Who Wants to Help

Chores, chores, chores… Like them or not they have to get done, and I like to have my kiddos help out where they can. I feel that it is important for them to know how a household works and all of the cleaning that must be done, and I think they have fun helping out a little too.

Both of my boys like to help out with the dusting, and they love using their Swiffer Dusters to get the job done. They are also in charge of the before bedtime pick up in the living room, and their bedroom too. I would like to use the “before you get another toy out, your put up the last one rule”, but that doesn’t always happen, so the living room is a bit cluttered at the end of the day. The boys make a game out of picking up the mess and filling the toy bins. They race to see who can pick up the most toys the fastest.

Another job that the kiddos have is taking care of the cats. I’m still in charge of the icky stuff (litter-box), but Thade and Dylan take turns feeding the cats, and giving them fresh water too. They both always want to feed the cats, so Dylan is in charge of the a.m. feeding and Thade takes care of the p.m. feeding. The kitties seem to like it too.

Both of the boys like to help out in the kitchen too. Thade loves to help with the cooking where he can. He is in charge of smashing, and helping to roll out Pasta dough. Dylan likes to help unload all of the grocery bags on shopping day.

Getting the kiddos involved in chores really helps me out too. It saves me a little time, and it is teaching them to be more responsible around the house too.

What about you? How do you delegate chores in your home?

Filling Up

Well the weather is getting ready to get really really cold, so I ran to the store this morning to get a few much needed items.

I picked up two bags of poly-fil for the bears. I only have 5 more to turn, before I can start the stuffing. Dylan has already pre-tested all of the bears, by giving them all big hugs, even though they are flat.

I’m also stocking up the snacks (again) and baking a loaf of bread today too. Yesterday I made a batch of Cocoa Krispies treats for the kids, and I think today I’ll make a Chocolate Bundt Cake to have on hand for dessert tonight.

Stay warm and toasty today, I hope the weather isn’t too cold in your neighborhood.

Party Planning Questions

It seems like I have been on the phone non-stop the last few days calling one place after another for Thade’s party. I made the task a little easier by setting up a spreadsheet with all of my questions to ask, and the locations of where I hope to have the party.

Here is my list:

  • How much does it cost to book the location?
  • Is there a deposit that is needed before we can book the location?
  • What date/times are available to book the party?
  • How long can the party be?
  • What foods/beverages do you supply?
  • Will you supply party favors/decorations?
  • Can we bring in our own dessert?
  • How many people can we invite/is there a minimum?
  • Are there any clean-up fees?

Whew! I had better get back to the party planning!

Christmas Card Holder

I know it is a little late for a Christmas project, but keep this one in mind for next year…

One of my favorite things about Christmas is sending and receiving Christmas cards. Every year I try and find a new way to display the cards that we get in the mail, and this year I’ve got a handy display that you can make too.

I re-used a cardboard blotter from my desk calendar, and wrapped it in pretty wrapping paper. I punched a hole in the top, so I could hang the display on the wall. As Christmas cards arrived I would tack the Cards to the board with Christmas themed stickers.

The kiddos really liked the project, and enjoyed seeing all of the Christmas cards, and hearing all about where they were from. I hung the Christmas Card Holder in the dining room, right above the dessert buffet table. The Christmas Card holder brought a pretty touch of Christmas to our dining room.

How do you display Christmas Cards in your home?

Time To Get Back to the Kitchen

Well after all of the holiday cooking, I’ve taken a little break from the kitchen, and the pantry and freezer are depleted… Time to take stock and make some lists. This week I’ll be:

  • Taking inventory of the freezer and making a list of much needed items
  • Take inventory of the pantry and making a list for Aldi
  • Baking a double batch of Banana Muffins, some to freeze and some for this week’s breakfasts
  • Baking a double batch of Homemade Waffles for the freezer to make quick and easy breakfasts
  • Baking a few loaves of Bread, some for the freezer, and a Cinnamon Raisin Loaf for me
  • Baking a batch of Brownies for snacks
  • Organizing all of my new kitchen tools that I received for Christmas

Time to get back to the kitchen!