Chores no longer a chore

I have never had a set "Chore List" for my kids besides...pick up your toys, put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket, take your plate to the sink after you eat...and I've always been amazed when my young childrens friends couldn't play until they were done with big jobs such as cleaning the bathroom or laundry.

Well I was inspired and realized I wouldn't be so ornery if I had help and my kids need some discipline if they are ever going to manage on their own as they head off for college or a mission. The longer I wait to teach them these household cleaning necessities, the more stubborn they will have become.


So for FHE last Monday I made a list of ALL the jobs I do around the house, combined some then divided them up and they came out to 4 without me purposely trying to.

So here's the "Chore List" for my 4 kids.
1. Table duty (setting and clearing the table), bring in the mail.
2. Unloading the dishwasher, vacuum, dusting
3. Sweep and mop the floors, clean 2 bathrooms take out the garbage.
4. Loading the dishwasher, laundry

Practicing piano is a must but not something they get paid for. I find some parents think that just providing room and board for their kids and giving them money when they need it is payment enough while others give them an allowance. I like the allowance. It gives them something to pay tithing on and there is a reward to look forward to. They only earn .50 cents a day or per chore but that's $3 a week and they are proud when they earn more than their siblings when dad does payday.

Obviously my little kids need a lot of help and I'm right there doing it with them, so it takes longer than it normally would. But 'some of them' actually enjoy it. We were at Walmart and I reminded Logan that he had to unload the dishwasher when we got home and he raised his arms and shouted "YAH!" He loves standing on the cabinet while I hand him the dishes to put into the cupboards. Eventually they will all be taller, stronger and will catch on to how things are to be done and I'll have some peace of mind.

My kids already seem to behave better because they can't play until chores are done so they get done, no arguments! Hope this lasts.

Happy cleaning!

Preschool fieldtrip

Who could not love Papa Murphy's? They told us the kids could make a "personal pan pizza" for $2.50, which I thought would be the size of my hand...it turned out to be a medium! We also got $3 off any pizza we ordered. Touring the freezer

Dawson wasn't shy...he helped himself to mushrooms and sausage too. :)

Cars party

The Dyer Family threw an awesome "Cars" party.
All the fixin's

Then we watched the movie.

I draped my matching scarf on Diane and showed her a few ways to wear it. :)

We thought this would be great to start a tradition taking turns hosting parties.

"monopolize"

Hey Paige, Larry helped me get my videos and pics off my camra and onto the computer...I'm up and runnin' now! :)

Spelling Bee

The Spelling Bee is Hudson's favorite thing about school! He made the top 3 in his class in first grade going on to compete against all the first grade classes and took 8th out of 12. In second grade he made the top 3 in his class again and placed 3rd.
Last year they didn't have the spelling bee for the lower grade levels and he was mad. But this year is the National Scripps Spelling Bee for 4th, 5th and 6th graders and he made the top 3 in his class and then placed 5th out of 33! I believe he was the youngest 4th grader competing and they are up against the 5th and 6th graders.
Pop and Gram, Grandma Bubs, mom and dad all came to watch.
We were so proud of him.
He was the only 4th grader left and missed the word 'photosynthesis'. He added an extra letter. He was mad at himself because it wasn't one of the words he struggled with. But he's not one to beat himself up or get down when he loses...he just can't wait until next year.
I'm just happy he enjoys spelling!
I took pictures but I have a new camra and haven't figured out how to get them onto my computer!!