Kids Summer Jobs

I've been sharing some things which are helpful in my life -- hopefully others may benefit or have ideas for me! For the past couple of years I have used these cards for my little ones. I just wrote out the task, found clip art, printed them on white card stock, cut and then laminated. Each morning during the summer I deal out cards for each child. They have a little envelope thing that is magnetized to the fridge which they place completed cards in.

The best thing is you can totally make them specific to your needs. Some are easy and basic - ones they'd do anyway like make bed/brush teeth -- they get those cards every morning but they feel good when placing them in the completed envelope. We've got dust, clean up toys, (help) empty dishwasher, sweep kitchen, homework and reading. Not everyone might need one that consists of picking up wood chips from the lawn, but every two weeks or so, my girls get a card and they go out back with small pails and pick up the wood chips from the lawn along the play set area. OR a yoga card, but I purchased a children's yoga set and some summer mornings they get that one. We've got practice violin, practice dance... etc. I also put in things like write in journal, write a letter, stitch, draw a picture for someone (more to help remind me to have them do some different activities and mix things up).

My children get money put in accounts for them automatically each paycheck, we aren't really great at giving an allowance -- and I certainly don't pay them for each card completed. Work is part of being a family -- they don't need to be rewarded for doing basic tasks... but I do sometimes have extra jobs they can do for a little money - but that is the exception not the norm.

I only do this in the summer - so it's more of a novelty for the kids. This works for me and maybe it might help you too so I thought I'd share! I could send the document I have with all the cards I use -- if someone would like it -- but you'd probably like to customize cards yourselves if you want to do this with your children!

My Cleaning Schedule (4 Haylie)

I started this back in 2001... (click on picture to enlarge &; read schedule better)... each weekday I have a few items that I complete to maintain the household cleaning. Some weeks it doesn't work and I need to do a one day mass cleaning... sometimes I have to skip a day because of other things going on. When that happens I can usually re-arrange something that doesn't need cleaning as badly for something that needs more urgent attention. This has been helpful to know what needs to be done each morning so I don't have to write a list each day or plan cleaning each week.

I have my schedule on the side of my fridge, it could be taped inside a cupboard -- whatever! I also list out what I do in the room so I have specifics to follow -- which may seem stupid but at first it was helpful... now I know it all so well I don't really need it. On Friday's I rotate deeper cleaning jobs that need to be done once a month or less. Windows could go more than once a month so I might rotate cleaning the garage up, food storage, cleaning the kitchen catch all drawer... whatever might need to be done.

Now the kids can help with things too... McCall knows every Monday she and Elizabeth empty trash cans before our trash day on Tuesday... McCall also brings the big trash cans in on her way to school on Tuesday (We have an early route)... They also love to dust with the swifter duster things... On Wednesday's I remind the girls when they wake up not to make the bed and they strip the sheets for me and take them to the laundry room...

The only thing I might change is to throw in is some time for weeding, mowing. I'd probably be better at staying on top of my flower beds if I set aside sometime each week for weeding beds and planters... but our landscaping is pretty under control so it's usually not a big deal. (You've got to love PREEN!)

My long....rant maybe?

Last night I was up until 2am working in the office...I haven't recorded expenses or filed anything since January and I had started throwing stacks of bills and papers to be filed in a large paper shopping bag. (Just so my desk looked clean.) Needless to say it was time so instead of relaxing in bed I started to go through the whole mess about 9:30pm.

As Erik tied his shoes as he prepared to exercise in the next room he asked if he needed to be concerned -- as he watched the pile of papers unloaded from the bag! (I think he was imagining late fee's all over the place)... "No I just pay everything on line every couple weeks..." I think his eye's went even bigger! Poor guy as if he isn't stressed enough with the huge amount of work he is dealing with right now!

I don't know what my problem is keeping up with this stuff. Do any of you have the same problem? I used to be so good. I have my little schedule... M-Th I clean specific things each day, on Friday's I do the little odd jobs and used to spend time in the office... but something has happened and I just keep putting off my Friday work!

I guess driving to Orem M,T,W,F for swimming lessons for Elizabeth & Claire has taken a lot of time. We have spent a small fortune on lessons, but it's worth it because Elizabeth can swim and float and save herself and she's almost 4! Claire is doing great too and is getting more comfortable with her body in the water and floating. It may seem like a simple thing to go to swimming lessons but it's the drive time, being there, then coming home to bathe them...etc. etc. etc. Are you amazed at the time some of the seemingly small activities seem to take up in your life?

Sometimes I feel like all I do is run kids around: dance, violin, speech, swimming, activity days... and then all the misc. other responsibilities that fill in the rest of my time. I am so looking forward to summer... well... maybe July, as June is already pretty filled up with things... I am so tempted to take a break from dance. Can you imagine just having a couple days to lay around? Ahh... I can feel the warm sun and a book right now (no, no book, just resting in the sun...)

I know the kids need down time because play time is brain development time and also helps kids manage stress. The other day I noticed kids who had been out playing all afternoon, still out late into the evening... how do they mange it? With 30 minutes reading, 20 minutes on spelling, another 10 on math games/flashcards, practicing violin for 30-60min. plus time spent at various lessons, we seem to rarely have time for friends...

For the last few months we have had to do major catch up on Sundays for scripture reading. Maybe I need to get a chapter read to the girls when I have family prayer with the girls... hummm that just might work... Erik is USUALLY home in time to say goodnight to the girls and have family prayer... then they are off to sleep. I am usually so exhausted and we are pushing 8:30pm so it's a quick song and lights out. Poor Elizabeth and Claire don't seem to get bedtime stories like McCall did every night. I try to make it up during the day and stop and take time to read a book, play a game, every once in a while during Claire's nap Elizabeth will persuade me to watch Sound of Music with her... I always know she needs some Mom time when she picks that one because it's one I might actually sit through.

I know this is long -- it's more journaling and getting out what I need to say than anything interesting for readers, I also know that our life right now -- and for the past 6 months -- has been a little out of control and not quite normal, but I'd love to hear how others manage and keep up with everything... or maybe you don't?

Motherhood

Sometimes I forget the value of a mother... this makes you proud to be a mother right now...

McCall can Move!

Here's a blip of McCall in her Jazz Class. They put together a quick dance with the Dad's for "Bring Your Dad to Dance" Week at the Pointe (Erik couldn't participate due to his recent surgery but he better be practicing up for next year - McCall and Elizabeth are so excited for it!)
I am horrible at bringing my camera anymore, it's always too much trouble, and isn't it John Meyer who sings "I left my camera... I want to see the world with my own eyes." Anyway I had to borrow this from the studio, but those of you out of state/country can see a little of what she's up to. She is taking 2 hrs of ballet, 1 hr of Jazz and 1 hr of Funk (Hip Hop). Elizabeth takes a 1 hr combo class -- I've got to pull the clip of her at Christmas (IN MY OPINION) she steals the show.

My Pack

So I thought today I would share my pack with you. Underneath a bench seat in my Yukon I have a small size backpack which I picked up on sale at Target for a couple of dollars. It is my emergency kit.

In it I have...

• 4 water bottles


• zip lock with two diapers and wipes for baby


• change of underwear for each child


• change of pants for the little ones(soft knit pants you can pick up at Target for $4)


• change of socks for the little ones


• (when I have a baby I have a knit one piece out fit)


• (when I have a baby I have bottle/2 sticks of formula - the ones you get free at the hospital and a small thing of baby food/spoon)


• 3 Hard granola bars(chewy have to be replaced more often)


• 3 Fruit snacks (they will melt sometimes in hot weather)


• Collection of Suckers and smarties (they last forever in there)


• Sippy cup for those who can't drink well from a water bottle


• Lemonade packs(the ones you dump into a water bottle)


• Couple band aids


• Small notebook with small pack of crayons


• small toy/doll


• $5-20 cash


• small blanket rolled up

All of these items are stuffed in this bag. The diapers and small thing of wipes are in a zip lock pressed tight, along with another zip lock pressed as air tight as I can with the clothes/underwear/socks in it.

I keep this bag shoved under a seat so it isn't in the way. Under the seat next to the pack, I also have a fleece blanket we picked up on one of our ER visits with Elizabeth, which is rolled up and stored.

We also carry in the back of the car a large picnic blanket which is super compact, small fire extinguisher, a full size emergency kit, which I added bug spray and sunscreen to the kit, rain poncho, along with a few other things.

In the middle console I always carry anti bacteria wipes, napkins, a few snacks/treats, flashlight and our collection of sunglasses.

When I pull something out from my pack I always try to replace it immediately and take that time to update as needed.

So this is my bag, and it has come in so handy. I try not to count on it but if I am in a total hurry to get someone to dance I know it is there. When I grab the diaper bag and it only has 1 diaper in it or it's missing a sippy cup, I know I always have backup. I don't get stuck because someone peed there pants or spilled, and I have to leave or run to a store. And if we are stuck in traffic and kids get anxious, if there is nothing else, I have the bag with water and snacks to calm them down. If I made it out the door without my purse I have backup $$ if I really need to stop at a store or get fuel.

I just thought I'd share my pack, it helps make me calm and I always feel somewhat prepared.

Spreading Sunshine (from Amy)

The first three people to respond to this post will get something made by me! Made with tons of love just for you! It might be a fun sewing project, a sweet letter to you from me, or some yummy goodies, you might be surprised what you get! Give it a try! The catch? You must re -post this on your blog and offer the same. The first people to do so and leave a comment, win a lovely little treat for themselves! Have Fun! Ready........Set............Go!

I started my project and it takes about an hour each so I had to shrink it down to three!

Just call us...

the Peterson...

family of...

GIRLS!!!!!!!

We just found out we are having another girl! We are really excited. McCall has been hoping for a girl so she is just thrilled about all of it. Elizabeth wanted a boy, but then jumped on board with McCall in recent months. Claire doesn't understand anything other than it's fun to push in my belly button. Erik, for a moment he shook his head but seems excited -- poor guy -- a whole house full of girls! But we couldn't ask for a better man to head this home and make us all happy!

In need of new jeans...

I guess it's time to start shopping for new jeans... I thought these were cute. I really wish I hadn't got rid of my maternity clothes... if you know anyone getting rid of stuff let me know! We just felt we needed to have another, if we stopped at three it would have been for more selfish reasons so we decided to take my IUD out let the Lord work it out and hey a week later... but we are sure this is the last!!!!

I have been such a slacker with the blogging world... when I sit at the computer it makes me sick so I haven't wanted to spend any time around it... A few more weeks and we should be through the sickly stage. I am dying to catch up with every ones blog and see what they are doing... in time I'll get back around to reading them.

For now I am busy with family. Erik had his back surgery last week so I have been busy taking care of him, my three girls, myself and this new little one growing inside, shoveling snow... (was it me who complained two weeks ago that I hated when there was no snow at Christmas?), and taking care of the home.

Erik is recovering well... his mom, my mom, and my good friend Jodi brought dinner to us, which - while I am capable of cooking - it was really nice to have one less thing to worry about as I have to do everything for the kids now, plus for Erik. I made it through changing his dressing today and only dry heaved a couple times! He is a trooper and is all apologies that he can't put his own socks on, and "I am so sorry for dropping this or that".

I have felt more sick I think this pregnancy but I have only spotted a couple times... that's how I figured out I was... I vacuumed and started spotting. I just have learned to take it slow. If I move really slow I can vacuum one room then in an hour or so get another... it takes forever to accomplish things - oh well. With not feeling very well I find myself constantly putting something in my mouth to get the sick feeling to go away. I have put on 10 pounds already and my jeans are so uncomfortable! I guess that's kind of normal for me... I always put a lot on at first and then tapper off... by the last few weeks I usually start dropping a pound or two at my appointments. But who knows with this one I just might end up the Goodyear blimp.

This is all for now... I am really feeling sick again...

All I want for Christmas...

I just had to post these Christmas lists from my girls. We had a little talk with our girls about Christmas this year... we have two family members who are jobless right now...an accountant and a business mba... we have friends that need help... and it's an uncertain time. We discussed that if the girls choose a few smaller items that it would allow us to spend money on some of our family so that others could have a good Christmas too.

This is what they wanted from Red Balloon ($129 for just the home then you need to buy the critters and furniture)...

Look at how amazing my girls are...

Flash Back to a Sunbeam

This was taken at our church... thus the cinder block bricks...

I was a very happy sunbeam at the time... as you can clearly see.

Little Pink Backpack

Elizabeth truly loves going to school. She gets so excited as we prepare. Most morning's I walk her to the stairs, I let go of her hand and she counts the ten steps going down to Amber's preschool. One day as I watched above from the railing, I saw her enter the classroom door, strike a pose and wait for a response from the teacher and students. "Hi Elizabeth!" from the students, "There's Elizabeth!" from Ms. Amber. She is the same way in nursery, and especially with her sweet leader Rachel. When she sees Rachel, she tilts her head, poses, smiles and ever faithful Rachel smiles, laughs her cute little laugh and says in a delighted voice "Hi Elizabeth!" I love that leaders and teachers delight in making children feel loved and special.

Everyday when Elizabeth returns from preschool we have the same procedure. It is constant and doesn't vary. We walk in... I ask her to tell me what sort of things they learned about... Elizabeth says robotic like "I don't know," then bright eyed she continues "do you wanna see what's in my backpack?" Of coarse I'm just dying to, so she meticulously locates the zipper pull, watches me for confirmation that I am all eyes, and slowly with those little hands I love, unzips her backpack, reaches in... still watching me for reaction... to reveal her school treasures. We discuss the items, and set them aside for dad to generally look at before recycling.

Oh... I love that pink little backpack!

CornBelly's

I know I am late posting these photo's from Cornbelly's, but it is nice to look at them now and remember the warmth of the day - warmth - which like October, has gone.

Poor Claire, the climb to the top with her sister alone would have done her in but now her sister is in control of rocketing her to the bottom!

Rockin' McCall

This is what Elizabeth will wear if she cuts anymore hair off...

The balloon man... okay can I just say - PEOPLE you are supposed to tip them! I can't believe how cheap people can be. So many kids followed him around and never paid anything. The same thing went for the face painters.

No paint for this little one but the maze of pumpkins was fun for her.

Two Princesses ready for the ball... (okay, that was cheesy I know).


Okay, so I was laughing so hard I couldn't take a picture of the kids on the slide thing with the pvc tubes which rolled as they went down. (If you went you may know what I mean?) The kids were bouncing and it so didn't look like any fun but it was hilarious, ohhh, I am LOL right now just thinking of it. We had a 60 year old woman on it and she came off hardly walking. Elizabeth got a little way down and stuck her heals in so she wouldn't go down and we were persuading her to come down, but I think they did it a second maybe third time. Ahhh... good times.

What is this you wonder?

I was down here in the office, and Elizabeth was next to me at her desk coloring, and I looked at her hair and saw this chunk missing, it was hard to tell if it was part of the layering at first so I got up and fluffed her hair with my fingers. It just didn't look right and I said, "Elizabeth, did you cut your hair?" Elizabeth looked up with her bright eye's and as honestly and sweetly as one could imagine, said, "no mama", she even ended the response with the slight inflection of a question at the end, like "why would someone do that?" I dismissed it with a "We never use our scissors to cut anything besides paper, huh?!" and figured it was something previously from the girl who did Elizabeth's hair at LaVilla Salon while Amy was out of commission.

Note: This was towards the beginning of preschool and we had been practising every morning with Elizabeth to trace her name and cut out along a line, to improve her dexterity using scissors. A small pencil box lay on the corner of the kitchen counter specifically filled with necessary tools.

Upon leaving the office I went upstairs to the kitchen where I saw the scissors from our morning work and little pieces of paper which I subsequently cleaned up, then placed the scissors and markers back in the box.

A couple hours later before McCall arrived home I hit the family room to do a toy/book sweep. As I bent to pick up a book I noticed something strange on the carpet. It was light yellow, and fuzzy. As I reached down and picked it up, to my horror I realized it was a child's hair... "Did she go and cut it after I gave her the idea!!" Was my naive initial thought then common sense reigned in and I realized the little turd had lied to me. Upon finding a couple more little tufts, I set them on the counter took a picture and called Elizabeth down.

I explained how disappointed I was that she cut her hair which meant we would be taking away her privileges to use scissors for the next little while, but even more disappointing was the fact that I asked her if she cut her hair and she said "No" which I explained was a lie, and thus for the lie I would be removing all barbie and associated accessories. This was devastating to her I know, but I hope she understood the lesson that we must be honest and tell the truth even, and especially, if it's hard.

I hope we are through with this little hair cutting stint!

Fluffy White Kleenex Dreams

We all have our share of trouble makers in each of our children. Claire seems to not only get into trouble, but she honestly seems to enjoy it. She thinks it's even funnier when we look grumpy and say "no". Yes, she is still in her pajama top ... but it was still morning.

I don't understand motive here but do we ever?