Last night, my daughter's fan was blowing papers she had pinned to her wall, and creating a ruckus preventing her from falling asleep. I took the papers down, and was just reading one as I ate my breakfast. It fed my spirit, so I thought I'd share it with you.
My daughter and I have been attempting to read through the bible this year. This was started by my father who gives his grandkids a daily walk bible for Christmas when they are in sixth grade. For the next year, he sends daily emails that go along with what we are reading. It has been fun communicating with him daily, and a blessing to be reading the bible with my growing daughter. There has been one central theme my dad has been pointing out: Obedience (to God) brings blessing, disobedience doesn't. This is evident as you read through everything the Jews went through in the Old Testament.
God's Nature (obedience brings blessing)
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faith, self-control, virtue, purity, wisdom, justice, honesty, fairness, sincerity, knowledge, understanding, grace, mercy, excellence, forgiveness, compassion, devotion, truth
Satan's Nature (disobedience doesn't)
Rejection, hatred, violence, jealousy, envy, condemnation, shame, pride, guilt, lying, lust, greed, covetousness, revenge, retaliation, slander, critical spirit, fear, unforgiveness, unmerciful, self-pity, gossip, self-centered
The paper I just read brought it to a different level. Obedience isn't just the then commandments and other "big" things, it's all the little things as well. This really hits home with my marriage. When I am obedient to God, I am not selfish or prideful. This brings blessing to my marriage. The moment I let anything from Satan's nature into my life, my blessings end. The joy and peace are gone. So, the question is, who am I serving, the Lord or Satan? Will my life be filled with blessings or curses? Will my life radiate light or darkness?
Dear Father, I desire to only serve You. May my life shine forth Jesus' light so that all will know that I belong to You. May I be different from the world, set apart for You. Please work in me the little things so I will be a servant to You and none other. May my thoughts and deeds be pleasing to you alone. Thank You for Your love and blessings. In Jesus name I pray-- Amen
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014
I Will Not Knock On Wood!
I think I've written about this before, but it has come up in my life again lately. The other day I overheard a conversation and someone wanted to knock on wood. I am saddened that Christians feel the need to do this. After thinking about it, I could picture my self interrupting saying, "No! You do not need to knock on wood! We believe in the Almighty God! He is good and all powerful! He will take care of you, not this piece of fake wood you are knocking on!"
The bible makes it clear in the Old Testament that we are not to believe in these superstitions of the world. Yet, the other day when my daughter said, "I think I am the only kid in my school that hasn't had the stomach flu since first grade," (she's in seventh grade now) I marveled at her innocence and boldness. She was not afraid to say something good about her life. She was not afraid that the opposite would come true. I did not burst her bubble, but I did pray. I do not want her to loose her child-like faith like I have. I admit, I am afraid to say something positive about my life. I am afraid to admit things are going well for fear that things will take a turn for the worse. Maybe Satan has done this to me in the past. He has made me, and others feel like if they actually knock on wood everything will remain good. What fools we are.
I don't want to be a fool or a fraidy cat any longer. I want to have faith in the all powerful God of the universe. The God who loved me so much He sent his Son to die for me so I can have a direct relationship with Him for eternity. The God who lives in me. I am going to listen to the song, "Greater" by Mercy Me, and remember that the God in me is greater than he who is in the world. I will be thankful for all the things God has done for us, and not be afraid to say them out loud. I will not give Satan an edge by bowing down to a piece of wood!
Dear Lord, I pray for the confidence in You to not be afraid. I stand against this lie Satan has fed me. I pray for a child-like faith and not fear. You are the greatest, and You live in me. Praise Jesus! Amen
The bible makes it clear in the Old Testament that we are not to believe in these superstitions of the world. Yet, the other day when my daughter said, "I think I am the only kid in my school that hasn't had the stomach flu since first grade," (she's in seventh grade now) I marveled at her innocence and boldness. She was not afraid to say something good about her life. She was not afraid that the opposite would come true. I did not burst her bubble, but I did pray. I do not want her to loose her child-like faith like I have. I admit, I am afraid to say something positive about my life. I am afraid to admit things are going well for fear that things will take a turn for the worse. Maybe Satan has done this to me in the past. He has made me, and others feel like if they actually knock on wood everything will remain good. What fools we are.
I don't want to be a fool or a fraidy cat any longer. I want to have faith in the all powerful God of the universe. The God who loved me so much He sent his Son to die for me so I can have a direct relationship with Him for eternity. The God who lives in me. I am going to listen to the song, "Greater" by Mercy Me, and remember that the God in me is greater than he who is in the world. I will be thankful for all the things God has done for us, and not be afraid to say them out loud. I will not give Satan an edge by bowing down to a piece of wood!
Dear Lord, I pray for the confidence in You to not be afraid. I stand against this lie Satan has fed me. I pray for a child-like faith and not fear. You are the greatest, and You live in me. Praise Jesus! Amen
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Essential Oils vs. Head Cold. Part III
Day 5
Just a quick update...
Little Man is still coughing. He woke up last night at 4 or so saying he couldn't stop coughing. We rubbed the frankincense, rosemary and eucalyptus blend on his chest (after applying a layer of coconut oil), behind his ears, wrists and feet. Then I tucked him into bed. He coughed a few more times, but that was it. I love that I didn't have to give him medicine! You know that struggle...you want him to stop coughing, but know he'll be exhausted when he has to get up and go to school? I am loving these oils!
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that these oils are working. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I pray they will continue to work, and that Little Man will be totally better soon. In Jesus Name I pray– Amen
Part I Part II
Just a quick update...
Little Man is still coughing. He woke up last night at 4 or so saying he couldn't stop coughing. We rubbed the frankincense, rosemary and eucalyptus blend on his chest (after applying a layer of coconut oil), behind his ears, wrists and feet. Then I tucked him into bed. He coughed a few more times, but that was it. I love that I didn't have to give him medicine! You know that struggle...you want him to stop coughing, but know he'll be exhausted when he has to get up and go to school? I am loving these oils!
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that these oils are working. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I pray they will continue to work, and that Little Man will be totally better soon. In Jesus Name I pray– Amen
Part I Part II
Monday, August 4, 2014
Double Challenge - Essential Oils vs. Head Cold Part II
If you want to read part one, click here. :) Another disclaimer...I am not an expert on anything, but a mom and helpmeet doing what she thinks is good for her family.
Little Man stayed home from school Friday. Good thing too, as he had a 100 degree temp by late afternoon. We applied essential oils (see part one) all day, he took two epsom salt baths and basically laid around all day long. He never needed anything for the temp, but did take two short naps.
Day Two Feeling better! Energy is back, no temp. Cough is setting in, lots of congestion. Time to add new oils to our regimen. Little Man has had success in the past with a mixture of Frankincense, Rosemary and Eucalyptus (equal parts mixed together) when he has a cough. Last year, he had a cough that would just not go away, and Hubby was ready to take him to Urgent Care for antibiotics. We used these oils for one or two nights, and it was gone. So, we rubbed this mixture on his feet, wrists and behind his ears throughout the day. We also rubbed it on his chest and then applied a warm washcloth one time. The On Gaurd oils were also used.
Day Three Much better! Cough sounds like a tickle, and isn't bad at all. Nose is VERY runny, but I'll take that over congestion. Gave him benedryl at night to dry it all up. He slept all night. We kept alternating the oils throughout the day.
Day Four Little Man is back at school. We rubbed the oils on his feet before he left, and we'll do it again when we get home. He will be at football practice this evening. Sweet victory appears to be ours. :)
Dear Lord, I thank You for these natural wonders. I pray for wisdom as we use them in our lives. Thank You for always watching over us. In Jesus name I pray--Amen
Little Man stayed home from school Friday. Good thing too, as he had a 100 degree temp by late afternoon. We applied essential oils (see part one) all day, he took two epsom salt baths and basically laid around all day long. He never needed anything for the temp, but did take two short naps.
Day Two Feeling better! Energy is back, no temp. Cough is setting in, lots of congestion. Time to add new oils to our regimen. Little Man has had success in the past with a mixture of Frankincense, Rosemary and Eucalyptus (equal parts mixed together) when he has a cough. Last year, he had a cough that would just not go away, and Hubby was ready to take him to Urgent Care for antibiotics. We used these oils for one or two nights, and it was gone. So, we rubbed this mixture on his feet, wrists and behind his ears throughout the day. We also rubbed it on his chest and then applied a warm washcloth one time. The On Gaurd oils were also used.
Day Three Much better! Cough sounds like a tickle, and isn't bad at all. Nose is VERY runny, but I'll take that over congestion. Gave him benedryl at night to dry it all up. He slept all night. We kept alternating the oils throughout the day.
Day Four Little Man is back at school. We rubbed the oils on his feet before he left, and we'll do it again when we get home. He will be at football practice this evening. Sweet victory appears to be ours. :)
Dear Lord, I thank You for these natural wonders. I pray for wisdom as we use them in our lives. Thank You for always watching over us. In Jesus name I pray--Amen
Friday, August 1, 2014
Double Challenge
**DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert, just a Mom and Helpmeet. Here is a great site that I go to for expert help: everythingessential.me.
My little man is home sick today. Yesterday he was complaining of a sore throat, and was obviously congested. Add to that an hour of football practice in the rain followed by an hour of football practice in the cold. This morning he awakes miserable and tired. This all leads to a challenging conversation with Hubby. Challenging because we do not see eye to eye. I could say annoying instead of challenging, but when I think of it, he is probably annoyed with me as well.
Hubby's point of view is this (as I see it): Little Man is sick. Little Man is in football. Little Man needs to miss as few practices as possible so he can play in the game. Get Little Man to Urgent Care for antibiotics.
My reaction tends to be: Are you kidding?!
This of course gets me nowhere good. So I choose to not say that out loud. :) I agree about not missing practices. I disagree about antibiotics. It is my view that antibiotics are way over used, and we are headed down a dangerous road toward super-bugs and drug-resistant bacteria. Our bodies are stronger than people think. We just want immediate results, and hate to be sick.
So, I have a challenge before me. A couple actually. 1. Don't be a jerk to my Hubby just because he has a different point of view. 2. Be very diligent in my care of Little Man so he will get better quickly!
So, here is the plan:
1. Lots of liquids!
2. Two Epsom salt baths combined with essential oils.
3. Essential Oil application all day long.
4. REST.
Last year we started using essential oils, and discovered that they work. Today I will be using a blend based on doterra's On Guard product. You can buy doterra oils on Amazon, or you can sign up with their company and order every month. I don't buy doterra oils because we just can't afford them. I buy other oils from Amazon because they are less expensive, but are still 100% essential oils with no fillers. I figure I need to honor God by staying within my budget. I trust that He will take care of us with the resources He's given us. I have bought the ingredients for this blend and just combined them to make my own.
Anyway, I am rubbing this blend (orange oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil) on Little Man's feet, wrists and behind his ears pretty much any time I think of it. I want to get a good dose into his system. I will also rub his back several times today using the doterra Aroma Touch technique. This link will take you to a short video showing you how to do this. There are many other videos explaining the hows and whys.
This conversation with Hubby and the looming football practices and games are actually helping me to step up my game as we attack this cold so I guess I shouldn't be irritated by it. Instead I welcome the challenge. Hopefully I will be writing a victory post soon!
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom an guidance as I attempt to nurse Little Man back to health. I pray for grace and respect as I interact with my husband. Please bring us to the same page in our thinking. May we kick this sickness without the need for doctors and antibiotics. In Jesus Name I pray-Amen
My little man is home sick today. Yesterday he was complaining of a sore throat, and was obviously congested. Add to that an hour of football practice in the rain followed by an hour of football practice in the cold. This morning he awakes miserable and tired. This all leads to a challenging conversation with Hubby. Challenging because we do not see eye to eye. I could say annoying instead of challenging, but when I think of it, he is probably annoyed with me as well.
Hubby's point of view is this (as I see it): Little Man is sick. Little Man is in football. Little Man needs to miss as few practices as possible so he can play in the game. Get Little Man to Urgent Care for antibiotics.
My reaction tends to be: Are you kidding?!
This of course gets me nowhere good. So I choose to not say that out loud. :) I agree about not missing practices. I disagree about antibiotics. It is my view that antibiotics are way over used, and we are headed down a dangerous road toward super-bugs and drug-resistant bacteria. Our bodies are stronger than people think. We just want immediate results, and hate to be sick.
So, I have a challenge before me. A couple actually. 1. Don't be a jerk to my Hubby just because he has a different point of view. 2. Be very diligent in my care of Little Man so he will get better quickly!
So, here is the plan:
1. Lots of liquids!
2. Two Epsom salt baths combined with essential oils.
3. Essential Oil application all day long.
4. REST.
Last year we started using essential oils, and discovered that they work. Today I will be using a blend based on doterra's On Guard product. You can buy doterra oils on Amazon, or you can sign up with their company and order every month. I don't buy doterra oils because we just can't afford them. I buy other oils from Amazon because they are less expensive, but are still 100% essential oils with no fillers. I figure I need to honor God by staying within my budget. I trust that He will take care of us with the resources He's given us. I have bought the ingredients for this blend and just combined them to make my own.
Anyway, I am rubbing this blend (orange oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil) on Little Man's feet, wrists and behind his ears pretty much any time I think of it. I want to get a good dose into his system. I will also rub his back several times today using the doterra Aroma Touch technique. This link will take you to a short video showing you how to do this. There are many other videos explaining the hows and whys.
This conversation with Hubby and the looming football practices and games are actually helping me to step up my game as we attack this cold so I guess I shouldn't be irritated by it. Instead I welcome the challenge. Hopefully I will be writing a victory post soon!
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom an guidance as I attempt to nurse Little Man back to health. I pray for grace and respect as I interact with my husband. Please bring us to the same page in our thinking. May we kick this sickness without the need for doctors and antibiotics. In Jesus Name I pray-Amen
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Baby Step: Keep the Table Clean!
I have been pondering what is truly important in life. I am tired of stinking thinking...worrying what I look like, what others think of me, getting overwhelmed by all the little things that need to be done. I know someone who fighting just to be alive one more day. She is still preparing to go to work when school begins, and desires to see her first grandchild be born and her youngest son graduate high school. Life is truly this fragile, but we all to often forget. With this reminder, my musings now are often about "What is truly important?".
I was recently reminded of a quote that goes something like this, "We are not raising children, but adults." Which begs the question, what kind of adults are we raising our kids to be? The habits I help my kids form now, are the habits they will take with them into adulthood. Therefore, keeping the house clean, and teaching them to be responsible stewards of their belongings is truly important. Plus, as a bonus, by taking care of things as we go, and not letting them pile up, we should have more time to enjoy life.
I have decided we need a baby step: KEEP THE TABLE CLEAN. Baby steps are like battles in the war. My war is against people who don't clean up their messes when they are done. I am SO tired of seeing dishes in our living room. Not to mention that tv is not truly important. Guess what? We are going to start eating at the table. What a unique idea. Our table is over 100 years old. It stretches out to seat over 12 people, and I love to think of the families that have sat around this table in the past. I want our family to be a part of that history.
School is starting for us next week, and I have been plagued with a sadness as I realize how little time I have left with my children living at home. My daughter is entering seventh grade. I just want to grab her and spend every moment I have with her. My son is going into fourth grade. I love the stories and conversations that come about while we are eating together around the table. I think a question I have been pondering may have just been answered. Maybe now is not the time to be thinking of opening an ETSY shop. Maybe now is the time to be focused on my family and what they love to do. For when they are gone, I will have plenty of time to pursue my dreams. Hmmm.
Dear Lord,
Please open my eyes to what is truly important, and to Your will. May I have no regrets. In Jesus Name I pray--Amen.
I was recently reminded of a quote that goes something like this, "We are not raising children, but adults." Which begs the question, what kind of adults are we raising our kids to be? The habits I help my kids form now, are the habits they will take with them into adulthood. Therefore, keeping the house clean, and teaching them to be responsible stewards of their belongings is truly important. Plus, as a bonus, by taking care of things as we go, and not letting them pile up, we should have more time to enjoy life.
I have decided we need a baby step: KEEP THE TABLE CLEAN. Baby steps are like battles in the war. My war is against people who don't clean up their messes when they are done. I am SO tired of seeing dishes in our living room. Not to mention that tv is not truly important. Guess what? We are going to start eating at the table. What a unique idea. Our table is over 100 years old. It stretches out to seat over 12 people, and I love to think of the families that have sat around this table in the past. I want our family to be a part of that history.
School is starting for us next week, and I have been plagued with a sadness as I realize how little time I have left with my children living at home. My daughter is entering seventh grade. I just want to grab her and spend every moment I have with her. My son is going into fourth grade. I love the stories and conversations that come about while we are eating together around the table. I think a question I have been pondering may have just been answered. Maybe now is not the time to be thinking of opening an ETSY shop. Maybe now is the time to be focused on my family and what they love to do. For when they are gone, I will have plenty of time to pursue my dreams. Hmmm.
Dear Lord,
Please open my eyes to what is truly important, and to Your will. May I have no regrets. In Jesus Name I pray--Amen.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Living Free and Simply--Victory in the War on Clutter
Wow. God granted me the energy to go full-steam for three days de-cluttering our house. I have sorted through every cabinet and drawer here! Then I totally crashed on Sunday, which was appropriate as it is supposed to be the Sabbath anyway. Husband was so happy with my hard work, he was pleased to let me relax and do as I pleased. Victory in many ways!
The kids and I went through each of their rooms together, and I am happy to say every drawer can now close, and some are even empty! The closets are pleasant to look at and they rediscovered toys they forgot about. We filled up multiple garbage bags and tubs to take to the thrift stores. In the process we really thought about our buying habits and what is really important to us. Anything we buy, we will have to take care of...will we really enjoy it, or will we end up having to sort through it and give it away? I don't think any of us wants to sort through anything in the near future! The fewer things we have, the simpler life is. We don't want to be hindered by our stuff. We want to be free to go where God leads us.
Sweet Will did have time to spend some money this weekend, and he made a good purchase. He loves to spend money as soon as he gets it, but we made him wait a week to really think about it this time. He decided to buy a watch. A good purchase, because now that we have gone through his room, we know he doesn't have one. There were so many things we had two or more of just because we didn't keep good track of our things.
Now on to the second battle--keeping things picked up! Everything has a place, now we just need to develop good habits. For instance, when you are done with something, put it away. Put your garbage into the trash can--yes, I actually do find it strewn about the house. This is something I just don't understand. The iAllowance app is up and running. More on that later this week. Today we clean--vacuum, dust, etc. Tomorrow the real battle begins.
The kids and I went through each of their rooms together, and I am happy to say every drawer can now close, and some are even empty! The closets are pleasant to look at and they rediscovered toys they forgot about. We filled up multiple garbage bags and tubs to take to the thrift stores. In the process we really thought about our buying habits and what is really important to us. Anything we buy, we will have to take care of...will we really enjoy it, or will we end up having to sort through it and give it away? I don't think any of us wants to sort through anything in the near future! The fewer things we have, the simpler life is. We don't want to be hindered by our stuff. We want to be free to go where God leads us.
Sweet Will did have time to spend some money this weekend, and he made a good purchase. He loves to spend money as soon as he gets it, but we made him wait a week to really think about it this time. He decided to buy a watch. A good purchase, because now that we have gone through his room, we know he doesn't have one. There were so many things we had two or more of just because we didn't keep good track of our things.
Now on to the second battle--keeping things picked up! Everything has a place, now we just need to develop good habits. For instance, when you are done with something, put it away. Put your garbage into the trash can--yes, I actually do find it strewn about the house. This is something I just don't understand. The iAllowance app is up and running. More on that later this week. Today we clean--vacuum, dust, etc. Tomorrow the real battle begins.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Kid's chores and allowance
Ha. I just found this old post in my draft folder. How appropriate because today, I am declaring war against clutter and kids not taking care of their things. I have not raised children who would make it on their own as of yet. Ellie is now 12 and Will is 10, and I am still constantly picking up their things. I naively assume that if I tell them to not leave plates on the couch, they won't do that any more. How silly I am. So today it begins. They got a warning last night after I discovered the mailbox key was not put back in its place and is now missing. We will be going through their rooms and the house all day today. If something doesn't have a place, then we need to get rid of it because it means we have too much stuff. They are to use the chore lists on their iAllowance apps (which is a great app by the way) every morning and evening. Twice a day I will conduct a full house check-INCLUDING THEIR ROOMS! If their stuff is put away, and the chore list is complete, then they earn an extra quarter. If not, they owe me a quarter.
Ugh, I have to be consistent with this. We are going to do it for one month. Hopefully by then, new habits will be formed. We did do my first idea for a while, but then it fell to the wayside. This is my fault. I need to be diligent and follow through. I need to be strong and stop enabling my children's negative behavior.
Dear Father,
Please grant me a clear head, and a soft heart. May we get through this day efficiently and lovingly. Please give us eyes to see what we truly love and want to keep and what is just adding clutter to our lives. We love You and want to live for You. Please give me the wisdom and strength I need to raise responsible adults and not children.
In Jesus Name I Pray--Amen
ORIGINAL POST:
I recently read a quote that made perfect sense to me..."A parent's job is to raise adults, not children." It is a constant struggle, because they are kids. :) My husband and I want to teach our children how to manage money and how to take care of themselves when they leave the house. With my new focus on efficiency, I have put together a plan which implements allowance, chores and addressing negative behaviors.
Monday is a big chore day for me, so I was inspired to complete this list of chores for the kids. Once I think of something, I like to go for it immeadiately! :)
ALLOWANCE
Each DAILY task = 10 cents
Each WEEKLY task = 25 cents
ELLIE (10) AND WILL (7)
Daily
1. feed Kady (E) collect eggs (W)
2. feed Frank (E)
3. sort laundry
4. empty garbage cans
5. walk Kady and get the mail
6. unpack backpack/lunch box
7. complete homework
8. help make lunches
9. put laundry away
10. empty dishwasher
11. pick up stairs
12. help cook dinner
13. set the table
14. load dishwasher
15. sweep kitchen
16. Make dad’s coffee
17. Make dad’s lunch
18. nightly pick up
19. Read 20-30 minutes
WEEKLY
1. clean Frank’s cage (E) vacuum stairs (W)
2. clean chicken coop (E) clean windows (W)
3. pick up dog poop (E) pull weeds (W)
4. vacuum room (both)
Here's how we're going to work it:
Every two weeks, the kids get an empty mason jar. We have one jar filled with small marbles and 16 big marbles. Each time a daily task is completed, they get to add one small marble to their jar. When a weekly task is completed, they get to add a big marble to their jar. Here's the catch: if I have to pick up after them, or if they perform the negative behavior we are trying to eradicate, then I get to take a small marble from their jars and put it back into the big jar. On payday, we'll count up the marbles in the jars and convert them to money.
The goal is for the kids to do all 4 weekly chores and 40 daily chores. This equals 5.00. I suppose they'll have to do more to make up for the marbles they are bound to lose. We'll see how it works!
Ugh, I have to be consistent with this. We are going to do it for one month. Hopefully by then, new habits will be formed. We did do my first idea for a while, but then it fell to the wayside. This is my fault. I need to be diligent and follow through. I need to be strong and stop enabling my children's negative behavior.
Dear Father,
Please grant me a clear head, and a soft heart. May we get through this day efficiently and lovingly. Please give us eyes to see what we truly love and want to keep and what is just adding clutter to our lives. We love You and want to live for You. Please give me the wisdom and strength I need to raise responsible adults and not children.
In Jesus Name I Pray--Amen
ORIGINAL POST:
I recently read a quote that made perfect sense to me..."A parent's job is to raise adults, not children." It is a constant struggle, because they are kids. :) My husband and I want to teach our children how to manage money and how to take care of themselves when they leave the house. With my new focus on efficiency, I have put together a plan which implements allowance, chores and addressing negative behaviors.
Monday is a big chore day for me, so I was inspired to complete this list of chores for the kids. Once I think of something, I like to go for it immeadiately! :)
ALLOWANCE
Each DAILY task = 10 cents
Each WEEKLY task = 25 cents
ELLIE (10) AND WILL (7)
Daily
1. feed Kady (E) collect eggs (W)
2. feed Frank (E)
3. sort laundry
4. empty garbage cans
5. walk Kady and get the mail
6. unpack backpack/lunch box
7. complete homework
8. help make lunches
9. put laundry away
10. empty dishwasher
11. pick up stairs
12. help cook dinner
13. set the table
14. load dishwasher
15. sweep kitchen
16. Make dad’s coffee
17. Make dad’s lunch
18. nightly pick up
19. Read 20-30 minutes
WEEKLY
1. clean Frank’s cage (E) vacuum stairs (W)
2. clean chicken coop (E) clean windows (W)
3. pick up dog poop (E) pull weeds (W)
4. vacuum room (both)
Here's how we're going to work it:
Every two weeks, the kids get an empty mason jar. We have one jar filled with small marbles and 16 big marbles. Each time a daily task is completed, they get to add one small marble to their jar. When a weekly task is completed, they get to add a big marble to their jar. Here's the catch: if I have to pick up after them, or if they perform the negative behavior we are trying to eradicate, then I get to take a small marble from their jars and put it back into the big jar. On payday, we'll count up the marbles in the jars and convert them to money.
The goal is for the kids to do all 4 weekly chores and 40 daily chores. This equals 5.00. I suppose they'll have to do more to make up for the marbles they are bound to lose. We'll see how it works!
PS I got some ideas for the task list at http://totallytogetherjournal.com/chores-aka-but-thats-why-we-had-you/ .
Sunday, April 22, 2012
What's Cookin'?
What else is cookin'?
Almond Bars
Ingredients:
2 cups
crispy almonds*
½ c crispy
sunflower seeds
½ c
raisins
¼ c crispy
pumpkin seeds
2 TBSP
sesame seeds
¼ tsp
sea salt
1/3 c
honey
Directions:
1.
Preheat
oven to 325F.
2. Coarsely chop almonds. While you’re at it, make it double, bag it,
and keep it in the fridge for next time.
3. Mix all dry ingredients
together.
4. Add honey and stir to coat.
5. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment
paper. Parchment paper is amazing. Without it, removing the bars from the pan
and clean up is bleck.
6. Pour mixture into pan and spread
out.
7.
Bake
at 325 for 17-22 minutes. Cool. Lift sides of paper and take bars out. Cut bars and store in the fridge.
*Crispy
= soaked overnight in saltwater, then dehydrated. See www.thenourishinggourmet.com
for details.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Kid's Allowance and Chores
I recently read a quote that made perfect sense to me..."A parent's job is to raise adults, not children." It is a constant struggle, because they are kids. :) My husband and I want to teach our children how to manage money and how to take care of themselves when they leave the house. With my new focus on efficiency, I have put together a plan which implements allowance, chores and addressing negative behaviors.
Monday is a big chore day for me, so I was inspired to complete this list of chores for the kids. Once I think of something, I like to go for it immeadiately! :)
ALLOWANCE
Each DAILY task = 10 cents
Each WEEKLY task = 25 cents
ELLIE (10) AND WILL (7)
Daily
1. feed Kady (E) collect eggs (W)
2. feed Frank (E)
3. sort laundry
4. empty garbage cans
5. walk Kady and get the mail
6. unpack backpack/lunch box
7. complete homework
8. help make lunches
9. put laundry away
10. empty dishwasher
11. pick up stairs
12. help cook dinner
13. set the table
14. load dishwasher
15. sweep kitchen
16. Make dad’s coffee
17. Make dad’s lunch
18. nightly pick up
19. Read 20-30 minutes with Will
WEEKLY
1. clean Frank’s cage (E) vacuum stairs (W)
2. clean chicken coop (E) clean windows (W)
3. pick up dog poop (E) pull weeds (W)
4. vacuum room (both)
Here's how we're going to work it:
Every two weeks, the kids get an empty mason jar. We have one jar filled with small marbles and 16 big marbles. Each time a daily task is completed, they get to add one small marble to their jar. When a weekly task is completed, they get to add a big marble to their jar. Here's the catch: if I have to pick up after them, or if they perform the negative behavior we are trying to eradicate, then I get to take a small marble from their jars and put it back into the big jar. On payday, we'll count up the marbles in the jars and convert them to money.
The goal is for the kids to do all 4 weekly chores and 40 daily chores. This equals 5.00. I suppose they'll have to do more to make up for the marbles they are bound to lose. We'll see how it works!
Monday is a big chore day for me, so I was inspired to complete this list of chores for the kids. Once I think of something, I like to go for it immeadiately! :)
ALLOWANCE
Each DAILY task = 10 cents
Each WEEKLY task = 25 cents
ELLIE (10) AND WILL (7)
Daily
1. feed Kady (E) collect eggs (W)
2. feed Frank (E)
3. sort laundry
4. empty garbage cans
5. walk Kady and get the mail
6. unpack backpack/lunch box
7. complete homework
8. help make lunches
9. put laundry away
10. empty dishwasher
11. pick up stairs
12. help cook dinner
13. set the table
14. load dishwasher
15. sweep kitchen
16. Make dad’s coffee
17. Make dad’s lunch
18. nightly pick up
19. Read 20-30 minutes with Will
WEEKLY
1. clean Frank’s cage (E) vacuum stairs (W)
2. clean chicken coop (E) clean windows (W)
3. pick up dog poop (E) pull weeds (W)
4. vacuum room (both)
Here's how we're going to work it:
Every two weeks, the kids get an empty mason jar. We have one jar filled with small marbles and 16 big marbles. Each time a daily task is completed, they get to add one small marble to their jar. When a weekly task is completed, they get to add a big marble to their jar. Here's the catch: if I have to pick up after them, or if they perform the negative behavior we are trying to eradicate, then I get to take a small marble from their jars and put it back into the big jar. On payday, we'll count up the marbles in the jars and convert them to money.
The goal is for the kids to do all 4 weekly chores and 40 daily chores. This equals 5.00. I suppose they'll have to do more to make up for the marbles they are bound to lose. We'll see how it works!
PS I got some ideas for the task list at http://totallytogetherjournal.com/chores-aka-but-thats-why-we-had-you/ .
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