....is a week away. It is not too early to plan it out,
Now if you are fortunate enough to be invited to someone's home, pick up some cranberry sauce and have a great time!
tips: (if you are going with children.)....
1. take extra sets of clothes, diapers, bibs, sippy cups etc. Ask if you need to bring a highchair etc
2 Pack some food if the child is small.
3 Think thru discipline, who will be there, naps etc etc. Have a plan
4 Talk it thru with your spouse so that you are both aware.
5 If your child breaks something be expected to replace the item.
6 Talk to your child/children about what is expected etc so that they are not guessing.
7 When you leave ~ pick up after yourself!
8 Remember your children are YOUR children and you are responsible for them ~ no one else.
If you are hosting this special holiday.
1. Make your guest list and make some calls
2. Make your menu and delegate who will make or bring what
3. Make this delegation clear so that you are not having the 15lbs of potatoes peeled into your sink but that they arrive ready to serve
4. If you have some toys,,,get them out and think it thru.
5. Clean your house the day before with special attention to the bathrooms and kitchen
6 Think thru the table setting...where you are seating everyone, how you will serve the food, what dishes you will use
Perhaps you should start a tradition if you do not have one. We put 2 kernels of corn on everyone's plate and when we sit down we go around the table saying the 2 things that we are thankful for.
(google for some other ideas)
Maybe you can all share a favorite movie with the kids while the men watch the game.
Whatever you do, with a little planning I pray that you will have a WONDERFUL day!
Blessings!
Showing posts with label Organization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organization. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Before this month is over I suggest you go looking around. Check under beds, in closets and outside. I'm sure you will find "them" everywhere! TOYS!
Take a good-- long -- look. Remember all that money you spent last Christmas and birthday? What has become of that investment? Is Johnny taking care of his things? Does Susie even remember or even care that the barbies clothes are gone along with most of the doll's heads as well?
If this is the case in your home...rethink.
Toys are really expensive.
The holidays come and we become a child ourselves for a moment and will do just about anything just to see that first look of surprise when the gift is open.
But then what happens?
What is being played with at the end of the day?
What is broken already?
What has just been pushed aside and will be ignored for the rest of the year?
Let's make a plan. Now I know that there are children who LOVE their Lego's and American Girl Dolls. That is great! I think it is wonderful to add to a collection that is used and loved. BUT all the rest of the stuff that becomes "junk" in a very short time....THINK ABOUT IT!
Don't wait till the last minute ~ get creative! Perhaps karate lessons or horseback or skating or.....
How about a night out on the town with your son and 3 of his friends? How about putting your head together with some of your children's best friend's parents and see what you might come up with. Coupons for pj parties or trips to the zoo or museum.
All I'm saying is: don't waste your hard earned money on 100's of pieces of plastic that are going to be lost, broken and or forgotten in a short period of time. Be Smart! It takes time and thought but it will be worth it!
There is a GREAT email going around about spending our money in OUR country! Think it over ~ What a great idea!
Take a good-- long -- look. Remember all that money you spent last Christmas and birthday? What has become of that investment? Is Johnny taking care of his things? Does Susie even remember or even care that the barbies clothes are gone along with most of the doll's heads as well?
If this is the case in your home...rethink.
Toys are really expensive.
The holidays come and we become a child ourselves for a moment and will do just about anything just to see that first look of surprise when the gift is open.
But then what happens?
What is being played with at the end of the day?
What is broken already?
What has just been pushed aside and will be ignored for the rest of the year?
Let's make a plan. Now I know that there are children who LOVE their Lego's and American Girl Dolls. That is great! I think it is wonderful to add to a collection that is used and loved. BUT all the rest of the stuff that becomes "junk" in a very short time....THINK ABOUT IT!
Don't wait till the last minute ~ get creative! Perhaps karate lessons or horseback or skating or.....
How about a night out on the town with your son and 3 of his friends? How about putting your head together with some of your children's best friend's parents and see what you might come up with. Coupons for pj parties or trips to the zoo or museum.
All I'm saying is: don't waste your hard earned money on 100's of pieces of plastic that are going to be lost, broken and or forgotten in a short period of time. Be Smart! It takes time and thought but it will be worth it!
There is a GREAT email going around about spending our money in OUR country! Think it over ~ What a great idea!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Pulling in the Reins
Have things gotten a tad out of control?
Are the "boundary lines" blurred?
Have your "rules" been stretched?
Let's pull in the reins today!
Remember....you hold them!
You guide the working of your home and family and all that that entails.
I know that that is a scary thought, but it does not need to be. If you are overwhelmed talk to someone for some guidance. Get some help. Don't continue on the downward spiral because you are embarrassed or buried. I am more than happy to help guide you back to your focus by talking it out and setting up a plan. You will feel so much better and before you know it things will begin to "fall into place!
Do yourself a favor today and pull in the reins!
Are the "boundary lines" blurred?
Have your "rules" been stretched?
Let's pull in the reins today!
Remember....you hold them!
You guide the working of your home and family and all that that entails.
I know that that is a scary thought, but it does not need to be. If you are overwhelmed talk to someone for some guidance. Get some help. Don't continue on the downward spiral because you are embarrassed or buried. I am more than happy to help guide you back to your focus by talking it out and setting up a plan. You will feel so much better and before you know it things will begin to "fall into place!
Do yourself a favor today and pull in the reins!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Children and Toys
Do yourself a favor....
Notice that a 2 year old plays totally differently with toys than a 3 year old. I had the privilege of helping pick up after a 2 year old today. The room was all clean and within minutes the book case was emptied and the various containers holding blocks and play food etc were strewn across the room. That is what 2 year olds do. They like to "dump and strew". They can play with blocks for a few minutes and then their little hands just start to push and scatter, knocking down everything in sight.
My suggestion to moms of toddlers is to put "messy" toys up out of reach so that they can be gotten with assistance and picked up before the next toy is taken out. Realize also that toddlers are not "into" toys so make it easy on your pocketbook when it comes to birthdays and Christmas. They need bigger things that are good for large motor skills. Stuffed animals, a dryer box to play in, dolls etc.
After 3 years of age you will find that the fine motor skill will start to develop. Matchbox cars will become an interest. Smaller blocks and puzzle pieces will not be so frustrating. Children will learn to play by themselves better and their imaginations will start to grow. You will be able to direct and reason with your child alot easier at these ages and they will be able to pick up much better by themselves. Still, watch and take note of what toys are working and what are not.
Don't feel like you cannot return a toy if it is being overlooked or not going to be of interest to the child (they are too expensive to just be kicked around a broken) or perhaps you would just stash it away for a later time. Remember the suggestion about a box of "rainy day" toys to be gotten out when you have depleted all of your resources. Also keeping a box of toys in the attic and switching them out every 4-6 months really works well too.
Have fun! Do yourself a favor if these "little" pieces are driving you crazy and just collect them and put them away for another time.
Blessings!
Notice that a 2 year old plays totally differently with toys than a 3 year old. I had the privilege of helping pick up after a 2 year old today. The room was all clean and within minutes the book case was emptied and the various containers holding blocks and play food etc were strewn across the room. That is what 2 year olds do. They like to "dump and strew". They can play with blocks for a few minutes and then their little hands just start to push and scatter, knocking down everything in sight.
My suggestion to moms of toddlers is to put "messy" toys up out of reach so that they can be gotten with assistance and picked up before the next toy is taken out. Realize also that toddlers are not "into" toys so make it easy on your pocketbook when it comes to birthdays and Christmas. They need bigger things that are good for large motor skills. Stuffed animals, a dryer box to play in, dolls etc.
After 3 years of age you will find that the fine motor skill will start to develop. Matchbox cars will become an interest. Smaller blocks and puzzle pieces will not be so frustrating. Children will learn to play by themselves better and their imaginations will start to grow. You will be able to direct and reason with your child alot easier at these ages and they will be able to pick up much better by themselves. Still, watch and take note of what toys are working and what are not.
Don't feel like you cannot return a toy if it is being overlooked or not going to be of interest to the child (they are too expensive to just be kicked around a broken) or perhaps you would just stash it away for a later time. Remember the suggestion about a box of "rainy day" toys to be gotten out when you have depleted all of your resources. Also keeping a box of toys in the attic and switching them out every 4-6 months really works well too.
Have fun! Do yourself a favor if these "little" pieces are driving you crazy and just collect them and put them away for another time.
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
To Simplify or not to Simplify That is the Question
Simplify WHAT???
I know for a fact that we still have 7 days in a week that STILL consist of 24 hours each with 60 minutes in each hour etc... Can anyone confirm this for me?
My dear friend Jan gave me a sign that says "Once upon a time there was time..."
OK so where does time go?? Where does time hide?? How come it seems different now than years ago?
I refuse to believe that it is because I am old that time seems to pass so fast..even my children feel it buzzing by in fact they started school just yesterday and progress reports are due to come out tomorrow!!!
Is there a time thief??
What does he look like? Where does he hide? How does he operate?
What do terms like "sieze the day", redeem the hour make the day count...really mean? How do we pull this off?
Who is going to capture our time and bring it back to us?
Well, I feel confident to say that we are the only ones who can and are responsible for getting a hold of time.
I think that it has to do with being intentional. Thinking it through.... making a plan.
What are the "have tos" that will need to be done tomorrow. Write them down...Then how about listing the "would be wonderful ifs" down and then write a few whimsical "it would be a miracle if" at the end of the list.
Determine not to be side tracked. Tell yourself that you are not going to have lunch until a certain thing is accomplished. Have that second cup of coffee when the last of the laundry in put away. Determine to have the kitchen sink empty before dinner and then after as well.
You will be so proud of yourself! I will be proud of you!
Great job....When the day is done congratulate yourself and start the list for tomorrow. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish!
Remember,as well, that it is not ALL about "Doing" Call a faraway friend. Send out a card to someone. Leave a note on your husband's pillow and/or put a note in your children's lunch boxes.
Sit down to dinner as a family with the table set. It will make everyone feel special!!
Come on now ....send me some success stories!
Blessings
Marnie
ps How about a good meatloaf tonite? Put a few baking potatoes in the oven with it and add a veg and you will be good to go!....You might even add some of that homemade applesauce on the side!
I know for a fact that we still have 7 days in a week that STILL consist of 24 hours each with 60 minutes in each hour etc... Can anyone confirm this for me?
My dear friend Jan gave me a sign that says "Once upon a time there was time..."
OK so where does time go?? Where does time hide?? How come it seems different now than years ago?
I refuse to believe that it is because I am old that time seems to pass so fast..even my children feel it buzzing by in fact they started school just yesterday and progress reports are due to come out tomorrow!!!
Is there a time thief??
What does he look like? Where does he hide? How does he operate?
What do terms like "sieze the day", redeem the hour make the day count...really mean? How do we pull this off?
Who is going to capture our time and bring it back to us?
Well, I feel confident to say that we are the only ones who can and are responsible for getting a hold of time.
I think that it has to do with being intentional. Thinking it through.... making a plan.
What are the "have tos" that will need to be done tomorrow. Write them down...Then how about listing the "would be wonderful ifs" down and then write a few whimsical "it would be a miracle if" at the end of the list.
Determine not to be side tracked. Tell yourself that you are not going to have lunch until a certain thing is accomplished. Have that second cup of coffee when the last of the laundry in put away. Determine to have the kitchen sink empty before dinner and then after as well.
You will be so proud of yourself! I will be proud of you!
Great job....When the day is done congratulate yourself and start the list for tomorrow. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish!
Remember,as well, that it is not ALL about "Doing" Call a faraway friend. Send out a card to someone. Leave a note on your husband's pillow and/or put a note in your children's lunch boxes.
Sit down to dinner as a family with the table set. It will make everyone feel special!!
Come on now ....send me some success stories!
Blessings
Marnie
ps How about a good meatloaf tonite? Put a few baking potatoes in the oven with it and add a veg and you will be good to go!....You might even add some of that homemade applesauce on the side!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Can Anyone Relate???
"she opens her eyes and off we go.... it's like when you're on a roller coaster and you're at the top waiting for the release (that is me asleep in my bed) then whoosh her eyes open and here we go loop after nauseating, head jerking, migraine making, loop until slam the ride stops and she is asleep again (16 hours later). I need help...."
Wow can you feel it parents? Can you relate?
Well, its time to "get off the merry-go-round" or in this case the roller coaster!
The little one described in the above Help letter is around 3 yrs old. She is unleashed energy. Non stop...
So where do we begin?
Put on the breaks!
Start once again to build the walls of discipline and consistency.
First of all You MUST BE RESTED to take on this whirlwind....
You will lose it otherwise and be "under" before you know it!
Second think about and lay the "rules"
1. When do they get up? and how? and what do they do when they do wake up?
2. Whats next on the list... breakfast? get them ready for the day? Now don't give up yet....its only 8:30 am!
3 Wear them out! let them play outside...is there a McDonald's play yard near by? Are there other children that they can play with? YOU structure the day NOT the other way around
4. Lunch: make them sit down and eat... wash them up....read them a book and tuck them in for a nap!
Ya you say You have no idea!!! Well believe it or not I DO
But You need to be the boss.... " Honey you are going to lay down for at least an hour"....darken the room shut the door....
Now do I expect this to happen easily? The first time? Unlikely... But stick to your plan! The first few days will be hardest. But you must win whatever way that you can! ( you may have to rearrange your schedule to make this happen .... naps need to be a priority and a habit.)
Don't give up! You are laying the foundation! Does the builder just ignore the bricks that are crumbling from the wall because he is tired or just does not want to do the job over again?
Remember the child's WHOLE LIFE is being built on these foundational principles!
Win....This WILL NOT last forever Unless, in fact, you ignore the issue and hope that it goes away....it won't
small problems will become big problems ! Do your self a favor and tend to business Deep breath now parents!
I had a week of cousin camp this summer 5 of the grandchildren came for 7 days of fun! The ages were 3,4,6,8,8 IT went soooo smoothly no major incidents they ate, they slept, they played.**** They did not fight . They did not have to be punished. I did not have to call any parents.....WHY? Well, first of all, I had a schedule planned from first thing to last thing...meals were planned, outings were planned, crafts were planned....I had thought it through and all I had to do then was execute the plan!
Well there are some hints in that paragraph! Plan Plan Plan She who flies from the seat of her pants usually wears out before she finishes!
Keep looking up The Bible says: I look to the hills from which my help comes.... Kind of like looking out the window in the morning for the yellow school bus!
Blessings
Marnie
Wow can you feel it parents? Can you relate?
Well, its time to "get off the merry-go-round" or in this case the roller coaster!
The little one described in the above Help letter is around 3 yrs old. She is unleashed energy. Non stop...
So where do we begin?
Put on the breaks!
Start once again to build the walls of discipline and consistency.
First of all You MUST BE RESTED to take on this whirlwind....
You will lose it otherwise and be "under" before you know it!
Second think about and lay the "rules"
1. When do they get up? and how? and what do they do when they do wake up?
2. Whats next on the list... breakfast? get them ready for the day? Now don't give up yet....its only 8:30 am!
3 Wear them out! let them play outside...is there a McDonald's play yard near by? Are there other children that they can play with? YOU structure the day NOT the other way around
4. Lunch: make them sit down and eat... wash them up....read them a book and tuck them in for a nap!
Ya you say You have no idea!!! Well believe it or not I DO
But You need to be the boss.... " Honey you are going to lay down for at least an hour"....darken the room shut the door....
Now do I expect this to happen easily? The first time? Unlikely... But stick to your plan! The first few days will be hardest. But you must win whatever way that you can! ( you may have to rearrange your schedule to make this happen .... naps need to be a priority and a habit.)
Don't give up! You are laying the foundation! Does the builder just ignore the bricks that are crumbling from the wall because he is tired or just does not want to do the job over again?
Remember the child's WHOLE LIFE is being built on these foundational principles!
Win....This WILL NOT last forever Unless, in fact, you ignore the issue and hope that it goes away....it won't
small problems will become big problems ! Do your self a favor and tend to business Deep breath now parents!
I had a week of cousin camp this summer 5 of the grandchildren came for 7 days of fun! The ages were 3,4,6,8,8 IT went soooo smoothly no major incidents they ate, they slept, they played.**** They did not fight . They did not have to be punished. I did not have to call any parents.....WHY? Well, first of all, I had a schedule planned from first thing to last thing...meals were planned, outings were planned, crafts were planned....I had thought it through and all I had to do then was execute the plan!
Well there are some hints in that paragraph! Plan Plan Plan She who flies from the seat of her pants usually wears out before she finishes!
Keep looking up The Bible says: I look to the hills from which my help comes.... Kind of like looking out the window in the morning for the yellow school bus!
Blessings
Marnie
**** this year we celebrated our 4th annual cousin camp!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Taking control!!!
Well today we are not going to talk about children. We are going to try to get to "the bottom" of some of the piles in your home. Let's try to tackle clutter.
I have to warn you..... to control clutter you CANNOT keep everything. And I might add ..you really don't want to. You only think you do. There is a really good feeling when you are in control of your stuff and it is not overwhelming you.
Recently a very neglected and overgrown property was bought on my street. I watched as the new owner began to tidy up. I thought of the hugh job that was ahead of him and wondered where he would start....pruning, weeding, organizing etc. Well he surprized me by WIPING OUT all of the landscaping, trees, shrubs etc. to start over. What a difference it made!
First you need to look with open eyes. When we have been surrounded by stuff for a long time we tend to not even see it anymore. It's only when we are going to have company that we begin to feel uncomfortable. right??
Second you need to pick a spot. Yes one spot. You need to begin and continue until it is finished. Determine not to become sidetracked.
One of the biggest downfalls of cleaning is we pick up something in the living room that belongs in the cellar...we take it..notice something in the cellar that really needs to be tended to..come upstairs to get the broom and notice that the trash is overflowing...take the trash out and remember that we should walk the dog...and on it goes. We exhaust ourselves by "working" all day and not accomplishing anything that can be noticed!
Third You've heard it said .."if you havent used it in a year get rid of it" well I do believe that is quite true. It is true for clothes and toys and lots of stuff. So get a couple of laundry baskets: 1 for Goodwill, 1 for stuff to put away and a LARGE trashbag for the stuff going CURBSIDE.
Start by doing things that are noticable. If you are working in the kitchen, clean out the sink and empty the dishwasher..put all that stuff away. Then start with the counter tops ..one section at a time...(remember do not get sidetracked) Don't begin on the drawers or the cupboards until the "outside" is looking picked up. Wipe things down as you go. THEN you will tackle a draw or closet one at a time.
Before you know it ...YOU WILL SEE A DIFFERENCE!
Having had a large family I have gotten quite good at this so if you need more help or hints please send me an email and we'll chat further about the whole subject. The only stupid question is one not asked!
Blessings,
I have to warn you..... to control clutter you CANNOT keep everything. And I might add ..you really don't want to. You only think you do. There is a really good feeling when you are in control of your stuff and it is not overwhelming you.
Recently a very neglected and overgrown property was bought on my street. I watched as the new owner began to tidy up. I thought of the hugh job that was ahead of him and wondered where he would start....pruning, weeding, organizing etc. Well he surprized me by WIPING OUT all of the landscaping, trees, shrubs etc. to start over. What a difference it made!
First you need to look with open eyes. When we have been surrounded by stuff for a long time we tend to not even see it anymore. It's only when we are going to have company that we begin to feel uncomfortable. right??
Second you need to pick a spot. Yes one spot. You need to begin and continue until it is finished. Determine not to become sidetracked.
One of the biggest downfalls of cleaning is we pick up something in the living room that belongs in the cellar...we take it..notice something in the cellar that really needs to be tended to..come upstairs to get the broom and notice that the trash is overflowing...take the trash out and remember that we should walk the dog...and on it goes. We exhaust ourselves by "working" all day and not accomplishing anything that can be noticed!
Third You've heard it said .."if you havent used it in a year get rid of it" well I do believe that is quite true. It is true for clothes and toys and lots of stuff. So get a couple of laundry baskets: 1 for Goodwill, 1 for stuff to put away and a LARGE trashbag for the stuff going CURBSIDE.
Start by doing things that are noticable. If you are working in the kitchen, clean out the sink and empty the dishwasher..put all that stuff away. Then start with the counter tops ..one section at a time...(remember do not get sidetracked) Don't begin on the drawers or the cupboards until the "outside" is looking picked up. Wipe things down as you go. THEN you will tackle a draw or closet one at a time.
Before you know it ...YOU WILL SEE A DIFFERENCE!
Having had a large family I have gotten quite good at this so if you need more help or hints please send me an email and we'll chat further about the whole subject. The only stupid question is one not asked!
Blessings,
Sunday, June 5, 2011
It's Dinner Time!!! 11/07
Well today I spoke with a Mom/friend that asked if I would speak on meals, meal planning and shopping.
Here goes!
First. I have never been someone who goes to the Market every day. I believe that you spend alot more money that way. Even when there were 14 of us at home I shopped ONCE a week PERIOD. Yes I had 2 fridges and a freezer but my family is not the norm. I would buy 8 gallons of milk at a time, 12 lbs of apples and 4 bags of oranges etc.... it was a major job but I would still do it the same way.
When things were working the smoothest I would make a menu for the week. This works very nicely and cuts the guessing out and you don't cook or not cook depending on how hungry you feel. In the morning you simple take out the ingredients, or even the nite before if its going into the crock pot. Here are some menu items that you might want to add to your weekly meals.
Meat loaf mashed potatoes veg
baked potato with boccoli and cheese, chili, taco meat etc
Baked beans with hotdogs or ham coleslaw and cornbread
baked porkchops
fish
tacos
salad with steak tips
chicken drumstix and rice
breakfast for dinner egg sandwiches, pancakes, frenchtoast
chicken divan
hamburgers
meatball subs
spagetti
american chopsuey
chili
soup
stew
chowder
turkey
baked ham
boiled dinner
pot roast
roast beef
mac and cheese
pigs in a blanket
subs
hot turkey sandwiches
tuna/cheese melt
hotsausage
At one time I had 6 weeks of menus ahead without duplicating
Remember to leave a day here and there for leftovers
We always had "stay up nite" on Fridays ..when the kids would have dinner, get their pjs on and we would put a movie on. Soda (once a week) popcorn etc and would be the treat and Dad would carry the kids to bed when they fell asleep
Sunday nite was "silly supper nite". When everyone was ready we would make platters of fun food....
stuffed celery
crackers with cheese
pineapple
apples with peanut butter
popcorn
sardines and crackers
pepperoni slices
orange segments
we would eat usually in front of a disney movie or something like that. It was relaxed and everyone looked forward to the day.
Monday thru Sat we have always eated together AT THE TABLE. No one goes to their room, to the tv or says they are not hungry. Dinner is served once in the day and if you miss it you miss it. Sports took some toll on this as the kids grew but I would do whatever I could to work around it. I grew up around a "supper table" and my children have as well. I believe it is very important and the lack of has had an affect on the family.
Food is to be shared with fellowship. It is a time of relaxing and talking. Practice it....You can have it too.
Blessings! marnie
Any ??? email me
pass it on
comment if you would like
past blogs can be seen on www.comeinandrest.com look at the blog page.
Here goes!
First. I have never been someone who goes to the Market every day. I believe that you spend alot more money that way. Even when there were 14 of us at home I shopped ONCE a week PERIOD. Yes I had 2 fridges and a freezer but my family is not the norm. I would buy 8 gallons of milk at a time, 12 lbs of apples and 4 bags of oranges etc.... it was a major job but I would still do it the same way.
When things were working the smoothest I would make a menu for the week. This works very nicely and cuts the guessing out and you don't cook or not cook depending on how hungry you feel. In the morning you simple take out the ingredients, or even the nite before if its going into the crock pot. Here are some menu items that you might want to add to your weekly meals.
Meat loaf mashed potatoes veg
baked potato with boccoli and cheese, chili, taco meat etc
Baked beans with hotdogs or ham coleslaw and cornbread
baked porkchops
fish
tacos
salad with steak tips
chicken drumstix and rice
breakfast for dinner egg sandwiches, pancakes, frenchtoast
chicken divan
hamburgers
meatball subs
spagetti
american chopsuey
chili
soup
stew
chowder
turkey
baked ham
boiled dinner
pot roast
roast beef
mac and cheese
pigs in a blanket
subs
hot turkey sandwiches
tuna/cheese melt
hotsausage
At one time I had 6 weeks of menus ahead without duplicating
Remember to leave a day here and there for leftovers
We always had "stay up nite" on Fridays ..when the kids would have dinner, get their pjs on and we would put a movie on. Soda (once a week) popcorn etc and would be the treat and Dad would carry the kids to bed when they fell asleep
Sunday nite was "silly supper nite". When everyone was ready we would make platters of fun food....
stuffed celery
crackers with cheese
pineapple
apples with peanut butter
popcorn
sardines and crackers
pepperoni slices
orange segments
we would eat usually in front of a disney movie or something like that. It was relaxed and everyone looked forward to the day.
Monday thru Sat we have always eated together AT THE TABLE. No one goes to their room, to the tv or says they are not hungry. Dinner is served once in the day and if you miss it you miss it. Sports took some toll on this as the kids grew but I would do whatever I could to work around it. I grew up around a "supper table" and my children have as well. I believe it is very important and the lack of has had an affect on the family.
Food is to be shared with fellowship. It is a time of relaxing and talking. Practice it....You can have it too.
Blessings! marnie
Any ??? email me
pass it on
comment if you would like
past blogs can be seen on www.comeinandrest.com look at the blog page.
Morning madness!! 11/07
For the mornings that you need to be out the door....do your self a BIG favor and plan ahead. OR for any morning for that matter!!!
After the kiddos are in bed take a few minutes....lay out the clothes, find the shoes etc... coats hats etc...you can even have the bowls on the counter ready for the cereal....
I have found that the children do much better all around when they have been prepared mentally for what's coming.
When a new baby is coming home
Tomorrow is the first dentist appointment/drs appointment
grocery shopping
visiting
someone is coming to visit
etc etc etc
Take numerous opportunities to speak of what's coming ...even up to a few days ahead.
"Lisa guess what's happening tomorrow!!! Nannie and Grampa are coming over to visit. Now in the morning we need to eat our breakfast right up and get dressed quickly as there is alot to do to get ready. Now you're going to help me right...Lets see what could you do? etc"
I might say this up to 6-8 times in a day as I continue to prepare "Lisa" for what to expect. You will find that the kids tend to business so much better.
Even this:
"Now girls...the baby is going to be going into your room at the end of the week. I have set the crib up. Now if she cries I dont want you to do anything. Mom hears her and will take care of it. I might let her cry a little cause Im trying to get her to sleep longer so...just turn over and go back to sleep...Dont worry Mom knows what she's doing and I need you to just sleep till morning...do you understand?"
I will again remind them over and over during the next few days ...even quizzing them..." so christine what are you going to do when susie cries in the nite?"
I use this same technique when trying to teach something or change a behavior. Bedtime routines, naps, getting along, sharing etc... can all be worked into those little brains so that when the time comes they know what to expect and how to respond.
Moms you are doing great! Keep up the good work You are shaping a generation!
Blessings!
After the kiddos are in bed take a few minutes....lay out the clothes, find the shoes etc... coats hats etc...you can even have the bowls on the counter ready for the cereal....
I have found that the children do much better all around when they have been prepared mentally for what's coming.
When a new baby is coming home
Tomorrow is the first dentist appointment/drs appointment
grocery shopping
visiting
someone is coming to visit
etc etc etc
Take numerous opportunities to speak of what's coming ...even up to a few days ahead.
"Lisa guess what's happening tomorrow!!! Nannie and Grampa are coming over to visit. Now in the morning we need to eat our breakfast right up and get dressed quickly as there is alot to do to get ready. Now you're going to help me right...Lets see what could you do? etc"
I might say this up to 6-8 times in a day as I continue to prepare "Lisa" for what to expect. You will find that the kids tend to business so much better.
Even this:
"Now girls...the baby is going to be going into your room at the end of the week. I have set the crib up. Now if she cries I dont want you to do anything. Mom hears her and will take care of it. I might let her cry a little cause Im trying to get her to sleep longer so...just turn over and go back to sleep...Dont worry Mom knows what she's doing and I need you to just sleep till morning...do you understand?"
I will again remind them over and over during the next few days ...even quizzing them..." so christine what are you going to do when susie cries in the nite?"
I use this same technique when trying to teach something or change a behavior. Bedtime routines, naps, getting along, sharing etc... can all be worked into those little brains so that when the time comes they know what to expect and how to respond.
Moms you are doing great! Keep up the good work You are shaping a generation!
Blessings!
The Clothes Situation 11/07
Years ago I babysat for a family of 7 children. I loved it. One of my memories was that of a bedroom (it was actually being used as a spare room). In this room was a "collection" of clothes that rivaled the backroom of Salvation Army! The closet was full (almost to the top) of clothes that were clean but never put away and the middle of the room held a LARGE pile of clothes that had been donated to the family but not gone through.
What I saw was a hugh amount of wasted space and time. I could have easily found myself in that same predicament if I had not been careful.
First of all childrens clothes are really easy to come by. #1 you can go to the store and buy them. 2. You can accept hand me downs from friends/family. 3. You may acquire them from birthday and Christmas presents. 4. You can shop the yard sales or thrift shops.
I say all of this to say Don't keep too many clothes at a time. If you find your laundry situation looking in the least bit like the scenario mentioned at the beginning it is time to TAKE CONTROL.
1. START
2. Take a pile and go through it piece by piece. If it is stained, ripped, worn, missing a button or has a broken zipper, throw it in the "get rid of" pile.
3. Figure out what your child REALLY needs in a 10 day period of time....that should be enough. You know you tend to wear the same things over and over anyway.
If something does not fit right, is uncomfortable, unsnaps too easily.... get rid of it!
4. Do the same for out of season clothes. Sort, wash and pack away those that you want to keep, easily marked for another child or another season.
When the kids were all at home this was a HUGH JOB FOR ME! It was one that I did not look forward to but the kids loved it and I did it at the change of the seasons spring/summer and fall/winter. I took banana boxes (I had no money for plastic containers) and sorted everything by girl/boy and type of clothes... ie: boys long sleeve shirts, girls pants, girls sleepwear, etc. I did not go by size as 3Ts may fit a 2 or a 4 year old.
(I realize that there will not be many of you that will run into this same problem :))
Wash and fold the clothes and put them away. Keep up with the laundry... throw a load in. Clothes right out of the dryer will be relatively unwrinkled. (a wet towel thrown back in with a load of dry clothes will help take out wrinkles as well)
At the peak of my family I was doing approx 27 loads of laundry a week! What would happen if I missed one day?!!
I had a laundry room down cellar (thank God) and put up a long counter I used the one we took out of the kitchen but you can find remnants at Home Depot... the formica is better than wood as it is smooth and stays clean easier. I made piles for each kid and each bathroom closet etc with the older kids having baskets underneath the counter. As soon as the baskets were full I called the kiddos down and everyone took their clothes and put them away. (dirty laundry was brought down every morning it was someones chore)
I also hung a pipe/dowel from the ceiling so that I could hand things up right from the dryer.
When the laundry was really dirty ( my husband was a tree man) I used stronger detergent, even made my own soap for awhile. I used bleach to keep my whites bright as well.
You will feel GREAT once you get your laundry situation under control... Just DO IT! Keep a bag/basket collecting all the time of clothes to get rid of. It will be so much easier if you just keep up with it!
What I saw was a hugh amount of wasted space and time. I could have easily found myself in that same predicament if I had not been careful.
First of all childrens clothes are really easy to come by. #1 you can go to the store and buy them. 2. You can accept hand me downs from friends/family. 3. You may acquire them from birthday and Christmas presents. 4. You can shop the yard sales or thrift shops.
I say all of this to say Don't keep too many clothes at a time. If you find your laundry situation looking in the least bit like the scenario mentioned at the beginning it is time to TAKE CONTROL.
1. START
2. Take a pile and go through it piece by piece. If it is stained, ripped, worn, missing a button or has a broken zipper, throw it in the "get rid of" pile.
3. Figure out what your child REALLY needs in a 10 day period of time....that should be enough. You know you tend to wear the same things over and over anyway.
If something does not fit right, is uncomfortable, unsnaps too easily.... get rid of it!
4. Do the same for out of season clothes. Sort, wash and pack away those that you want to keep, easily marked for another child or another season.
When the kids were all at home this was a HUGH JOB FOR ME! It was one that I did not look forward to but the kids loved it and I did it at the change of the seasons spring/summer and fall/winter. I took banana boxes (I had no money for plastic containers) and sorted everything by girl/boy and type of clothes... ie: boys long sleeve shirts, girls pants, girls sleepwear, etc. I did not go by size as 3Ts may fit a 2 or a 4 year old.
(I realize that there will not be many of you that will run into this same problem :))
Wash and fold the clothes and put them away. Keep up with the laundry... throw a load in. Clothes right out of the dryer will be relatively unwrinkled. (a wet towel thrown back in with a load of dry clothes will help take out wrinkles as well)
At the peak of my family I was doing approx 27 loads of laundry a week! What would happen if I missed one day?!!
I had a laundry room down cellar (thank God) and put up a long counter I used the one we took out of the kitchen but you can find remnants at Home Depot... the formica is better than wood as it is smooth and stays clean easier. I made piles for each kid and each bathroom closet etc with the older kids having baskets underneath the counter. As soon as the baskets were full I called the kiddos down and everyone took their clothes and put them away. (dirty laundry was brought down every morning it was someones chore)
I also hung a pipe/dowel from the ceiling so that I could hand things up right from the dryer.
When the laundry was really dirty ( my husband was a tree man) I used stronger detergent, even made my own soap for awhile. I used bleach to keep my whites bright as well.
You will feel GREAT once you get your laundry situation under control... Just DO IT! Keep a bag/basket collecting all the time of clothes to get rid of. It will be so much easier if you just keep up with it!
Toys Toys Toys 10/07
Did you know that a child can have too many toys...and that it creates an overwhelming atmosphere for he/she/they to be able to concentrate/play or learn in
At the risk of causing Santa to frown on me....I will say it again .... simplify the toy room/box etc..
Have you ever watched a toddler have so much fun with the wrapping paper or a box. Duh he's saying something....uncomplicated is better... Why do we seem to need to provide everything that we did not have as a child....the newest of everything...the more the better no. It does not work that way.
1. Children need fresh air and whenever it is possible they need to have some time outside running and playing. Even when my babes were tiny I would have them sleep outside in the carriage for a nap...They would come in with a little red nose and rosey cheeks but with warm bodies under alll those blankets! It does not need to be a long time outside (especially for those that cannot go out unsupervised.....just some time a little in the morning and the same in the afternoon....even 15 minutes to walk and run and play.
2. Organized play is good. Perhaps you could find a moms group or a play group. Plan to take a trip to the park on a certain day of the week. Try having "Tuesdays we get the playdough out"....What ever it is kids thrive on routine. They like to know what's going on.
3. When they play with the toys they should just get out what they want to play with. You must supervise this. If left to themselves ALL the boxes will be emptied and all the pieces will be strewn everywhere. .. Too much to play with and definately too much to pick up!
4 Puzzels .books, coloring books and blocks You can never go wrong with these toys. These are the staples.... of the toy room with a few other things thrown in.
For years I would separate the toys into 2 parts. One part remained in the toyroom and the other in the attic. In 4-6 months I would switch (after going through everything, weeding out broken or unused toys) and bring the attic toys down. I also kept a box of "rainy day toys" as well...Different things that ONLY came out on that day when "nothing seemed to work".
5. A dress up box is great to have! Salvation Army, Goodwill or even yard sales can fill a box up quickly and for not much $$.
6. I hear complaints of too much given by the relatives. Hummm. Perhaps you might suggest that Auntie or Gram and Gramp might add to the saving account or even take little Georgie out to Chunky Cheeses on a date. Is there something that you have wanted or needed for the kids room? A new toybox? A book case, some shelves?
7. Make a tent!! anywhere anytime anyhow.... A tent is the bomb!!! sheets, blankets, a quilt thrown over the kitchen table ..We would tuck a blanket under the top bunk and have it hang down to close in the bottom bunk....What fun! A large appliance box is great as well!
So how about it....Attack the play room! (probably better to do it while Jenny is asleep) Simplify the whole room. Organize the stuff so that when we play house all the kitchen stuff is together. etc.. You will find it so much easier to handle and the kids will play longer with what they have out because they will not be constantly being distracted by everything around them.
And then when you're all done....How about your closet??:)
Blessings!
At the risk of causing Santa to frown on me....I will say it again .... simplify the toy room/box etc..
Have you ever watched a toddler have so much fun with the wrapping paper or a box. Duh he's saying something....uncomplicated is better... Why do we seem to need to provide everything that we did not have as a child....the newest of everything...the more the better no. It does not work that way.
1. Children need fresh air and whenever it is possible they need to have some time outside running and playing. Even when my babes were tiny I would have them sleep outside in the carriage for a nap...They would come in with a little red nose and rosey cheeks but with warm bodies under alll those blankets! It does not need to be a long time outside (especially for those that cannot go out unsupervised.....just some time a little in the morning and the same in the afternoon....even 15 minutes to walk and run and play.
2. Organized play is good. Perhaps you could find a moms group or a play group. Plan to take a trip to the park on a certain day of the week. Try having "Tuesdays we get the playdough out"....What ever it is kids thrive on routine. They like to know what's going on.
3. When they play with the toys they should just get out what they want to play with. You must supervise this. If left to themselves ALL the boxes will be emptied and all the pieces will be strewn everywhere. .. Too much to play with and definately too much to pick up!
4 Puzzels .books, coloring books and blocks You can never go wrong with these toys. These are the staples.... of the toy room with a few other things thrown in.
For years I would separate the toys into 2 parts. One part remained in the toyroom and the other in the attic. In 4-6 months I would switch (after going through everything, weeding out broken or unused toys) and bring the attic toys down. I also kept a box of "rainy day toys" as well...Different things that ONLY came out on that day when "nothing seemed to work".
5. A dress up box is great to have! Salvation Army, Goodwill or even yard sales can fill a box up quickly and for not much $$.
6. I hear complaints of too much given by the relatives. Hummm. Perhaps you might suggest that Auntie or Gram and Gramp might add to the saving account or even take little Georgie out to Chunky Cheeses on a date. Is there something that you have wanted or needed for the kids room? A new toybox? A book case, some shelves?
7. Make a tent!! anywhere anytime anyhow.... A tent is the bomb!!! sheets, blankets, a quilt thrown over the kitchen table ..We would tuck a blanket under the top bunk and have it hang down to close in the bottom bunk....What fun! A large appliance box is great as well!
So how about it....Attack the play room! (probably better to do it while Jenny is asleep) Simplify the whole room. Organize the stuff so that when we play house all the kitchen stuff is together. etc.. You will find it so much easier to handle and the kids will play longer with what they have out because they will not be constantly being distracted by everything around them.
And then when you're all done....How about your closet??:)
Blessings!
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