former life as a special ed teacher. Detailed lists of tasks. I don't remember the official name of this method but we had to understand that many people just don't understand HOW to do some things. So, we have to break every task down into minute little details. I did this today for my two middle children. I made their lists about how/what to clean in the bathroom they are responsible for. I decided that I had to revamp the list to be so specific that it was ridiculous. However, if I have every little detail down on paper they can't argue that I didn't tell them to do it!
I am going to type these lists out so that I don't have to keep writing them. The benefit of this method is that I can add little things that seem to not be happening, more details if necessary.
Years ago I met a gal named Stacy Julian. I was her assistant at a scrapbooking convention. Since that time she has become the founding editor to Simple Scrapbooks Magazine. She travels, teaches etc. I totally respect this woman. She has five children. Four older boys and a brand new adopted little Korean girl. This woman is busy! She had to fly to SLC Ut often to do her job. Her husband is a busy doctor. This gal could just fly by the seat of her pants. However, she is so down to earth and simply organized that her life doesn't appear to be full of chaos.
Last week she posted on her blog about how she keeps her kids on schedule now that it is summer. I think that her ideas are fabulous! Check out Stacy's blog to get more details with pictures. I am thinking that I could have a clipboard somewhere in each bathroom with a checklist of what is supposed to be done when it is clean. I also think that I am going to have to make detailed lists of every cleaning job that happens in this home. I actually started a running list of those jobs that we do in those 2 minutes here and there. Things like--wipe down the baseboard in the bathrooom, wipe the smudges off the door, clean the garage door, clean cobwebs. The list is endless, however, if I don't write these things down, noone but me will ever know that they must be done.
So this week(despite the holiday) I am going to try and keep my kids picking up and doing the jobs that need done--because they live in this house!
For more SHS ideas check out the Lazy Organizer.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Progress!
This is what I have been doing this week!
Instead of this!
So, for the last 2 days I have been working on the mess that is my house and am feeling a bit more in control. If you walked in to my house today it would still look like a total disaster to you. You would not realize what I have done.
*15 loads of laundry
*huge flower bed weeded
*kitchen/dining room windowsills cleaned(yucky)
*baseboards and doorjams washed in utility/half bath
*3 out of 4 bathrooms cleaned(2 kids helped!) Windowsills and baseboards also!
*weed garden 1/2 mowed
*food fixed
*dishes unloaded and loaded 8 times
*made appointment with a cement cutter for my dryer move
All of these things are additional to the normal feeding, monitoring, reading, hugging, kissing and driving that has to happen if you have a family.
I have to toot my own horn occasionally. If I don't who will?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Laundry Woes!
Those of you with older children and more than 2---Do you have much laundry? Do you have your older children do their own? Do you have baskets for each child? What are your methods?
Laundry is ongoing so therefore it is never done! Luckily, I have a washer that heats the water and a dryer also! My Mom grew up when they had to heat the water on the coal stove and then use a wringer washer. We don't have it so bad--we just have too much!!!
Laundry is ongoing so therefore it is never done! Luckily, I have a washer that heats the water and a dryer also! My Mom grew up when they had to heat the water on the coal stove and then use a wringer washer. We don't have it so bad--we just have too much!!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Whose idea was this?
What a day! I decided that I was going to leave the mess(pictures should go here but my camera isn't hooked up!) and work on the built in desks for the kids bedrooms. After taking the Big Girl to tennis I started sanding the boards. I should have done this before I painted--hello. I know these things but sometimes we have brain cramps! Anyway, I started sanding and sanding and sanding. I then went back to pick up the Girl! I spent the next 7 hours working on painting stuff in the garage! Of course, during that time we had lunch, snacks, second lunch, snacks again. I also had to constantly be checking on the whereabouts of everyone. I really do understand why it costs so much to have people do work for you. The labor! These desks have taken more time than I ever dreamed. I haven't even installed them yet! I have only painted everything!
At 5:30 the sweet hubby comes home and looks at the mess in the garage and says "it looks like a true artist lives here!" I wish! At this point I start dinner, unload the dishwasher, load it back up--eewwh what was that smell? Clean off the counter and then feed everyone---on PAPER PLATES!
After dinner I decided that I was going to go and mow the weeds down in my "Garden of Potential." They are almost as tall as I am. This weed patch is not a tiny little spot, it is actually bigger than my old yard! I have grand plans for this wonderful space, just not the time (or help) to actually get to it. I used to be good at keeping the weeds sprayed with RoundUp and I also used pre-emergent stuff. Well,after having the baby I just haven't been able to get to it. Then the old lawn mower died. That was two summers ago! So, to say the least it is a mess! We bought a cheap push mower and I decided to go for it. I worked for at least 1 1/2 hours and got it 1/2 done! The mower and I ran out of gas.
After I mowed the weeds I decided to sit down and attack some of the weeds in my flower bed. It is a beautiful bed that surrounds our back patio. I got behind this spring, very behind and then I went to Germany for 10 days! That was the time that I usually do the early weeding--well, here we are, almost July and I am so paying for it! Oh,well!
So this has been a very busy day. My house is still a wreck, there is still laundry that isn't finished, but a few of the projects that weigh on me are a bit further down the road! Perhaps I will take a picture tomorrow of the "garden" with the mowing 1/2 finished, just to show how awful the weeds really are! I will have to hook up my camera! I have numerous pictures to share but, well-that is my life!
Oh! I was actually able to get into my wonderful big tub!(my back was killing me!) That is almost a miracle! Let's hope that tomorrow I can make some more progress! I just want to get these desks in and the shelves up! Laundry would also be good.
At 5:30 the sweet hubby comes home and looks at the mess in the garage and says "it looks like a true artist lives here!" I wish! At this point I start dinner, unload the dishwasher, load it back up--eewwh what was that smell? Clean off the counter and then feed everyone---on PAPER PLATES!
After dinner I decided that I was going to go and mow the weeds down in my "Garden of Potential." They are almost as tall as I am. This weed patch is not a tiny little spot, it is actually bigger than my old yard! I have grand plans for this wonderful space, just not the time (or help) to actually get to it. I used to be good at keeping the weeds sprayed with RoundUp and I also used pre-emergent stuff. Well,after having the baby I just haven't been able to get to it. Then the old lawn mower died. That was two summers ago! So, to say the least it is a mess! We bought a cheap push mower and I decided to go for it. I worked for at least 1 1/2 hours and got it 1/2 done! The mower and I ran out of gas.
After I mowed the weeds I decided to sit down and attack some of the weeds in my flower bed. It is a beautiful bed that surrounds our back patio. I got behind this spring, very behind and then I went to Germany for 10 days! That was the time that I usually do the early weeding--well, here we are, almost July and I am so paying for it! Oh,well!
So this has been a very busy day. My house is still a wreck, there is still laundry that isn't finished, but a few of the projects that weigh on me are a bit further down the road! Perhaps I will take a picture tomorrow of the "garden" with the mowing 1/2 finished, just to show how awful the weeds really are! I will have to hook up my camera! I have numerous pictures to share but, well-that is my life!
Oh! I was actually able to get into my wonderful big tub!(my back was killing me!) That is almost a miracle! Let's hope that tomorrow I can make some more progress! I just want to get these desks in and the shelves up! Laundry would also be good.
Help!
I am trying to work on my desk project. It is slow. I want to be able to just get it finished. However, I have the title of MOM. Therefore, I have to referee constantly. A distinct disadvantage of having children space so far apart. I just want to be able to have 3 days all by myself to finish some projects. I do need the handyman to help me! Okay, since that isn't going to happen in this lifetime I am living in a mess while trying to finish a project that I started an entire year ago!
Help!
Help!
Monday, June 25, 2007
It's Where Fun Is!
AMUSEMENT PARK! Those two words bring joy to the ears of children and total fear into the hearts of their parents!
Today I dared take my FOUR children to our local amusement park(Lagoon,Ut). My dear hubby bought us season passports. Wasn't that the sweetest thing a husband could do? Buy passports and tell you to all have fun(without him). There is one HUGE benefit of having season passes. You do not have to go from open until close! We got to the park at about 2:30 p.m and left at 5:30 p.m.! It was absolutely perfect timing! Everyone had gone on their favorite rides a time or two and they were all at that point that they needed to be fed real food and have a nap(particularly the Momma!) The next time we go we are going to go to the water park. It is just so hard to do both, it is just too tiring for the Mom and 2 year old.
This year is very different. The 7 yr old is tall enough and brave enough to go on almost any ride in the park-so that means that she can go with the 11 and 14 year olds and I can stay in kiddie land with the 2 year old! This works for me because I am getting old. Something happened to me having all these angels. I get sick on many of the rides that I used to love! Sometimes I am okay, but others--hold on! Today I about lost lunch on the flying aces. I really felt like I was going to lose it!
For any of you in the area, head on over to Lagoon-It's where fun is! (or so the adds say!)
Today I dared take my FOUR children to our local amusement park(Lagoon,Ut). My dear hubby bought us season passports. Wasn't that the sweetest thing a husband could do? Buy passports and tell you to all have fun(without him). There is one HUGE benefit of having season passes. You do not have to go from open until close! We got to the park at about 2:30 p.m and left at 5:30 p.m.! It was absolutely perfect timing! Everyone had gone on their favorite rides a time or two and they were all at that point that they needed to be fed real food and have a nap(particularly the Momma!) The next time we go we are going to go to the water park. It is just so hard to do both, it is just too tiring for the Mom and 2 year old.
This year is very different. The 7 yr old is tall enough and brave enough to go on almost any ride in the park-so that means that she can go with the 11 and 14 year olds and I can stay in kiddie land with the 2 year old! This works for me because I am getting old. Something happened to me having all these angels. I get sick on many of the rides that I used to love! Sometimes I am okay, but others--hold on! Today I about lost lunch on the flying aces. I really felt like I was going to lose it!
For any of you in the area, head on over to Lagoon-It's where fun is! (or so the adds say!)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Summertime fun
"Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?" Do any of you remember this song?
There is one line "and lazily dream and watch all the clouds go by? " I am hoping that I actually get a few days to do this!
We actually did have a very nice weekend. We went to the lake with seven children! It actually turned out good. They played in the water until they were totally waterlogged. We managed without much sunburn so that is a plus. My two nephews in from CO had so much fun. It was so fun to watch the cousins really become friends. They just don't get to see each other very much.
With so much playing in the sun my kids were all wiped out. All the kids exept the 2yr old fell asleep in church. It was rather funny.
Ok, I don't have anything wonderful to say!
There is one line "and lazily dream and watch all the clouds go by? " I am hoping that I actually get a few days to do this!
We actually did have a very nice weekend. We went to the lake with seven children! It actually turned out good. They played in the water until they were totally waterlogged. We managed without much sunburn so that is a plus. My two nephews in from CO had so much fun. It was so fun to watch the cousins really become friends. They just don't get to see each other very much.
With so much playing in the sun my kids were all wiped out. All the kids exept the 2yr old fell asleep in church. It was rather funny.
Ok, I don't have anything wonderful to say!
Friday, June 22, 2007
FUN
Heading to the lake for a little overnighter. We will spend tomorrow playing in the water and sand. The boat is in for repairs(again) so we will be using the wave runners(which are a blast). We have at least 3 extra children going! it will be crazy! but good!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Girls Camp
Do any of you remember Girls Camp? Well, I got to go last night to spend the evening with my 14 year old at Girls camp.(church camp LDS for girls 12-18) It was a fun evening. It was so nice to see all the girls having so much fun. This time in their lives is so full of difficult choices that it is so refreshing to see them being fun and silly and just playing. I am so glad that the big girl went. Those that didn't really missed out on a great experience.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
What day is it and what's my name?
Okay, it is Wednesday and my house looks like a bomb went off. What is new with that? you ask. Well, nothing and that is the problem!
We took the afternoon yesterday to go to the lake with the newly repaired boat. It was a perfect day, with warm temperatures and no wind. We drove into the middle of the lake and then swam, made sandwiches(with the handle of a comb-we washed it! I forgot the knife!). We were going to do some waterskiing when the boat acted badly. We barely made it back to the trailer! We have had such bad luck with this new toy. The friends we bought it from are so sick. They are not the type of people to sell something that doesn't work.
Last night our poochie started just screaming. We couldn't figure out what was wrong. It was as if something was biting her inside her ear. She was totally freaked out! I took her to the vet this morning and she had fox tail weeds inside her ear. So, she had to be put under to have them removed. One more thing to add to our nutty life! Poor little poochie, she is sleeping now. That was an expensive morning!
So, I have plans to work on my list but I can't get past this mess! Wish me luck!
We took the afternoon yesterday to go to the lake with the newly repaired boat. It was a perfect day, with warm temperatures and no wind. We drove into the middle of the lake and then swam, made sandwiches(with the handle of a comb-we washed it! I forgot the knife!). We were going to do some waterskiing when the boat acted badly. We barely made it back to the trailer! We have had such bad luck with this new toy. The friends we bought it from are so sick. They are not the type of people to sell something that doesn't work.
Last night our poochie started just screaming. We couldn't figure out what was wrong. It was as if something was biting her inside her ear. She was totally freaked out! I took her to the vet this morning and she had fox tail weeds inside her ear. So, she had to be put under to have them removed. One more thing to add to our nutty life! Poor little poochie, she is sleeping now. That was an expensive morning!
So, I have plans to work on my list but I can't get past this mess! Wish me luck!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Monday!
It's Monday already! We had a whirlwind trip starting Thursday morning. We took a young single adult group from hubbies church to Manti, Utah. There is an outside performance done there called the Mormon Miracle Pageant. It was incredible! We had a great evening and then we got up EARLY to go the the Temple. It was a very special day. We had a fireside that evening that was really powerful. Saturday we went to a large waterslide park. It was fun to watch everyone really having such a good time.
I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this activity. These are some really strong young people. They are in a very difficult stage of life. Most of them are really trying to live a good solid, strong life. They are all so smart and vibrant. It is fun to be with them.
Coming home is a shocker(as always). It is just so much of the same stuff. The same stuff that I struggle with always. So, trying not to dwell on it and just getting it done.
I was going to the gym, planning on a great spin class. Just as we turned the corner, almost to the gym, angel boy pukes! Eewwh! We had to drop off the big girl for tennis and then head home to clean the mess up! One of the many joys of motherhood!!!
I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this activity. These are some really strong young people. They are in a very difficult stage of life. Most of them are really trying to live a good solid, strong life. They are all so smart and vibrant. It is fun to be with them.
Coming home is a shocker(as always). It is just so much of the same stuff. The same stuff that I struggle with always. So, trying not to dwell on it and just getting it done.
I was going to the gym, planning on a great spin class. Just as we turned the corner, almost to the gym, angel boy pukes! Eewwh! We had to drop off the big girl for tennis and then head home to clean the mess up! One of the many joys of motherhood!!!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
200th post
This is my 200th post! That is a lot about nothing!
We are on our way to a huge singles ward activity-will be back Saturday!
We are on our way to a huge singles ward activity-will be back Saturday!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
A bit of progress!
Remember my big list? Well, as always, I am trying to accomplish a few things on that list. Since I am trying to be a finisher instead of just a starter I am looking at this list and trying to find things to cross off!
Well, today we have made a bit of progress!
On the list is to go through all 4 kids clothes and bedrooms. Well, today the big girl went through her clothes and got rid of two bags! Her cousin went through them and took one bag for herself! The big boy worked on his room(a miracle in itself) and he really made a difference. He is one of those kids that really could live in a huvel and it wouldn't phase him! We stripped his bed to wash so he didn't get it made yet but it was a huge step!!
Now, what have you finished? I am going to go and finish putting my laundry away!(Another small miracle!)
Well, today we have made a bit of progress!
On the list is to go through all 4 kids clothes and bedrooms. Well, today the big girl went through her clothes and got rid of two bags! Her cousin went through them and took one bag for herself! The big boy worked on his room(a miracle in itself) and he really made a difference. He is one of those kids that really could live in a huvel and it wouldn't phase him! We stripped his bed to wash so he didn't get it made yet but it was a huge step!!
Now, what have you finished? I am going to go and finish putting my laundry away!(Another small miracle!)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Baby Steps!
I have been thinking about "finishing." Today I went to the gym and came home and got busy cleaning up. My mop broke so I had to mop on my knees. My Mom used to always do this-I hated it! Well, I am glad that I know how because my floor was icky,sticky.
I am planning to start painting the wood for the desks tonight or tomorrow morning. We have baseball and softball tonight along with the ward Family Home Evening. I am not sure if I will be able to make it to FHE. I want to support hubbies ward as much as possible but I have to take care of home first. It is sometimes quite difficult to do it all!
I am going to go and call about the frames for the magnent boards, perhaps I can pick them up!
I am going to go and hang up the basket in my bathroom.
What are you finishing today?
I am planning to start painting the wood for the desks tonight or tomorrow morning. We have baseball and softball tonight along with the ward Family Home Evening. I am not sure if I will be able to make it to FHE. I want to support hubbies ward as much as possible but I have to take care of home first. It is sometimes quite difficult to do it all!
I am going to go and call about the frames for the magnent boards, perhaps I can pick them up!
I am going to go and hang up the basket in my bathroom.
What are you finishing today?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Starter or Finisher?
Are you a starter or a finisher?
This was one of the topics in church today. The focus of the meeting was commitments. The question was asked, are you a starter or a finisher? I hate to say it but I am often a starter. I have great ideas, purchase the goods, make the plans and then never quite get it finished. I hate this about myself.
I believe that most of us are more like this than we would like to admit. I know people that have had rooms in their home in process for 11 years. All it needs is painted. I know another person who had this beautiful wallpaper purchased and stashed under a bed. When it was finally installed the receipt was in the bag--8 years! I have a wire basket shelf that I bought three maybe four years ago-it is supposed to go above my toilet. It is still sitting on my bedroom floor where it has kicked around all this time.
Why do we do this to ourselves? I know all of my excuses. I have too much laundry, dishes, errands, etc.etc. etc. Why do we make these excuses?
What other aspects of our lives do we start but not finish? Have we started reading our scriptures, intending to complete a book and then stopped midway? Have you ever started an exercise program and stuck with it for 3 weeks?
What does it take to be finishers instead of only starters?
I have thought of a few basic things--they are easy to type-hard to bring to fruition!
#1 Make a plan-what I want to accomplish
#2 How can it be accomplished?
#3 What is needed to accomplish it?
#4 What time frame is needed?
#5 Is it a one time project or a life project?
#6 Do I need someone else's help--if so, whom?
These are only a few off the top of my head. I know that this post is mainly for me. I have so many projects that I have wanted to do for years. I have to start just doing them. I bought a large metal star for my house LAST SUMMER! It has sat on my front porch ever since. I needed to have Hubby's help with a mason bit. Yesterday we were outside and I asked him again. He stood up, went and got the bit and mason screw and had it in in less than five minutes. An entire year and this project took less than five minutes! How many things do we put off that would take so little time?
What are some things that you have put off that you just need to take a few minutes to make a plan and accomplish it?
*I am going to make sure I have all the materials for the desks in the kids rooms-I am also going to get the wood all painted. I may not get them installed until after next week, because we will be gone Thurs-Saturday. I am going to get them finished
*I ordered frames for the metal magnetic boards--that I have had since last JULY. I just have to pick them up and do the finish work!
*Read my scriptures. I am very good at avoiding this. I come up with all kinds of lame excuses. They are the worst kind-if I have time to go to the gym, blog, read a book(oh, I don't do enough of that) I certainly have enough time to read my scriptures. They should be BEFORE the other things.
Are you committed? I didn't ask if you needed committed, are you committed to making your life what you want it? Are you willing to make the effort to get what you want out of life?
I will keep you posted on how I do. Awhile ago I wrote a SHS post about my lifestyle goals. I need to pull them out again and start again. Babysteps, we keep going, doing something! Avoiding gets us nowhere!
This was one of the topics in church today. The focus of the meeting was commitments. The question was asked, are you a starter or a finisher? I hate to say it but I am often a starter. I have great ideas, purchase the goods, make the plans and then never quite get it finished. I hate this about myself.
I believe that most of us are more like this than we would like to admit. I know people that have had rooms in their home in process for 11 years. All it needs is painted. I know another person who had this beautiful wallpaper purchased and stashed under a bed. When it was finally installed the receipt was in the bag--8 years! I have a wire basket shelf that I bought three maybe four years ago-it is supposed to go above my toilet. It is still sitting on my bedroom floor where it has kicked around all this time.
Why do we do this to ourselves? I know all of my excuses. I have too much laundry, dishes, errands, etc.etc. etc. Why do we make these excuses?
What other aspects of our lives do we start but not finish? Have we started reading our scriptures, intending to complete a book and then stopped midway? Have you ever started an exercise program and stuck with it for 3 weeks?
What does it take to be finishers instead of only starters?
I have thought of a few basic things--they are easy to type-hard to bring to fruition!
#1 Make a plan-what I want to accomplish
#2 How can it be accomplished?
#3 What is needed to accomplish it?
#4 What time frame is needed?
#5 Is it a one time project or a life project?
#6 Do I need someone else's help--if so, whom?
These are only a few off the top of my head. I know that this post is mainly for me. I have so many projects that I have wanted to do for years. I have to start just doing them. I bought a large metal star for my house LAST SUMMER! It has sat on my front porch ever since. I needed to have Hubby's help with a mason bit. Yesterday we were outside and I asked him again. He stood up, went and got the bit and mason screw and had it in in less than five minutes. An entire year and this project took less than five minutes! How many things do we put off that would take so little time?
What are some things that you have put off that you just need to take a few minutes to make a plan and accomplish it?
*I am going to make sure I have all the materials for the desks in the kids rooms-I am also going to get the wood all painted. I may not get them installed until after next week, because we will be gone Thurs-Saturday. I am going to get them finished
*I ordered frames for the metal magnetic boards--that I have had since last JULY. I just have to pick them up and do the finish work!
*Read my scriptures. I am very good at avoiding this. I come up with all kinds of lame excuses. They are the worst kind-if I have time to go to the gym, blog, read a book(oh, I don't do enough of that) I certainly have enough time to read my scriptures. They should be BEFORE the other things.
Are you committed? I didn't ask if you needed committed, are you committed to making your life what you want it? Are you willing to make the effort to get what you want out of life?
I will keep you posted on how I do. Awhile ago I wrote a SHS post about my lifestyle goals. I need to pull them out again and start again. Babysteps, we keep going, doing something! Avoiding gets us nowhere!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Saturday-Already?
Wow, this week has gone so fast! The first full week of summer vacation. We have played and played and made many messes. The weather was wonderful at the beginning and then turned COLD! I am hoping that we will get some more beautiful weather!
It is time again for Smart Habit Saturday sponsored by the Lazy Organizer my friend Lara.
This last week I decided to try and eliminate artificial sweeteners from my diet. Mainly this meant no more diet soda.
How have I done with this? I have done super!!! I have not had even ONE diet coke. I think I might have had a swallow of hubbies on Monday-not sure however. Since then I have not had any pop. I did break and have a bit of a REAL full sugar coke. It was so sweet it about gagged me! I also couldn't really enjoy it because I kept thinking of all the sugar in it. So, I am doing great. Also, I do think that it may actually have abit to do with my stomach problems. I have had a really good week. Not one really bad day. That is amazing. It isn't like I have problems every day but every few days. So, I am keeping a little log(maybe I should actually write it on paper instead of in my mind) about my stomach.
So, this week my new habit is to drink MORE WATER! Not terribly original but healthy. I did good this week but I feel like I should drink even more. I am going to figure out a way to chart how much I am actually drinking. Perhaps I have been drinking more than I thought!
My other main habit I have been working on all year is my counter. I did so so this week. It is just such a daily thing that I get so tired of it. It helps my attitude if it is clean so I know that I need to work harder on it.
Another habit that has been in process is exercising. I did quite lousy this week. I went Monday and Tuesday and then no more. I have to figure out how to get this to also be a habit again. It is more difficult now that I am dealing with all 4 of my children. I usually go in the morning after the big kids are in school. Now that they are home it is harder to get there. I don't want to make excuses, I just want to get there. So, a new emphasis this week-if I can't get to the gym I need to run from home!
If you are interested in more good ideas check out the Lazy Organizer.
It is time again for Smart Habit Saturday sponsored by the Lazy Organizer my friend Lara.
This last week I decided to try and eliminate artificial sweeteners from my diet. Mainly this meant no more diet soda.
How have I done with this? I have done super!!! I have not had even ONE diet coke. I think I might have had a swallow of hubbies on Monday-not sure however. Since then I have not had any pop. I did break and have a bit of a REAL full sugar coke. It was so sweet it about gagged me! I also couldn't really enjoy it because I kept thinking of all the sugar in it. So, I am doing great. Also, I do think that it may actually have abit to do with my stomach problems. I have had a really good week. Not one really bad day. That is amazing. It isn't like I have problems every day but every few days. So, I am keeping a little log(maybe I should actually write it on paper instead of in my mind) about my stomach.
So, this week my new habit is to drink MORE WATER! Not terribly original but healthy. I did good this week but I feel like I should drink even more. I am going to figure out a way to chart how much I am actually drinking. Perhaps I have been drinking more than I thought!
My other main habit I have been working on all year is my counter. I did so so this week. It is just such a daily thing that I get so tired of it. It helps my attitude if it is clean so I know that I need to work harder on it.
Another habit that has been in process is exercising. I did quite lousy this week. I went Monday and Tuesday and then no more. I have to figure out how to get this to also be a habit again. It is more difficult now that I am dealing with all 4 of my children. I usually go in the morning after the big kids are in school. Now that they are home it is harder to get there. I don't want to make excuses, I just want to get there. So, a new emphasis this week-if I can't get to the gym I need to run from home!
If you are interested in more good ideas check out the Lazy Organizer.
Talents or short comings?
Do you ever feel like a real dork? Are you the one that is always bringing the cutest plate full of cookies or the neat little craft? I am so not that person. However, I want to be that person! Isn't that crazy? I want to be the one that knows all the cool recipes, has cute hair, my kids clothes are darling, I know just how to make this and make that. I feel like I am barely able to scrape together enough clean clothes that my family can put on, much less actually have them be cute!
What are your strengths? Have you ever actually written them down? I remember having to do this type of thing while in school. It is so easy to come up with our shortcomings, yet difficult to find our talents. Why is this?
So, I am going to try and think of some things that I am good at. Cooking is not one of them!!
What are your strengths? Have you ever actually written them down? I remember having to do this type of thing while in school. It is so easy to come up with our shortcomings, yet difficult to find our talents. Why is this?
So, I am going to try and think of some things that I am good at. Cooking is not one of them!!
My sweet spot!
My very first peonies are in bloom! I transplanted some peonies last year from the Master Gardeners garden(they were getting rid of them). I didn't know if they would live in our frozen climate. They are also a little finicky about being transplanted! They are so beautiful!
This picture was actually taken by 7 year old little Missy! She did a great job! If you look closely you can see that she even caught a bee in the picture!
I hope that you can enjoy a little beauty today!
(for those of you that don't know, you can click on an image and usually it will be enlarged so you can see it better!)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Extrinsic/Intrinsic
I have been thinking about what I should write. Then I thought about why I should or should not write. I have a friend who writes really entertaining posts. They are always a hit. I have decided that I am just not that funny! I have also read posts that are depressing(I rarely read them again if every entry is depressing).
So, why do I do this blog? Is it for my own ego? Is it to record my own thoughts? I don't really write down a lot of my deep inner thoughts because well, they are just too personal for the world to have access to. I don't blog about all the disagreements and squabbles that we have around our house. That would be depressing. So--what to write and why?
This is just me rambling! I don't know why, I just do. I do think that it has to do with ego! It is a strange thing to put a bit of info out there and let strangers read it. Weird actually!
Today was the two older kids spring piano recital. #1 broke(or sprained) her middle finger at softball the other night-so she didn't perform. This did not hurt her feelings considering she puts the piano right up there in importance with cleaning the toilet. #2 did play one number and he did really well. He really could learn to play well if he actually would realize his ability and practice. I struggle to have them practice. It is often such a struggle that I just forget. I really want them to be able to read music and play for enjoyment. I would also like them to be able to play hymns well enough that if they were somewhere where noone played the piano they could do it.
I don't know how to get this generation to value anything that one has to really work at. I believe that we are rewarded extrinsically so often that we don't understand WHY we do something. I want for my children to understand that they do things because it is the right thing to do, it makes them feel good inside, they learn from it, it helps someone else. I want them to understand things intrinsically. That is MUCH more difficult than it sounds.
We are all motivated by extrinsic forces. Sad but true! I want to change that. I am trying to drink more water because I KNOW that it is better for my body. It is hard for me. I want to really exercise hard because it is good for my heart and body-not just because it will make my butt smaller!
Today my little #3 girl needed to clean her room. She is a little crazy girl! She is a little flighty. She gets distracted very easily(I wonder where she gets that?) So, I went into her room and we made a list about what she needed to do to clean up her room. Pick up books, pick up garbage, etc. etc. It was amazing how well this worked for her. I have done this before with her and I know that it is the best way to help her focus. What I did however, after she came to me and said she had crossed off everything on the list, I asked her how she felt when her room looked so pretty? She said good. I want her to know that it is nice to live in a clean place.Not just because Mom wants it clean but because she feels more at peace when it is clean and tidy. She was so proud of her clean bedroom that she had to show her cousin(who's Mom has won the Clean Mom of the year for the last 12 years running!) Now to really get it to sink in. Does this happen in a home that seems to be bursting at the seems daily? I try,I really do try to keep a clean house. I am very poor at keeping my children on task. Therefore, often they just don't think. They drop anything and everything.
Being constant is the key. I realize this. HOW TO DO IT 24/7? Anyone have any really effective ideas?
#1 is to get rid of all the junk. I am going to start working on this again. It is amazing how much better my pantry has been since I organized it. I have a little bit of tweaking in there and a few more labels and I will take a picture--it is working-which is a miracle!
#2 I think that responsibility is also important. I just fail miserably at this. Making everyone be responsible. They just think that I will do it--usually I do. It makes me grumpy. I want to be happy and feel joy in my home.When I am doing too much work I don't feel like the nice Mommy I want to be. So, it is MY JOB to figure out how to really get my children to feel responsible for themselves and their stuff.
How Do I get them to feel responsible?
Suggestions? Please feel free to comment!
So, why do I do this blog? Is it for my own ego? Is it to record my own thoughts? I don't really write down a lot of my deep inner thoughts because well, they are just too personal for the world to have access to. I don't blog about all the disagreements and squabbles that we have around our house. That would be depressing. So--what to write and why?
This is just me rambling! I don't know why, I just do. I do think that it has to do with ego! It is a strange thing to put a bit of info out there and let strangers read it. Weird actually!
Today was the two older kids spring piano recital. #1 broke(or sprained) her middle finger at softball the other night-so she didn't perform. This did not hurt her feelings considering she puts the piano right up there in importance with cleaning the toilet. #2 did play one number and he did really well. He really could learn to play well if he actually would realize his ability and practice. I struggle to have them practice. It is often such a struggle that I just forget. I really want them to be able to read music and play for enjoyment. I would also like them to be able to play hymns well enough that if they were somewhere where noone played the piano they could do it.
I don't know how to get this generation to value anything that one has to really work at. I believe that we are rewarded extrinsically so often that we don't understand WHY we do something. I want for my children to understand that they do things because it is the right thing to do, it makes them feel good inside, they learn from it, it helps someone else. I want them to understand things intrinsically. That is MUCH more difficult than it sounds.
We are all motivated by extrinsic forces. Sad but true! I want to change that. I am trying to drink more water because I KNOW that it is better for my body. It is hard for me. I want to really exercise hard because it is good for my heart and body-not just because it will make my butt smaller!
Today my little #3 girl needed to clean her room. She is a little crazy girl! She is a little flighty. She gets distracted very easily(I wonder where she gets that?) So, I went into her room and we made a list about what she needed to do to clean up her room. Pick up books, pick up garbage, etc. etc. It was amazing how well this worked for her. I have done this before with her and I know that it is the best way to help her focus. What I did however, after she came to me and said she had crossed off everything on the list, I asked her how she felt when her room looked so pretty? She said good. I want her to know that it is nice to live in a clean place.Not just because Mom wants it clean but because she feels more at peace when it is clean and tidy. She was so proud of her clean bedroom that she had to show her cousin(who's Mom has won the Clean Mom of the year for the last 12 years running!) Now to really get it to sink in. Does this happen in a home that seems to be bursting at the seems daily? I try,I really do try to keep a clean house. I am very poor at keeping my children on task. Therefore, often they just don't think. They drop anything and everything.
Being constant is the key. I realize this. HOW TO DO IT 24/7? Anyone have any really effective ideas?
#1 is to get rid of all the junk. I am going to start working on this again. It is amazing how much better my pantry has been since I organized it. I have a little bit of tweaking in there and a few more labels and I will take a picture--it is working-which is a miracle!
#2 I think that responsibility is also important. I just fail miserably at this. Making everyone be responsible. They just think that I will do it--usually I do. It makes me grumpy. I want to be happy and feel joy in my home.When I am doing too much work I don't feel like the nice Mommy I want to be. So, it is MY JOB to figure out how to really get my children to feel responsible for themselves and their stuff.
How Do I get them to feel responsible?
Suggestions? Please feel free to comment!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Rain,Rain,Rain
It is a dark, wet, dreary-rather depressing day here at the Chaos household. I tried to enlist help and it lasted for about 10 minutes. So-I hope that we get a bright and cheery day soon. A maid would also be nice!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
How do you do it?
Are you a structured summer person or an unstructured summer person?
I am totally unstructured. To the point that my house is a wreck!(what's new?) Little boy wanted to be outside so out we went. I had actually planned to work on the mess that is my life. However, out we went. I did get some work done in my flowers. They are quite negelected this year. Between Hubby being gone so much and 4 kids I am always behind!
Oh, well!
So, how to you keep sane in the summer when you have older children, therefore more goings and comings?
I am totally unstructured. To the point that my house is a wreck!(what's new?) Little boy wanted to be outside so out we went. I had actually planned to work on the mess that is my life. However, out we went. I did get some work done in my flowers. They are quite negelected this year. Between Hubby being gone so much and 4 kids I am always behind!
Oh, well!
So, how to you keep sane in the summer when you have older children, therefore more goings and comings?
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Smart Habit Saturday
Sunday-the end and the beginning. Tomorrow starts a new week. The first full week of summer vacation. That is good and bad. We are already tired. It is also difficult because of the ages of my children. Not sure yet how to keep everyone happy-including the Momma!
I haven't participated in Smart Habit Saturday for quite awhile. So I am going to jump in again. I am still working on everything-life is full of constants! My counter is still a challenge. I LOVE it when it is clean. It is just so much the center of everything that it is hard to keep clean. So, all the other potential habits are still there. I am adding a new one.
NO Artificial sweeteners. Which really means, no soda.
I have a lot of stomach/bowel problems(I know--too much information). I have been learning about a lot of artificial sweeteners. Particularly sorbitol and maltitol. These are common sweeteners in "Sugar Free" foods. Lots of products aimed at diabetics use these sweeteners. The problem is that they are known to have a laxative effect. The packages sometimes will ready, in tiny print "May cause a laxative effect in large quantities". Well, in my research, online and by personal experience, the term large quantities---is very, very misleading. Some people are so sensitive(me) that a piece of sugar free orbit gum (almost all gum now has sorbitol in it) will cause problems. Sorbitol is in all kinds of products, I found it in some granola bars, which I knew caused me problems, I just didn't know why. I thought it was the fiber in the oats.
So, why all this info? Well, my new habit is to stop drinking any soda. I have been a diet pop drinker. Not all the time, but enough that it is a regular habit. I have read that there is research that is supporting all kinds of problems with nutrasweet/aspertame. So, I am going to try to basically stick to water!
Wish me luck!
For more ideas check out the Lazy Organizer for others Smart Habit Saturday
I haven't participated in Smart Habit Saturday for quite awhile. So I am going to jump in again. I am still working on everything-life is full of constants! My counter is still a challenge. I LOVE it when it is clean. It is just so much the center of everything that it is hard to keep clean. So, all the other potential habits are still there. I am adding a new one.
NO Artificial sweeteners. Which really means, no soda.
I have a lot of stomach/bowel problems(I know--too much information). I have been learning about a lot of artificial sweeteners. Particularly sorbitol and maltitol. These are common sweeteners in "Sugar Free" foods. Lots of products aimed at diabetics use these sweeteners. The problem is that they are known to have a laxative effect. The packages sometimes will ready, in tiny print "May cause a laxative effect in large quantities". Well, in my research, online and by personal experience, the term large quantities---is very, very misleading. Some people are so sensitive(me) that a piece of sugar free orbit gum (almost all gum now has sorbitol in it) will cause problems. Sorbitol is in all kinds of products, I found it in some granola bars, which I knew caused me problems, I just didn't know why. I thought it was the fiber in the oats.
So, why all this info? Well, my new habit is to stop drinking any soda. I have been a diet pop drinker. Not all the time, but enough that it is a regular habit. I have read that there is research that is supporting all kinds of problems with nutrasweet/aspertame. So, I am going to try to basically stick to water!
Wish me luck!
For more ideas check out the Lazy Organizer for others Smart Habit Saturday
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Crazy Hair!
After a big day playing outside what could be better than a warm bath followed by a soft towel? Only a sweet boy with crazy hair!!
Friday, June 01, 2007
I need a nap
The first full day of summer vacation---I already need a break! We had a very late night and then went to lunch with all the cousins then they played and played and played-then we went to Shrek 3. It was cute but I am officially done with Shrek. Enough. We were going to go to the drive in but got vetoed. Came home and the kids played again. We had to drag them in! #2 has a ball game in the morning-I am already tired thinking about it!
Can I handle this much fun?
Can I handle this much fun?
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