Dh got his paycheck yesterday, and there was about $700 extra dollars on it. Now I didn't think that cops got Christmas bonus's (and they don't) but was feeling greatful and was thinking of how to apply that to our Best Buy account (the one that is going to accrue $327 in interest if we don't pay it off by Jan 30th), when Don called me with his pay stub. Apparently they give them $690 a year for cleaning their uniforms. We totally thought that was something that they included in every check... but apparently not. They tally it up, and then you get a 'bonus' the paycheck before Christmas.
So, I am not going crazy. I bought one $20 Christmas gift with it. That is all that was "off" the list. I am paying off that Best Buy promo (already in my bill pay to go through for Monday) and I also paid ahead our phone bill for Alex's new phone charges (which will be around $50 all told). I feel so, controled. lol...
When I was at Costco today, I got one thing off my list... a pack of $10 nitrite free mini hot dogs to put in our Organic mac and cheese this Sunday while Don is at his concert... I felt, just... very in control.
I am taking it back, one step at a time. The house isn't spotless, but it is cleaner than it was last week. Cyan and I are not consistantly getting every thing done in homeschool, but we have been doing a lot more than last week.
I made chore charts again for the kids, but different this time. Last time they were below Alex's level of comprehention and above Cyan's reading level. So he thought they were stupid, and Cyan couldn't do it without help... so I made two sets this time. Alex's is attached above and Cyan's isn't quite finished but hers is laminated cards with chores (and pictures so she can read them herself) in a fabric pocket holder with AM, PM, and FINISHED on the pockets. She loved it tonight. And Alex took his calendar and put everything from my list onto the right days after dinner tonight.
The four of us (me and the kids) had an Eagle tea party after dinner. We made Eagle nests (chocolate covered stick pretzels, with nuts and cranberries and two mini marshmallows for the "eggs") and had tea and popped the strawberry popcorn we picked from the farm before the flood. We haven't done anything like that in a long time. Both kids picked that as their favorite part of the day. We need to do that more often. The baby just sat and drank water from his straw cup and ate a pretzel or two. I was close, his brother and sister were being funny, and music was on. He was happy.
We are pulling out. I am gaining control of not having control and some momentum and it feels so good. I felt like such a failure for these last few weeks. Everything was getting away from me. I had the illusion of it all being in my control. My dad and I talked and he said that I am so strung in so many different directions that there is no way I can keep it all under my control and I need to start deligating. Then the next day I talked to Sarah (the deligation queen!) and even just by talking with her about it, I was able to figure out ideas that have helped this week. I have really been able to figure out our problem areas and address them with everyone... and it is working. How cool is that?
Just good stuff. That is all...
Back to your regularly scheduled programing.
Val
Just kidding, can't attach the chore list after all. I'll just put it in quotes:
Quote:
WEEKDAY MORNINGS
Get dressed
(INCLUDING NEW UNDERWEAR)
Get socks on and shoes ready.
(Know where your shoes are!)
Brush your teeth
Get your key, your wallet, and your belt.
Get backpack together with homework in it.
Make Breakfast
(Oatmeal or Eggs and toast... as I teach you to make more the list will grow longer)
Make your lunch
(if you want things on your lunch that we don't have, make sure to put them on the list as they run out. I only shop on Fridays. So remember that, and when you run out of something, let me know, before Friday. Putting things on the list will not garentee that I will buy them, but it will make sure I know you want them.)
HOME FROM SCHOOL
Snack.
You can have something like an apple, some pretzels (small white bowl, half full), or some banana chips.
Homework.
Check your calendar for things like Garbage take out, Boy Scouts, or Crazy Hair Day
Empty Dishwasher (if clean)
WEEKENDS
Clean your room.
(This will happen each weekend before you do anything with friends)
Fold and put away your laundry.
Empty Dishwasher (if clean)
Straighten up patio (including any chicken stuff)
Take Recycle to the bin outside
Clean chickens water.
Clean chicken coop.
If all of these things get done consistantly, you will start getting $5 per week, on Fridays.
You will loose money for bad behavior, and missed assignments at school.
You will get extra money for extra things not on this list. Like helping with raking leaves, pulling weeds, sweeping the driveway, cleaning the grill, folding and putting away other peoples laundry, cleaning out the car, helping clean the bathroom, changing sheets, and other things we need and ask you to do.
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