Hunger-Hint Leads to Spontaneity

spon·ta·ne·i·ty (noun)

1.the state, quality, or fact of being spontaneous.

2.spontaneous activity.

3.spontaneities, spontaneous impulses, movements, or actions.

(www.dictionary.com) 

Spontaneous Moments. You just have to throw one into the mix once in a while. The children love them, and they really do become a permanent memory.

Saturday night we were watching the usual....LHO(t)P. It was 10:45 PM and we had 15 more minutes of an episode. Teenaged son is hungry so he brings it up to Dad. Dad probably wouldn't have "been hungry" too if it wasn't for the hunger-hint.  Dad suggests a frozen pizza in the freezer. Son can't eat pizza due to gluten intolerance. Son suggests a protein-burger (ie hamburger wrapped in lettuce) from In 'n Out. So what do you know? The whole family finishes the episode and drives to In 'n Out at 11PM. I was tired and ghetto-looking so don't judge...

I have never heard so many hoots and hollers of excitement. They acted as if we've never been to a burger place before. Taking no thought that everyone's attire was PJ pants and slippers, we loaded up for a late-night burger/fries/shake snack, along with some arm-wrestling and stimulating conversation. I just thought we were going to go through the drive-through. But NOOOOO, we had to go inside for a true experience. So we did...

 

What made it different than any other time we stopped somewhere for something to eat? It was the spontaneous, out of the blue, unexpected moment. So, mix it up....be spontaneous. Create a forever memory!

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

Want Productivity? CYT!

Match Socks

Clean Under the Couches

Organize the Book Shelf

Clean out the Toaster

Wipe off the Ceiling Fans

Clean under Mom's Bed

...Just some of the "Extra Jobs"

HAVE FUN!!!! :)

It's Spring Break this week and my kids would probably declare that they're deprived because EVERYONE else they know is in some warm, exotic place like Disneyland, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, St. George, or on a cruise somewhere. (If EVERYONE is having the time of their life, why are all of their friends around to do things with???) So, instead of soaking up the sun, they're soaking up the dirt, dust, and clutter in our home that has long been neglected. Actually, they're earning money to pay off their debts they've incurred for all the excitement they're preparing for this summer. No, they're not happy about it, but I keep reminding them that they have money to earn if they want to enjoy the plans they've already made. 

I've waited for three days for my children to say, "Mom, what can I do to earn money." Well, it hasn't happened. It's one thing for Mom to say, "You really need to do some extra chores to earn some money." Yah, in one ear, out the other. So, I've resorted to this: "You're doing two hours of extra chores today after your regular chores are done and before you can do any fun stuff. And, here's the list of chores that need doin'." It's Called "CYT" or "Change Your Tactic". If it's not working, you need to change your tactic and try something else.

It's amazing when you put a list in front of them, the action that takes place. 

I ran out of room on the first list..had to make a second!

They fought over who could look at the list first and "claim" the coveted extra jobs like organizing the DVD's or replacing light bulbs, not matching socks or organizing the bathroom closet. I had to resort to a rotation: "You choose two jobs, mark your initials, then pass it on." We rotated through all the kids several times until most of the jobs were claimed. Then, they went to town cleaning. Wow, we haven't been that productive in a long time.

This guy surprised me the most! He completely cleaned under both couches AND vacuumed.

A job I've been wanting to get to for years...Organize all the File Folder Games

Hooray - Cleaning out the cupboards!! Yah, we won't mention what we found in there!

Cleaning and wiping out drawers. No more crumbs mixed in with the measuring cups! I hope you can relate!

Cleaning all the grody stuff off the washing machine!

She partnered with "zebra" and they kicked!

Finally got the buckets put back and organized after Christmas!

Oh, the blessings of an organized pantry!

Organizing the toys...seems like somebody's always doing this.

More organizing, more cleaning.

He put himself in time out. Wow!

Now, I've already given them fair warning that the same plan is in place for tomorrow. Hopefully we can get the rest of the list marked off! Create a list and some parameters. Once the task is met, reward and let them play. They deserve it!

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

Making Memories in Mexico

"Climb every mountain, ford every stream;

Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream"

The Sound of Music

My daughter had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Mexico City in January with her school for a service-learning opportunity at Benemerito. She enjoyed living with girls her age (and mingling with boys her age) for a week and learning about the language and culture in Mexico. The students from Utah also shared about life in the USA and coached them in some English skills. Together, the two groups of students explored the area, participated in service projects, shared talents, enjoyed learning games and activities, ate street tacos, and went to Walmart in a cab (her first cab ride), among other things. She also managed to hyper-extend her knee after day five, resulting in being on crutches the remainder of the trip. Crutches and all, she made it to the top of the Teotihuacan pyramids...a real inspiration for me and those on the trip. This is a trip she will NEVER forget!

  

Her determination to make it up those pyramids on crutches has inspired me. We can achieve great things as we stick-to-it! With the help of those around us, we can go up and down the paths of life with a smile on our face and joy in our hearts. Always remember your will to achieve, honey. It will strengthen you as you face the next hills in life.

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