Write-Downable of the Week: Who's Medusa?

Write-Downable (n) 

"A statement that is cute, funny, priceless, sensitive, loving, one-of-a-kind, sweet, or spiritual; a word, phrase, sentence, or story that touches the heart of another and is deemed worthy to write down, thus recorded forever and not forgotten."

Word Created By: The Bushman Family

Definition By: Julie Bushman

Write-Downable of the Week:

Our family was watching a movie this week and Medusa was mentioned...you know, the tweako in Greek Mythology that had hair of snakes, and if one were to look upon her, he would be turned to stone?  

My daughter turns to me and says, "Who's Medusa?"

14 year old son says, "It's that guy that lived to be like 924, right?"

WRONG! Sorry, honey. That was Methuselah...and he was 969 years old. We all had a good laugh!

But hey, I'd rather them know about Methuselah than Medusa!

MOSES...Not Methuselah, but close enough? (2010)

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Crime and Punishment

One example of a crime and the punishment...

A few months ago I was at the dentist for a checkup and cleaning. Definitely not my favorite thing in the world, but I do like how my teeth feel afterward. Our ENTIRE family was at the dentist that day for the same reason. As you can imagine, it caused some heads to turn and questions to be asked. The dental assistant asked me, "So, how many children do you have?" I replied, "4 boys and 4 girls". It tends to minimize the reaction to say it that way, rather than, "EIGHT!" He proceeded to tell me about the big family he grew up in. We talked a bit about children and discipline and training. He then told me a story I will never forget!

He grew up in a rural town in Idaho. When he was six years old, his mother went "to town" for the monthly shopping trip. He said she was usually gone for about four hours. His sixteen year old brother was in charge of watching him and the rest of the family. His six year old self was probably a bit annoying or bossy or a pain in the neck. As a result, the brother locked him in their fruit room in the basement. No light or window was available; it was pitch black. He cried and screamed and knocked on the door. The brother never let him out.

When the mother came home, she found out what had happened. I'm not sure if she found him in the fruit room as she was putting the groceries away or if she asked where he was. That part of the story is unclear. However, when the tragedy was discovered, obviously she was furious. Can you imagine how frightened that little boy must have been? BUT, they didn't ground the older son. They didn't make him clean the garage or scrub all the bathrooms. The punishment was AMAZING!

For one year the older son had to take the younger son with him EVERYWHERE he went, except to school. If the teenager was going to a party, the younger boy went, too. If he was going to a movie, little brother got to tag along. 

Boy: "But Mom, that movie isn't appropriate for 'Mikey' to see". 
Mom: "I guess you're not going to that movie then".

Boy: "Can I go to Jimmy's house?" 
Mom: "You have to take your little brother with you."

This lasted for ONE YEAR!!! I was incredulous when he told me. 

"He really took you everywhere with him for one year?"

The dental assistant told me the rest of the story...
The older and younger brother became best friends. He is his favorite brother now. The "punishment" that was given ended up being a blessing for both brothers. What began as a very negative experience became a lesson of love and forgiveness. What inspired parents to turn this scenario into a positive blessing for their family!

If one of my children did this, I would be livid. I don't know if I would be calm enough to come up with such wisdom. Not one of my children has ever done something so serious. However, if a warranted situation does arise, I'll have this little gem in the back of my mind. 

I could see myself implementing this idea for a day or a week for situations that fit the bill. Non-loyalty or harmful behavior to siblings does not bode well in our family. Walk that line and you'll be walking with little brother or sister in tow. 

Soldier Hollow Weekend - More to Come About That Amazing Trip!

It is up to parents to formulate tactics that will shape and mold the children they've been given responsibility for. I am grateful to hear experiences of other parents. It gives me new ideas and methods to try with my family. What a blessing to have examples around us whom help us stick-to-it!

I told this story to my children...what the older boy did AND the punishment. They looked at me with disbelief. I'm not sure if they were shocked about the crime or the punishment. Let's just say, I don't think any of them want such a consequence. Great...I don't want to give it either!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Yes, I'll Take Care of your Legos

"You are making a sacrifice, but it is not a sacrifice because you will get more than you give up, you will gain more than you give, and it will prove to be an investment with tremendous returns. It will prove to be a blessing instead of a sacrifice. No one who ever served in this work as a missionary, who gave his or her best efforts, need worry about making a sacrifice, because there will come blessings into the life of that individual for as long as he or she lives."  

- Gordon B. Hinckley

It's a strange feeling when you work so hard to achieve something, give your all for a future goal, strive tirelessly for a positive outcome...but when it actually happens, you're an emotional wreck. I'm happy, too. Really, I am. I'm jovial and ecstatic and thrilled and proud. This was what I wanted all along. But my heart strings are being pulled and when that happens to Mama Bear, tears flow, emotions are high, and focusing on real life is tough. However, it will get better. Millions of mothers have been through it. I will, too.

What am I talking about? My son just left for Santiago, Chile for two years. He's serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Since he was born, we've hoped for this day. We've prayed that he would have the desire to serve a mission. We know what it will do for him. We know the growth that will take place. We know the man he will become. 

He grew up talking about going on a mission...

His 3 year old prayer: "Help me that I can go on a mission and help my dog go on a mission, too."

His 4 year old prayer: "Please help me that I can go on a mission and my dog, too."

His 7 year old plea: "I'm collecting legos like Uncle Stephen. I'm going to keep my legos until after my mission. Mom, when I'm on my mission, will you take care of my legos?"

His 8 year old prayer: "Please bless me that I can go on a mission to Mexico so I can buy a switch blade knife."

Through his youth he has prepared for this day: seminary, youth activities, service projects, testimony meetings, scripture study, Family Home Evening, missionary prep classes, temple attendance, prayer, jobs, work, saving........

I am a thrilled Mother for his obedience to Heavenly Father and his desire to tell the people of Santiago, Chile about Jesus Christ and His plan for us. I wouldn't want him anywhere else. I'm willing to only hear from him via letter/email once per week. I'm willing to only talk to him twice per year - 4 times over the next two years. I'm willing to pray for him and write to him and support him. But it hurts. He's been gone for almost 24 hours and I'm still crying. He's where I want him to be, but I'm a mess.

As Mothers, we rejoice and mourn for our children. Now is the time for me to rejoice...

"Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation." D&C 31:3

...but I can't help mourning, just a little.

I wrote him a letter to read on the airplane. It's too personal to post in its entirety, but I will share the following:

"I love you, son. I have shed more tears than I thought possible. But they are tears of joy for your goodness, for your righteous desires, for your obedience, for your wise choices, for your example to your siblings and to me. Be of good cheer and know we will pray for you every day. We are waving the flag for Elder Bushman. We will await hearing from you each week with excitement. We will support you as you go to serve the people of Chile. I give you, my oldest son, to the Lord for the next 2 years, willingly and gratefully. Thank you for making me a very happy Mama. My love to you, Adam. Go forward with faith and with God. Return honorably. Love, Mom"

Oh, and yes, I'll take care of your legos while you're on your mission.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Analogy: Crayons, Choices, and Children

"Mom, come quickly. Look what she did!" 

Black crayon scribbled all over the coffee table.

GASP (from me)

Eyes full of  sorrow looked up at mine. 

No, I wasn't mad. But, I wasn't going to let a teaching lesson go by.

Get out the Magic Eraser. Wait, I don't have a Magic Eraser.

Baby Wipes.

Well, it's not the first time I've dealt with a child scribbling crayon all over something, whether it be the wall or the couch or the table, or my Messiah score. At least crayon comes out, not like the "pretend boyfriend" one of my daughters drew in permanent Sharpie on the bedroom wall years ago. 

After seeing the mess she made and being so proud of myself for not raising my voice or getting upset, I quickly told her that it's unacceptable to make a mess of our home and she needed to clean it up. Remembering that the Magic Eraser was used up with some spring cleaning a few weeks ago, I resorted to the baby wipes. I gave her a handful and told her to go to town on scrubbing that table clean. She knew not to complain. She got busy. (Sometimes I think they like cleaning up the mess - to a point - especially if it involves scrubbing.)

No, I don't clean my house or make sure my children look perfect before I take their pictures. This is Bushman Family Reality!

Almost immediately, older brother jumped in to help.That's my scout - doing a good turn!

Many Hands make the Job Light

 
After 20 minutes or so she asked me to come and look at her progress. Pretty good, especially for a 4 year old. There were a few places she missed that I pointed out. She started to complain a bit, "It's too hard, Mommy." There it was...the words that sink into your heart when a child has done her best and is feeling the effects of fatigue and remorse. I took the wipe from her and started scrubbing for her. She placed her hand on mine and we scrubbed the last of it together. She felt happy, with a sense of accomplishment for fixing what she had done.

...take me by the hand...

As we finished up, I suddenly had a spiritual moment...

We all make mistakes in life, like scribbling on the table.  If we leave it alone and don't try to clean it up or make it right, it stays there for all to see, or maybe just for us to see, reminding us of the mistake. Those reminders make us feel guilt or sorrow or sadness. We look at the mess and think, "I don't know how to get rid of it. It's too hard." That's where the Savior comes in. He helps us get rid of the mess, standing by us, strengthening and encouraging as we follow his road map to repentance. (Brother Scout) As we follow it, and do ALL WE CAN, he takes our hand and helps us finish on the path (Mom). He forgives us and remembers our mistakes no more. Best of all, he takes away the guilt and the sorrow and the sadness. He cleanses us and comforts us, which enables us to feel joy. He makes it right.

It's interesting what happens when we follow the Lord's plan of parenting. The pattern is set in the scriptures, and it's up to us to study and learn and practice. We both learned a lesson that day. She learned the consequence of scribbling on the table - being accountable to clean it up, apologize, and do all she can to make it right. I also hope she realized and felt the support from those who love her.  I learned that parenting brings joyful lessons and spiritual moments, thus the Analogy of Crayons, Choices, and Children.
 
More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

PLEASE, COME HOME!!

Bring her home....Bring her home.....Bring her home!

Les Miserables (with a tweak)

Do you have a certain child that seems to be your right hand man; a child that is always in the right place at the right time, that knows the needs of the home, and accomplishes tasks without being asked? This child isn't always the same individual. At our home, this person tends to rotate year to year depending on schedule, availability, mood, emotional status, and personality changes. 

Right now, it's our EE! She's at Girl's Camp all week long so we are all feeling the pain of her absence. It's not just because of what she DOES at home, but who she IS.

She's a breath of fresh air!

She always enjoys a party!

She's willing to be involved and try new things!

She's diligent and organized!

 

She's Helpful...

...and She's Helpful!

She's an amazing friend!

She's a gentle and sweet sister!

She is grateful for amazing opportunities!

She's oh, so talented!

She LOVES to have fun!

She sets an example for her siblings and cousins!

She's Darling and Amazing!

We love you and miss you. Come home...our family is not complete without you!!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

"They call her love, love, love, love, love"

Child: "Can I buy this necklace for myself? 

Please, I have my own money....see?"

(Pulls money out of purse)

Mom: "Are you sure that's what you want to spend your money on?"

Child: "Yes, I'm sure."

Mom: "OK...but be sure you take good care of it!"

Child Thinks to Herself: "Yes, it worked!"

"They call her Love, Love, Love, Love, Love"

This is the conversation that occurred the Saturday before Mother's Day. We were at the store and my sweet daughter wanted to buy a necklace. Little did I know that the necklace was not for her.

The next day was Mother's Day and while opening my Mother's Day gift, I was given a small package from this same daughter. I opened it up and it was the necklace that she bought for herself, or so I thought. 

The laughter commenced; she was so happy with herself that she had pulled one over on Mom...and it worked! I had no idea!! What a thoughtful gift; not just the necklace, but her creative and generous mind to get a gift for Mom right under my nose. I will forever treasure this precious token from my sweet girl! 

Not only is it a reminder of my daughter's love from me, but it encourages me to Choose the Right - CTR. Sometimes we think of this phrase as one for Primary age children.  However, I need this reminder just as much, or even MORE, than these children.

My Surprise Mother's Day Necklace

My Clever, Creative, Loving, and Thoughtful Daughter!

I love it! Reminds me of the song by Parachute Band: "They call her love, love, love, love, love."

Love you, sweet pea!! I look forward to the next surprise. Knowing you, it's right around the corner! 

My Stick-to-it Tip Today: Make a big deal about these tender moments. Let your children know how much you LOVE it and appreciate it. Take pictures, write it down, talk about it, cherish it.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Count those Granola Bars!

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,14,18,19...30! 

(I think my 3 year old needs more practice!)

Young children are notorious for counting. They count their fingers, how many ducks are in the pond, how many skittles Mom dishes out, how many "plops" end up in the toilet, the number of presents under the Christmas tree, how many grapes in their bowl, or the number of pennies in a coin purse.

A few weeks ago, my five-guy sat down at the kitchen table where a big box of granola bars was sitting. He randomly asked, "Mom, can I count the granola bars?" My first thought to myself was, "No, they will get scattered all over, opened, smashed, or eaten." However, after he asked again, I thought, "Sure - count, count, count. Why would I discourage counting - the foundation for good math and number skills? Count those granola bars!"

He proceeded to count to 44. He needed a little bit of help here and there but he had fun and it kept him busy for ten minutes or so. It was a learning activity that strengthen his number and sequence knowledge. Who needs fancy counting toys when you have a box of granola bars lying around? (However, the box of granola bars doesn't stay that full for very long!)

44 Granola Bars!

Let's do it again!

Other thoughts for counting practice:

1. Counting Money - you can never have too much practice with this vital exercise. Use pennies to learn to count by 1's, nickles to to count by 5's, and dimes to count by 10's. Get out a jar of coins and let them go to town!

2. When reading stories, incorporate counting. How many dogs are on the page? How many balloons are in the air? How many children are at the beach? Encourage the counting and eventually it will come naturally. 

3. Number recognition - I love the large number shaped magnets for the refrigerator. They will have them numerically lined up in no time.

4. Counting and food preparation go hand in hand. Engage your children in food prep and they will be counting how many cups of flour for the dough, how many eggs have been cracked, how many pieces of potato went into the pot of soup, or how many slices of banana were added to the fruit salad. Making cookies? Give out a handful of chocolate chips but no eating until you've counted them first!

Counting - vital preparation for perfecting time management, financial success, getting A's in math class, making meals, leadership skills, musical excellence, and usefulness in the workplace.

While he's busy counting granola bars and chocolate chips, I'm busy counting children to make sure they're all in the car, counting Weight Watchers points so I can keep up with the children in the car, and counting my blessings that I have all these experiences in the first place!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Change your Underwear!

Warning: Discussions about underwear

Note: Names and gender withheld to avoid embarrassment

From Day 1, I have reminded my children to change their underwear every day. I'm sure I've said it thousands of times. Wearing the same pair of underwear for multiple days in a row absolutely grosses me out! 

Today, one of my children was out of clean underwear. In response, another child says, "I never run out of underwear. I have tons in my drawer." This got me thinking. Why do they always have "tons" of clean underwear. Now, if I didn't have anything else to do but keep up on the laundry, I could understand that. However, that is not the case, so I asked... "Are you changing your underwear every day? When was the last time you changed your underwear?" The response about killed me: "Oh, every time I take a shower." What???!!!??? How many times have I reminded you?

Ok, so the picture is cheesy but I needed a visual, and I'm not going to take a picture of my child's dirty underwear. However, I think I need a more stern look on my face!

Back to the above response. In the summer time when we do showers every single day (because I cannot stand sweaty and stinky children), I can go with the "every time I take a shower" reasoning. But, winter time is a different story. Three or four showers a week means only three or four clean underwear changes. Ouch! We quickly had a discussion about changing underwear every day. "Haven't I told you to change your underwear every day?", I asked. 

Child: "I don't remember you saying that." 

What??? Selective listening! I am a true believer in this concept. 

What do I learn from this? 

1. Check the supply of underwear in your children's drawers :) If there is a healthy supply but your dirty laundry is piled high, you know there's a problem!

2. Make sure they really know by formally discussing.

3. Realize that even with my consistent reminders, the child has to internalize and buy into the concept for it to really happen.

The reward for the day? The child without any clean underwear wore half-dry but clean underwear to school because the thought of wearing dirty underwear is "FOUL"! Yes, it matters! 

There you have it: wet but clean underwear shows buy-in and internalizing. Dirty but dry underwear equates to "I don't really care." 

Hopefully the I don't care attitude will dissipate and the dryer will perform faster next time. 

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Dumb Stuff and Common Sense

The beauty and amazement of the kaleidoscope has wowed children for generations. After Sunday's episode, we'll think twice about this little, seemingly innocent, plastic kaleidoscope.

Kids just do dumb things. The sooner you learn that and accept the expected, you won't get nearly as frustrated and annoyed by those ridiculous events that take place on a regular basis.

The latest dumb thing began with my son bringing home a little plastic kaleidoscope from a birthday party on Saturday. 

The culprit...see the hole in the green one?

Sunday morning (yes, of course, Sunday) my daughter put her finger into the hole and managed to get it seriously stuck. No amount of soap or lotion or twisting would get it off. The plastic was moldable so it dug into her finger. She was really in pain. Dad came to the rescue which unveiled this:

The view from one side of the finger

Wow!  We've had our fair share of dumb stuff, that's for sure...

1. Jumping from the top of the bunk bed, hitting the ceiling light fixture, landing on another bed, with shattered glass all over. Not a scratch or a cut resulted from this super-hero stunt.

2. Attaching hand cuffs just above the knee and securing the other side of the cuff to the kitchen drawer. This was the day when there was only a key to open it, no release mechanism. Pulling that off was not fun!

3. Standing in a bucket of blocks and wetting the pants. I had to wash every single one of those plastic blocks! (No dishwasher in that house)

4. Riding the bike down the street, not looking forward; running into the neighbor's truck and smashing the face. Nothing broken!

5. Child takes a steak knife from the knife block. Another child tries to get it away. Children are running up the stairs. Child with knife stabs chasing child due to the swing of the knife while running. Stab resulted in small lesion; no stitches.

6. Sitting in front of a glass curio, the child tips back the little chair and smashes into the curio, cutting the back of the head...blood everywhere. Boy, those head wounds really bleed. Again, no stitches.

7. Toilet is left up, unflushed. Toddler toddles into the bathroom, grabs the "stuff" from the toilet and starts eating it. We'll not discuss any more about this one.

8. Child ties a parachute cord to the waist, ties the other end to the top of the bunk bed and jumps. Gets stuck in mid-air, screaming for help to "scissor it" (cut it). 

9. Leaving the top of the glue open, it spills and makes a glue puddle on the carpet, 3" x 3". Glue and carpet do not mix. Tip to clean up: Scrape it up with a spoon, over and over. Do not use water!!

10. Throwing rocks in the back yard results in the kitchen window breaking. "I didn't do it...my friend did." Uh, huh. 

11. The googly eye in the ear is classic.

12. Lettuce up the nose. It took us two weeks to discover what the source of that disgusting smell was. It wasn't bad breath!

13. Bead up the nose. Good thing for the nose sucker (bulb syringe). 

14. Oh, no. You didn't listen and stay by Mom; fell in a hole and cut the eyebrow.

15. Jumping off the side of the bathtub like Superman, hitting the cheek bone on the tub. STITCHES!

16. Microwaving clay and dropping it on the floor. Clay everywhere!

I'm sure if I dig into those deep recesses of the brain where I store such memories, I could come up with many more. The bright side of doing the dumb stuff? Hopefully, our children learn a lesson. Oh, let's hope common sense sinks in and the dumb stuff decreases!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Give 'em some "space"

My six your old daughter is homeschooled. She's having a hard time getting motivated about working on her school work. A few weeks ago, she was talking about a desk or her own work space. Light Bulb Moment! This is what she set up...

She's been more excited about doing her work ever since. I find it fascinating that many times our children can answer their own questions or come up with their own solutions to difficulties in their lives. As parents, don't we always want to come to their aid and SOLVE the problem? If we give our children a little space, many times they'll do it themselves. Isn't that what we want for our children...to learn to be independent and govern themselves? Who would have thought that her own "space", a little desk with her lamp and boom-box, would aid in accomplishing her studies? Good job, Babe!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Make it Stick

Children love to stick. What is it about peeling and sticking, peeling and re-sticking? Cause and effect? Patterns? Repetition? Whatever it is, use that love for sticking to keep your children happy and entertained. Here are some ideas for you:

Bandaids: Kids love bandaids! If you ever have a fussy child in a place where you don't want them to be fussy, pull out a bandaid, let them open it themselves, peel off the tabs and stick. Watch them pull it off their hand and re-stick it to their leg, pull it off and re-stick. Give them a character bandaid and watch the fun last even longer. Keep a box of bandaids in your bag for emergency entertainment! My sister gives these as part of a birthday gift. Good idea! 

Tape: A roll of tape...masking tape, scotch tape, duck tape, or electrical tape is another cheap and quick way to keep a little one happy. 

Stickers: Oh, stickers. You are my lifesaver!! Find an inexpensive booklet of stickers, tear off a sheet, give your child a piece of paper and let them go to town. Or, make your own. Use blank mailing labels, design a simple label in Print Shop or any other design program, and print it off. Use pictures of your children to make it more interesting.

Products: I love this product for children over 4 or 5 - Lauri Mosaic Peel and Stick The pieces are foam adhesive that stick to the design by color/number. This is a fun craft that really keeps them busy! Another good idea for birthday presents!

Trains: just one out of ten sets to choose from

Make sure you keep your stamps hidden from little hands or the result will be this: 

At least these stamps were salvageable. Just wait until they stick them to paper!

I came up with the name, Stick-to-it Charts, because the charts we create use hook and loop (Velcro) for the pieces to "stick to" the chart. It's also a double meaning - the charts are tools to help children "stick to" their responsibilities. Read more about it: Here and Here

Happy Sticking!

More to come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

The "mean Mom"

I'm a mean Mom. I am, and I'm happy and proud to admit it. Hopefully, you understand what I'm saying...I love my children, I'm kind to them, I read them stories, I sneak them treats, I take care of all their needs, I do special things for them, I listen to their news and tales, I pray for them, I teach them and train them. But, sometimes you just have to be "the mean Mom" to teach a lesson, show the importance of obeying the rules, to set standards and expectations; all this to raise "stick-to-it" kids. I believe in holding my children accountable for their choices, for there are consequences for disobeying or disrespecting. You're not home on time? I'm tracking you down. You have a C- in Math? You're staying home this weekend to finish your math lessons. You want to play a video game? No, too much media today. You didn't clean your room? Sorry, you'll have to play with your friend another day.

My children don't say I'm mean anymore. Years ago, if they did happen to say "You're so mean", I'd say, "You're right...don't forget it!" Since they know it doesn't phase me, it is not in their vocabulary. Hopefully, one day they'll understand that it's not mean, but love. I hope they'll become a "mean Mom" or "mean Dad" to their children, too.

A few weeks back, my children wanted to play with their cousins. I told them if they worked hard on their chores that morning, we'd see if they could come over. My two middle boys goofed off all morning long. After repeated reminders, they still did not take care of their responsibilities. So, I called off the play time with their cousins. They balked and complained - they even said they would do the work. However, I had to "stick-to-it" and be the "mean Mom". Thankfully, they've been a lot better about doing their jobs because of the consequence inflicted from not doing them before.

Look for ways to truly train, teach and LOVE - by being the "mean Mom".

More to come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Lessons from a Googly Eye

No matter how many times you tell your children not to do something (or to do something), sometimes they just have to do it (or not do it) and suffer the consequences to REALLY learn. I find, as a mother, that too many times I want to save my children from these consequences, but they end up missing the lesson they so need! 

My 6 year old daughter on Tuesday night: "Mom, something flew in my ear...really, I was lying in bed and I felt something go in my ear. I think it was maybe a googly eye or something." 

Great! How many times have I told her never to put anything in her nose or ear? I look in there with my otoscope (what would I do without that?), and sure enough, there's a googly eye stuck in the ear canal.

She insisted that she didn't know how it got there. (And I was born yesterday) I wouldn't let her get away with naivety nor get out of any consequences. After fifteen minutes of talking with her, she confessed to putting it in her ear. We told her that it would cost a lot of money to take her to the doctor to get it removed. 

Consequence: being scared all night with a googly eye stuck in her ear (we had to wait until morning), going to the doctor which no child likes (well, maybe to her it was exciting), suffering humiliation through the teasings of her older siblings (she didn't want to tell them - too late, I already did), and doing extra jobs around the house to help pay for the doctor's bill. Hopefully, this experience will teach her to NEVER do this again. Side note: the doctor asked us if we wanted the googly eye back for a souvenir. Are you kidding? Throw that thing away - we don't want to take any chances of it making it back in her ear.

My nine year old son: He came home last week with his report card. He was disappointed in himself because he received a B in reading. He's supposed to read twenty minutes each day and get his reading bookmark signed off by a parent. I got tired of playing reading nazi; reminding him every night, putting my foot down to DO YOUR READING NOW!!!, fighting him to do the reading routine each evening. I decided to let him govern himself and let it go. That's not my style! I believe in reminding my children about their responsibilities. They need guidance and direction and help. We all do. Sometimes, though, they need to suffer the consequence.

Consequence: Getting a B, instead of an A and feeling badly for not doing his best. The positive is he told me, "I'm going to do my reading every night so I get an A in reading next term." Yes!! I love that kind of motivation. Hopefully, it really "sticks"!

We've had our fair share of beads, BBs, lettuce and raisins up the nose. All of us can tell a story about our children making mistakes and doing dumb things. Be grateful for the lessons they learn...and then prepare for more stupid stuff down the road.

More to come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Helpful, courteous, kind, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent

After writing yesterday about raising and training our boys, it got me thinking about an amazing program that is available to our boys in ALL areas of the United States, the Boy Scouts of America. I know many people have a negative attitude about the scouting program, but my sons have been heavily involved for the last eight years and I find that the benefits outweigh any negatives. 

I love Cub Scouts! I love the simple, age-appropriate activities and goals for these active and bright boys whom are eager to learn. I love seeing my sons work toward something and participate in a program that teaches: doing their best, service to God, Family and Community, following rules and guidelines, and expanding their talents and knowledge. Family relationships are strengthened through working and learning together. Friendships are deepened. Scouting gives an outlet for creativity, fun, productivity AND entertainment.

The Pinewood Derby through the years. They make their own car and race it. Yes, it's a lot of work but they LOVE it!

I LOVE Boy Scouts! I love the focus on the outdoors, survival and preparedness. I'm grateful they're learning to start a fire, follow a map and compass, cook without a microwave and setup a tent. Since I'm not an avid outdoorsman, I enjoy the fact that my kids can do all of these things when we go on family campouts! I love the focus on service and building character...A scout is trustworthy, loyal, courteous, kind, thrifty, clean, brave, reverent, etc. I love them working towards a goal and the feeling of success and accomplishment when they achieve it. The focus on citizenship, learning new things, and building boys is invaluable. The scouting program, in partnership with the family, prepares our sons for the future. 

Working on merit badges at a Boy Scout Pow-Wow

Classic! What boy wouldn't want to wear a pink wet suit at Scout Camp??

Building Strength...

...AND Friendship.

Eagle Scout Service Project - He organized 100 people in making beaded geckos, wooden cars, shape rings, stuffed footballs, and quilts to send oversees to needy countries via the Launfal Foundation.

Our First Eagle Scout!

Yes, I love Scouting. When my boys are suffering from boredom, I tell them to get out their Scout Books and get to work. Spend time on scouts during your family night or after church on a Sunday afternoon. Get involved as the parent and enjoy the time with your son!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Change it up!

Change is good. Change provides growth, new experiences, opportunities to learn, different challenges, and a fresh outlook. It's good to encourage change in our homes...we teach our kids to change their underwear every day, to change the sheets on their bed, we change seating arrangements in the car and at the table for meal times, my girls change their room around every other month, and last night, we changed the chores.

The new chores are posted, here...

Changing the chores is always a most anticipated event. After two months of the same chore, day after day, they beg me to change the chores and swarm around the bulletin board when it's announced that chores have been changed. It reminds me of dying to see who made the basketball team or who got the lead part in the school play, not to mention who your new teacher is for the next year. I never thought my children would be so excited about their chores. Today my oldest son said, "I'm so excited about my new chores!" Wow! Like I said, change brings a fresh outlook - new opportunities and experiences. Who wouldn't be excited to quit sweeping the floor and wipe up the table and counters instead? 

He saw his new chore and went to work. Sadly, the excitement wears off.

 You may say, "Why don't you change them more often?" I really feel that they need a good amount of time to take ownership of their responsibility. They need the chance to properly learn how to clean the bathroom or arrange the dishes in the dishwasher in the most efficient manner. Plus, I need time to learn who does what...if I changed them every week, I could never keep track! It's also a task to change it up. It takes time and thought to make sure nobody has too difficult of a load or to ponder if cleaning out the garage is too much for my nine year old, for example.
Kind of off topic - I love my bulletin board. It has given our family years of assistance with organization and dependability. If you don't have one...get one!

Things I don't want to change: my favorite treat - See's Candies, my favorite food - mexican, my favorite night of the week - date night!!, my favorite people - my family!!

Are things feeling monotonous in your home? Change it up!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Take my own Advice

I went downstairs to wake up my son this morning, because he tries to go to the gym every morning at 5:00 AM. It was 5:45 and he was deep in sleep. I really had to do some shaking to wake him from his sweet dreams. I asked him if he was going and he said, "Oh, I'm just too tired." 

How do we get our children to slow down a bit and get the rest they need? They stayed up late last night to finish homework and to help me clean the house in preparation for a birthday party tonight. When they try to burn the candle at both ends, it results in this during family scripture study:

I left out the picture with the drool...

Even the baby, at two years old, is having issues. She is stubborn and won't take a nap most days so the end result is this:

If you can't tell, her dinner was lasagna, bread and corn

The problem is, I do the same thing. I get up so early so I can get to my main priorities before children wake up. Then, I stay up late doing the things that need to be done that I couldn't get to during the day. No, I don't have a picture of me sleeping.

I guess this is just a reminder to try and slow it down. Cut something out, turn the lights off early and get some extra rest. Now, I just need to take my own advice and encourage my kids to do the same....

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!