Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Inspiration
7 healthy easy meals
This is hard to read because I scanned it in. It is 7 healthy and quick meal ideas. Great ideas that I have used on busy nights. I originally clipped this from a Mayo Clinic magazine.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
White. . .
If it can be painted, it will be painted white!
I usually do a big refinishing project each summer. This year I painted the coffee table and end table in our family room. They are SOLID wood with a great shape, I just wanted to break up all the neutral brown. Slowly but surely this room is taking shape. . .
I usually do a big refinishing project each summer. This year I painted the coffee table and end table in our family room. They are SOLID wood with a great shape, I just wanted to break up all the neutral brown. Slowly but surely this room is taking shape. . .
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
3 Goals For The School Year
Today I had each of the kids (and me) write down three goals that they would like to work on at school this year.
My goals for the school year are:
1. Get laundry done during the day. (I used to fold it at night)
2. Get dinner mostly prepared durning the day. (less stress at the craziest time of the day)
3. Work one on one with each of the kids 5 times per week. (even if it is just for a short time)
1. Get laundry done during the day. (I used to fold it at night)
2. Get dinner mostly prepared durning the day. (less stress at the craziest time of the day)
3. Work one on one with each of the kids 5 times per week. (even if it is just for a short time)
No Stress Approach to School Clothes Shopping
The boys got new clothes for spring and have plenty of shorts and shirts in good condition. I have a new shirt for each of them to wear on the first day of school. I asked Hyrum if he wanted a new pair of jean shorts to wear. He said no. Easy, I am done shopping for him.
Spencer said he wanted a new pair of jean shorts. I asked if he would really wear them and he admitted that he would probably just wear basketball shorts. Easy, I am done shopping for him.
Abigail had a Birthday after school got out for the summer and got new clothes. She also has many nice clothes that I bought her this Spring. We went and bought her a nice new outfit to wear the first day. Done.
Alexis is starting Kindergarten. She needed new clothes. We hit a Lands End clearance sale with an additional 50% off. We bought her the cutest new outfits. The best part is that I have previously bought her Lands End clothes and she already has cute leggings that will match the dresses and skirts that we bought. When it does get chilly she will be ready.
I also bought Ellie a few new outfits we found on sale. I found a couple of shirts for myself. For less than $90.00 we are dressed and ready for a new school year!!
Late Dates
July 31, 2012
Occasionally we have late dates with our kids. One child gets to stay up later than everyone else and have one on one time with mom and dad. Today Alexis really wanted to have a late date. Justin had taken the boys to a summer soccer camp and the little kids were in bed. I knew she wanted a late date and I wanted to put the last coat of white paint on the tables that I was refinishing. So, we compromised and the result was a lot of fun for all of us!
We invited Abigail to our late date and set up a small DVD player in the garage so that I could paint while we watched. We enjoyed eating popcorn together, watching and painting. We all agreed that it was the best late date yet!
Occasionally we have late dates with our kids. One child gets to stay up later than everyone else and have one on one time with mom and dad. Today Alexis really wanted to have a late date. Justin had taken the boys to a summer soccer camp and the little kids were in bed. I knew she wanted a late date and I wanted to put the last coat of white paint on the tables that I was refinishing. So, we compromised and the result was a lot of fun for all of us!
We invited Abigail to our late date and set up a small DVD player in the garage so that I could paint while we watched. We enjoyed eating popcorn together, watching and painting. We all agreed that it was the best late date yet!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Back to the Balancing Act
It's that time again. . . back to the balancing act. I am preparing myself to start juggling homework, lunches, and after school activities.
We have backpacks filled with new school supplies, new first day of school outfits hanging in the closet, we have signed up for fall soccer, dance, and gymnastics.
I am starting to panic as I think about the busy schedules and all the homework that I will need to help with. I really like easy going summer days with everyone home.
Here are a few of my ideas of how to manage and balance the busy routines of everyday life as a mother of many children.
1. Simplify
For years I have had a sign hanging above my kitchen sink. It simply says, "SIMPLIFY." I need that reminder in every aspect of life!
When it comes to extra curricular activities. We have decided that our kids can only do one at a time. One activity each adds up to two soccer teams on two different nights of the week, dance, gymnastics and don't forget scouts and activity days, a weekly date for Justin and I, add Family Home Evening and our schedule is pretty full!
In our house we try to simplify by following the motto, "less is more." Less clothes and less toys = less clutter and less stress.
2. Enlist Help
I have decided that I can't possibly do everything myself. I want my kids to leave home knowing how to cook, clean, manage a home and their time. Daily they are learning the lessons that will help them later.
I have found that it is easiest to get them to help when they know exactly what is expected and we are consistent with our expectations!
I have posted on their bathroom mirrors and in the kitchen a simple list of what we expect them to do each morning. Each child has a simple morning chore that helps our family to get a jump start on the day.
Abigail- Help make lunches
Hyrum- Help make breakfast
Spencer- Empty trash cans in bathrooms and office into large kitchen trash
Alexis- Unload dishwasher
Tanner- Unload silverware
At dinner time each child is expected to do one thing to help set the table.
Abigail- Milk and condiments
Hyrum- Placemats and plates
Spencer- Napkins
Alexis- Cups
Tanner- Silverware
We also do Saturday morning chores. I wrote about that here.
The simple things they do help a lot and they are learning so much in the process!
3. Run Ahead, Not Behind
Planning ahead for dinner is one of the biggest ways that I try to run ahead. I plan my menus and then each morning after breakfast I look at my plan and see what I can do ahead. (Just before dinner is crazy at our house!!!!) If I can thaw meat or chop vegetables it makes preparing dinner later a lot easier!
I try to do a little laundry each day so that we don't have disastrous morning where no one can find clean underwear or shorts!
During the school year I also try to have a consistent shopping day so that we don't run out of bread and milk.
4. Focus On What Matters Most
The fourth and most important thing that I do is read my scriptures each morning. It really does help me to be a better wife and a nicer mom. It is a great way to fill my mind with inspiration that will help me throughout the day.
We have backpacks filled with new school supplies, new first day of school outfits hanging in the closet, we have signed up for fall soccer, dance, and gymnastics.
Here are a few of my ideas of how to manage and balance the busy routines of everyday life as a mother of many children.
1. Simplify
For years I have had a sign hanging above my kitchen sink. It simply says, "SIMPLIFY." I need that reminder in every aspect of life!
When it comes to extra curricular activities. We have decided that our kids can only do one at a time. One activity each adds up to two soccer teams on two different nights of the week, dance, gymnastics and don't forget scouts and activity days, a weekly date for Justin and I, add Family Home Evening and our schedule is pretty full!
In our house we try to simplify by following the motto, "less is more." Less clothes and less toys = less clutter and less stress.
2. Enlist Help
I have decided that I can't possibly do everything myself. I want my kids to leave home knowing how to cook, clean, manage a home and their time. Daily they are learning the lessons that will help them later.
I have found that it is easiest to get them to help when they know exactly what is expected and we are consistent with our expectations!
I have posted on their bathroom mirrors and in the kitchen a simple list of what we expect them to do each morning. Each child has a simple morning chore that helps our family to get a jump start on the day.
Abigail- Help make lunches
Hyrum- Help make breakfast
Spencer- Empty trash cans in bathrooms and office into large kitchen trash
Alexis- Unload dishwasher
Tanner- Unload silverware
At dinner time each child is expected to do one thing to help set the table.
Abigail- Milk and condiments
Hyrum- Placemats and plates
Spencer- Napkins
Alexis- Cups
Tanner- Silverware
We also do Saturday morning chores. I wrote about that here.
The simple things they do help a lot and they are learning so much in the process!
3. Run Ahead, Not Behind
Planning ahead for dinner is one of the biggest ways that I try to run ahead. I plan my menus and then each morning after breakfast I look at my plan and see what I can do ahead. (Just before dinner is crazy at our house!!!!) If I can thaw meat or chop vegetables it makes preparing dinner later a lot easier!
I try to do a little laundry each day so that we don't have disastrous morning where no one can find clean underwear or shorts!
During the school year I also try to have a consistent shopping day so that we don't run out of bread and milk.
4. Focus On What Matters Most
The fourth and most important thing that I do is read my scriptures each morning. It really does help me to be a better wife and a nicer mom. It is a great way to fill my mind with inspiration that will help me throughout the day.
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