Our summer is going great! I finished my home management notebook, and it is keeping us organized. I'm sure I'll make changes as we see what works and what doesn't, but for now it's done. This was the first full week of using it, and I must say - I love it! It really helps to put the week in perspective, and I'm actually able to get more done. The kids are excited about using it as well. Every day they ask me - what's our cleaning chore for today? They know that besides he everyday stuff, there is one more extra cleaning chore that changes daily. I love that we are all on board and on the same page!
As for the behavior - the kids have started lagging. We've talked to them again, and I am sure they will improve. Some are pushing the limit more than others, but we are working with each one, so I'm hopeful things will get better.
My hubby has gotten a new job. He will be teaching again. He's back at the same private school he was at before. They had to let him go before b/c they didn't have enough students enrolled. But now they do, and they were thrilled to have him back. I am excited also. This means evenings at home, weekends off, holidays off, all school holidays off, and a set schedule that won't change week to week. It's going to be so much easier on all of us!! Thank you God!!
My hubby will still be preaching at the church. We have encountered a few minor issues with the church, but we are praying through them, and I am hopeful God will work in these situations. Christopher still believes we are where God wants us, so I will trust that. I find myself wanting to close off from making deep friendships here b/c I have been hurt before. But I am trying to not let my personal fears get in the way. I am here to love these people and serve them. I can do that. :)
We start VBS on Sunday. I am teaching a class and will have one of my sons in my class. Should be a great week!! I feel prepared, and my room is ready to go. woohoo!!
That's my mid-summer update.
HUGS!!!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
It's Summer!!
It's summer!! I love summer break! I do not like all the heat, but I LOVE spending time with my kiddos! I am not a homeschooling mom, so during the school year my kids are in school all day. I am not one of those moms that enjoys sending the kids to school so I can "have a break." I send them to school b/c they need an education. I love my kids and love spending time with them. Don't get me wrong, a break every once in a while is nice. But I don't need a daily break from 8:00-3:00. But I digress...
This summer we are making some changes around here. The #1 thing we are working on is behavior. Memorial Day weekend is usually seen as the summer kick-off, and this year my kids took turns going to the lake with their grandparents. The girls went first, everyone was home for church, and then the boys went. We took the time when we only had half the kids to do something special (dinner and a shopping trip), and then we talked to them about what was expected of them this summer. Things like: do your chores without complaint, only say kind or loving things, talk to your parents with respect, no yelling, no hitting, etc. So far, it's going pretty well. The kids are actually getting along better than they have in years. And if things start getting heated up, I remind them of our summer expectations, and they get back on track. I am so proud of the kids. We have had a few off days, but we talk to the kids in the evening about what to do better, and explain that if they behave appropriately we will reward them (trips to the library, a game of bowling, etc). But they also know that when they act up, we spend the day at home. It's hard enough taking 5 kids somewhere, but 5 misbehaving kids isn't doable! Well it is, but it leads to one stressed-out momma, and that ain't good!!
The other thing I'm working on this summer is being more organized about the house. I've read a great book - Large Family Logistics, and now I'm starting to put into practice what I've learned. I never understood the importance of a home management notebook, but I am learning. It's a great way to stay organized. You set it up so that if you were sick or away someone could step in and keep your house running. It is a daily guide for cleaning, organizing, to do lists, projects, cooking, etc so that your days don't get away from you. You can look at your notebook to see what needs to be done, what's already been done, and when you need to do it. I haven't actually put my notebook together. So far it's hand-written notes in a spiral notebook. But I am working on computer printouts, etc and soon it will be completely organized. How have I gotten along all these years without one??!?
Do you use a home management notebook of some sort? Leave me a comment telling me about it. What works for you? How is yours set up? etc
Summer is off to a great start! Can't wait to see what each day brings us!
Blessings to you!!
This summer we are making some changes around here. The #1 thing we are working on is behavior. Memorial Day weekend is usually seen as the summer kick-off, and this year my kids took turns going to the lake with their grandparents. The girls went first, everyone was home for church, and then the boys went. We took the time when we only had half the kids to do something special (dinner and a shopping trip), and then we talked to them about what was expected of them this summer. Things like: do your chores without complaint, only say kind or loving things, talk to your parents with respect, no yelling, no hitting, etc. So far, it's going pretty well. The kids are actually getting along better than they have in years. And if things start getting heated up, I remind them of our summer expectations, and they get back on track. I am so proud of the kids. We have had a few off days, but we talk to the kids in the evening about what to do better, and explain that if they behave appropriately we will reward them (trips to the library, a game of bowling, etc). But they also know that when they act up, we spend the day at home. It's hard enough taking 5 kids somewhere, but 5 misbehaving kids isn't doable! Well it is, but it leads to one stressed-out momma, and that ain't good!!
The other thing I'm working on this summer is being more organized about the house. I've read a great book - Large Family Logistics, and now I'm starting to put into practice what I've learned. I never understood the importance of a home management notebook, but I am learning. It's a great way to stay organized. You set it up so that if you were sick or away someone could step in and keep your house running. It is a daily guide for cleaning, organizing, to do lists, projects, cooking, etc so that your days don't get away from you. You can look at your notebook to see what needs to be done, what's already been done, and when you need to do it. I haven't actually put my notebook together. So far it's hand-written notes in a spiral notebook. But I am working on computer printouts, etc and soon it will be completely organized. How have I gotten along all these years without one??!?
Do you use a home management notebook of some sort? Leave me a comment telling me about it. What works for you? How is yours set up? etc
Summer is off to a great start! Can't wait to see what each day brings us!
Blessings to you!!
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