Well.. it has been a long time since I last posted. Things have been pretty crazy, and I have been going through a small dark night of the soul! Losing our way for awhile is sometimes just what God uses to help us get stronger in the end. And also trying to keep up with a blog that seems so item and research specific with lots of children running around was taking its toll. So now my blog will be more about our family, traditions, and everyday life.. more musings, and more of me!
So things are lightening up around here. We made a major change in our home. Every weekend we would spend at least one whole day fighting and arguing about cleaning the kids rooms. Not that I have or want some grand model home to run our lives, but the fire hazard of the kids literally having to climb their way to their beds through all the toys and stuff week after week for the past eight years just got the better of me. During a conversation with my mom she said "You have lived this way how long? And every week you do this same thing, why do think things will just change?" So we changed the way we did things! All those years of threatening to throw all their toys away, we finally did! We grabbed black trash bags and boxes and loaded everything up and hauled it to the basement!
The kids were left their clothes and their books, with the opportunity to earn things back. Everyday they have the chance to earn back at least 4 items. Make their beds, pick up their clothes, close their dresser drawers and do their homework without complaint. The other chances they have, is to do a good deed for someone else. This one has been the big one. It is opening their eyes to the people around them, and they are searching for ways that can help! In one day Turtle had five good deeds!
This was a week and a half ago this happened. Before the week was out, the Cat made the comment that the family was so much better now! Her exact words were "everyone is so much nicer and calmer, and there is more time to play." Don't think they haven't been playing either, they have been playing harder, and together! For one, there is room TO play, they can FIND what they are looking for, and there are fewer chores with so much less to look after!
This last weekend, with a clean house, we turned our attention outside, and did the garage! It has been raining for two days and the kids' bikes, and dump trucks actually fit inside! Maybe we can make it through a summer without having to replace rusted chains and broken toys that were left in the yard for the dogs!
With company coming in a few weeks, 2 birthday's, Easter, a Confirmation and a 1st Communion all by April 15th.. I am looking forward to this year's Holiday Season!
So things are lightening up around here. We made a major change in our home. Every weekend we would spend at least one whole day fighting and arguing about cleaning the kids rooms. Not that I have or want some grand model home to run our lives, but the fire hazard of the kids literally having to climb their way to their beds through all the toys and stuff week after week for the past eight years just got the better of me. During a conversation with my mom she said "You have lived this way how long? And every week you do this same thing, why do think things will just change?" So we changed the way we did things! All those years of threatening to throw all their toys away, we finally did! We grabbed black trash bags and boxes and loaded everything up and hauled it to the basement!
The kids were left their clothes and their books, with the opportunity to earn things back. Everyday they have the chance to earn back at least 4 items. Make their beds, pick up their clothes, close their dresser drawers and do their homework without complaint. The other chances they have, is to do a good deed for someone else. This one has been the big one. It is opening their eyes to the people around them, and they are searching for ways that can help! In one day Turtle had five good deeds!
This was a week and a half ago this happened. Before the week was out, the Cat made the comment that the family was so much better now! Her exact words were "everyone is so much nicer and calmer, and there is more time to play." Don't think they haven't been playing either, they have been playing harder, and together! For one, there is room TO play, they can FIND what they are looking for, and there are fewer chores with so much less to look after!
This last weekend, with a clean house, we turned our attention outside, and did the garage! It has been raining for two days and the kids' bikes, and dump trucks actually fit inside! Maybe we can make it through a summer without having to replace rusted chains and broken toys that were left in the yard for the dogs!
With company coming in a few weeks, 2 birthday's, Easter, a Confirmation and a 1st Communion all by April 15th.. I am looking forward to this year's Holiday Season!
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