First Week Success

Week one of school is completed! I completely changed our lazy morning routine to capitalize on, especially Aliza's, morning energy. It has been working! The rule is no computer entertainment until rest time. (Side note: I've known that this needed to happen for a long time. It is only now that I'm of a state of mind that I can effectively implement it. I'm not sure what changed except that I'm not pregnant and baby is getting bigger.) I was expecting lots of drama over this change, but there hasn't been any. Aliza and Josiah are welcome to start listening to to their lessons as soon as they wake up. This happened the first couple days, but by the end of the week they were finding other things to play with! This week we were home ALL week so every day, with the exception of cousin play morning, we were finished by noon or earlier. This makes all of us so happy. I can think about and do more things than school--amazing! By taking advantage of the early morning hours even when we are away later in the morning we will still have a good start on school by the time we get home.

I decided to do a K4 program with Anna since she turns 5 in November. She is pretty excited to have school. Most days she has had her folder and supply box out before I get out of the shower. She is very independent in her work and subscribes to the "do it as fast as you can" method that her big sister uses. There is lots of music and stories built in to the lesson. Here Anna is making billy goat puppets to act out the story of Three Billy Goats Gruff that she heard in the lesson.

Here's another great thing about the morning--I'm more patient and more capable of using a calm, quiet voice. So when the whining about writing or having to do History comes I can just calmly say "this is the way it is" and move on which helps the whining to move on more quickly to, I think.

Oh! I almost forgot my favorite Josiah success story of the week. Last year I really just went through the motions of Spelling with Josiah. He copied his word list and did the work, but I never made him memorize words. I am a little concerned that I am going to regret that in 2nd grade. This week he did not have a list, but he had his first journal entry for day 4 of the five day spelling list cycle. They are given a topic and I have them write as much as they want on their own--without me spelling words for them. Josiah had to think long and hard about what he was going to write. (He frequently counts letters in words to make sure he chooses short words.) He chose to write "I like going to the beach." He said, "I think I know how to spell beach, Mom. I'm going to surprise you." I was totally expecting him to spell "beech." Nope. He spelling beach correctly. I exclaimed, praised and must have done a happy dance because I was standing up. When I sat back down he continued with "It is fun." But before he started writing he said, "Mom, next time you don't have to get so excited."

We've Hired Our Kids

Several years ago we did most of a money study with the children. I pretty much stopped when they assumed that an allowance would come with the completion of the study. The whole idea of a chore system was overwhelming to me at that time.

It's interesting how time changes things and how a Mom adjusts to different work loads. We recently started a commission based chore system. I even realized that some work was getting done and I wasn't doing it! Amazing concept!

Here's how we have had it structured based on principles of Dave Ramsey. Aliza and Josiah have the opportunity to complete three jobs every day. The jobs vary each day because that's what works for our household. If a job needs to be completed at a certain time (setting the table for a meal) I tell the child one time and make sure they respond to me. If they choose not to complete jobs during the pay week their pay is reduced. They are paid on a certain day of the week. We want them to learn that pay is not immediate and that if you don't show up and do your job, you don't get paid. They each have three containers, one each for giving, saving and spending. We've told them that they need to put something in each container, but we've chosen not to micromanage percentages.

At least several days a week I try to think of bigger jobs that require the kids to work together. Today it was washing the car. They did a great job on the car and then they had lots of fun water play afterwards. Water play was my hope in the first place and I felt pretty brilliant that it worked out that way.

I have not had complaining about jobs. Josiah thought maybe he didn't want to clear the supper table tonight. I just reminded him how much it would cost him on payday and he decided to go ahead and clear the table.

Right now I'm feeling like this is a sustainable plan for us. Assigning jobs every night is a bit tedious for me. The job lists are in the childrens' rooms because that is where they wanted them. Tonight I wrote them in completely dark rooms. It's just one of my jobs...

Another Week Overview Post

There were several nights this week that I wanted to write, but didn't feel like I had anything interesting to say. My life is feeling rather mundane right now with three of my closest girls getting ready for some big change that will make them, at least, feel less accessible to me. It has been one of those weeks when I have had to go over and reassess why I do what I do and come to the conclusion, quickly, that it is still right for me and my family at this time.

Aliza and Josiah finished swimming lessons. They are truly swimming! Aliza worked so hard for this accomplishment. There was one week that she desperately wanted to quit and I convinced her to talk to her teacher and keep going. It was the next week that she had broke through and felt successful.

I think Isaiah grew up over the course of this week. I was playing with him today and he just looked older. He is almost one--I keep reminding myself. He loves things with wheels. Anna purposely laid her bike on its side so Isaiah could play with the wheels. So thoughtful...

Isaiah loves the water!

I've picked some nice peppers from our plants. This week I made Sloppy Jo Stuffed Peppers and Isaiah loved it.

There are plastic containers, pots and pans and ziploc baggies all over my floor. =)

Does this girl looks thrilled to be with her Daddy at the coffee shop for a few hours? A little time with Daddy alone goes a long way.

This is a quarter of a huge watermelon and apparently someone knew what the best bits of the watermelon are. Sometimes I just have to shake my head...and wish that it was me who couldn't resist temptation!!

Aunt Meghan brought a bag of watermelon to the beach cut up and de-seeded just for Isaiah. He stood right there and ate the whole bag.

Three sweet mermaids! I figured since I started the summer by taking 6 to the beach I should end the summer the same way!

And just so that we all remember that Isaiah is really still a baby, he was sound asleep by the time we got home from the beach. He woke up enough for a bath and a bottle and then he promptly slept for almost 3 hours.

We are starting school on Monday. I feel like I should be looking forward to it more than I am. I know why I'm not--I'm setting my alarm clock and changing the kids morning routine so that we get an earlier start and hopefully an earlier finish each day. I suppose if that actually happens it will be worth it. I'll let ya'll know how that goes!

Here's what has been happening here--

A "campfire" for our Family Dinner Book Club. Our book was The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.

New backpacks were a huge hit.

And when you have a new backpack you must play school.

Frozen yogurt at TCBY. It was evening and he was dressed for bed hence the long sleeve sleeper in the middle of August.

Cannonball

Learning the kick for Butterfly stroke. Aliza has worked so hard to learn to swim this summer and it has paid off. She swam across the deep end all by herself today!

Be still my heart.

This hole has become quite massive.

Excited to see Grandma and Grandpa

I'm gearing up to start school again, but in the meantime our days are going to continue to revolve around slow mornings and water.

Sports Camp

Aliza, Josiah and Anna had so much fun at Mega Sports Camp this week!

This first picture is to show that Anna (in the pink shirt) participated in the preschool class. Halfway through the first night she came running over to me to say, "Mommy, I don't need you anymore." It was great. I didn't know how to act! I sat and read.

The second night it was super hot, I had Isaiah, and Anna didn't need me. So Isaiah and I hung out in the air conditioned church foyer. Isaiah enjoyed standing up and looking out the huge glass doors.

Halfway through the third night, Anna came to me and said, "Mommy, I'm exhausting." She was tired and done for that night. Thursday she hung on Jeremy's leg the whole time and Friday night she just wanted to play soccer with Daddy. So she ended on a positive note.

Josiah chose Outdoor Survival Skills for his group. He loved it. He had so much to tell me every night. Monday night he could not wait to tell me that it's possible to filter pee to drink. I wasn't sure what to expect from the rest of the week!!

They built shelters one night. It was still standing two nights later. =)

Aliza chose Drama. After the first night she wasn't feeling very confident about her class, but by the end of the second night she loved it. She had lots to tell me every night and came home super excited. The group prepared a play to perform on the last evening for the camp. They had to choose whether they wanted to do a play with words and no movement or movement and no words. They chose movement and no words.

The play was the Christmas story--narrated by the drama coach. Aliza was the angel. She was just thrilled with her role. Here's the video:

Each night they sang songs, learned a mega point, listened to a mini sermon and memorized 1 Peter 3:15. The mascot of the camp was Mega. He was very involved with the kids this year and Aliza and Josiah loved him. Anna wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.

Another Beach Day

Isaiah stayed with Grandma and Grandad while I took the big three to the beach with Meghan and the boys. This was a much better scenario for me.

Everyone enjoyed catching sand fleas.

We had a bucket crawling with them.

The boogie boarders... So. Much. Fun. Josiah wouldn't even stop to eat lunch. As soon as his board hit the sand, he was up and running back into the surf.

Aliza preferred body surfing. =) And having a buddy with her in the waves--Mommy was acceptable. Aunt Meghan was preferred.

Anna and her cartwheels.

This time we were at a beach that requires you to drive past several ice cream places to get to the beach. I thought I was going to resist the temptation, but I gave in. It was HOT and we were all HUNGRY!

This day made me appreciate our simple lifestyle. After getting back to Mom's from the beach we had just enough time to take showers, have a conversation and grab a snack before heading out to Sports Camp for the evening. It was ok for one day, but not something I want to repeat frequently! More on Sports Camp another night...

Isaiah--10 Months

Isaiah and I hung out together while the big kids had Sports Camp tonight. Since it was SO hot, we stayed in the church foyer and he enjoyed crawling all around and looking out the huge glass doors. Apparently the glass tasted pretty good too! ;) I love this little guy. I still look at him while he eating and think how lucky I am to be his Mama. As much as I love to kiss his cheeks and enjoy those snuggly moments, Isaiah is getting in to things--like the toilet--and has to be given a stern No and removed. Just so you know I am parenting and not just loving on him!

Joy Dare::July

2564. Crossing paths at the library
2565. An enjoyable evening with Janell and friends
2566. Talked and talked with Jeremy until midnight
2567. So much happiness over a cooler wheel and a leaf

2568. Pool fun
2569. "My tummy hurts because we are staying home" from the four year old who loves to go places and do things
2570. Edifying discussion
2571. Enjoying books
2572. Check in the mail
2573. Family time--swimming, picnic, letterboxes
2574. Watching Josiah having so much fun
2575. Every one of the "mommy watch me" I heard in the pool
2576. Rising to the challenge of connecting with my daughter's heart multiple times a day
2577. Small community parade that includes plenty of candy
2578. Ice cream and cousins after the parade
2579. Book club dinner and perfect for 4th of July and Josiah found that he likes fried chicken
2580. One small area decluttered and clean
2581. Sunday afternoon reading
2582. When I'm struggling with something and blog article preaches to me
2583. Mom's lasagna for supper
2584. The birthday gift from my son that almost made me cry

2585. Calls from my brother and sister
2586. Reconnecting on a soul satisfying level with my first college roommate
2587. A day that came together in such a way that the children were happily occupied so Lynette and I could talk fast and freely
2588. Sun sparkling on the water
2589. Monopoly with the dolls

2590. Fun in the water
2591. Things crossed of the to do list
2592. Extremely well behaved children during a dentist visit we didn't expect
2593. Not everything got done on the to do list and it was ok
2594. Learning more humility
2595. Preparing lots of food
2596. A tea party for my mother-in-law--everything about it was perfect
2597. Children who sleep in so that once in a while we can do crazy spontaneous things in the evening
2598. Anna slept well last night
2599. Resting and feeling very happy about the weekend
2600. Dresses that were passed on to me that I enjoy wearing
2601. Unexpected relief
2602. Being at Mom's to help with the corn
2603. Celebrating 14 years of marriage
2604. Taco Tuesday--proclaimed by Josiah
2605. Making phone calls and practicing patience
2606. Slow morning that included reading out loud that no one wanted to end
2607. Waiting for a whole flock of baby turkeys to cross the street
2608. An evening out--dinner and conversation included
2609. Cooperative children--all 6 of them
2610. Seriously fun pool time
2611. The perfect temperature for mowing grass
2612. My husband who didn't find it necessary to tell me that he stayed up until 4am working--he still gave Isaiah his pacifier during his only 3 hours of sleep
2613. Brian was close enough to come jump my car battery
2614. Thinking about how I can make our house pretty
2615. Another successful Trades of Hope party--and it still surprises me
2616. Speaker phone--so I can make the most of my alone car time
2617. Weekend rest
2618. My girls sharing their scrapbooking supplies
2619. Jeremy enjoying some old Nintendo games on Wii with Josiah
2620. Doors opening for a church building
2621. Completely unexpected help that made a project so much easier
2622. Giving Anna an opportunity and being ok that wasn't ready
2623. Aliza wanted pictures to scrapbook so she held a photoshoot with her dolls

2624. Insurance changes coming together
2625. I spoke with incredibly kind professionals on the phone today
2626. Our pool hostess
2627. Meghan being able to meet us at the pool spur of the moment. It shocked Josiah to see Caleb when we pulled in and Meghan worked with Aliza on swimming and it was a huge confidence boost for Aliza
2628. Pool time love and conversation
2629. Aliza's courage to try again
2630. Anna's teeth are fixed and despite their medical instinct no additional cavities were identified
2631. Dad was with me. He made sure I ate breakfast.
2632. The big kids had a super great day with cousins
2633. Mom was able to leave work to be with me in post op with Anna
2634. Anna was back to her normal self by evening
2635. My grocery shopping companion
2636. Date night
2637. Keeping my eyes open for inspriration
2638. A day with Jeremy
2639. Grandparents happy to spend time with grandchildren
2640. My favorite summer cupcakes
2641. Josiah still wanting to be held
2642. Another project crossed off the list
2643. Friends encouraging me
2644. Water, sand and boogie boards
2645. Aunt who is sister in law and best of all kindred spirit friend
2646. Little boys who lock themselves in a room and have to figure out how to get out
2647. Feeling utterly spoiled by "Aunt" Deb
2648. This little one started clapping today and thought he hit the jackpot when the box of Cheerios spilled

2649. Praying with a friend and welcoming a new friend for Josiah
2650. Cleaning and parenting
2651. Aliza's latest family play script complete
2652. Having the perfect Project Life cards on hand
2653. Anna gathering up toys to give Grandma for her birthday present
2654. Reminded what a privilege it is to have books and education