Routine Cards

Recently, I was asked for more details on our version of a "chore/task chart".

I resisted making another chart, because it seemed that each time I hung one on the wall something changed. I came across this idea when reading Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young and Peggy Jones. I cannot remember how much I've adapted it. Hmmmm, maybe not at all...

 

Sabin has been following a morning routine for months and I think it will be easier if I just explain that.

I've written up each task on a separate 3x5 card. On each card I write the job and also add a picture.In the top right of the card I write how often the task is done (daily, weekly, twice a week, etc) I also use colored 3x5 cards. Sabin has green for things that are done daily and purple for things that are done once or twice a week. This makes them super easy to keep sorted. I then laminated the cards (we happen to have a laminator) and punch a hole in the bottom left of the cards so that they can be held together by a key ring. (I found the rings that open and close easily, right next to the 3x5s in my office supply store)

Currently, Sabin's daily tasks are:

• Get Dressed
• Brush Teeth
• Brush Hair
• Pick Up Toys
• Go Outside to Play. (Outside is a reward for Sabin, so he looks forward to getting to the last card.) 

Weekly tasks include:

• Unload Silverware from Dishwasher
• Bring Bathroom Trash to Kitchen
• Clean Front Picture Window
• Spray and Wipe all Door Knobs and Light Switches 

Each evening I make sure that all the next days cards are in order in the ring and set the cards on the breakfast table. This is actually super simple since I only change the "weekly" (purple) cards. At this age, I am only give him 1 "weekly" card a day.

He starts after breakfast. I follow along with Chloë getting her dressed when Sabin does, teeth when Sabin does, etc. That way I'm close enough to subtly monitor the goings on of my four-year-old.

I've heard of people making books that are similar, but I like that the cards are small and easy to carry. Sabin takes them with him, simply flipping the finished task to the back. This helps to keep him from getting distracted. When we first started, I thought I might need to get a little fastener and attach it to him. But the reward of going out side has been enough to keep him on task.

We are just beginning an evening routine. And I'm thinking now that Chloë can mostly dress herself, she is about old enough to handle her own little pack of cards.

I tried to set this up so that if need be (ie a new baby and I'm on bedrest) someone else could easily set up the cards for Sabin. Also, in the not-to-distant future I hope to let him set up his own cards, choosing what "weekly"s to do on which day.

By the way, I also have my own cards system. If your curious about that, you can find details in the book I mentioned above.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

A New Camper

Yesterday evening, Joe brought home our new (to us) camper. It's a sturdy, well built, pop-up. The drive to pick it up was a long one, so Joe went on his own while Sabin kept vigil at the window.

The kids were so excited when he pulled up they went running out in there undies, begging their daddy for an immediate tour.

"Can we sleep here tonight?"

 "Tampah!!!"

Neighborhood Inspection

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

A Long Absence

I've missed blogging. It's been months. Somehow the time just kept getting a way. But there are things now that I long to write about. A season that I'd like to record.

And for my own record, I would also like to do some catching up. My plan is to summarize the missed months in pictures. If you are interested you can check those out as well.

Still Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty

Outgrowing Nursing

In the past 48 hours, I have nursed my child for less than 2 minutes. Growth--it's bittersweet. Two nights in a row he fell asleep without nursing (no crying or whining, just held my hand as he drifted off) and during the day he's been just too busy to ask.

The 2-minute exception occurred when he fell on the concrete skinning both knees. He bravely walked into the house and sat on a chair so that I could investigate. Not too bad, but both were bleeding slightly. I applied na-na milk (my go-to-cure-all) on the right, then the left knee. "More on this one," he cried, pointing to the right. So I dabbed on a little more. To which he replied, "It doesn't hurt any more." Then he asked to nurse. But it was only for a minute: we had play plans and he was excited to meet up with his friends.

Sometimes I wonder what I will do when the milk is all gone. And yet I see us already beginning to grow beyond this stage.... I am in awe over this process--truly. I have nursed this child for 4 years, 3 months, and 13 days thus far. We have nursed through teething, illness, toddlerhood, pregnancy and along with his little sister. Even now, while pregnant with my 3rd, I am not interested in cutting him off. However this, like all of life, is a process. We each grow and change.

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty

Ps - He nursed for fifteen minutes when he awoke this morning.

Sun Kissed

 Refreshing!

Silly Swinging 

Little Mama 

Mud Pies 

My Darling Little Imp 

Slide Show

I Can Swing By Myself!

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Little Prayers

Little man and his baby sister sat in the boat today, in our driveway (no actual water was used in the making of this story) a "storm" comes up and the children are scrambling to keep the boat from "sinking" by rowing with the oars. Suddenly Sabin cries out loudly, "Oh God... please. stop. this. storm!" Then kneeling down with folded hands and eyes closed more calmly says, "God please help me to know how to keep this boat from sinking. Keep us safe." Then back to scrambling, ordering his first mate to "Row! Chloe, row!" My kids are soooooo cute!

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty

Language Learning

Over the past few months the children and I have spent bits of time watching various videos in Spanish as part of an immersion into a second language. One that we really enjoy is Brainy Baby's "¿Como se Dice?" While watching the video yesterday, Chloë exclaimed, "Baby".

"Yes," I responded, "Bebé".
"No," she said, "Baby".
"That's right, Chloë," I said trying the Spanish word again, "Bebé."
"No," she insisted, "Bab-Y, bab-Y". I had to laugh. "Yes, Chloë," I relented, "that's a bab-Y."

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty