Chore Chart and a Layout

I've been researching ways to visually stimulate the kids to become more involved in tasks around the house. I'm getting irritated that everything is always up to me- my husband doesn't even help out (though he does offer to cook on a regular basis). So, I'm enlisting the girls' help around the house. They are getting to the age, anyways, where its time to start learning about responsibility, and contributing to the household chores.

I came across a really neat site- its free- for printable chore charts. They're empty, so you can add which chores you desire. There's also behaviour charts, and a multitude of other tips and hints to help us point our children in the right direction. All you need to do is sign up in order to print what you want (which I didn't care much for, but its a small price to pay for what I wanted).

My plan is to use magnets with their chore mod-podged to them, and a sticker system for every chore they complete. At the end of the week, they'll be able to pick a prize from the goody box for being such a big helper. I haven't figured out yet how I'm going to implement the chore chart. I am not crazy about printing out a new chart every week- I'd rather laminate it and use it over and over again, but then I don't know how to implement the stickers!! The girls are really into stickers right now, which is why I want to use them.

On a different note, here's the latest layout I created. This was the week 4 bonus sketch over at scrapbook.com for the monthly sketch challenge.

The polka dot background patterned paper is Recollections, and the brown patterned paper is K&Co designer paper. I took the brackets that you see, and pop dotted them for some dimension, as well as blended them in with Basic Black ink (SU) using a sponge dauber. They were a black and white damask pattern.

Its very simple, but I'm in love with it!

In and Out

Another beautiful day has graced us- this time without the threat of possible rain in the afternoon, so the kids and I are outside basking in the warmth and fresh air. I pulled out their blanket and some toys from inside the trailer, then tied back one of the doors to the tent so they can move about freely. I love that they love playing outside!

We had a quick visit with grandpa K as he was passing through on his way home fro
Peace river, and then since we were already out, I decided to run over to Wally world for a few things. I've been toying with buying a small silk flower arrangement, after seeing another lady in the campground with one gracing her picnic table (along with a pretty tablecloth). But, summer stuff is out and fall stuff is in. It's too early! Maybe next summer, when I have my patio set out, and an actual house to live in!

~26~ good tunes via galaxy on tv
~27~ another opportunity to go camping (or at least a day trip) September long
~28~ a good sleep last night
~29~ watching our favorite summer show together
~30~ random phone calls from mamoo
~31~ the smell of freshly mown grass
~32~ raising their hands over their heads when Mama asks who her big girls are
~33~ the way they clap their hands when they hear the words, "yay", "good job", and "good girl!"
~34~ the way they unintentionally (unavoidably) get dirty when playing outside
~35~ nap time!

A New 'the Hardest Thing to Do' (as a new mama)

It just doesn't seem right to have to discipline your baby at one years of age.

Since you've been crawling, you're touring around the house, exploring, learning, experiencing a broader world. I am so happy for you that you're at this stage in your life. There are so many things for you to see, do, learn and experience!

Along with that comes things that mama and papa don't want you getting into- for your own safety; like the garbage cans. Those are icky. And the pets' drinking water. I know you love water, and I can't fault you for that--your daddy and mommy love water just as much as you. Their water isn't for playing in. And there's the bath tub. Lately you've taken to trying to get onto your knees inside your little infant tub, and it isn't safe. When mama tells you to stay on your bum, I mean it.

Discipline is the yucky--but necessary--part of parenthood. And, baby, don't doubt that mama and daddy don't love you. We do. We're just looking out for your own wellbeing. When mama gets down on her hands and knees so she can look you in the eye, and slaps your hand, it breaks my heart to do so. I know your crying means I've gotten my point across, but it hurts me to even have to do it.

I don't know if its wrong to pull you into my arms and kiss you shortly after I have to 'punish' you; it makes me feel better, though. I try hard to positively reinforce your actions when you do something--play with something-- that is not off limits. I hope that comes across more loudly than the disciplinary kind...

The same goes for your sister when she finishes her lunch and supper. It makes mama so happy that her appetite is improving (thanks to a happier tummy), and when she starts shaking her head no, she doesn't want anymore, and when she swats my hand away from her mouth, I pull her hand down and patiently wait for her to open her mouth. When that doesn't work, I turn to bribery. (I know, it sounds bad, but I don't think it is. If she finishes the food she doesn't want to eat, she'll get the food she does want to eat--the good stuff!!)

And, when she does finish everything on her plate, mama claps her hands and says 'yayyy!', then I clap her hands together. I can tell by the smile on her face that it makes her feel good--she likes it--and I hope its enough encouragement to keep eating as well as she has been--and continue improving on that with each passing day, too!