Works for Me Wednesday

Of course, I'm writing this on a Thursday and who knows when I'll actually post it :)

but that's OK! It is so easy to get caught up in what's not going well and to not think much about what is going well. so I wanted to record something of the things that are going well for us!!

Rotating Morning Jobs- we don't do tons of chores and there are definitely lots of things left undone but it's been working well for us to rotate daily four main jobs- meal helper (I have several budding chefs!), bathroom cleaner (because we definitely need a lot of bathroom cleaning), car cleaner/ water bottle filler (we definitely need some work on it but at least we usually get the pear cores out and water bottles are almost always ready for our next great adventure), and Big Girl helper (definitely glad for this one- she and I always need lots of help- getting/ taking/ changing diapers, picking out clothes, helping play outside, ...) We all enjoy that this rotates daily as they definitely have jobs they prefer- somehow bathroom cleaner is never a favorite and car cleaner on 30 degree days not up there either. but knowing it's not every day helps.

and Morning Chat with Daddy for the car cleaner helps as well. When James first went to Korea, we passed the phone around when we got to talk to him but that's really hectic. I think we all enjoy better having some (mostly) uninterrupted time talking. And a good motivation to get morning chores done so you can talk to Daddy.

Morning Bible reading and verses with Daddy has been another good one. Yes, some days it's not so calm but it's great to start the day out with Bible and with Daddy. We've been reading through Proverbs- a Proverb each morning. We've also been using Scripture Box which I love- helps us memorize and keep memorized lots of verses.

Feingold Diet when we follow it- it's a big difference from when we don't.

A daily schedule- no, it doesn't always go as planned. sometimes because we plan to do something different, sometimes we go off on a rabbit trail to do something different, and sometimes because we need to work on character/ discipline things before continuing our day. But having a plan for our day definitely helps me to stay on track and it helps me have to decide fewer things during the day. Amazing how when I was in the Army I was sure stay at home moms ate bon-bons on the couch while watching TV all day :) I do a good bit of sitting on the couch but it's definitely not TV and bon-bons. And there's a ton of deciding stuff throughout the day- yes, it's little stuff- what to eat, what to read, what to... but it's still so good to have a plan that helps have lots of things already decided.

Planner- not a fancy one but my white 3 ring binder with document protectors in it helps me keep daily schedule, meal plan (if I get it done:), reading list, and lots more stuff together and used.

Morning Rotations- after the kids do Bible, math, handwriting, chores, devotion, hymns, ... we usually do morning rotations. I set the timer for 15 minutesish and the kids take turns doing Momschool, Alone time, computer time, Big Girl helper. Momschool is usually reading, piano lesson, cooking, ... Alone time- reading, puzzles, science kits, ... Computer is spanish or typing. And Big girl helper is bath, outside, playdough, something with Big Girl. Once a weekish the kids get to pick what they do for most of those. Again works for me!

Audio books- love these! We are listening to most of Ambleside Online Year Two books on librivox during meals right now. Yes, conversation is good and we have lots of opportunities for that since we're together almost all the time! but we are all enjoying most of the Ambleside books. Right now Pollyanna is the favorite. We also listen to them a lot in the car even though Big Girl prefers music.

Quiet time- one of my favorite parts of the day :) pretty much every day that we are home after lunch we have a little outside playtime and then quiet time for all. Big Girl naps and the rest of us appreciate a little quiet alone time. I definitely feel much better and more ready to see everyone after a little time apart. I've been reading Paul's letters and listening to Psalms then.

Afternoon readings. While Big Girl is still napping is a great time for us to do some more reading, other school stuff that's harder to do while she is up.

Afternoon playtime. We've enjoyed a week or so of amazing weather for winter and so the kids have gotten some good outside playtime!

I feel better after writing these down :) It really is easy to get caught up in what all is wrong and not appreciate what is write. Of course, there is more I could write both good and bad but another I know works for me is getting to bed at a decent time!