goalforit

Are you thinking I can't spell, or my space bar isn't working??  Well -- you'd be partially right, but actually goalforit is the name of a new website that I found Wednesday.


I was struggling with my chore plan again.  


We did home made chore packs... until they get lost tossed.  Who do these kids think I am?  Mommy doofus?  When I find chore packs under MY bed... I know they aren't lost.  LOL  I didn't put them there. And I know I put more than 1 chore in each pack... pulling all the chores out of the pack doesn't mean you only have to do 1 thing a day.  So I printed up a chart to put up on the wall.  TONS of chores and TONS of kids makes for a chart that is hard to read.  Dan was continually saying, "Who does this?"  I'd continually reply, "Read the chart."  He'd continually retort, "Your stink'in chart is too hard to read, so who does this?"  


So -- the other day I googled kids chores.  I found goalforit.  Looks pretty neat.  I've made a chart for Tori so far.  


Some of the neat things are.. they have pre-made chores already with pictures... that way if your kiddos can't read... they can still do their chores.  BUT -- if you have weird chores like feed crickets to the iguana then you can add your own chores to the chart.  


Of course I love this -- I love charts.  It's clickable.  You can add an AMOUNT of Moolah earned to the chore if you want.  I think I'm going to do this.I've never given my kids an allowance before.  Do I get an allowance for breathing?  No.  Do I get an allowance for laundry, or cooking, or vacuuming, or dressing myself? No.  I recently discovered that some of my kids are competitive, and they LOVE earning things.  They'll memorize stuff to earn stuff.  They will do things to "earn" things.  I think I'll use that to my advantage and give them MOOLAH for clicking the button on their chore charts.   I'm going to make the amounts small... and then start collecting things they can buy from me.  I've never done this before.  I think I'll even add things to the store like socks and underwear.  But also fun things like iTunes cards and candy.  If no one ever buys the socks and underwear, I'll give it to them for their birthday.  No money wasted there.


I thought at first we'd have to have the computer on the whole day long in order to use this -- but there is a way to print the charts off.  They print off 1 weeks at a time.  I think I'll make it someones chore to print off the chore sheets on Saturday night.  This is a beta version of Goal For It... that usually means they are still tweaking the system... I'm going to ask them to let me print the chores off in B&W.  Color is pretty, until you have TONS of chores and TONS of kids... then it's just expensive.


I'm not done making my charts yet -- so we haven't started this at this juncture.  I've got 5 kids to make charts for, and to coordinate the delicate balance of who loads and who unloads the dish washer every night.  The dipsy daisy dance of who fed the dog last and who can get the lid off of the dog food with out help, and who always ignores the animals because that chore is so hard, thus the cats are ravenous and they streak into my kitchen and eat my favorite dip off the counter while I'm not watching.  grrr...


You can be my friend and encourage me in this process if you want.  As you might guess, there are 6 pages of Jennifer's... but I'm the one who starts their name with a ~*~ instead of a J.  Top of the list!! Be my friend!!  I want to steal your ideas walk this journey with you.  °Ü°

So... I was running at the track today

Oh alright already -- I wasn't really running. It just sounds so much better to say running instead of shuffling. Be kind to the old lady.

I was running at the track today and a man stopped me and said, "You don't know me from Adam, but did you know there was an attempted child abduction in the park this week here in town."

Ahhhh!!! My kids were scattered all around me... 2 in the bleachers... one by the gate... 1 running behind... well in front of me really.

Yeah right... what are you? Some kind of weirdo? Grow up -- this is Knoxville... teeny weeny Knoxville. I come here all the time -- who would want attempt to abduct my child anyway? Well -- now that you think about it -- they are kind of cute from far away. Sometimes they stink up close...

So I hollar at my kiddos and say, "Keep up with me if you can." GROAN!! Oh... stop yer moanin'. I'm trying to save your hide from an abduction you loons. OK, OK... you can go sit in the middle of the football field while I run around you. Mansel said, "How is that better... they are still very far away?"

Who knows? But I could probably identify the abductors if they ran all the way across the football field while attempting to abduct my child from me.... then I could chase them down as they were trying to flee with said child... since I would be running childless -- I could probably catch them. Maybe.

The kind man had in the mean time lapped me. (Sigh) That happens often while I'm running at the track. So you see... I'm not really running am I? I really am shuffling -- but, oh never mind. Anyway... the kind man said, "Well -- I'm done for the day. I'm Steve Funk, b.t.w. Blah, blah, blah... we chatted some more, but I don't remember it word for word." He did mention that he was a police man from Indianola. I thought as he left... either he is really nice, or really weird. I think I'll google him. Guess what? He really is Deputy Steve Funk from Indianola. Go figure. AND... there really was an attempted child abduction in Knoxville this week -- per this news article on the KNIA/KRLS web-site.

Scary times we live in... bummer... I was living in my never never land... never happen in Knoxville. Now I have to join the parnoids out there. Sigh.

I was really encouraged that a police lapped me actually. I would feel safe if I lived in Indianola. Thank You Steve Funk!

For Dad

We gave this to Dan for Father's Day in a mug. Some not so good... but some real goodies!!

We've Got'em

We had a great thanksgiving Week.

Well -- let me rephrase that.

Most of us had a great thanksgiving week. I think 5 year old Danielle may think this is the Thanksgiving Week from somewhere hot and smelly.

First of all -- I scheduled her a dentist appointment on Monday -- what was I thinking? She had 5 cavities filled that day. Poor baby... she did GREAT! As she went in they said they would do the work in 2-3 visits. But when she walked out -- most of her mouth numb... they said they went ahead and filled all 5 because she was doing such a great job.

Then Thursday she broke her leg while jumping on the trampoline. Someone fell one her leg. It could have been worse. If the trampoline hadn't of "given" it could have been worse. So she has a "non-displaced cracked tibia." They didn't have to "set" it. She will get her permanent cast on Tuesday.

MAYBE...

because remember about 16 days ago I exposed her to chicken pox? Well -- it was successful. Last night we discovered her first spots at bath time. She wasn't even complaining about feeling sick or anything. That girl is SUCH a trooper. I'm amazed. Talk about stress. Her little body just keeps getting hammered with "stuff". She could use some prayers, if you think of her this week. Of course I'm a glutton for punishment... Milo and Wayne are forced to share her cup today. We might as well get it all over with now.

Before and After

Recently Danielle was looking at some old photos in a photo album. Sitting nicely and quietly. When she was done, she left them lay on the floor. We are working on that... putting things away when you are done. She was done looking, but still thinking, apparently. She came up to me that afternoon and said, "I'd like a hair cut."

Really?? My heart starts to flutter!

So -- here is the before. Fine hair, straight on top, a little wavy curl underneath. Nothing spectacular. Long enough for pony tails, but also long enough for snarls.

Here we are after. Mom is happy, because I get to cut some HAIR! Ü

Really now, this wasn't my idea.

I asked her why she wanted it cut, while we were looking at the new photo. She said, "Oh, I saw how cute I was in the photo album, I wanted to look like that again." LOL She's so vain... I wonder where she got that?

I need a little make up here... and a little hair product, and a little botox... but you get the idea. We girls love our short hair and we love our picture taken. :blush:

Then... since we don't live in a house with all girls... someone took the cut off hair, which was still in a pony tail and TAPED it to Wayne's head. They are a crazy bunch!!

I don't have ANY idea where they get that from. :snort: Oh... I beg your pardon. (and I did NOT take that photo. Poor baby... they taped it right to his hair!)

Joy can be Exhausting

Danielle and Wayne on the trampoline!

I wasn't a real fan of trampolines before....
(they are soo unsafe!)

... I got outvoted by the kids and kid at heart.
°Ü°

Now I'm a fan... (there is a NET!)... but look at the JOY! Pure joy on their faces.


Plus they sleep much better at night.

Cuteness

I bought the boys coordinating jammies.
:giggle:
Some boys are more shy about photos in jammies then others.


I tried to get them to smile -- "obey", I said.
:laughing out loud now:

Oh my ... I'm so mean.

But aren't they Cuuuuuute??

Let me see you FLEX!

The boys discovered a neat trick.
If you flex your muscles in front of the big shiny stock pot...

Your arms are HUGE!

So every chance they get...

They pose and discuss whose muscles are bigger.

WOW -- look at those pipes!

Some of my Favorite Pics

I've decided to down load Picasa again so I can use pics in my blog. I miss the pictures. My mom likes the pictures too. Picasa 3 has all sorts of fun stuff added to it. All FREE. I hope you don't mind so many pics... if you do -- well then what in the world are you reading my blog for?
°Ü°

I think I'll frame this series. I've seen picture frames that are set up like a collage. Wouldn't THAT be cool? Yeah... I think it would be a nice addition to their bedroom. Forever save these young memories. Some of my boys aren't the best smilers -- this day was a great photo taking day... great smiles!

Thanks boys. You made my day.

Before and After

I don't know why I wait so long.

But I do... waaaay tooo long.

They are a bunch of hippies.

Awww.... doesn't that feel good?
°Ü°
Cute hair, cute smiles, cute boys!

Milo playing Soccer!

I am doing something wrong with photos lately... I can't get any to upload here. Bummer -- so -- here is a shaky, poor quality video for you to enjoy! Trust me... ya gotta wait until the very end for the exciting part. Ü

Yeah Milo, Go Comets!!

Wordless Wednesday - video style

Cat Walk

Oh Gracious -- My kiddos thought it would be fun to dress the poor kitties up in doll clothes.


She really knows how to work that dress... doesn't she?

Imagination

This is one of the best investments I've ever made. Buying a parachute for Danielle.

It has become a universal toy -- all the kids love to play with it.

One of the favored things is making a tent. Usually we do this indoors. But the kids decided to do it outside this day.

They ALL were involved.

Pretty colors.

What is your favorite toy that they whole family enjoys?

Fun Time

I found these baskets sitting in my living room the other day :sigh:

Why can't these kids pick up things after they play with them??




KIDS!!! (I holler)








Taa Daa!!!

They weren't done with them.

Too Funny.

I love to see their imaginations at work.

Gone Fishing

We all piled into the truck -- fishing gear stowed. Beautiful weather abounded. A day of vacation needing to be burned.

We arrived...at Lake Miami -- too bad it's NOT in Florida. This one is in Southern Iowa. Someone was doing some wishful thinking when this "lake" was named. I kept calling it a pond. LOL So - we all piled out. Got our hooks baited. And cast and cast and cast.


and waited.


and waited. Some more patiently then others. Who needs a hook.... Wayne can be entertained with rocks and sticks. I've said it before... I'll say it again... rock and sticks until they are six. Ü He didn't catch many fish with that stick -- but it was fun trying.


Most of us had fun -- unless their hat flew off and landed in the water -- and they had to fish it out with a wormy hook. Ewww...
But Nice Save Dan.

Milo is in awe of his father's hat saving skills.



Tori likes to fish. I'm so glad. She's fun to be around when she is enjoying herself. She caught one -- big enough to be bait.

Last but not least -- my little princess... she "caught" one. I did the reeling in... and the holding... and the looking... and the unhooking... and well -- most of it actually -- but she was standing very close to me when the fish was hooked. The pole STARTED OUT in her hands. LOL Would she hold it up for me so I could photograph it? No.. not on your life.

But she had fun... yes... of course... with the rocks and sticks.

I look forward to a summer full of fishing.

What is your favorite fish story to tell?

Season's Over

This was our first year for little league.

What fun we had.

Mansel was on a rookie league - the Marlins. We didn't understand that the teams were named after professional teams. So Mansel brought home this hat with an F on it -- we thought -- Oh... Fish? A Marlin is a fish right? LOL Yeah -- we figured it out -- FLORIDA... Florida Marlins.
Mansel sure loves baseball. He'll be going out again next spring, the Lord willing. He can't wait to be in the Minor league -- they keep score and you can get out. The REAL thing.

Tori started out on the Diamondbacks. That's a snake... we never did figure out where her team was from. I'm sure if I googled it -- I'd learn. But it wasn't that important to us. She practiced for 1 month then played for several weeks with this team. She was put on a rookie team as well. But -- since she is 12 -- she finally figured out this softball stuff... she really started to play at HER level... not the 7 and 8 year old level. So -- they moved her up to the MAJORS. Totally skipping the minors. She ended up doing really well. Her final game she had 3 runs batted in (RBI - right?). I really enjoyed watching her learn this game and excel at it. She won't be playing little league next year because she turns 13 in a few weeks... and that's the limit. You can be 13 if your birthday is after December. She will be 13 BEFORE December... so this is it. I'm so glad we got her in! I think in the long run she will to.

And finally Milo. He played t-ball for the river dogs. So -- who can tell me where the River Dogs are from. LOL

He LOVED practicing and playing baseball. We were so glad when his season was over. Whew... t-ball is boring... if you aren't playing it. Ü We also decided that he will be our last t-ball player. We'll wait until they are old enough for the minor league.


Finished. All did really well. Tori exceptionally so -- Her league has a tournament. She was fornutnate enough to get placed on a good team. The Angels were the league champions. What fun to watch. It's always fun when you are winning. Ü

I learned a lot.

Now we'll stay home. We were going to town a lot -- now we'll stay at home and relax. For a little while.

MAJORS

Oh... just so ya know... the Majors are waaaay more exciting then the rookie league. No offense rookies. :giggle:

(Although - the rookie league is waaaay more exciting than t-ball -- which is over as of night -- whew!)

I'm having fun with this little league stuff. Who knew?

Have I told you our story yet? Tori is 12. She has never played softball before. I wanted her to learn the sport. I love playing softball. She was resisting.. I said "Who cares -- you are learning to play." I signed her up. I signed the 3 olders up, yeah -- I'm mean that'a way. I put on the top of Tori's form. "Beginner". I heard that they had a draft at her age group -- so I wanted to coaches to know what her skill level was. Well -- she ended up playing at the rookie level... which is one step up from t-ball. She didn't even make the draft. A TAD bit below her age level. LOL She was learning to hit and throw and catch with 7, 8, and 9 year olds. That was OK in the beginning.

Then after 4 weeks of practice, and a few weeks of playing "games", she began to catch on.

HA!

Last week an opposing team's coach casually asked, "Hey -- how old are you?" :giggle: She innocently replied. "Twelve." Hey -- she's no liar.

He just so happens to be the Little League President. He's a rule follower. Um... she got moved. Right up the ladder to the Majors. Skipping right over the Minor league.

Dan asked him, "Why did you say anything during the first game you played against her?" He replied, "Hey -- I thought she was just a big girl." LOL I'm only 5'2" and my husband isn't much taller.... we are not "big girl" material. She's normal... but since her skill level was beginner... it didn't click apparently.

Well -- last night was her first night. She did GREAT! They stuck her out in left field... ya know... cause that's where you put all your lousy players. She got hit to several times. I didn't get to keep track because I was putting in a 3 game night... I was trying to watch a t-ball game and her game at the same time. I know... not hard to do... but you know me... I'm not real coordinated.

Anyway... she didn't let ANY get past her. Good girl. Threw them all to first -- whether she needed to or not. That's what they teach them in the rookie league. "Throw to first!" What for? I don't know... but that's what she did. She did throw a few out at first, I'm pretty sure. So she did the right thing most times. We'll work on getting her to think about where to throw it before it's hit. Learn a little each game.

She got up to bat twice. First time... she got on base because she got HIT BY THE BALL!! Yikes... she's got quite the bruise on her arm already. But she's not faint of heart. She got up a 2nd time and she went down a swinging. At least she's not afraid. She missed learning some of the rules playing in that rookie league. They let all players bat every inning, and they let you swing, and swing, and swing, and swing, until you hit it. So after 3 swings last night... she was out... but she kept standing there, waiting for the next pitch. Finally the ump (who knew she was new) quietly said, "You are out, so you need to go back and sit down." °Ü° That's my girl -- never give up. ROFL!!

I'll tell you what. I can't wait until her next game. These games are exciting... people cheer... they give advice... ha ha... it's fun!!

I'm gonna have her practice pitching -- I bet she... well -- I'm sure it's harder than it looks... but my word... she got hit -- she couldn't do any worse than that!! I'm just kidding about that... she won't pitch, but she probably could!

One of the BEST things about this new team? 2 of the girls are going to be going to our church's Junior Girls Camp with her in a few weeks. They are granddaughters of folks who attend our church. Hooray!! What fun. I'm thrilled about that.

So... another night at the ball field... but it was worth it. Fun was had by all. Back again tonight for Mansel's game, then another on Friday night.

Preserved

Preserved -- for all posterity.

What does that mean?



The kiddos have their hand prints preserved in fresh cement.
I am going to cherish this.
They say time flies... this is my attempt to hold back time.

More Electronic Enetrainment Free Month

I have a rubber band... now what can I do?

Let's see...

I'll stick it on my face.
Weee!!
My Mom is laughing... it must be fun...






OK -- maybe not.







How can I get this thing off?

Why is my mom still laughing?
When can we turn the TV back on?