A for creativity

 

 

“Watch! Puppet! Heh-whooooa!”

 

 

This is what he said as he stuck a hand up his shirt and pretended it was a puppet saying "hello".

 

 

There is NO limit to his creativity when it comes to getting out of ABA lessons.

 

…danielle

oh the places…

 

 

It's not uncommon to walk around the corner of the island and find her squirreled away (sometimes sitting as seen…sometimes sprawled out) on the floor (I guess those gel filled chef's mats are comfy?) reading a book.

 

 

 

Do your kids have funny interesting favorite spots?

 

 

…danielle

from the bottom of my purplicious heart

 

 

A huge thank you to EVERYONE who joined us for Purple Day yesterday.

 

 

I know that every cause has a color. And a day. And a ribbon.

 

 

I know it can be cheesy.

 

 

I'm sure there are those who think it's all silly and pointless.

 

 

But from a battle weary mom in the seizure saturated trenches...even if an extra penny isn't raised towards finding a cure. Even if the white house never does go purple for our loved ones who battle this monster. Even if it IS cheesy and silly.

 

 

I need that breath of fresh air.  That boost of encouragement.  And it means so very much to ME (and others). To see Trevy's face light up with joy when he sees someone in purple and in his own way understands it’s for HIM and for me to feel supported and accepted and advocated WITH instead of alone.

 

 

It's powerful.

 

 

And I thank you from the bottom of my purplicious heart.

 

 

…danielle

 

 

ps.  There is still time to join our linky party!  It’s a great way to heart connect with other seizure families!

prayers with Trevy (a bedtime book idea)

 

 

Praying with Trevy has always been part of our nightly routine.

 

 

Except when sick, Trevy is a sweet, sappy, cuddle bug at bedtime.  Even when dripping with exhaustion, there is something really special about snuggling up, reading a book, singing a song and praying.  No matter how cranky I am, it always gets me in the heart.  It’s one of the most peaceful moments in my day. 

 

I do naps and Daddy does night nights. 

 

 

Now that Trevy is understanding so much…

 

 

I’ve had this heart tug to make prayer time mean more for him. 

 

 

Once upon a time, I’d read a sweet post that shared a prayer over their children. Moving from head down to toes. It included words like “heart of a warrior – feet that run to Jesus”.

 

I thought I’d read it over at Sand in the Gears…one of my favorite reads which I’m shamelessly plugging. In fact, I emailed the author so convinced was I. Tony was kind enough to respond that he didn’t recall such a post but shared this link of inspiration instead.

 

 

I loved the idea on so many levels!

 

I loved consecrating each part of Trevy to Jesus.  I loved tangibly giving thanks for Trevy blessings.  I’ve grown into quite a pessimist over the years.  Forcing my heart to take notice of the blessings is needed!  I loved working on body parts with Trevy.  Helping him become more self aware.  I loved reminding him that he’s a perfectly Planned miracle child (as Toby calls him)! 

 

 

Did you know that the right side of the brain does most of the visual processing? 

 

Yep.  So it’s no wonder Trevy loves things that are visually stimulating.

 

Which is why I decided to take this idea that I loved and make it into a little prayer book.

 

 

I found some of my favorite Trevy pictures and using Pisca I cropped out the body parts I wanted to focus on.  Each page would be dedicated to a different focus. 

 

I then added the text “Dear Jesus, thank you for Trevy’s xyz”

 

I then free-style floated random words around the page.  I didn’t want too much text.  Just simple words that he and I (or he and daddy) can add to during prayers.

 

 

I then printed and laminated the pictures.  And a few hole punches and book rings later…we had our prayer book!

 

 

Trevy loves it.

 

 

He randomly talks about it throughout the day.  And will not go to bed without reading his prayer book.  The first time (and every time since) we read it together…he made it clear (in Trevy speak) that I forgot a very important body part.

 

 

His “taco”.

 

 

Swahili for bootay.

 

 

His siblings taught him to grab his boot and say, “I love my taco!”

 

 

Which he did whilst verbally adding a “thank you Jesus for my butt” page.  All twinkling eyes as he’s telling me all the reasons why his bum is so cool.  It goes poooop in the potty (sometimes) and makes boo-fahs (he’s a boy, people) and booty shakes (I’m not advocating for Magic Mike but I’ve seen the preview and I’m just saying, Trevy could rock the audition)…

 

 

Boys.

 

 

Trevy’s head to toe prayer book is one of the best things I’ve made for him!

 

 

…danielle

 

 

ps.  Praying over Trevy has been so beautiful that I decided to pray over the “big kids” too.  Oh if you could see the way their eyes shine!  Every now and then…an idea comes along that is a mommy home-run.

blessed on the beach (with the crazy people)

 

 

I’m a sappy head.

 

 

Which is why I established a family tradition of praying in the New Year on the beach when we were just newly weds.  We’ve always lived (or been) close to the shore on New Years.  Delaware.  Rhode Island.  Tanzania.  And it just makes my sappy heart feel all warm and fuzzy to stand before the powerful vastness of the ocean and dedicate our lives anew to the One who created it all! 

 

 

Also, it’s fun the heckle the crazies who brave hypothermia every New Year!!!  There were three of them on our little rinky dink beach this year.

 

 

Jonathan says, “Hey, who wants to take a dip with those crazy people?!” 

 

 

The two big kids immediately shout “NO WAY!” 

 

 

Trevy (true to form) shouts, “MEEEEE!”

 

 

Now for a little back story.

 

 

It also happens that there is snow on the ground this year.  And for the first time in as long as we can remember we felt like we could actually take the kiddos sledding.  It was to be their maiden voyage!  I just knew Trevy would love it.  (I couldn’t have been more wrong)  And it’s a rite of passage as New Englanders!

 

 

So away we went.  To find Potato Hill.

 

 

Which we discovered is HUGE!  And very crowded! 

 

 

Trevy was terrified.

 

 

Toby just slightly less so.

 

 

Fearless Bristel had the time of her life! 

 

 

But wouldn’t you know it…the last trip down the hill was drama laden.  Because I’m convinced our family is cursed!!!!

 

 

Trevy and I were freezing our patooties off at the top of the hill.  His cheeks may have been frozen into a frowny face.  He was NOT a fan of sledding or watching those who were.  But I wanted to watch them go for the last time.  So there we stood, waiting for them to stop lolly gagging at the bottom and get the heck up here so we could pile in the van and go.  I had NO idea what they were doing.  Jonathan, Bristel and Toby were on all fours…rooting around in the snow.  I thought one of the kids must have had an iPod in their pocket.  I wish!  Nope.  Turns out they were looking for half a tooth.  Half of a front tooth.  Half of Tobin’s permanent front tooth!!!!!

 

 

So fast forward to our New Year’s prayer moment several hours and lots of emotional upheaval later.

 

 

We park the toasty van in view of the waves.

 

 

Jonathan and I have a lot on our hearts and minds this year.  It’s been a heavy year for us in many ways.  Not a bad year.  Just heavy. 

 

 

Jonathan asks me to open the prayer…each of the kids taking their turn (except Trevy who was still nursing a grudge that we wouldn’t let him swim!) and Jonathan would wrap it up.

 

 

So I pray.  I confess my heart wasn’t entirely in it.  I was upset about Toby’s tooth.  Upset about Trevy hating sledding.  Upset about some financial issues.  Upset about other drama.  And my heart was just not as tender as I wished.

 

 

Bristel prayed sweetly.

 

 

Trevy said, “NO!”

 

 

And then came Toby’s prayer.  Some days that boy drives me positively bonkers.  Who knew boys could be moody?!  But then some days…I have glimpses of the man he’s growing into…and it leaves me breathless.  He is a beautiful.  In the soul.  His prayer was one of those moments.  I don’t remember it verbatim but my favorite line by far was something like…

 

 

Lord, our family is tough.  We can take a few hits and still get back up.  I mean, I broke my tooth.  But I know You don’t care about the outside.  You want my heart to be what people see as beautiful.  And Trevy.  He’s been through so much and he still smiles.  And that’s beautiful too.

 

 

The rest was lost on me because by that time I was a snotty weepy tender hearted mess.

 

 

Gosh, I love my family.

 

 

Even in the cursed drama laden moments.

 

 

These are my people.

 

 

My tribe.

 

 

The joys and loves of my life.

 

 

And even with broken teeth, missing brains, plus the run of the mill life drama…

 

 

I am feeling wonderfully blessed to call them mine.

 

 

And by the Grace of God we’ll make it through another year. Hopefully, with the rest of our teeth intact!!!!

 

 

But if not…I now know a dentist who can do a bang up job of creating a fake!

 

 

…danielle

patriot’s park

 

 

I have this tendency to over complicate things.  The irony is…I know I need less complication and more simplification!  Silly me…when I learned that my Hubs would have Veteran’s Day off this year I made grand plans.  But alas, when Veteran’s Day dawned…we were not in the mood for grand.  We needed simple!  So we decided to take the kiddos to a couple close by historical landmarks we’ve wanted to scope out for a long time but have never found the time to.

 

We started at Grinnell’s Beach where there is a WWI monument and then headed off to Patriot’s Park in Portsmouth.   

 

 

Patriot’s Park is SO unexpectedly rich.

 

 

You have to go there on purpose because it’s not really easy to get to.  We’ve driven past often on our way to Bristol but have never stopped to explore the park itself.

 

There were a lot of historical goodies to enjoy.

 

A detailed map and timeline are etched into the wall.  We found our community and Grams & PopPop’s on the map.  We read all the information about the first RI regiment.  The wall is inscribed with the names of all the soldiers.  Who knew Bristol was a common name once upon a time?  We ended our tour with a family prayer of thanks for those who have fought for our freedom and safety for those who are.

 

 

It was a simple and so very sweet special time with the kiddos.

 

 

 

Patriot’s Park is not an all day destination stop (more like 30 minutes) but I definitely think it should be added to any local history lovers (or homeschool families) to-do in RI list!

 

Click here to see other places that made my local yokel list

 

 

…danielle

Her 2nd Grade Workboxes

 

 

Last year I switched the big kids out of our IKEA Trofast workboxes into these wonderfully portable plastic hanging file totes!

 

 

They’ve really REALLY been working great for us.  They’re small…so they don’t take up much space.  Portable…so we can take them anywhere.  Obviously huge things don’t fit inside…but we do creatively squeeze in extra manipulative stuff.  It also helps that these totes (found mine at Walmart) have the little space on top for crayons, scissors, glue sticks and pencils.  You could always buy a pencil box and use heavy duty velcro to stick it right on top.  Unless your kiddos are more responsible than mine and can handle carrying two separate things! 

 

 

I changed her schedule to a more bland printout.  The days of the week run across the top with the subjects vertically.  Each little square gives specific details for what’s on the agenda per subject each day.

 

 

She prefers this bland blah print out…

 

 

Over a (below) super cute grid I slaved over for her!  Sigh.  She keeps reminding me that she’s “growing up after all”.  LOL

 

 

Last year I used regular folders for worksheets.  But this year, I’ve totally fallen in love with the folders with brads. 

 

 

The “to-do” works goes in the right hand pocket.  I keep a couple weeks worth of worksheets ready to go in the pocket.  But this year she can handle seeing the extra work and knows how to read and cross check which lesson she’s working on.

 

 

Completed work moves over to the left pocket.  She then drops her whole folder into my To Be Graded bin.

 

 

After I’ve graded a whole week of work, I put all the worksheets into the center with the brads!

 

I love it because it allows her to look back at her older work.  Also, I love to write goofy little love notes on her pages for her to find!

 

 

So what’s in today’s workboxes?

 

 

Actually, today is a weird day because yesterday did not pan out as expected.  We had an unplanned trip to the Pedi’s office for Trevy.  And even though we brought work with us…we just got behind.  So we’re pretending today is Tuesday instead. 

 

 

Math is Abeka.  She had a test today.

 

She worked on Letter’s & Sounds (Abeka’s Phonics pogram).

 

Spelling (Spelling Workout B) was the first two pages of Lesson 5 plus an online Spelling drill with a program we’re reviewing.

 

She’ll also do a lesson of Reading Kingdom.  I loooove Reading Kingdom because it works on reading, keyboarding skills AND grammar all in the same program!

 

We’ll cuddle on the couch soon for reading time (Abeka readers). 

 

And when Trevy get’s home we’ll all watch an episode of Speekee together! 

 

Then later today, while Trevy is off at a Speech Therapy session with a friend…both the big kids and I will continue working on a Stonehenge replica that goes along with our History (Mystery of History) studies.  And we’ll read another chapter in our read alouds:  Outside and Inside Birds and Kidnapped.

 

Want to see more workboxes?  Check out Sunflower Schoohouse’s awesome blog list!

 

 

…danielle

pumpkin pickin’ season

 

 

 

In My Life This Week

 

I don’t tend to share the guts of life, really.  It’s much easier to curl up inside myself when things are hard.  But then, that’s not really living honest.  And my heart’s desire is to be honest.  Always.  Even when it’s not easy.  And it hasn’t been easy lately.  In a variety of ways but mostly with Trevy.

 

First of all…I’ve mentioned recently that his energy and curiosity have been at an all time high.

 

But more than that, his behavior has been disturbing.  So angry and mean.  Unhappy about everything.  Screaming about everything. He bit my arm and his brother’s.  Opening skin even.  And it’s been heartbreakingly exhausting trying to parent him through this.  Behavior issues are by far the hardest part of our Seizure Monster story.

 

So last week having reached the point of desperation, I called the neuro’s office to check on recent lab work.  We measure his seizure medication levels every other month.  That poor sweet nurse who answered the phone.  I wound up boo-hoo-ing to her.  Maybe it was the fact that she was listening.  Maybe it was just how stinkin’ sweet she was.  Not once making me feel like a terrible parent.  Never making me feel like his behavior is linked to my lack of parental skills.  Even though I’d been mentally blaming myself.  Not her though.  She just listened while I gushed my fears that at this rate “they” were gonna want to lock him up in a cage someday.  She listened and encouraged me through it all.  She apologized that Dr. Neuro was out of the office that day.  I sighed and told her…we could make it through another night, I’m sure.  Evidently, her compassion was real because she called Dr. Neuro and told her she needed to call me!  Of course, Dr. Neuro called me while I was at the market.  Dr. Neuro happens to have a VERY thick Hindi accent.  You know you’re a special needs mom when you’re violating every HIPPA law ever created by shouting your child’s medical history in the middle of the milk and eggs!

 

It turns out that one of Trevy’s seizure meds was quite low.  She gave me the increase schedule and chatted about other things.  You know your child has profound medical issues when the specialist calls you on their cell phone and reminds you that she gave that number to you so you could cry on her shoulder when you needed.  Sigh.

 

Anyway…

 

For months Trevor’s behavior has slowly been spiraling out of control.  I have this thing about not wanting to be the crazy psycho seizure mom who blames every little thing on epilepsy.  So I was searching every other explanation.  Maybe his ears hurt?  I treated with Wally’s Ear Oil.  Maybe it’s sensory?  We tried joint compression, weighted vest, heavy jumping and more.  Maybe it’s just adjusting to the demands of K?  Maybe this…maybe that…

 

But I kid you not…the morning after we’d increased his dose he woke up a completely different boy.  Actually, he woke up the little boy I know and love!

 

Note to Self:  If Trevor’s behavior spikes WAY outside his norm it’s okay to play the crazy psycho seizure mommy card.

 

 

In Our Homeschool This Week

 

I think we’re in a nice groove.  I keep meaning to get a workbox post together.  But the time?  Who has it? 

 

Bristel is excelling in her Math and coming along with her Reading.

 

I bumped Toby up to Saxon’s Pre-Algebra based on his placement test results.  He’s so totally capable.  But not without plenty of weeping and gnashing of teeth!

 

Both of the kiddos are really enjoying Mystery of History.  We’re building our own replica of Stonehenge this week.  I’ll have to post pictures next!  If I find out where that time went, I mean. 

 

 

Places We’re Going and People We’re Seeing

 

 

Clearly, with all the Trevy drama…my creativity and energy has been running on fumes.

 

Which is why I am SO thankful for a wonderful and amazing friend who offered to take the kids to a special home school workshop on animal communication!  Seriously, Jen, that was a bigger blessing than you know!  My heart breaks every time my kids miss out on something because I’m too tired…or it conflicts with Trevy’s therapies.   You made ALL of our day by inviting them to hang out with you guys!

 

If you’re reading this and know a homeschool mommy who happens to have a little one with special needs…I promise you it will bless her deeply if you invite her other kiddos along for a special treat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also had a wonderful time with a huge group of other homeschoolers for our annual Simcock Farm Pumpkin Pickin’ field trip!  You can’t beat $5 for a hayride, corn maze, pumpkin, pumpkin ice cream and feeding the rescue animals!

 

 

Annnnd…

 

if that weren’t enough fun…

 

We have American Heritage Girls tomorrow and ICE SKATING next week!  One of the best homeschool activities in our area is the weekly ice skating at a local prep school.  They let us use their rink for an hour each week.  It’s great exercise and friend time.  For them…and me!

 

 

What’s not working for us…

 

 

I was using Apples Daily Spelling Drills for Toby and we both just really really weren’t clickin’ with it.  So this week, I set up spelling lists for him on Spelling City and that’s working SO much better!

 

Another thing that wasn’t working was the way I was doing their schedules.  I spent a TON of time and energy creating a super cute grid for Bristel.  She hated it.  I’m talking…totally not into it!  It made her feel too “baby-ish”.  Soooooo…I’m trying out a new style.

 

   

 

I just fiddled around with various tables in Open Office until I was happy.  I’m already loving how I can add very specific details to each day’s lesson plan.  The picture above is a screenshot of an incomplete schedule.  If you’d like a copy of my template just leave me your email addy in the comments and I’ll send it over. 

 

I’m Inspired By

 

This mom’s decision to stop hiding and start being photographically present in her children’s lives.  So someday they’ll have proof she really existed!  I SO heart connected with her.  Photos of me are few and far between.  And the ones I’m actually in I’ve carefully hidden as much of myself as possible behind a child or two.  The stress of the last few years has done a number on my face & figure.  But it’s time to swallow my pride (and insecurities) and make silly faces with them for a keepsake.

 

A Video to Share

 

I married an Orioles loving man who is raising little Orioles loving youngins.  Every Spring for the last twelve years he’s said, “This is the year, Babe.  I just know it!”  Every summer, I’d console my boys.

 

And then the impossible happened!

 

For all the other girls out there loving die hard O’s fans…I leave you with this…

 

 

 

…danielle

 

 

 

first day of school (and we already broke a house rule…sigh)

 

 

We successfully got Trevy up, medicated, potty-ed, fed, dressed and out the door for his first day of Kindergarten!

 

 

I don’t homeschool him because…

 

well…

 

I can’t afford a super nanny! 

 

Also, he needs and receives intensive therapies through the school.  It makes sense and is easier all around.  And even though we don’t technically homeschool him…there is a lot of learning happening for him at home too!

 

 

After we waved goodbye to Trevy I asked the big kids to meet me in the schoolroom for Orientation.

 

 

An idea I totally swiped from this post!

 

 

This was not without some “issue”.  And that’s because one of my ~ahem~ darlings already broke a house rule!  I learned (the hard way) over the years that we had to nix any electronics until all our school work was done for the day.  I’m not anti-electronics.  Actually, ever since my dad told me about a study in which doctors who played more small hand held video games are better surgeons because of the fine motor development and quick reflexes…well…I decided maybe the DS isn’t of the devil.    Except in the mornings.  When ‘tudeage breaks out over having to pause.  This morning being a fine example. 

 

 

My high hopes of a stress free beginning were dashed just like that.  Because I believe in “keepin’ it real” -  One of my personal goals as mommy/teacher this year is to not resort to raising my voice first.  That was a fail.  Sigh.  But His mercies are new every morning.  Every moment.  And that’s a very good thing.

 

 

I’m happy to say…things quickly turned around too.

 

 

Evidence of maturity (in all of us) happening?

 

 

And as cheesy as it might sound…we really had fun during our Orientation.  Chatting about goals.  Flipping through new (or new to us) books.  I had organized their workboxes (I’ll post in more detail on another day about those) a couple weeks ago and it was all ready to explore. 

 

 

About half way through our meeting, Toby says…

 

 

Wow, Mom, you’re really going extreme this year.

 

 

LOL

 

 

Welcome to Middle School, Buddy.  Welcome to Middle School. 

 

 

Today is going to be a school lite day.  I have a few more pages to add to our memory books (click me to see how we’re creating portfolios this year) and we’ll start our read aloud later.  Then the plan is for Grams to meet us here so we can all go pick up Trevy from school and have a back to school celebration lunch together!

 

 

…danielle

backyard therapy: toe tap the angry birds style

 

 

Trevy’s right sided weakness is so subtle that to the untrained eye it’s practically invisible.

 

 

It’s easy to miss how after a couple two footed frog hops his right side moves a smidge more slowly and doesn’t get as much air.  Or how his right foot ever so slightly starts to drag a bit while he’s running.  The toes of his right shoes show the scuffing though.  I need to take pictures as evidence!  You know…for the doubters.  Or to place on the table during IEP meetings. 

 

 

Anyway.  Mild or not…his right side is compromised.  He’s always had right sided weakness but after his surgery his right side was completely paralyzed.  We’ve encouraged him to work hard (most times against his will) to help his healthy right brain rewire all those functions the left should control.  In a perfect world, he’d be plugged into an intensive outpatient PT program.  And for a while we were.  But alas, our world is far from perfect and the closest facility is 30 minutes away.  We fizzled out.  Occasionally, I wrestle with my mommy guilt over the outpatient PT/OT fizzle and do crazy things like co-found a Special Olympics program (super close to home) instead!  Or make up a touch the angry birds with your toes game to work on that homework Miss. Out Patient PT gave us ages ago…

 

 

 

The straight strip is for standing up toe touches.  The circular is for seated work.  There is no science behind it.  I just thought shapes would be fun.

 

 

For standing the idea is to have him keep his foot on the floor and use just his big toe to touch the color angry bird I direct.  This is to isolate that singular function/muscle.  He’s pretty good at lifting his whole foot up but those precise toe movements are really tough (especially the right) without a LOT of hard thinking work.  He resists anything that requires too much work so I thought maybe adding some fun characters would help.

 

 

And it did but still… 

 

 

The reality of how it played out this first time was more stomping and kicking and complaining.  “I no like this game!” his final assessment.  He also tried to rip up the strip!  I knew I should laminate it before we used it.

 

 

But we’ll get there.  I’m sure of it!

 

 

Daddy came to our rescue and helped with the angry bird resistance band for the seated toe touches.  The band requires even more mental powers to work.

 

 

It’s really amazing that I caught a smile! 

 

 

 

I highly doubt this will ever be a preferred activity for Trevy but at least the angry birds make it a little more fun!

 

 

I found all my angry bird printables here but thanks to google images you could do this with any faves that your child is into right now!

 

 

…danielle

randomnings

 

 

Trevy to Uncle Byron: Dih-Doh (Bristel) hit me

 

Uncle Byron: Bristel hit you?

 

Trevy: YEEEEEESH!

 

Bristel: Oh Trevor, stop taking all the credit! You hit me too!

 

 

**********

 

I really should stop ignoring them so much.  On the way home from the wading pool Trevy was hollering in the back seat and I tuning him out.

 

 

According to Bristel he was hollering…

 

 

I nakey!

 

 

And sure enough, that’s how I found him.  He was already shirtless but somehow stripped off his bottoms with his seatbelt on and was beaming in all his birthday suit glory when we finally stopped.

 

 

**********

 

 

Toby finds me in the kitchen and says with a sigh…

 

 

I’m glad I found you, Mom.  I need to talk to you.

 

 

Around a mouthful I ask ‘bout what.

 

 

Life

 

 

He says.  With another melancholic sigh.  I don’t think I was supposed to snicker and choke.  But hey…it was cute.

 

 

**********

 

 

Bristel and Toby have been nit-picking at each other all morning. Bristel disappeared outside for awhile and comes in to inform Toby:

 

I created a sword to defeat you with!

 

It's covered in spider webs and bird poop!

 

 

**********

 

 

Bristel: Mom, if you were wondering where I was (which I wasn't...) I was in the basement looking at my baby clothes. They're SO cute it made me cry!

 

Yep, she's sappy like her mommy!

 

 

**********

 

So last night at the beach there was this big burly dude (think biker…complete with handle bar ‘stash) sprawled out on his stomach reading the newspaper. Trevy notices him...dashes-too-quick-for-me-to-catch over...sprawls out on HIS tummy and nonchalantly says…

 

 

yeah, I five.

 

 

**********

 

TMI alert

 

Trevy just woke up from his nap and the first thing we do is go potty always. Well, someone left a "gift" for us in the toilet. Trevy, who is already perched on the pot peeks down and sees it floating by and without missing a beat says...

 

Hiiiiiii...

 

(pause)

Bristel's poop!

 

**********

 

Bristel keeps saying, "it's smokin' hot outside". She's been on this kick for weeks now. Smokin’ hot this.  Smokin’ hot that.

 

 

IDKwhy...but it cracks me up!

 

 

**********

 

Have I ever mentioned that I love being their mommy!?

 

 

…danielle

simple no frills reward chart (and it’s printable too!)

 

 

 

 

 

Amy over at Are We There Yet? totally inspired me with all her back to school boot camp business.  I think it’s just the best idea ever…because I have a mad mommy blogger crush on her.   

 

 

Also, because I need a little boot camp in my life.  Oh Lordy, do I!

 

 

So I finally sat down and hashed out a reward chart I’ve wanted to create for aaaaages. 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, it’s nothing fancy.

 

 

My goal is to help motivate them with their school work, house help and character too!  All while keeping it easy peasy for me.

 

 

Each colored section represents a different “prize” they can work towards.  Our prizes include a Mystery Prize, play date, free day, candy bar, movie and who doesn’t love a little cash?!   Because I need things to be simple simple simple…there are only a few rules and ways to earn a square.

 

 

The rules…

 

• Only Mom or Dad do the coloring in of the squares
• BUT they get to choose which square to color. 
• The squares are colored in during our morning meeting time.  They are NOT allowed to ask at different times!  My kids are very very clever.  They’ve learned the art of asking mommy when I’m zonked or distracted.  Which means I’m more likely to say yes to almost anything.  Hence, setting the boundary of morning meeting only.  However, I myself am not bound to that rule and may surprise them by giving an extra square here or there.

 

They can earn squares by…

 

• Doing all their school work neatly and without griping

• Getting caught in an act of kindness

• Completing chores without fussing

• Reading a whole book with a book report (may be verbal or written)

 

 

Now for the follow through!  That’s always the hardest part.  But as far as the actually creating the thing…check that off my list.  Whoop whoop!

 

 

Just in case it sounds like something you could use…I PDF-ed it and made it downloadable!

 

(click image to download)

 

**if you don’t have a 4shared account and would like the chart please email me tanzie213@yahoo.com and I’ll send it right over**

 

 

Happy back to school boot camping!

 

 

…danielle