5 Question Friday!

I am participating in 5 Question Friday hosted by My Little Life...



1. If you could, would you go back to high school? - No, I enjoyed High School, but I really discovered who I was afterwards.  As a professional move, I have chosen to spend my life in middle school :) hmmm.....


2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".) - wow...that's tough...first I would ensure my kids could attend their college of choice and then I would wish for a cottage on the Oregon Coast.

3. What kids show do you secretly like? - iCarly...Spencer cracks my up

4. What is your beverage of choice? - depends on the time of day...cup of coffee or a nice Shiraz

5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)? - healthier eating and a bit of weight loss

Allowance...

I have been talking with many of my mom friends lately about allowance.  How much should we pay kids?  When should we start?  How can we manage all the details?  I thought I would share our families strategy for allowance...

It starts with work... I wanted my kids to understand that their allowance is connected to the work they do.  My kids have two sets of jobs, we call them "Every Day Jobs" and "Weekly Jobs".  I printed out the jobs and put them in inexpensive, magnet backed plastic frames which are on the fridge.

Aiden has pictures on his since he wasn't a confident reader when I made the lists.  The top set of jobs are daily and the bottom set are weekly.  At a glance the boys know what they need to do.  Each boy is responsible for making sure his daily jobs are done before the end of the day.  {and since they are who they are, they usually do their jobs as the very last thing before a bath!}  Weekly jobs are usually done on Saturday.  I treat the boys as if they have arrived at work when jobs begin.  They each have a clipboard with the details of their jobs in a checklist - this helps them remember what needs to be done and it helps me remember what I can be picky about!   Daily jobs take about 10 minutes each day and Weekly jobs take about an hour. 

Then they get paid... My primary goal with allowance was to teach my boys how to be responsible with money.  I wanted to make sure they had enough money to spend it all at once on an impulsive toy or to save for a time to buy something more valuable.  After weekly jobs, they get their paychecks.  Each boy has three accounts...Charity money, Savings and Spending money. 

• They are able to spend their charity money on anything they wish as long as they don't get anything material in exchange.  {They have contributed to care packages for U.S. troops, bought school supplies for the Salvation Army and sent money to Haiti recently}
• They track their savings with a ledger similar to a check book.  In order to access their savings, they need to identify something they are saving for and write this on the ledger.  Currently I have frozen their savings accounts so that they will have spending money for our summer vacation. 
• Finally, they receive spending money each week to put into their wallets.  I don't usually carry cash, I'm a debit card girl, and having cash on hand for allowance was an extra chore for me.  I created Chase Bucks - which are token dollars that spend like real money.  If the boys have their wallets and enough money when we are out, they may spend it however they wish.  This eliminates the "Can you buy me something?" every time we're at a store {and I try to point out how they chose to spend their money that week and reinforce saving for something special} You can download these Kid Dollars to use with your kids.

This strategy has worked very well for my family.  In fact last week, as we were driving past the library Aiden remembered he had a fine for overdue books.  Since the library was closed, he took a dollar out of his wallet and asked me to save it for him.  He thought he, "would be tempted to spend it on a toy." 

How does allowance work in your family?

A Sporty Mom...

I was never sporty growing up.  It might have been the 4th grade softball experience when I was on the E team...or the 8th grade basketball season  in which I scored 2 points {total...for the season!}.  Whatever it was, it wasn't sporty.

About three years ago, on a whim, I bought a Denise Austin workout video.  I'm already a morning person, and I discovered that a workout in the morning not only felt good but it bought patience for my kids in the afternoon.  A year...and many workout videos later...I joined my local gym.  The gym is literally 2 driving minutes from my house, and a nice walk when I have more time. The best thing about the gym, is that I have met a whole group of friends there who also love the 5:30 am time slot.  With my working-mom days and soccer-mom afternoons, 5:30 am is time that's just for me.  I get a great workout in, take a class and have some social time too!

I always do better when I have a goal, so last year I competed in my first 2 sprint triathlons!  It's kind of like 0 to sporty in 37 years :)  I am looking forward to 3 sprint triathlons this summer and an 80 mile bike ride in September.

This morning I had a great weights workout with my good friend Tessa.  We started with some abs, worked on our arms and ended with legs.  We'd done a hard workout yesterday, and didn't push it too much today.  My regular schedule is: 
Monday - Spinning (I love this class!)
Tuesday - Short Elliptical & a Weight Lifting class
Wednesday -  Weights workout with friends
Thursday - Swimming workout or Endurance swim
Friday - Run
Saturday - If I have time I like to take a weight lifting class
I also love yoga.  My regular class was canceled, but I work it in whenever I can.  Often it's in the hall while my kids are in the tub!

What's your regular workout?  Do you have any events you're looking forward to?

How Fun...

Today, just after I posted my current reading list, I found a blog hop hosted by Crazy for Books.   I am excited to find out about what other people are reading and to share my own list.  Follow the link above to get in on the fun!

Books I Love...

I keep a reading journal. A couple of years ago, I was given a beautiful journal and I didn't know what to do with it so I started writing down the books I was reading. Every once in a while, when I don't have a new book to start, I look back through to find authors I'd like to explore or old favorites that are worth re-reading. On this quiet, Sunday morning, I thought I would share with you some of what I have been reading...

* The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society by Mary Anne Schaffer. I have already written a bit about this book, read all about it here.

* Tangerine by Edward Bloor.  All the 7th grade students at my school read this in their Language Arts classes and I was curious.  It's extremely well written about a middle school soccer player and a family secret.  Check it out for your kids.

* Twenties Girlby Sophie Kinsella.  I just finished reading this morning.  I love Sophie Kinsella for a fun, relaxing (if a little predictable) read.  This one started out a bit slow, but by mid-book I was in love with the characters and even got a little teary at the end.

* Percy Jackson ...the series by Rick Riordan.  I try to read everything my kids are reading and my 5th grader can't put these down.  I can see why.  Rick Riordan brings the Greek Gods right into the modern day with all their quarrels and pettiness and drops a great young hero right into the mix.  I get to start "Battle of the Labyrinth" tonight and I can't wait.

* The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  I had been seeing this book around for awhile and finally read it on my friend, Colette's, suggestion.  It is so well written and gives a slice of understanding into life in the South in the 1950's.  I strongly recommend this one.

* House Rules by Jodi Picoult.  I love Jodi and I have read all her books.  Even though I figured out her "twist" to this story line early on, I love the way she challenged how we think and how we perceive people who are different.  There's also an amazing brother moment in this one!

That's what I have been reading lately.  What's you current favorite read?  Is there something you are looking forward to picking up?

The Big Photo Challenge...

I am participating in Adorible Photography's Big Photo Challenge!  Check back here on Thursdays to see my weekly entry.  Follow the link above for more information, and to join the challenge yourself!

Getting Crafty…

We have a small bathroom on the main floor, off the kitchen, that needed a new look.  I found this picture at Target that I fell in love with.

  You can see why…I “love” {pun intended} to use words in my decorating, and so much of what I am about is Love!  Since this looked fantastic on the wall in the bathroom, I decided to make something similar to go on the opposite wall.  

I don’t have pictures of the process, but this was so easy to make.  I bought the two stars, the ribbon and the black stickers.  I already had paint and antiquing gel at home.  I sanded and painted both stars, then used antiquing gel to age the edges a bit.  The black stickers have a velvet texture and I randomly placed them on the stars to correspond to the black designs on the original picture. 

I had a sticker that said “Kiss” and I put that on the smaller star.  Then I hot glued the wider ribbon, it has a plaid design, to both stars and looped it over a hook on the wall.  I used 1/4” grosgrain ribbon to tie a bow near the top. 

It didn’t take me long…and now I have two great, new decorations.

What have you done lately to freshen up a corner of your house?

A Mom in Transition…

This afternoon made me laugh…it was so typical of the transition from working-mom to soccer-mom (literally).  Let me start by telling you that my husband surprised me with an iphone for my birthday last weekend.  He included a plug-in for my truck that allows me to talk hands-free and listen to music at the same time.  It feels a little bit like command central…but it sure came in handy today.

I’ve mentioned my husband’s schedule before…when he works it’s 24 hour shifts (but he works 1 on and 3 off)  Today he was at work and I was on my way home from work, when my son called.  The music muted while I was able to talk hands-free.  I was in the middle of letting him know that we had a quick trip to the doctors office, he would have to miss soccer practice and then we would head to his brothers practice.  While we were talking, another call came through…press hold & answer.  It’s the mom driving car pool for the older kids soccer practice.  She was thrilled that Connar had to skip practice…her youngest son had his first baseball game today and she needed her older son to skip practice as well.  This was perfect for both of us!  Switch back to Connar…he and his brother need to be ready to leave when I get home.  My aunt, who was with the boys this afternoon, helped Aiden get ready for soccer practice.

When I got home…they were ready to go.  I dropped the soccer goals off with the mom who was going to help the kids get started…took Connar to the doctor to check out a strange reaction to a vaccination (he’s just fine!), then headed back to the park just in time for soccer practice with Aiden and his team.  Connar alternated helping with the soccer scrimmage and skating in the skateboard park.  All in an afternoon for this mom!

What are your daily transitions?  What helps them run smoothly?

Family Fun…

My family has had season tickets to the Spokane Shock (local arena football) for the past four years.  Recently, I was talking with a friend who was surprised that we took our kids with us to the games.  Four years ago, when Aiden was two, he often fell asleep at the games.  Connar had a hard time sitting through a game, he was bouncy and we took frequent walks around the arena concourse.  We kept taking them to the games with us and now Aiden knows the game and the team better than I do!  If I don’t understand one of the plays, Connar can easily explain what happened.  They are huge fans of the game!  (Can you see the autographs on their jersey’s?)

There’s another reason we take them to the games, and this gets at a deeper parenting belief.  I believe that the only way kids learn the behavior that is appropriate in different settings, is to experience those different settings.  We take our kids as many places as we can and they understand the difference between behavior at a play and behavior at a Shock game!  There have definitely been times we’ve left places and times we’ve wished we hadn’t brought the kids, but now we can go almost anywhere as a family and our kids are usually fantastic.  Investing the time to teach them has been well worth the effort.

I have one more reason we take them to the games, and everywhere else in town (we have lots of adventures)!  I want my kids to recognize the value of family and I want them to choose to spend time with their family as they get older.  I believe that you have to build in the quality family time when they are young, to carry into their teens.  Build the habit, so that as they get older and have more choices, they will be more likely to choose the Shock Game (or whatever Family Fun is offered).  In my mind, this is the same thing as a family dinner.  Spending time together, laughing together, and understanding each other is the way we are building our family.  The best thing about our Shock season tickets, is the number of people we attend with…grandparents and family friends make up our group of 18 and each game is Family Fun!

 

 

Since You Asked...

Several of my friends who don't regularly follow a blog have asked about leaving comments. If this question applies to you...here is your answer:

Each blog can be a bit different. For mine, once you have read the post, there is a link above my signature that says comments. Click on that link and a comment box will open up. Type your comment. I really love to receive comments...it lets me know people are reading!

The tricky part comes when you add your name to the comment. It's really not tricky. If you have a Google Account (or another account listed) click on that option. This leaves your name along with an email or webpage link. You can also choose Name / URL. Leave you name and if you don't have a website, leave the URL box blank. This way I will know who left the message.

I like to leave questions at the end of each post to spark conversation. What's the best thing about your Monday?

A Mom at Work...

I love a well-organized notebook.  I can't help it...all those tabs neatly arranged, fresh holes punched, easy access to information.  Notebooks are my favorite!

As an Instructional Coach, I am frequently given, or find, articles of interest to read.  It's also great to be able to pass along new research or ideas to teachers I work with.  Over the past year I have amassed a huge collection of articles that were sitting in file folders.  The problem was that I could never find what I was looking for.  Today was the day to get organized!  I spread all the articles out on a table and sorted them into like groups. As I was working I realized I had duplicates of a few articles.  I also decided to create two notebooks rather than one.  I used sticky notes to keep track of topics while I was working.  Once I had all my groups, I made sure everything was hole punched, wrote on my divider tables and put it all together.

The whole project only took about an hour and now I can easily access and share the information.  Of course I made cover inserts and binding labels so that I can find the notebook on my shelves later.  It was a great Friday morning project...it's so nice to leave the office orderly and ready-to-go for Monday morning. 

 These are the shelves in my office...I love a well-organized notebook almost as much as I love being surrounded by books.  It's a happy work corner!

Sporty Kids…

Our weather has been dreadful lately…really cold and windy.  I didn’t realize how much it was affecting my mood until yesterday…when it was sunny and beautiful!  Both my boys had soccer practice yesterday and I coach the U6 boys team.  We had such a great time out in the sun playing soccer.  My whole mood shifted.  The boys were goofy and playful, but at the same time focused on playing the game.   It was a great reminder to me that sometimes I take life way too seriously and I need to just drop everything and kick a ball around the park.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside with your kids?  What simple things remind you to relax and enjoy life?

He’s Growing Up…

My oldest son, Connar is 11 today.  Incidentally today is my birthday also…that’s another story.  The cliché is that they grow up so fast, and I wish that I could say that without it being a cliché.  Because it’s TRUE!  One minute you are exhaustedly walking the floor, trying to get them to sleep and the next minute they’re riding their bike to school alone.  One minute they’re turning to you for a band-aid and the next minute they’re taking care of themselves.  When school starts in the fall, Connar will be attending middle school.  I teach middle school…I don’t have to wonder what happens there, I know!

Connar got a snowboard for his birthday, and he got it a bit early so that he could enjoy a day with his new board before it hung on the wall for 6 months.  If you had asked me 11 years ago, I never would have guessed I would take this kind of picture of my baby.  But there were so many other things I never guessed…I never guessed what a kind heart he would have, I never guessed he would be so funny, I never guessed he would be such a great big brother, I never guessed how much fun it would be to watch him grow up…I never guessed how much it would hurt to watch him grow up. 

Many years ago I read an essay that I loved.  (Like many busy moms, I didn’t save it and I have always wished I had a copy…if you know the reference, please send it to me.)  The author talked about all the things you do for your children…feed them, clean them, bandage them, love them…and with the very same hand moms are expected to “wave a convincingly cheerful good-bye”.  I am proud of my sons  responsibility and independence.  I love that he makes good choices and has common sense.  I am thankful that he is trustworthy and kind.  And I love watching him grow up…I just wish he would slow down!

How do you handle watching your children grow up?  What are your “convincingly cheerful good-bye’s”?

Playing Games...

My youngest son, Aiden, loves to play games of all kinds. One of my favorite ways to incorporate board and card games is during dinner. We slow down that way...there's more talking and laughing...and for busy kids, there's more eating! Tonight Connar was at soccer practice with Kyle, so Aiden and I had a chance to have a special dinner. We cooked some pasta together and launched into an Uno game. Uno can be really fun with just two people, because you need to come up with creative ways to use some of the cards such as reverse. We talked and laughed over our dinner and our game.

What do you do to slow your family down and take time?

It's Monday...

It's time to coordinate all your calendars...home, work, kids...and your to-do lists for the week. I took some time this morning to make sure my Family Calendar had all of our after school & weekend events posted. Then I made sure those were stored in my phone as well. There is an event that I have to attend for work on Thursday afternoon and that was added to the Family Calendar. Finally, I spent a few minutes when I arrived at work this morning to make sure my Work Calendar & To-Do list was ready to go for the week.

It's a Monday commitment that really pays off during the week! What is your Monday-Morning-Must-Do?

Sorting Out the Kids...

Shopping! My husband and I took the boys shopping today and let me tell you shopping is a completely different experience with boys. They needed jeans and new shoes. I have put off buying jeans because it's April...nearly summer...and I thought they'd be into shorts soon. But as it turns out, it's freezing cold and all their jeans have holes. So they needed jeans. They are both somewhere between sizes so they ended up trying on several pairs each...and they are not patient in the changing room. Aiden was convinced that he needed black jeans beacuse, "they're cool and attractive" but sadly they weren't available in a 7 Slim. So once he was convinced to choose blue jeans, it was Connar's turn. He was less picky about the color, thakfully, but very concerned about the style. He wanted skinny jeans...not loose, not boot cut...skinny jeans. It took a few try-ons but he found jeans with just the right fit. Thank you Old Navy!

Once the jeans were purchased it was off to buy shoes. My kids really only have one pair of shoes. They're boys and they skateboard. Have you seen what skateboarding does to shoes? It's not pretty! Fortunately we found skateboard shoes on sale. The pickiness set in when trying to choose the shoe company to wear. Aiden will argue about the fit of a shoe...making up problems...if he doesn't like the brand. It was crazy-making. Finally though, he ended up with Etnies (that fit!) and Connar with Adio's. And when we got home, they tested out the shoes on skateboards and determined them to be perfect! I, on the other hand, am exhausted :)

Does shopping with your kids make you crazy? What item in particular are they bound to be picky about?

Books I Love…

Ahh…It’s Saturday morning and I have a few minutes while everyone else is sleeping to indulge in my favorite past time…Reading!  I love to read (and trust me, the house doesn’t have to be asleep for me to do it!)  I just made a fresh cup of coffee, the sun is shining outside, my cats are curled up on top of my quilt and I have a good book to read.  This is perfect!
Recently, I finished one of the best books I have read in a while.  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  The story is told in letters exchanged between several different people and the authors do an amazing job of developing the characters through this very narrow perspective.  The island of Guernsey was occupied during World War II and a group of people truly survived the occupation due to their literary society.  While the war is over in the book, it is about this group of people, the books they read and the relationships that were formed.  The quote, “I laughed…I cried” is completely true when it comes to this book.  It’s a must read!
Now I must curl up with my current good book…which I will tell you about later.  What’s your favorite way to refresh & recharge?  What’s the best book you’ve read recently?  Will you check out Guernsey?

Technorati Tags: Books,Relax

Sorting Out the Kids…

I wish it were always fun & games, but some days just aren’t.  This week has been a bit hard on the kids, especially Connar.  In his world, he went from a glorious week of vacation to…school, homework and 2 hour and a half soccer practices, plus an early morning wake-up (and…he broke his ipod touch – insult to injury!)   On soccer practice days Connar needs to get his homework done right after school, leave by 4:30, practice until 6:30 home for dinner.  Wednesday he didn’t quite get his homework done and he was so tired after dinner.  He decided to finish homework Thursday morning (our kids go to school a bit later on Thursdays).  Well…Thursday morning he decided not to finish the homework, lie to his Dad about said homework and erase the entry in his school planner.  Kyle saw him erasing the entry.

At that point it was time to leave for school, so Kyle said they would talk about it when Connar got home.  He worried about what would happen all day.  And when he got home he was grounded for the rest of the day.  That meant he was in his room – doing homework, reading, he could even play but not with anything electronic – all by himself.  He came out for dinner and to take bath.  While he wasn’t at all happy, and tried to talk us into a reprieve, he knew these were the consequences.  When we tucked him in, he said, “Being grounded sucks!”  I guess it does and I hope it also means he won’t lie again for a while.  We also knew the consequences were meaningful when he hugged & kissed us goodnight.  He knew he was responsible and he wasn’t angry with us.  He’s such a good kid!

What consequences have you recently doled out? 

Technorati Tags: Family

Sporty Kids…

Currently, our daily schedule is ruled by soccer!  My husband, Kyle, has a game each week, Connar has two practices and a game each week, Aiden has one practice and a game each week and I am his team’s coach .  For 8 weeks, spring and fall, we’re all about soccer!

While it’s so much fun, the season also takes quite a bit of organization.  Kyle’s games are on Sundays and he can keep track of his own gear…so I leave him to his own devices.  (Though I did sew patches on his new gear bag!)  The boys both have string backpacks stored in the laundry room.  During the season they keep their shin guards, shoes and soccer balls in the bags…ready to go.  Connar also keeps his inhaler and goalie jersey in his backpack.  I also keep the goals, cones, whistle and other gear I need for coaching in my trunk for the whole season.  This way we’re not searching through the house / garage before practice. 

With Connar playing for a club team this year, I have also worked out carpools to practice with other moms.  Happily, this spring I drive on Mondays and coach Aiden’s team on Wednesdays, when another mom drives. 

It’s all worth it on game days…the kids are so proud of themselves and have so much fun on the field.   And on Sunday’s – we love cheering on Kyle’s team too!

How do you organize your family for sports?

Back to Work...

The first day back-to-work after a vacation is always tough. I leave before the boys are up in the morning, and while I blow kisses over their sleeping heads, it's not the same as the week of snuggling on the couch with Sponge Bob as they wake up. I love hanging out with my boys!

The good thing about work today was the busy pace...as I set my calendar for the week (and month) and got projects organized. There were lots of emails waiting and details that needed tending. In fact the day went more smoothly than many first days back. (Other than the lunch time conversation in which four moms-who-work fantasized about being stay-at-home-moms!)

Calendars: The first of the month - and a return to school from vacation - always triggers a reminder to sort my calendars. I keep three...I know it sounds excessive, but it works for me. In my kitchen is the monthly family calendar...sports events, doctors appointments, school activities...these are all posted on the family calendar. At school I have my work calendar. I like to keep a pencil / paper calendar because I have a variety of appointments and "To-Do's" each day. I also track projects I am working on during the day. This actually turns into more of a diary, as I am required to log my hours as an Instructional Coach. Finally, we have calendar #3...my phone. This is my bridge calendar and I enter actitivities / appointments that bridge my Family calendar and my School calendar. I make sure my calendars are in sync every Sunday evening.

How do you keep yourself, your job and your family organized?

I love Holidays…

I love a chance for family to get together…laugh, chat and eat of course.  When I was growing up, it was my Gram’s house where we all gathered.  Now, more and more it’s becoming my house.  I love to host a family party!  

Before the party got started my own boys had to track down their cleverly hidden eggs!  Each egg came with a clue to find the next egg.  It’s great fun that Aiden is a reader now…he read and figured out all his clues.  The cats also helped us decorate Easter eggs this morning. Frankly, I am surprised they didn’t decorate themselves.

 

The kids prefer to sit at a “kids table” and today without a formal adults table everyone relaxed in the kitchen and living room together.    One of the best parts of the day was a chance for me to take some pictures of my Gram with her four great-grandkids.

  What are your favorite memories of family holidays?  How did you celebrate today?

Getting Crafty…

As I have mentioned, it’s Spring Vacation, so today was craft day!  My friend, Tessa and her kids came over…the boys played and the girls crafted.  Amid video games, basketball (and a rescue pick-up to the skate park during a hail storm) Tessa and I created the cutest picture holders.

We were  inspired by a project at How Does She and had fun incorporating our own twist. 

 

Aren’t they great?  It’s hard to see the printing on the blocks, the bottom block reads, “My Favorite Things” and my stacking blocks say, “Snow Boarding”, “Skate Boarding”, “Soccer” and “Brothers”.  We twisted wire into picture holders and drilled holes in the block for support.  Tessa’s is on the left and mine is on the right.  I had a few blocks left over from the 2x4, and the one in the middle is a birthday gift.  It’s a perfect project to do with friends because it makes a huge mess, but you can walk away to take care of kids – or make lunch – and easily step right back in.  Thanks to the ladies at How Does She for a fun, crafty afternoon!

April Fool's Day

I am not a good practical joker. I laugh, I blow the joke, I can't think of anything appropriate...I prefer to enjoy pranks vicariously through my husband (who is excellent at practical jokes!) Today however, I had a good one.

Background: My husband as a firefighter works 24-hour shifts, with one on and three off. When he works during the school week, I take my kids to work with me the morning he gets off work. He picks them up at my school and takes them to their own schools. This breaks down to one morning a week that the kids have to get up early to leave with me. This is not their favorite morning of the week.

Today: It's Spring Break...kids don't have school! My husband was at work though so when I got home from the gym, I showered and got dressed as if I were leaving for work. Then I woke up the kids telling them we had to leave for my school. (Ha, Ha) My oldest is pretty savvy, he knew right off. So I said "April Fools" kissed him and he went back to sleep. My youngest is 6. He moaned and groaned, got up and dressed. When I met him downstairs he had his backpack ready and was getting shoes on. It wasn't until he realized that Connar was still in bed, and I didn't seem to care, that he knew something was up. When I said, "April Fool" he was stunned, surprised and then laughed. What a good sport! I took him to our local bakery for his favorite muffin as a treat for being a good sport.

What's your best April Fool's Joke? Post a comment and share your prank!