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!

Patterns to Ponder

Grateful for Print Shop Knowledge and a Daughter that Inspires Me

 Pattern: noun

"An original or model proposed for imitation; the archetype; an exemplar; that which is to be copies or imitated, either in things or in actions; as the pattern of a machine; a pattern of patience. Christ was the most perfect pattern of rectitude,patience and submission ever exhibited on earth."

Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary

My amazing daughter is about to turn 16. She finished Driver's Ed. She already passed her driver's test (with a perfect score!!!). Now it's the waiting game. Just a few more days and I'll have a driver again. Woo-hoo. It's not just the driving aspect that is exciting. It marks a huge milestone, new opportunities, a day she's long awaited. I'm happy for HER!!!

One exciting moment is her first boy-girl party. Yes, she's been to other people's parties, but this is the first party for her that has included boys. This is a big thing! She's had her list made, game ideas mixing in her mind, and endless food possibilities mulling around for MONTHS! In preparing for the big day, she found a super cute birthday invitation on one of the popular photo sites. No problem...only $1.46 per invitation. WOW! Multiply that by 30-40 people and you're spending over $50.00 just for the invitations - a little piece of paper that will just be tossed in the garbage. She realized the expense and said, "Mom - I like this invitation. Could we design something like it?"

Yes, we can! We went to work with my favorite little desktop publishing program, Print Shop. It is one of my best friends on my computer and has provided so many amazing creations that have saved money and time. We played with different colors, font styles, and font sizes. We came up with the following:

I cropped out all the personal info, but you get the picture.

Now, zap it to Costco's photo center and for $4.00 total, you have some darling invitations, ready to deliver. With the money we saved ($40 plus), we can buy the food for the dinner at her party. With a little bit of desire, time, knowledge, and patience, money is saved and knowledge is gained, but more important, a lesson is taught. Those lessons, one by one, will be passed on to our children, and their children, and their children. The responsibility of raising stick-to-it kids is one that affects our entire posterity. 

Think of the things you've learned from your parents. Many of those attributes were picked up from their parents and so on. Now it's our turn to pass these patterns down - good or bad. What are you passing down? Kind of scary to think about, but amazing at the same time. Am I passing down patterns of righteousness, kindness, responsibility, integrity, virtue, love, time, service, self-reliance, knowledge, and industry? Definitely something to ponder!

This simple invitation was one way to instill a pattern of frugality and self-reliance. Multiply it by dozens and hundreds of childhood lessons and it becomes part of them. That's one powerful invitation! Can you plan and carry out the party for me, too?

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

 

A Woman's Perspective of Fathers and Sons

Zippity doo dah, Zippity aye,
My oh my what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine coming my way,
Zippity doo dah, Zippity aye. 

"Song of the South"

Because I'm a woman, and a wife, and a mother, my Raising Stick-to-it Kids Blog is naturally written from that perspective. I tend to be a blog-hog when it comes to my thoughts and ideas for raising stick-to-it kids. However, here's my chance to focus on the relationship between Father and Son.

A few weeks ago, Sam took our three youngest sons to a Fathers and Sons event sponsored by our church - an overnight camping trip in the canyon. What a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and learn some great lessons!

First lesson learned: Camping trips take a lot of work!
In our home, if an activity is taking place, all hands on deck. It's not Mom and Dad getting everything ready while the children veg on Game Cube or the iPad. EVERYONE, even the four year old, is involved. Assignments are given and hard work is expected. Fun times don't just magically occur. It takes planning, preparation, organization, and work to pull it off. Want to have fun? Get in on the prep work to make it happen. While preparing for this Fathers and Sons event, we had some complaining and griping. Certain someones weren't entirely thrilled about finding the flashlight or taking the tent out of the storage bag to be sure the poles and stakes are there. It was a good opportunity to discuss the above, and to stick to our expectations. Hopefully next time, the grumps will be non-existent. Wishful thinking?

Second lesson already learned: Pre-cook the tin foil dinners!
We have learned from experience that although in foil dinners are delicious, filling, and extremely satisfying on a camping trip, they take FOREVER to cook in a fire. Our solution - cook them in the oven BEFORE you leave. Nothing is worse than getting to the campsite, setting up all the gear, and realizing the potatoes and carrots in your tin foil dinner are still hard after sitting in the coals forever. So, the men left at 5PM with hot tin foil dinners. When they were ready to eat at 7:30, the food was still warm, cooked, and delicious. (Yes, I made them.) Some may say that it takes some of the fun out of it. Whomever those people are must have all the time in the world and no hungry kids whining at them.

Third lesson learned: Learn to setup the tent!
When my guys came home, one son expressed some frustration in having to help setup the tent. Here's how the conversation went...

"My friends didn't have to setup the tent...their Dads just did it." 

I asked him, "Why do you think Dad had you help setup the tent?"

"Because he's blind?"

"That's not the main reason. What's the real reason?"

"So we learn to do it?"

"YES!!!!"

Well, it's not just to learn how to setup a tent. Lesson number one comes into play here, too. It's the "all hands on deck" mentality. Hard work is expected and fun times follow.

Not our tent, but these guys sure helped!

Fourth lesson learned: Don't drink multiple cans of soda before bedtime!
Before retiring for the night, they all made a bathroom stop. After settling in their sleeping bags, our youngest son declared that he had to go again. Great! Dad had everyone get up again so there would be no chance of another child having to use the facilities. 4AM rolled around. He had to go again. Wow! Dad had everyone get up again to make the trek to the restroom. We don't drink soda on a regular basis at our house. Instead, we use it as a privilege for special times. Was it worth it boys?

Their friend all night long

 Fifth lesson learned: Have a zip line at every camping trip!
The zip line was the highlight of the Fathers and Sons outing. They truly could have come away with singing:  

Zippity doo dah, Zippity aye,
My oh my what a wonderful day!

All the boys, even Dad, went down several times and loved every minute of it!

Sixth Lesson Learned: Just do it, even if you're not feelin' it.
The thought of spending a night in a tent, in the mountains, is not my husband's idea of a good time. When he hears the yearly announcement for Fathers and Sons, he isn't exactly jumping up and down. However, he has learned to just go with it, even if it's not his thing. He does it for our boys, he does it to spend time with them, and to create memories. And oh, what memories they created!

A great Fathers and Sons Camping Trip!

And that's my perspective of the annual Fathers and Sons adventure. How'd I do, boys?

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

Victory with a Vacuum

Grateful for broken vacuum belts

Last night the carpet was full of crumbs, strings, bits of paper, and crushed leaves - all from one day's worth of living. Even though it was 9PM, I couldn't stand it; I had to get out the vacuum. 

Tip: Do you ever sweep the space between the carpet and the baseboards to get out all the junk that accumulates there? My mother in law taught me this trick and it works marvelously! No need to get out the canister vac, bend or kneel down to clean up the dusty bluckyness. Just sweep it away from the wall and vacuum it up. 

While vacuuming last night, a VERY loud sound ensued. Definitely not normal! I turned the vacuum over then turned it on to see if the roller was spinning. Nope! One of two things - either the belt slipped off or broke. Lovely...I really didn't need this! Because I've owned an Oreck since practically Day 1 of marriage, I'm a vacuum belt replacement expert. The quick fix can be a less than five minute exercise.

I obtained the necessary screwdriver and was about to begin when my eleven year old saw the tool. "Can I do it, can it do it?"

I could see what was coming. He'll unscrew the chamber that holds the belt, and then he'll want to change it, too. It was late and I just wanted to do it myself. However, I quickly realized that this was a teaching moment and I couldn't let it slip away. I don't think any of my brothers knew how to change a vacuum belt until they were married. Well, maybe they don't even know now. Sorry guys!!

So, the process of checking the vacuum belt commenced with my cute guy at my side. That quickly switched to three boys by my side. Our six year old was sad that he couldn't unscrew the screw; I told him he could screw it back in when we were finished. He ran off to get his own tool set that he received for his birthday. My thirteen year old son sat by watching and processing since he has always had a fascination with how things work.

After removing the cover, we quickly determined that the belt broke and needed replacing. #11 slipped the new belt over the wheel and tried with all his might to stretch it over the metal rod, using a screw driver for leverage. He just couldn't do it.

Slipping the belt onto the wheel

Stretching the belt with the screw driver

Big brother is patiently waiting and watching

#13 was begging inside for a turn to prove his manliness. The task was turned over to him and within five minutes, he had the belt secured. 

Belt secured!

Belt Positioned Correctly

And just as promised, #6 screwed the belt compartment closed with his very own screwdriver!

So excited for the opportunity!

Making sure he pushes in and turns so he doesn't strip the screw.

You know the best part? Three boys now know the process of replacing the vacuum belt. Do you think I will ever have to change the vacuum belt again? I don't think so. Fifteen minutes with three boys vs. five minutes by myself is worth the extra ten minutes because now they're empowered with knowledge. How many minutes will they save me in the future? Plus, it was a tender teaching time. As they get older, those sweet moments start to dwindle so we need to take full advantage. Also, the teaching goes both ways. I was taught a serious lesson last night. #6 also had to show me how to put down the blade of a pocket knife yesterday. Wow!

Today's Stick-to-it Tip: If there's something you can teach, take the time to do it. It will pay off big time...no more belt changes for me! 

A working vacuum again, thanks to boys and tools

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

The Great Hunger-Determiner

Bananas: Not really my favorite food.

But they're a great hunger determiner!

Last night reminded me of one parenting frustration - hungry kids at bedtime. I made a HUGE meal last night: homemade refried bean burritos with chicken and all the fix-ins, with corn, watermelon, pineapple, and chips, salsa and guacamole. There was PLENTY of food, and finishing up at 6:45 PM, you would think that one would be satisfied for the night.

9:15 PM rolls around and what do you know? Little Miss Muffet is STARVING. What??? How can you be hungry after that dinner? I try to tell her we had dinner already and it's bedtime. Some times that appeases. Not this time! She continues whining and fussing. I really was not in the mood. She already brushed her teeth, and once you bring out the food for one, they all want to eat. Serious bedtime buster!

Being sensitive to hunger, especially at bedtime, I pulled out my "have a banana" trick.

It goes like this:

Child: "Mom, I'm STARVING."
Mom: "Well, if you really need to eat, you can have a banana."
Child: "No, I don't want a banana."
Mom: "Well, you must not be very hungry then."
Child: "I want a sandwich."
Mom: "You can have a banana or go get in bed."
Child: "I don't want a banana."
Mom: "OK - go get in bed then."
Child: "No, I want a banana."

Bananas are a great filler food, quick to eat, no mess, no preparation. If she's really hungry, a banana will do. If she's not that hungry and she's avoiding bedtime, stalling, or "kind of hungry", the banana will not sound too appealing and bedtime will be the choice. This tactic has worked for years to determine, "Are you really hungry or just giving me fits at bedtime?"

The only catch is you have to have bananas in the house. No bananas? I use applesauce or a piece of bread as a replacement. If you let her make her own choice, basically a free for all, you'll have the "Hungry at Bedtime" battle every night!

Back to last night - she quickly ate the banana and got in bed. I should have had her brush her teeth again, but I was already in bed and my kids know that rule. More on that another day!

Bananas...the great hunger-determiner. Hey, Chiquita, what about that for a slogan??

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

The Learning Experience

Just cover it up with a paper towel...nobody will notice!

My two boys were babysitting the other night and did a fabulous job! However, the next morning, I found this on the floor in the kitchen...

Suspicious paper towel with an odd-looking stain on it

I picked up the paper towel and found this:

Brown, messy piles always have me concerned

I immediately smelled the brown disaster; phew, smells like chocolate. I decided to wait for my sons to wake up to get their take on how this lovely, mystery mess ended up on the kitchen floor.

Once they staggered out of bed, I directed them to the paper towel. They immediately smiled and acted innocent. "Give me the drill", I quickly exclaimed. By the way, that's not a question.

Here's the drill...

Boys: "We were getting ice cream for everyone but we didn't have any hot fudge. We didn't want to make any so we decided to melt chocolate chips in the microwave. The chocolate chips started smoking..."

Me: "Stop, stop. How long did you set the microwave for?"

Boys: "One minute."

FIRST LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Me: "For next time, when you melt something like this in the microwave, you set it for a short time - 15 seconds or so, stir it, and then repeat until it's melted to desired consistency."

Boys: "OK - so it was smoking and we had to open all the doors. Then, the chocolate was so hot and messy and we didn't want to put it in the garbage, so we decided to pour it in a ziploc bag."

WOW! SECOND LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Older Boy: "The hot, burned chocolate melted the bag and it all fell on the floor."

They didn't need me to tell them that this was a bad idea. They learned, from experience.

Older Boy: "I told him to clean it up (Pointing to his younger brother) but he didn't."

Younger Boy: "No, I told you to clean it up. I was putting the ice cream away."

I laughed. It's easy to laugh when you're not in the heat of the moment. That's why I like addressing the problems when some time has passed and I'm not so fired up about it. 

I don't know how the paper towel made it on top to hide the catastrophe, but nevertheless, they were quickly given instructions to clean it up.

Once the mess was taken care of, we talked about their "Learning Experience". They realized what went wrong and next time, I think they'll both be smart enough to avoid the chaos altogether. How else do we learn, but by experience?

I'm glad they didn't clean it up before I got home. I probably wouldn't have heard about it and they would have missed out on some helpful tips and positive instruction.

So, thank you boys for giving me a good laugh, and for letting me be part of "The Learning Experience."

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

Talent...on a Piece of Butcher Paper

Force = PA = 5.2 x 10^4 x pi x 2.6^2 = 1.11 x 10^6 N = Buoyancy force.
T + B = Mg
T = Mg - B = 62400 x 9.81 - 1.11 x 10^6 = -4.98 x 10^5 N

????????????????????????

Monday night is Family night - also called Family Home Evening. Every person in the family has a role to play - conductor, opening song, opening prayer, lesson, treat, activity, etc. We rotate positions each week so everyone has a chance to participate in the given responsibility. 

Part of our evening's schedule is the talent. Whomever has the talent that week comes up with something to share. A few past examples include: sing a song, play an instrument, write and recite a poem, show how many pushups can be done in a minute, french braid someone's hair, draw circles (2 year old), give a speech, bench press a three year old, tell a story, perform an impersonation, share a joke...the list goes on and on, literally. One week, I was assigned the talent. I feel that one of my talents is being a good listener. I told each member of the family that I would sit there and listen to whatever they wanted to share about the day. But I digress...

Several weeks ago, our son was given the talent opportunity. He brought in a piece of butcher paper and declared that he was going to demonstrate something he learned in his Physics Class - how to solve for the Buoyancy Force. Huh????? He spent the next seven minutes writing down and explaining the steps for the problem. Yes, it went over the heads of all those present. However, it was something he was excited to know and an issue that he had interest in. I couldn't help myself...I had to take a picture of this talent - on a piece of butcher paper!

Now, that's talent!

I sent the photo to his Physics teacher. I thought she would get a kick out of it. This was her response:

That is completely AWESOME! Thanks so much for sharing, you have made my day! I love his  enthusiasm and the enjoyment he expresses over understanding the world better and getting better and better at the skills we practice. (Like free body diagrams on buoyancy force problems.) Thanks for brightening my day!

Today's Stick-to-it Tip: Find ways for your children to share their talents. It builds confidence as they stand in front of the family and share, as well as confidence in their abilities. They even try to stretch a little to figure out a talent to share. It's good for them to realize that they do have talents, and to be grateful for them. It's not always an obvious, outward talent. Like my listening talent, it could be a quiet and inner ability. Whatever it is, share it and make it stronger.

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

The Tendency Trap

ten·den·cy

noun, plural: ten·den·cies.  

an inclination, bent, or predisposition to something: a tendency to talk too much.
www.dictionary.com

As a mother, I find I have the tendency to do the same things or act a certain way. No, I don't have the tendency to talk too much. That tendency is saved for my husband. :) However, I do have the tendency to stick with the same old, same old, or to think something can't be done, or to feel that an experience or opportunity isn't right for somebody. Maybe I fall into the pessimist category or it could be that I have a lazy mindset in the midst of joyful chaos. 

Whatever the excuse for the tendency, it can be broken. I CAN step out of my preconceived notions and change the outcome!

Yesterday: My son came to me asking how to do a pony tail in a girl's hair. Well, my first tendency was to say, "Why do you need to know that?" However, I stepped away from my original thoughts on the matter and asked for the victim to come forward. It was little lady and he wanted to do her hair for her. She wanted piggy tails so I showed him how to do one side, and he did the other.

Concentrating on getting it just right!

I don't know what possessed him to want to learn how to put a pony tail in a girl's hair. Whatever the reason, he wanted to know and now he does. If I had followed my "tendency", this sweet moment would not have happened and a skill would not be learned. Isn't that what we're here to do as mothers... provide learning experiences for our children?

30 minutes later: This same son asked me if he could make scrambled eggs. I was in the middle of getting some work done and I knew he would need my help, as he had never attempted the task before. My tendency was to say, "No, it doesn't work out very well right now" but the mother/teacher in me squashed that idea and said, "Sure!" I gave him the first few instructions and told him to report back when those were completed.

First Step: Prepare the Eggs

He came back and I gave him the next set of instructions.

Final Step: Cooking the Eggs

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, and I didn't have to make it!!!!! I just had to step away from the tendency to discourage and give a few pointers. He benefited from learning to cook something new, I benefited from not having to cook, and the entire family benefited from a delicious breakfast. Most importantly, because I supported his desire to learn, the likelihood of him wanting to learn by doing will continue well into the future.

Stupid, negative tendencies....Go away! However, tendencies to serve, hug, love, and support can stay. You have my permission!

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

EEEEEEEEa-sy?

"Summertime........and the livin' is EEEEEEEa-sy"

George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess

This is the first song that comes to mind when I think of the word, summer. My amazing, opera-singing friend sang this in our Gershwin Review in high school. Her gorgeous voice goes through my mind as I think of the lyrics to this song. But alas, I highly disagree with the premise of this classic, for summertime for me is not an EEEEEEEEa-sy time of year.

I've explained it before...so I won't explain it again. But, you can read up on my summertime philosophy, here: Turn "What Can I do" into Summertime Service

Being a full time, working mother at home, it's not an EEEEEEEEa-sy thing for me to keep up with all the activities that my children want to do OR the tasks that need to be accomplished.

So, I have assigned responsibilities to my children to help take the load off...

School Time - This is an important part of summer for us, because learning does not go on hold for three months. Thus, to make my life more EEEEEEEA-sy, I enlist the help of my older children to tutor my younger kids in math, reading, writing, etc. 

My eleven year old is taking it easy, lying on the couch, as he helps Buddy-Boy with his math.

Meal Time - Summertime brings more time than normal, so let's be productive, helpful, and learn while we're at it! Assigning the responsibility of making dinner to my children is the best thing for making my life EEEEEEEa-sy.

Lovely Ladies in their Aprons

Fun Time - With my current circumstances, I can't be the one to always take the children out for an activity. So, again, enlist my big kids to do fun things with the younger children.

Kidnapping Brother on his birthday for an afternoon out. (Little sister was scared as they were tying him up)

ZEBRAS!!!!!

I love not having to go in the pool every time!

Yard Time - Trying to get the yard together is a formidable task. It's definitely not EEEEEEEE-asy! Have everyone pitch in!

Thanks to these great kids for making our summer a bit more EEEEEEEa-sy. We still have lots of fun family time!

Planet Play

Dance Party: "Eat-it!"

Lovin' this cute foal!

Patience and a smile for the Mare

Cousins AND the Easter Bunny

Good times with "The Bear"

If you don't understand the EEEEEEEa-sy reference, you just need to listen to the song. Hopefully, you'll find a way to make your summer a little more EEEEEEEEa-sy, too!

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

Important Truths from a Seventh Grader

truth: a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like

www.dictionary.com

Presenting his Important Truths at the 7th Grade Devotional

My 7th grader received an end of the year school assignment: write an essay outlining the ten most important truths he learned in his seventh grade year. He completed this assignment entirely on his own - with no help or assistance from his mother. These are the truths he discussed:

1. Do not procrastinate

2. Thou shalt not whine

3. We can do hard things

4. Be a leader

5. Be respectful

6. Be a fountain, not a drain

7. One man who is true to his conscience can change the destiny of nations

8. When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment we will be endowed with power.

9. We are children of God

10. Christ sacrificed His life for us

Wow - what an incredible list of truths! Thank you, son, for teaching me some great truths that I need to focus on and remember, too. What an example our children can be to us! I think I learn more from them, than they learn from me.

The most incredible teacher that taught and reinforced these truths!

Now son, take these truths and apply them in all aspects of life. Remember, Thou Shalt Not Whine!!!!! You CAN do hard things!!! So, get out to the backyard and start digging!


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

Thank You for 18 Years of LOVE

2/8 = 1/4 = 25%

Definition: 2 Children Graduated = 25% less children at home

(I am not jumping for joy...I am actually balling)

High School Graduation Day has come and gone. All the preparations and festivities are finished. Now I have time to really think about what it all means..... one less school lunch to make, one less person to wake up in the morning, one less child to support in productions, concerts, and basketball games, and one less wardrobe to wash. It also means one less hug every day, one less person on the church pew, one less person at family dinner time, one less child to see, touch, listen to, and learn from. It sounds like the kid is dying... 

Sometimes I like to think that Sam and I successfully raised another awesome child. But, it would be naive and selfish to try to take all the credit. I cannot stand Hillary Clinton's village quote (you all know what I'm talking about). However, I will say that there have been MANY AMAZING PEOPLE that have assisted us in shaping and forming our children. With another child officially graduated, I feel the need to recognize these truly fabulous individuals....

Family:

These people have loved and cared for him from Day 1. They have supported and guided him. He would not be who he is without them. I love my Fam!!!!!

That's one proud Grandma! I think that's one of the biggest smiles I've seen on you, Mom!

And another happy Grandma!! Always there for us!!

That's one emotional Auntie! I get teary just looking at the pic.

Amazing Uncles - Always going above and beyond!

Awesome New York Fam - helping with the Eagle Project!

Just half of their Family...we know the rest of them love him, too!

This bunch has DEFINITELY had an effect!

Aunt Suz - Oh, the picture says it all!

COUSINS!!!!!!!!!!

The Extended Bushman Family

Fun times with the Whimpy One

Ohhh....great times, forever memories!

Amazing & supportive GREAT (in more ways than one) Aunts and Uncles

The Fun Aunts (no offense, CG)!!

The Best Basketball Fans!!!

  

Miss you, Grandpa!!

 Friends:

Our AWESOME Delta Peeps

The KB Days Crew!!!!!!

The Graduating Bunch - AF 24th

The Best Missionaries...Up and Coming!

So supportive of "The King"

A Decade of Friendship

Good Times with these Two! 

Mexico City - AHS Graduates

Teotihuacan - Mexico

Lake Powell with such a fun family!!

Musical Review - Bonding Moments on the Stage!

Spring Formal, 2012

Five Very Cool and GOOD Dudes

The Three Golds

Future Roommates! He likes him for his money! :)

A Tender Moment (Mom has tears, too)

Lots of Friends - the BEST!!

Love these Kids!!

Teachers & Mentors (& Friends):

Lookin' lovely, ladies!

Fun at Trek - Martin's Cove, WY

Yes, real men do quilt (and women)!

Awesome friends and scout leaders - spent hours helping with his Eagle Project

The sweet leader of the Launfal Foundation

Coach!  Go Patriots!

Mexico with one of the greatest!

Two of the most influential people in his life.

Graduation Day! Adam's Mentor!! Not a day went by without a story, experience, or kind word about this man.

Principles of Leadership Teacher and Head of School (and basketball rival)

"The coolest administrator" - You will be missed!

A Teacher like no other - "I don't just love them for a year, I love them forever!"

Our Maestro - what fabulous musical experiences he has given my son!

His High School Director - so talented and full of energy. She saw his potential and gave him opportunities!

2011/2012 Coach - He loves this dedicated and encouraging man, coach, and friend.

A Priceless Pic - 3 influential men that have not only taught him, but loved him

 No, it doesn't take a village to raise a child. (Hate that!!) It takes righteous, faithful, amazing people who care and love my child to help us, as parents, teach and train. Thank you, thank you to the scout leaders, primary teachers, piano teachers, coaches, school teachers, family members, friends, employers, seminary teachers and church leaders that have made this guy who he is today.We couldn't have done it without each of you!

Presenting....AHS Graduate - Class of 2012

Yes, we are thrilled for you and your accomplishments, but most importantly, we are delighted with the man you have become. We love you!!!!!!!

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