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!

The 8 Steps Addendum

Dear Son,

Thank you for waiting to throw up until 30 minutes before my alarm was set to go off, instead of at 2AM! Many thanks for throwing up in one spot on your bed. The cleanup was so fast and easy. Also, thank you for hitting the spot in the MIDDLE of the mattress. The times when your siblings made my life miserable by throwing up in the corner of the bed by the wall still haunt my memory. Pulling the bed out and scrubbing all the way down to the carpet is something I never want to repeat. I love you and hope you are feeling better really soon!

Love,

Mom

So during this latest escapade, I recalled a few things that I left out in my past post, How to Deal With Throw up in Eight Dreaded Steps.

1. When you put your child in the tub, make sure the puke bowl is within reach. Thankfully, I thought to put it next to him this morning and what do you know, he needed it two minutes later. So grateful for that inspiration! There's nothing worse than having to drain the tub and start all over again. Wait, there is something worse....it's the puke down the side of the bed thing.

2. My sister recently gave me some bedding she was getting rid of. It included a REALLY NICE mattress pad so I put it on my son's bed. When I took off the soiled blankets after the ralph-accident this morning, the mattress was totally clean. I'm a believer now. Invest in waterproof mattress pads! I still sprayed the mattress - mainly to get rid of the smell in the room. What a joy not to have to scrub a mattress, not to mention keeping the mattress soil-proof!

3. DoTerra's DigestZen is amazing to help soothe the stomach. Put a drop under the tongue and also dilute with fractionated coconut oil to rub on the abdomen. What would I do without this? 

6 family members down. Hopefully, no more to go!

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

How to Deal with Throw up in Eight Dreaded Steps

I'm sorry if your name is Ralph!

We've had a bit of a stomach bug this week. Dealing with all manner of bodily fluids always makes me grateful for good health. It also tends to remind me of past sicknesses which brings up memories of how I coped. It's taken a lot of years to learn how to deal with the stomach flu. I remember the melt downs I had as a young mother, the feelings of being overwhelmed, the drama and stress of having a sick one, and not quite knowing what to do. If I could have read a book called, "How to deal with throw up in eight dreaded steps", my life would have been much easier. Considering the nature of this post, you may want to stop now and go do your laundry. However, if this blog post can be that booklet for my children, they will have an easier time when the puke hits the fan. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Oh, and just so you know...no photos, in case you were worried.

1. When you start seeing the signs of sickness (complaining of a stomach ache, not eating, no energy), have the child stay in one place. Offer a container (bowl, pan, plastic lunch box, ice bucket, bed pan, large ziploc bag - anything that will hold liquid. A plastic yellow doctor kit, Kath?). Don't try to run them to the toilet or the garbage can. Bring it to them. It's better to clean up throw up in one place than a trail of mess from the living room to the bathroom. Trust me on this. This has happened and I cried the entire time I was scrubbing carpet.

2. Prepare the spot. I NEVER let my sick child into a bed for them to throw up all over it. Our spot is between the kitchen floor and the living room. Put down a waterproof covering (shower curtain works well or plastic garbage bags). Cover it with something that easily washes. I use an old mattress pad folded in half. It provides a lot of cushion and washes nicely. I NEVER give my sick child a pillow. Pillows and throw up just do not mix. We use a folded towel inside a pillow case. All washable. When we had really young children that were sick, one of us slept with the child on the floor to help them make it to the bowl. 

The worst thing is when your child vomits during the night in bed. Oh, the dread that washes over me when this occurs. Supplies Needed: Grocery Bags, Paper Towels, Wash Cloth, Cleaner (more on that in a bit), Spoon.

This is how I handle such an event:

3. Wake up your spouse. This is a two person event, especially if the child is really young. If they're older, I let him sleep. Get the child in the tub first thing. Start the bathtub and take out any bath toys!  Use a paper towel to get out anything significant (aka chunks) before entering the water. Warm water makes everything feel better. Fill the tub with just enough water to rinse the hair and body of all undesired mess. Drain and rinse the tub then fill it again. Wash the hair a couple times! This is where you need the extra person...to help the child in the tub while the other person cleans up the mess.

4. Once the child is squared away, conquer the mess. Use paper towels first to scoop up all the substance that you can. Use a spoon to scrape stuff out of blankets or carpet. The more you get cleaned up before the bedding hits the washer, the better. Deposit everything in a grocery bag for disposal. Take all bedding and clothes to get washed and start it immediately. Don't wait until the morning. Your laundry room will smell horrid the next day. Set the machine for the extra rinse cycle!!!

5. Time to tackle the mattress and the carpet. Make sure you have on hand a product called Nature's Miracle. It is geared toward pets but is amazing for all types of waste - vomit, urine, blood, etc. It is a non-toxic, organic cleaner that has a nice smell and is extremely effective for getting out smells and stains. You use is straight - no dilution. I pour this on the mattress and the carpet and let is sit for 10-15 minutes. Take a wet washcloth and scrub the area. Repeat if necessary. 

6. Once the child is out of the tub, brush his teeth and put her in the prepared spot (step #2). I tend to wait on any liquid for a little while.

7. As far as food and liquid while the child is sick, stick with clear fluids. I rarely give food until they have stopped throwing up. When he's ready for food start with a homemade clear soup broth, then move to banana, rice, toast, or oatmeal.

8. Nursing infants can get dehydrated so quickly when vomiting. I follow Dr. George Wootan's advice found in his book, Take Charge of Your Child's Health. According to him, you have to cut back to a nursing schedule of fifteen seconds of feeding, then wait fifteen minutes. Repeat. Then nurse 30 seconds and wait fourteen minutes. Thirty seconds, wait thirteen minutes. Forty-five seconds, wait twelve minutes. If the baby throws up, go back two steps and start again. The baby will be very frustrated but he says that if you follow this schedule, it will prevent dehydration and hospitalization. He says, "I do not know of any cases where it has failed to work." I have used this method myself with each of my sick babies and even though it's heartbreaking to see your child cry, it really does work.

There you have it. If you made it through the 8 steps, you deserve a prize! Oh, the prize is more knowledge for the next puking event...sure to come!

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

Always Watching so Watch Always

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:

Child: Mommy, am I blind?

Mom:  No, you're not blind.

Child: How do you get blind?

Mom: Well, Daddy was born blind.

Child: Oh, that's bad!!!

This was my sweet little four year old talking to me this week. She has become very interested in the eye. She notices the color of one's eyes, if they're happy or sad eyes, and practices winking. She understands that her Dad can't see and quickly moves out of the way when he's coming her way. She has even learned how to draw an eye (thanks to La-La); a real eye...not just a filled in circle on a smiley face. I think it's pretty good for one who just turned four. This is my eye - she colored it the correct color and she even knows how to write my name!

These little people sure see a lot around our house. They see a huge range of emotions between all members of the family, they see messes but don't care to clean them up, they see Mom and Dad working hard, they see siblings tease other siblings, they see love and fun, and everything in between. They learn behaviors by watching those around them. I've seen them watch what I do this week and have a greater desire to do good so they learn proper, kind and loving behavior.

We were raking leaves the other day before the storm arrived. We finished up our yard then noticed another yard that was full of leaves with two teenaged girls trying to get the leaves raked up. What a task for them! I decided to go over and help them. A couple of my children saw me go over, and they quickly picked their tool of choice and joined me. The six of us got those leaves cleaned up so fast! It was exciting to see them follow my lead to help another without any complaining, nor being asked. 

This morning I was doing my exercise which consists of walking/running the stairs in the house. Kind of goofy but it's a good workout and I don't have to go anywhere! I usually do it early in the morning but it was Saturday and I enjoyed a little bit of sleeping in. The younger children were all awake when I began. I think they were shocked at this new phenomenon...Mom walking up and down the stairs, over and over again, listening to something on her iPhone. They all asked me what I was doing. Between pants, I told them I was exercising. They started following me. They went down the stairs, then up the stairs. They marched in place with me as I did so, trying to catch my breath. This lasted for ten minutes or so, but then they got tired...before I did. Oh, what satisfaction to beat out little people with endless energy!

What's my point? Children see our behaviors and follow them. 

Even if they're a little weird....

...or conspicuous.

Reminder to self: They are always watching so watch myself always!

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

The Interview

Nervous and apprehensive, I approached the interviewer with equaled hesitation.

She wants my advice and opinions about marriage, parenting, and family life.

However, I'm not a natural speaker. Thoughts come by writing them, not speaking them.

Sitting down, I braced myself. I looked at the "reporter" and smiled.

She smiled back and then we laughed. 

 There was nothing to worry about!

Wow! My first interview about marriage and parenting. How appropriate that the interviewer was
my daughter whom is taking a Family Science class at school. One of her assignments is interviewing her parents about marriage, child raising, and family life. She sent me copies of my responses so I can include them as my thoughts for today:

Question #1: What are some of the patterns you have tried to follow in building our family?

“I have followed the pattern set forth by the prophet - to hold family scripture study, family prayer, family home evening, to attend the temple, and attend church meetings. I have followed the pattern of Elder Faust, when he instructed us to insulate our family from the world, not isolate. I follow the pattern from Elder Oaks to choose the best things, then the better, then the good. I follow the teachings of Elder Bednar to be consistent, because a successful family is a big picture made up of small choices and decisions. Most importantly, I have tried to follow the Savior’s pattern to love and serve, forgive and be charitable.”

 

  

Question #2: Who do you trust, and why?

“I trust my husband. I trust my mother, and my siblings. I trust the prophet. I trust my children. I trust my bishop, and my friends. I trust the Savior, and Heavenly Father. I trust these people because they have a record of loyalty, honesty, and being there for me at crucial times in my life. I trust them because they are dependable, have integrity and do the things they say they will do. They live by a like set of values and high standards.”

  

Question #3: How do you know the prophet is true?

à   "I know the prophet is true because the Holy Ghost has witnessed to me that the words the prophet speaks are of God. When I hear the prophets speak, I feel comfort and peace and excitement that he is speaking to me. I know God will not let His prophet lead His people astray.”

Question #4: Why is it important to put family before work and other responsibilities?

-    “Family should be put above other responsibilities because families are eternal, and the family relationship will be carried with us after we die. We want to strengthen it, and give it the time that it needs. Putting family first shows loyalty to those we love, builds unity, provides vital opportunities to communicate, and memories that will last forever.”

Question #5: How can you love both God and your spouse “with all thy heart”?

-    "By making God a partner in your marriage you have the added blessings of forgiveness, loyalty, honesty, charity, and compassion. When both husband and wife love God with all their heart by obeying the commandments, reading the scriptures, praying together, going to the temple, and attending church meetings, loving God with all thy heart, comes naturally.”

  

Question #6:How has God helped you become a good parent? What are some of the revelations / spiritual insights you have received about parenting?

-    “God has helped me in parenting by blessing me with qualities that are needed to be successful - patience, long-suffering, forgiveness, avoiding selfishness, charity, and love. Through prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, and inspiration from the Holy Ghost, God has taught and directed me. I have received many spiritual insights from teaching a specific child to read, handling behavior problems, determining their love language, solving issues, encouraging responsibility, and increasing spirituality. All children are vastly different and no method or approach works the same for all children. I need God’s help to show me the right way.”

Question #7: Why is marriage good for people? How has it been good for you?

-      “Marriage is good for people because it provides stability, safety, loyalty, and an eternal relationship that can be counted on. Having a marriage partner is comforting because I always have someone to turn to, to talk and discuss with, to work towards a common goal with, and someone I can rely on to take care of our family. The marriage commitment is a blessing that affects not only the couple, but the children who feel confident and secure with two parents who love one another and work towards a common purpose.”

 

Question #8: What do you want your family to say about you at your funeral?

-     “I would want my family to say that I attempted to maintain the eternal perspective through all aspects of my life. I completely dedicated my time and talents to serving my family and those around me. I was valiant and dedicated to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraged my family to do so as well. I always tried to choose the best and show love and gratitude to my husband and children daily. I chose to prioritize my time so that God’s will became my will.”

 

Question #9: What one change, if you implemented consistently and well, would result in a positive significant difference in your family?

-    “The change that would make the biggest change in my family is if I did not have to help provide for our family's material welfare. Even though I am able to work from home, a significant portion of my day is taken up by my employment that could otherwise be given to more important matters of the family, home and its relationships.”  

Question #10: How did you establish and maintain your marriage?

     "My marriage was established by going to the Oakland, California temple on May 8, 1992 - sealed for time and all eternity. We established principles of kindness, respect, defined roles, unity, hard work and loyalty. We made our marriage first – before extended family, which is important to do when first married so that parents and siblings do not get in the way of your relationship. We maintain our marriage by keeping our covenants, communicating, serving, praying, going to the temple, working on oneself, accepting, encouraging, and forgiving." 

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