Fits, Fussin' and Fightin'...

I thought I would break my hiatus with a Works for Me Wednesday post.

Who: your little buggers

What: designate a "Child of the Week"

When: any time 2 or more are involved in a dispute or a turn needs to be taken

Where: anywhere and everywhere

Why: I have precious little brain power and I don't need to waste it trying to remember who's turn it is to pick the movie or the Slush flavor during Happy Hour at Sonic. It decreases not only the number of fits, fights and fusses but the length of them regarding whose turn it is or pushing to be first or any number of things that my kids want to fight over.

How: assign a week to a child and rotate it. Choose alphabetically or chronologically or just start with the one that didn't ask to be first. I put Post It notes on a Monday to show the kids which week is theirs.

What for: attempt to save your sanity and it makes the little buggers feel special

If there is a choice to be made, I will ask the child. For example, the child may choose where we go out for lunch or they may choose the game. They may go first or run an errand with me. I also use this week to assign the not-so-fun chore(s) to the child.

This is NOT an original idea of mine. A very wise homeschooling friend of mine with 4 kiddos made this suggestion a looooooonnnnnggg time ago. I finally implemented it. It has been really great! The little buggers even count down the days until it is their turn.

Maybe this idea will help cut down on the squabbles in your house... For more great ideas head on over to Rocks in My Dryer.

The SchoolHouse Planner Giveaway...

Head on over to Proverbs 22:6 Academy for a chance to win a planner to meet every need! The Old Schoolhouse has just released this awesome planner and she is giving one away.

The contest ends July 8th. You don't have to have a blog to enter the contest.

Spring Photos

Where's the turtle?
















Jumping from the swing.

















DB's turn to jump. Mommy's turn to mess the photo up again.














Did you know you can do your homework under Mamabug's bed as long as you have a tray and 2 headlamps?

Snugglebug is picking up quickly on a real bike. #3 does things earlier than #2 and #1.















Something our backyard has never ever seen... shade from something natural.

















Working together to get the job done!













MB and DB's niece

Awesome photo blog: Portes et Fenetres

I ran across this awesome photo blog of doors and windows called Portes et Fenetres via DesignMom. I wanted to print several of their photos for a collage for my living room.

I wouldn't mind paying for them but bare minimum I wanted to ask permission to use their photos. I can't find any contact information on the blog. Would anyone know how to get in contact with them?

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- keeping sheets straight...

Roll your twin sheets as you store them rather than folding them and you'll never wonder which one is is the twin sheet.

We have 4 twin beds and one queen bed so the majority of time we are looking for a twin fitted sheet.

It cuts down on the question of "Where's a sheet for _______'s bed?" And it also is easier for the little buggers to roll rather than fold a sheet that is twice their size.

Of course, that presupposes that there are sheets washed, dried, and put away properly. Two out of three isn't too bad.

If I used top sheets for the little bugger's beds then I would probably keep each set together in a pillowcase like someone else has suggested on a previous WFMW post.

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- LEGO, K'NEX storage

My friend Bestbug has two boys that are amassing quite a K'NEX collection that was taking over the living room. After using a toolbox in order to store Ticklebug's Hotwheels , I suggested she use an empty large tackle box that I had laying around the house. She took me up on my offer and this is what she came up with. Isn't she clever? Makes me want to play with all the pretty colors!

The box came with several drawers/boxes but I purchased 2 extra at Walmart for a couple of bucks. They come with dividers that you can arrange to fit your pieces depending on how you prefer to sort them. Each has a secure snap top lid. There are many sizes and styles to choose from. I found the best selection of boxes to be at outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shop and Academy Sports. If you only have a small collection you could purchase just the small utility boxes.

An added benefit of having them stored and sorted seems to be that the kiddos play more with them once they can see what pieces they need more readily.

Anyhow, that works for me. What storage works for you?

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

WFMW- Over the door organizer ideas...

I am always scouring magazines, books and other media sources for inexpensive (read cheap) ideas for streamlining our life. As a result I came across an idea to use over the door shoe pockets as an organizer for small items.

One is hooked on the back of my pantry door and it holds mostly medicines, dosage cups, tape, Swiffer refills and occasional art supplies. I like the high pockets because not only can I see what is in there but also the little buggers cannot reach it.

The other pocket in on the door out to the garage. I use it for things I might want to grab on the way out the door--seasonal items like umbrellas, hats, and mittens. BestBug, my friend, uses hers inside the coat closet for hats and outdoor items. You could use it for toiletry items in a bathroom closet, toys in a kid's room, art supplies or as a general catch-all for things needing a home.

I originally purchased one at the Container Store but the second one I purchased at Walmart or Target and I am perfectly happy with it.

Got any favorite organizing tricks of your own?

Head on over to Shannon for other great tips and ideas at Rocks in my Dryer.

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Hot Wheels storage

Ticklebug is now 6 and is accumulating quite a few Hotwheels. Needless to say they aren't so "hot" when they are scattered on the floor in the middle of the room.


My solution is a plastic toolbox that he can store, organize and tote around if he so chooses. Because of the deep base he can also fit the car carrier in.









Talk about a good deal for $5 or $10! I got this in December at Home Depot but I can't find it on their website. This is a similar one. I would go for plastic rather than metal for the noise factor. Tool boxes come in all sizes so you could find a size that fits your collection.



If you need to keep him busy longer, turn it into a project of decorating it with stickers, paint or Sharpies-- depending of course on your level of sanity that day.

What storage works for you?

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

Hellooooo out there!!!

Obviously, it has been a while since I have posted. I could give you a list of reasons (excuses)...and I will.

10. 3 birthdays in one month
9. Spring Break
8. Easter
7. camping overnight
6. pneumonia (Doodlebug)
5. messy house
4. researching education options
3. more education...
2. looking for a cleaning lady

And the NUMBER ONE reason is... I didn't feel like it.

Any how... I'll gear up for WFMW tomorrow...

Texas Snow... from earlier this month...

Please forgive the positioning of the photos. I can't get it right to save my life. UGH!

T

Randomness...

Some trees have leaves... Our tree has sandals, ribbon, princess shoes, buckets, baskets and teapots.

We just purchased a new red oak for our back yard last week. I guess the little buggers thought it looked a little bare.





Some Christmas trees have angels and stars... Our tree has an alligator.

Every year at Christmas we top our tree with whatever puppet we have handy. It started off as a joke 10 years ago and has now become a humorous tradition.

Awesome Giveaways! Act Quick!

Mod*Mom is giving away 75 things for Valentine's day. Things you didn't even know existed but now you can't live without!

Go check it out!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Doctor and Mom quotes...

What works for me this week is my pediatrician. I have been blessed to find a doctor that I like and respect. He takes my concerns seriously and listens well. He has given me some great quotes and rules of thumb over the years.

Top Five Quotes from my Pediatrician

1. "Give them Tylenol or Advil, I believe you if you say they have a temperature."
   



2. "If the kiddo starts getting you up at night after usually sleeping through, call me the next day."


3. "How are you doing, Mom?"
   



4. "I unfortunately don't have a magic potion that will fix this one, it is a virus." It makes it easier to fork out your copay rather than hearing "It's just a virus" in a condescending tone.



5. "If the child is in pajamas, they are sick, if Mom is in her pajamas,the child is really sick."

Ten things I say at the pediatrician's office

1. "How much was the bill? "


2. "Does that mean the front office staff got a raise?"


3. "Come on, act sick. How come you are acting puny at home but running around like a Tasmanian Devil now? "


4. "I would like my name inscribed on a plate for the door to Exam room 4."


5. "Do you have a frequent buyer punch card?"


6. "Was today buy one, get one free?"


7. "_______ gets to pick a sticker first, because they are sick."


8. "Don't spin me so fast on the stool, I'm getting sick."


9. "Don't sit on the floor, it's dirty."


10. "Yes, the doctor should be here any minute."

What great tips does your pediatrician give you?

Head on over to Don't Try this at Home for more great tips!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Internet filter

I rarely actually purchase items online but I do spend a lot of time using the internet to research of various topics which can often bring up undesirable websites and/or images. All it takes is a typo and you'll run across something objectionable. To combat that issue we have installed a filter from Hedgebuilders. We have been with this company for several years. We've gone through loading it to new computers, multiple computers and upgrading without major issues.

My favorite part is that the guy that wrote the software is also the support person. He knows it inside and out and is quick to respond to issues and walk you through them. How cool is that?

It is reasonably priced and it does a really good job blocking sites. You can control which type of sites are blocked. It cannot be turned off unless you have Hedgebuilders do it. It also has an email accountability option for free.

They are offering a free TWO WEEK trial. The protection and peace of mind we get from this filter is immeasurable.

From Hedgebuilders:

Top 10 Reasons to Make Your Internet Safe withA+ Internet Filtering for Christians

10. With A+ you can keep your current e-mail addresses.

9. A+ uses S4F, one the highest rated filters in the Industry.

8. A+ is unapologetically designed with Christians in mind.

7. A+ is a Not-For-Profit organization focused on providing protection, not making money.

6. A+ provides special discounts for pastors, ministries, and missionaries. (Click on "Pastors and Missionaries" link on Homepage)

5. A+ offers DOUBLE PROTECTION by going a step further and word filtering search engines.

4. A+ does all the work, once it is installed you don't have to fool with software upgrades or ratings systems.

3. You can download A+ right off the web and be protected in only a few minutes.

2. A+ is very inexpensive to use. Try it two weeks for FREE!

1. A+ works anywhere in the world that the Internet is available.

Head on over to Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

And the Winner is...

Angela at http://demama.blogspot.com/ the Random Integer Generator chose you to win the Webkinz Pug!

Congratulations!


Thank you to everyone who participated!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

I don't know about you but I do some of my best thinking under the blow dryer in the morning. As a result, there is always something I want to write down but I don't have any paper nearby. What I do have is 3 giant mirrors and a dry erase marker. Put them together and you have a wonderful place to write reminders, Scripture, love notes, phone messages, your to-do list or the next day's events. I even have a list of items on the mirror that were donated when I cleaned the closet because I didn't have any paper. That is one list I haven't lost yet!

It is difficult to miss a note when it is blocking your view as you put on makeup or brush your hair. It is even more difficult to lose the mirror and wonder where you put it. : )

I write notes on the kid's mirror as well, and they draw pictures. My sister Auntiebug uses the mirror backsplash in the kitchen to write last doses of medications or reminders. It also works on windows, glass shower doors, and possibly white appliances. It wipes off with a tissue and any residue left comes off with window cleaner- no big deal.

That's it for me, head over to Rocks In My Dryer for MORE great tips!

Bloggy Giveaways Carnival: Winter '08 Edition

I am giving away a Webkinz Pug. It is brand new with unused tags.

I didn't do a good job of listening to Doodlebug when I went shopping for her and got the wrong one. Unfortunately for me, fortunately for you, I could not return it. I bought it on Saturday, went to return it unopened with the receipt on Sunday and they said they didn't accept returns on Webkinz. I wasn't told that when I checked out nor was it posted in the store. Where it was posted, was the bottom of my receipt which you get AFTER you purchase. Make sense to you? Let's just say, sale or no sale, I will not be shopping at Libby Lu's any more.

Anyway, enough ranting. Here is a picture of the little guy. He is trying to look menacing but it isn't working.

This giveaway is open to ANYONE. Leave a comment and consider yourself entered in the giveaway. If you are like me, you'll want him for yourself.

One entry per person. Multiple entries will be deleted. Please leave a contact email if you do not have a blog or your profile is not open to the public. One winner will be selected on Sunday, February 3rd. Comments will close at Midnight February 1st. I'll post the winner here and contact you via email. If the winner doesn't respond within 3 days, a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

***Edited *** Comments accepted until Midnight Saturday Feb. 2nd***

Head over to Bloggy Giveaways for LOTS of other great things!

Ostrich Eggs...

Did you know how big ostrich eggs are ?

Now you do.

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!

I feel better now. It has been one of those days that very little has gotten done around here and it is insane at the moment.

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Scrub-a-Scrub-Scrub...

I get absolutely annoyed at my shower and bathtub when it doesn't SHINE after I just finished cleaning it. I like my tub and faucets to be not only dirt free, but also smooth to the touch and shiny enough to see my reflection. My bathroom cleaner spray may remove the dirt just fine, but doesn't make it completely smooth and shiny because the soap scum and build up has dulled and roughened the surface.

The best solution I have found for this problem is a lovely product called Barkeeper's Friend. The version I like is in powder form like Ajax or Comet. In addition to cleaning tubs and showers, I also use it on my stainless steel sinks and faucets. The only thing I don't care for is having to rinse it. I have yet to figure out an easy way to rinse the walls in our stand alone shower.

READ the label to make sure it is safe for your bathroom then hop to it.

Here are the steps:

1. Wet the tub/shower down



2. Sprinkle a generous amount around-- shake, shake, shake



3. Put on rubber gloves. It's doable with bare hands but I use rubbergloves if I have them.



4. Spread BKF around with a wet rag to make a paste that covers all the area



5. Let it sit or set for however long you get distracted



6. Go find your child who is screaming "Mommmeeee".



7. Tell big brother to put her down-- NOW



8. Tell little sister to quit taking big brother's Legos and hiding them



9. Remember that you were cleaning the tub



10. Take rag or any scrubby thing and SCRUB 'til that tub is slick as ice so if Bambi fell in your tub his little legs would just go every which way



11. Throw gloves down and RUN because it is TOO QUIET



12. Send children to separate corners with threats of "if I have to come out here one more time, I am putting Webkinz in timeout-- until tomorrow!"



13. Rinse tub and fixtures with lots of water until shiny



14. Dream of the time you will use the tub, alone and without interruption, like in about 18 years



15. Put supplies away



16. Go get a Diet Coke and while you drink it



17. Return to the bathroom



18. Admire your hard work



19. Leave the quiet of the bathroom and go play LEGOS

For other more helpful tips, head on over to Rocks In My Dryer.

Sermon Humor...

Today our pastor was describing different kinds of preaching other than preaching Christ and each description began with the letter F.

He used Flashy, Flamboyant, Flavor and my personal favorite, FLATULATION. The snickers rippled across the congregation but Pastor Pete never missed a beat. I couldn't wait to see where he was going with it. I thought maybe he was going to say something about preaching opinions and being full of hot air. He went on to describe churches that beat you over the head about how you are doing wrong and how sinful you are. They get stuck there rather than going on to the rest of the story which includes God's grace. I realized after a few more pronunciations that he was really saying "Flagellation" as in beating you over and over.

Hee Hee, flatulation was funnier!

What's in your Freezer?

You've all heard the commercials by Capital One with the tag line: "What's in your wallet?"

Today on the Southwest Airlines blog the question seems to be: "What's in your freezer?"

Check this out for a good laugh! Click here.

It is a true story that happened this week. The author is on Daddybug's team at work.

Look what the FedEx man brought me today...

Popcorn, Popcorn and more Popcorn... Orville Redenbacher to be exact.

Look good enough to eat?

A food stylist I am NOT. It was good enough to eat, take my word on it. Was is the operative word. It no longer exists. I had a hard time getting the picture taken because I kept snitching on it. Did I mention how delicious it was? It was delicious. The Natural Simply Salted was light, salty and non-greasy. Auntiebug would love it.

What was left after the photo shoot, was descended upon by locusts otherwise known as Doodlebug and Ticklebug. In the epic battle of Locusts vs. Popcorn, the Locusts won.

The Popcorn will live to fight another day. The calvary will come. There are 3 boxes! I wonder if the Popcorn realizes what it is in for.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures of the Redenbacher Popcorn!

Organizing attempts...

I have the organizing/decluttering bug at the moment. I cleared a bookshelf off and found completed Bible study workbooks that are quite possibly more than 10 years old.

Up until Monday night, I thought I would refer back to them.

That never happened!

Into the recycling they went.

Now if I can only part with notes and books from nursing school and get Daddybug to part with some Tshirts.

I also found several stuffed animals. Like we need more around here. The only one I kept was "Coconut", the dog from the American Girl store. I have no earthly idea where it came from. I also found a Koosh ball which I thought TB would enjoy playing with. Daddybug said he would enjoy it even if TB didn't. Again, no idea where that came from.

If only I could find some money...

I will hold out hope, there is plenty of clutter left to go through. We have boxes in our closet that haven't been looked through since we moved 4 years ago.

I know you have clutter in your house too. I was just trying to make you feel better. Ya know, the whole misery loves company thing.

If you are clutter-free like Daralee and Dilenna, I don't want to hear about it. I will just get jealous and then I'll have to spend more time on my knees repenting rather than decluttering.

What's your worst clutter?

Webkinz introductions

I'd like to introduce you to our menagerie of Webkinz. Chooey the Chihuahua, Froggy the Tree Frog, and Spot the Lil Kinz Pug all belong to Doodlebug. Dalmation the Dalmation, Reindeer the Reindeer, and Yellow Lab the Yellow Lab belong to Ticklebug. You have already met Coconut the Clydesdale horse.

I'd better go. I need to play a few games and feed Coconut.