If you like our plan to pay for above and beyond chores, here's our list of to-dos:
Feed Leo and Kerzon... .25
Feed Chickens & collect eggs....25
Sweep and Vacuum Ziva's room......25
Wash Ziva's floor......25
Wash dining room chairs......25
Sweep Kitchen/ dining room.....25
Make Mommy's bed........25 (no, I am not slacking- they enjoy doing this, especially Kiera, so it's a gimme for her to do it :-)
Help Mommy w/ Daily cleaning.... 25+
So far, rewards are as follows:
Treat (yogos, capri sun, cookie)....50
Confiscated toy (something they've left out and I picked up, such as jewelry or other small items they need to remember to pick up before Isaac starts crawling)....$1
Anything I purchase for them... The actual retail value, to the nearest .25.
I am starting with quarters so it's not too confusing for them to get. After we are good with those, I may add some cheaper treats, and more expensive chores. I don't know what yet... but praying for wisdom to keep it exciting :-)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Eight Days later...
Our computer got a bug. Several bugs. Annoying.
Anyway, I am so thankful that Gabe has the patience to figure out which bug it is, and how to fix it. And while I didn't like spending the $ at the time, I am thankful that we have the laptop so he can go online to find the information he needs to do so.
A lot has happened the last week. Here's a few update :-)
Daily cleaning list: I like the way this works. I only have to focus on one thing per day, and it keeps the house tidier overall. The problem I am encountering is that the days when Gabe is sleeping, I have a hard time fitting in the routine in that room. And at some point every two weeks, Gabe is sleeping every day. I have not yet found a solution to this hindrance.
Chore Chart: We are instituting a chore chart for the girls to use to earn money, which they then can use to buy snacks, confiscated toys, and special items that we will purchase and then they can earn $ to purchase from us. This morning they were so eager to get started! Kiera washed the dining room chairs and then helped Melia finish Ziva's room. Melia swept, vacuumed, and washed the floor in Ziva's room. They each earned .50. Kiera promptly spent hers on snacks, as expected! And Melia had picked a few things out of the AVON catalog which she wanted to save up for- so she's saving hers. I like this. I am encouraged by their enthusiasm.
Ezri: Ezri died this morning. I was suprised yesterday to find her suddenly weakened, as in a state of organ failure. I recognized this because right after Gabe and I were married, my cat Spook took a very sudden turn for the worst, and Ezri had the same look in her eyes. This time it was easier on me though- I knew that if I took her in to the vet, I would probably get the same reaction as I did when Spook died. They basically said there's nothing they can do. IV's with fluids, force feeding Nutrical, but Spook died within 2 days, so I knew Ezri was not going to recover. I brought her in the house, put her in a box with a cushion and water, and tried to keep her comfortable. It's hard emotionally, especially with not knowing what went wrong. But it's done now. At least the suffering is short with whatever causes this sudden illness. So these two kittens are the last ones we will have. And I'm ok with that too. Having kids and kittens is pretty difficult, so it's alright to be done. Although it may be harder to let them go...*sniff*
Anyway, I am so thankful that Gabe has the patience to figure out which bug it is, and how to fix it. And while I didn't like spending the $ at the time, I am thankful that we have the laptop so he can go online to find the information he needs to do so.
A lot has happened the last week. Here's a few update :-)
Daily cleaning list: I like the way this works. I only have to focus on one thing per day, and it keeps the house tidier overall. The problem I am encountering is that the days when Gabe is sleeping, I have a hard time fitting in the routine in that room. And at some point every two weeks, Gabe is sleeping every day. I have not yet found a solution to this hindrance.
Chore Chart: We are instituting a chore chart for the girls to use to earn money, which they then can use to buy snacks, confiscated toys, and special items that we will purchase and then they can earn $ to purchase from us. This morning they were so eager to get started! Kiera washed the dining room chairs and then helped Melia finish Ziva's room. Melia swept, vacuumed, and washed the floor in Ziva's room. They each earned .50. Kiera promptly spent hers on snacks, as expected! And Melia had picked a few things out of the AVON catalog which she wanted to save up for- so she's saving hers. I like this. I am encouraged by their enthusiasm.
Ezri: Ezri died this morning. I was suprised yesterday to find her suddenly weakened, as in a state of organ failure. I recognized this because right after Gabe and I were married, my cat Spook took a very sudden turn for the worst, and Ezri had the same look in her eyes. This time it was easier on me though- I knew that if I took her in to the vet, I would probably get the same reaction as I did when Spook died. They basically said there's nothing they can do. IV's with fluids, force feeding Nutrical, but Spook died within 2 days, so I knew Ezri was not going to recover. I brought her in the house, put her in a box with a cushion and water, and tried to keep her comfortable. It's hard emotionally, especially with not knowing what went wrong. But it's done now. At least the suffering is short with whatever causes this sudden illness. So these two kittens are the last ones we will have. And I'm ok with that too. Having kids and kittens is pretty difficult, so it's alright to be done. Although it may be harder to let them go...*sniff*
Monday, September 21, 2009
Gift Wish Lists
There are
numerous items on Amazon.com on Denaye's wish list for most all
members of the family, Melia's book list is under my list. It looks like you should be able to get to Gabe's list through mine as well, but I'm not sure.
Gabe
L-XL clothes
(roomy)sporting goods gift cards (Hooked On Toys, Big 5, Bimart, Walmart)
Denaye
silicon baking
liners2 cup glass measuring cup
mini whisk
bamboo cutting boards (examples on amazon)
Fred Meyer, Costco, Coffee, Amazon, Target gift cards
classical music cds
chalkboard paint
new waffle iron
crossbow :)
Melia
Joanns' or Hobby
Lobby gift cards (knitting, jewelry)
Academic Toolbox gift cards
Schleich animals/horses
Hair design book/ideas/braiding'
Palace Pets (Pipkin preferably)
maybe a jewelry making book?
Size 10-12 clothes
Socks (shoe size 4)
PJs
Kiera
Schleich bunny
setAcademic toolbox gift card
Caroline American Girl Mini Set
Stretch pants/clothes size 7-8
socks (shoe size 13)
PJs
Isaac
race cars and
trainswatch (spiderman, Cars, Trains are all ideal)
Size 4T clothes, pjs.
New water bottle (ideas on amazon)
Caleb
Toddler socks (18 mo+)
size 18 mo clothes winter
size 24 mo summer
new water bottle (ideas on amazon)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Melia's rendition of John 3:16
John 3:16
For God so loved the world He gave His only gotten Son, Whoever believes in Him Should not be punished but have everliving lasting life.
*grin*
For God so loved the world He gave His only gotten Son, Whoever believes in Him Should not be punished but have everliving lasting life.
*grin*
NGJ Order Here!
Ok, so for those of you who wrote earlier this year that you wanted some of the NGJ products, I have you down. If anyone else is interested, let me know. I arrived home on Wednesday to find a box bigger than me on the deck :-) It was like Christmas! So fun, and I can't wait to explore the goodies that I haven't read or heard yet!
And... Friday's Cleaning Job done.
Today was a little harder. They hate picking up their stuff. Not even the ominous "If I have to come in there, I'm going to throw everything on the floor away" works on Kiera. She just says, "My toys go in the garbage." Onery thing she is- trying to use reverse psychology on her mother. Hmph.
But we finished. It was bigger today, as it will be for this first week. And now they are happily eating juicy pluots :-)
But we finished. It was bigger today, as it will be for this first week. And now they are happily eating juicy pluots :-)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
What Works For Me: I don't know yet, but I am trying...
Yesterday at Co-op, I discovered that 3 of the 4 hours I am in the nursery (to be expected) and the other hour I am a hall monitor. Now, when I first learned of this "job," I was less than thrilled. But now, I am more than thrilled. I basically get to sit by myself for 55 minutes in the hallway, being a monitor. Sound fun? I know- but it is SO NICE! (Can you tell I am just up to my ears in chatter every day? :-)
So, again, yesterday I was sitting in the hall wondering what I was going to do. All I had with me was my attempted "brain" notebook, so I decided to start making some lists. I have three dividers: TO DO, TO BUY, TO REMEMBER. *grin* I know, but hey, this is my life right now. And you know how I said those messies emails just weren't cutting it? I set out to form a new plan.
Here's my plan:
Weekly (deeper) cleaning list
Monday: Dining, Master Bed, and Living Room... Wash sheets.
Tuesday: Kitchen
Wednesday: Family Room, Door, Living Room... Vacuum
Thursday: Girls Bathroom and Both toilets (no shower)
Friday: Living, Dining, Girls Bedroom.. Wash sheets.
Saturday: Master Bath, both showers, (no toilet)
Sunday: Computer Desk and Surrounding area
This looks painfully obvious, but I hope it will help to restore a little order to our lives, instead of the chaos that comes with cleaning "what I feel like at the time," which often means that which demands the most attention.
Today I accomplished the Thursday job- and feel great about it. The girls were so excited. We talk a lot about how we need to clean the house... but getting them to do it is less than easy. But today was a different story. I did most of it by myself, but they were right there with me watching and learning.
A trooper friend told us one time that what makes a good trooper is when the offending party thanks you for giving them a ticket. I say what makes a good momma is when the 3 year old asks when she will be old enough to clean the potty. *GRIN*
So, again, yesterday I was sitting in the hall wondering what I was going to do. All I had with me was my attempted "brain" notebook, so I decided to start making some lists. I have three dividers: TO DO, TO BUY, TO REMEMBER. *grin* I know, but hey, this is my life right now. And you know how I said those messies emails just weren't cutting it? I set out to form a new plan.
Here's my plan:
Weekly (deeper) cleaning list
Monday: Dining, Master Bed, and Living Room... Wash sheets.
Tuesday: Kitchen
Wednesday: Family Room, Door, Living Room... Vacuum
Thursday: Girls Bathroom and Both toilets (no shower)
Friday: Living, Dining, Girls Bedroom.. Wash sheets.
Saturday: Master Bath, both showers, (no toilet)
Sunday: Computer Desk and Surrounding area
This looks painfully obvious, but I hope it will help to restore a little order to our lives, instead of the chaos that comes with cleaning "what I feel like at the time," which often means that which demands the most attention.
Today I accomplished the Thursday job- and feel great about it. The girls were so excited. We talk a lot about how we need to clean the house... but getting them to do it is less than easy. But today was a different story. I did most of it by myself, but they were right there with me watching and learning.
A trooper friend told us one time that what makes a good trooper is when the offending party thanks you for giving them a ticket. I say what makes a good momma is when the 3 year old asks when she will be old enough to clean the potty. *GRIN*
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Doing the wrong thing...
Melia: "Mommy, when I do something wrong, it hurts my feelings, and it rips part of my heart off. You just don't know how it feels."
Two Free Roosters... Seriously
Ok, so we have 7 hens. And we get zero eggs. My newest thought on why is that those two dumb roosters stress the hens out. Plus, we don't need them.
So, anybody who wants a rooster... They are both cochens. I will even drop them off. Within reason... I don't even care if it's your house- Got a grudge? I can help.
*grin*
So, anybody who wants a rooster... They are both cochens. I will even drop them off. Within reason... I don't even care if it's your house- Got a grudge? I can help.
*grin*
Monday, September 14, 2009
So Stinkin' Busy...
I need to clean my house...
I don't think the Messies Anon emails are very helpful, just for those of you who are wondering why I haven't transformed my world overnight. Or overweek. Or overmonth... They are very general-- I work better under strict tutelage! Clean the car! Clean the entryway! Do 5 loads of laundry, and put them all away! Mop the floor! Do it now!
In other words **Don't get distracted!**
I don't think the Messies Anon emails are very helpful, just for those of you who are wondering why I haven't transformed my world overnight. Or overweek. Or overmonth... They are very general-- I work better under strict tutelage! Clean the car! Clean the entryway! Do 5 loads of laundry, and put them all away! Mop the floor! Do it now!
In other words **Don't get distracted!**
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Restaurants.com Sale!
Restaurant.com is having a sale for today only, 09-09-09 where their regularly priced $25 gift certs for $10 are 90% off... So $25 gift certs for $1!!! Not bad, eh? I have bought a few, but haven't had the opportunity to use them..... and now I have a few more! :-)
Krazy Coupon Lady's link
Krazy Coupon Lady's link
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Surprising Read in the Wenatchee World
It's funny. Being strict parents, we get all sorts of reactions. But they basically either fall on one side or the other, not so much in the "you do what you want" category. We are either "way too strict, no-fun parents" or "your kids are so well-behaved and nice." Sometimes it's just "you are so lucky," which is about the biggest bunch of baloney... I know we're strict, and while my kids aren't perfect, I do appreciate that the child rearing advice we have been SO blessed with (called No Greater Joy! along with parental examples, etc.) greatly helps us in our quest to raise God-fearing and honoring individuals-- because this is our goal. Enough of this "entitlement" and "self-esteem" stuff- it's not about us anyway. It's about Him, and what we can do to serve Him!
Anyway, off my soapbox. What I was meaning to put here was that today I read an article in the Wenatchee World that surprised me. Surprising mainly because I don't believe our society's perspective has moved in the direction of this article, so to see it in a media source that isn't a fundamental Christian publication was encouraging! (Granted, it didn't say anything about God, but it still swung the pendulum away from the SELF/MEMEME factor in raising children.) It's possible I just really appreciated how the author did not sugar coat everything. He was blunt and to the point. And I like that, especially when discussing what works and what doesn't.
Time for 60's Parenting to Grow Up
enjoy :-)
** I'm not saying that all non-Christian publications have bad child-rearing advice. I just haven't found any I think are worth the time I spent reading them, so this was different from the norm in that way. :-) (Ha- I wonder how many hackles I've raised with this one! hee hee)
** edited to add: I am also not saying I have all the answers-- I don't! But I am perceptive enough to know that there are some people out there with whom it just stinks to work with. You know, those who think they are entitled to this and that, and shouldn't have to drudge through life with us normal people; after all they are something special... :-) You can sense my sarcasism, I hope, but for the most part I'm not kidding. I work with some of them, and have no pity for those who think that consequences for actions should not apply to them... or that they should not have to start at the bottom of the ladder and WORK their way up. I hope you get my point.
Anyway, off my soapbox. What I was meaning to put here was that today I read an article in the Wenatchee World that surprised me. Surprising mainly because I don't believe our society's perspective has moved in the direction of this article, so to see it in a media source that isn't a fundamental Christian publication was encouraging! (Granted, it didn't say anything about God, but it still swung the pendulum away from the SELF/MEMEME factor in raising children.) It's possible I just really appreciated how the author did not sugar coat everything. He was blunt and to the point. And I like that, especially when discussing what works and what doesn't.
Time for 60's Parenting to Grow Up
enjoy :-)
** I'm not saying that all non-Christian publications have bad child-rearing advice. I just haven't found any I think are worth the time I spent reading them, so this was different from the norm in that way. :-) (Ha- I wonder how many hackles I've raised with this one! hee hee)
** edited to add: I am also not saying I have all the answers-- I don't! But I am perceptive enough to know that there are some people out there with whom it just stinks to work with. You know, those who think they are entitled to this and that, and shouldn't have to drudge through life with us normal people; after all they are something special... :-) You can sense my sarcasism, I hope, but for the most part I'm not kidding. I work with some of them, and have no pity for those who think that consequences for actions should not apply to them... or that they should not have to start at the bottom of the ladder and WORK their way up. I hope you get my point.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
FINALLY!
You know how I said I was making a big order to NoGreaterJoy??? I finally did it. But not only did I order, I signed up to be a distributor. I am very excited about this... it's no pressure on me OR you, but I get to have books available that I know will make a great impact on people's lives.
So, just in case you were thinking about NGJ books and stuff, here's what I ordered:
Created to be His Help Meet
Good and Evil Comic books
By Divine Design
Child Training Sets (To Train up a Child and the No Greater Joy volumes)
Holy Sex
Jumping Ship
When Forgiveness is a Sin
Young Adults and Marriage
Pornography- Road to Hell
Rebekah's Diary
Eight Kingdoms
ABC Bible Verse Songs CD
Authority Praying
Joy of Training DVDs
Marriage God's Way
Teaching Responsibility
Only Men
They will be the same price as their website (nogreaterjoy.org) but you won't have to pay shipping.
So, just in case you were thinking about NGJ books and stuff, here's what I ordered:
Created to be His Help Meet
Good and Evil Comic books
By Divine Design
Child Training Sets (To Train up a Child and the No Greater Joy volumes)
Holy Sex
Jumping Ship
When Forgiveness is a Sin
Young Adults and Marriage
Pornography- Road to Hell
Rebekah's Diary
Eight Kingdoms
ABC Bible Verse Songs CD
Authority Praying
Joy of Training DVDs
Marriage God's Way
Teaching Responsibility
Only Men
They will be the same price as their website (nogreaterjoy.org) but you won't have to pay shipping.
Kiera's Reaction to my Pedicure
Yesterday to celebrate Darcy and Matt's 3rd Anniversary, Andrea treated Darcy and I to pedicures! Fun stuff, although I am just plain ticklish!
This morning Kiera spied my toes for the first time (I grabbed them, dropped them off, and headed to work, so she didn't have a chance yesterday) and had an extremely enthusiastic response:
"WOW Mommy! Those are prudiful!!! Sooo Prudiful Mommy!"
This morning Kiera spied my toes for the first time (I grabbed them, dropped them off, and headed to work, so she didn't have a chance yesterday) and had an extremely enthusiastic response:
"WOW Mommy! Those are prudiful!!! Sooo Prudiful Mommy!"
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Kerzon Update
It turns out he did not break his tail, but had a bite abscess on it. So to the tune of $$$ they cleaned it out and gave him a shot of antibiotics.
Kind of a bummer, since I have been successfully treating Leo's abscesses with a home cleaning and essential oils... Way cheaper. But being able to knock a cat out is sometimes necessary, especially when you can't see through the hair to find out the problem!
Anybody want to share a home recipe for cat anesthetic?? :-)
Kind of a bummer, since I have been successfully treating Leo's abscesses with a home cleaning and essential oils... Way cheaper. But being able to knock a cat out is sometimes necessary, especially when you can't see through the hair to find out the problem!
Anybody want to share a home recipe for cat anesthetic?? :-)
Funny Answer
Mommy: Melia, do like it better when I sprinkle the cheese on top of your scrambled eggs when they are done cooking, or when I cook the cheese in with the eggs?
Melia: Um...... I like both!
:-) She's so funny....
Melia: Um...... I like both!
:-) She's so funny....
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