Mother's Day Gift Idea

I enjoy visiting a blog called A Diamond in The Stuff. Courtney is so talented and creates such beautiful things. She posted this great gift idea for Mothers Day. I think I'll be doing this for my mother in law. Check her out at HERE.

20 Minute Kitchen Challenge

              So this momma feels like pooh today. I didn't do my night routine last night and I woke up to a mess in the kitchen.  I was NOT motivated to clean. I was thinking, hmmmm I always time the boys when they pick up their toys, and they receive a prize, sooo.... I set a timer for myself as well. 20 minutes. I was done with a minute and half to spear. What was my reward you ask? a nap!! It was the perfect time. Three of the four kids were at school and the baby was sleeping. 
             Yes I could have taken my nap without cleaning the kitchen first, but I have to say setting the timer was kind of fun. I was proud that I could tackle it under 20 minutes. So if you need a kick in the tush set your timer and reward yourself!

Learning To Tie A Bow

I can't make a bow to save my life. I found this site on Pintrest. Stitched By Janay. She shows how to tie a boy using a potato masher, genius in by book. I'm excited to give this a try.

Helping Your Kids Stay Focused

The weather is reffing up for the summer. I don't know about your kids but my kids are slowly loosing focus. They are excited and anxious for these last days of school to be OVER. Frankly me to.

Goals. I wake up every morning and I have a list of goals that I try to accomplish. When I hit my goals I feel awesome. I'm so proud of myself. It may be silly that I'm so proud that I had all the beds made but I set the goal and it felt so great to accomplish it with all the billion things I have to do during the day.

Well when your kids accomplish a goal they beam, they are so excited and love showing their accomplishments. They feel that they have some independence, Yes the towels may not be folded that way I do but they finished a task and they deserve the praise.

My husband and I are trying to set up PPI'S with the kids each week.  Personal Progress Interviews. We sit down with the kids individually and ask how the last week went for them. We praise their accomplishments. If they didn't hit their goals then we encourage their efforts and throw in some ideas that could help them meet them.

We have found that the kids communicate more when we have these one on ones. I love seeing the kids open up and feel they trust us with things that are on their mind. It's a safe zone. We are very open with our kids. During this time they are free to say anything. It helps me as a mom to strive to do even better and know where  I can do better.

I feel it's important that the kids see you finish a goal you have set out to do. If they see you quit half way through I feel they will follow example. I think setting up goals for the kids for the next few weeks will help them focus and not feel so anxious.

Here is a great site that can help you with your kids motivated.    Suite 101.com

Chip Clip & Your Kids Dinner

Teacher Appreciation Week

 

 Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner. I always enjoy coming up with a gift for them. The kids love getting involved. They are so proud to present their gift to their teachers.

Don't forget to thank all your teachers for what they do. :)

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hide the fact
that children shelter there.
Ours boasts of it quite openly,
the signs are everywhere.
For smears are on the windows,
little smudges on the door.
I should apologize, I guess,
for toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children
and we played and laughed and read.
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
their eyes will shine instead.
For when, at times, I'm forced to choose
the one job or the other.
I want to be a housewife,
but first I'll be a mother.