Organization Part 1

I love to organize! Since having my third and fourth child I feel like I've really slacked on keeping up with my house and general organization. I'm trying to get back on track a little at a time. Organization does take time, but it is well worth it!! I have friends ask, "How do I do it all and get things accomplished with four kids?" And the answer is I don't get to do it all. Many things that I'd like to do like keeping my closet completely clean & organized or having my garden free of weeds just can't happen all the time. I'm going to give you some tips that I've learned from others or from my own experiences on ways that my family tries to stay organized. Here are a few tips with photos to go along with it.

1.  Start them young! Teach them how to clean and organize.
I was just reading a book about how we have to show our kids how to do things the right way over and over and over and over again. They need lots of practice and we need to be patience when teaching them. If they are having trouble doing a chore like putting the dishes away, we need to physically help them, show them, and model for them how to do it. If they leave the back door open, call them over and have them practice closing the door several times. I get lots of whining about chores, but I remind myself that one day they'll thank me.



2. Use disposable plates
I read in a book about a women who
uses paper plates so they have less
dishes to clean. Since my kids are home
all day it was worth spending the extra
money on paper goods, so I'd spend less
time washing dishes. I know there is
the recycling issue, but our family is
really good about recycling everything.
We don't use paper plates for all meals.
Pictured above are thin paper plates
that we bought from Costco and then
we insert them into plastic plate holders
to make them sturdy. Those don't have to
washed as often.



3.  Use different colored cups for each
family member. Our family can go through
so many cups in one day, so we try to stick
with one cup per day. They each know their
color, so they can remember which cup to
drink out of and refill.

4. Have some type of shoe organization.
We have three shoebaskets. This is Lizzie's basket pictured
 here. She is 2 1/2 and knows exactly where to put her shoes
away and where to get them to put them on. We have
another by the front door and one by the back door.

This is our shoe basket by the back door. I keep
my own shoes in my bedroom. We mainly keep the
kids shoes in the baskets. Allan shoes tend to end up in
the baskets as well. These are shoes that they wear
most often like flip flops, sandals or athletic shoes.

Shoes that are worn less often or that are dressier
are kept in their rooms hanging on the inside of
closet doors in the organization pockets. I put
Victoria's boots in a large plastic bin in her closet.

5. Separate underwear & socks in containers in drawers.
All of the kids have a drawer with 2-4 containers. I buy the containers
at Target or Walmart for about $1. One is for underwear, one for socks,
one for tank tops (boys), and one for other accessories like belts.
This makes it really easy for the kids to put away their own clothes
and I don't have to fold their underwear.

6. Have a bag for almost every activity.
I store our most used bags in this basket next to our piano.
We have Lizzie's backpack, a piano bag, Ben's backpack,
 Nicholas' backpack and Victoria overnight bag since she is
always spending the night somewhere. We have other bags
that are used less frequently stored in our closets. 

Well I hope that I inspired some of you to go and clean out a drawer, a basket, or a closet. These are all examples of what works for our family. You may have a different idea that would work better for your space and your family. I just hope that I got you thinking and organizing.

Our 2011-2012 School Year

This post is for families who homeschool or just interested in seeing what we try to accomplish in a year. I've had several people suggest I post what type of curriculum I use for school so other families can see what homeschooling is like. We have only completed one year of homeschooling, so I am in no way an expert. I have received lots of advice from other homeschooling families, from websites, and homeschooling conventions. I am learning some subjects right along with my kids as I teach them. Last year I used mostly ABeka and Saxon since my kids had used that at their private school they had previously attended. We were very happy with those two curriculum choices, but we wanted to try something new. We have joined a program called Classical Conversations(CC for short) which you can read more about at http://www.classicalconversations.com/. We will be meeting with a local community of CC every week for 24 weeks this year. I am looking forward to it and what my kids and I will learn from other homeschooling families.

Here is what our year will look like:

Bible-
Character Building for Families (Both) This a great book that uses specific character traits (ex: truthfulness) and then uses the Bible to illustrate that character trait. It guides the parent with a script on what you can ask your children to make sure they are comprehending the verses and the meaning behind the story/verse. There are also 1-2 bible verses that they would memorize with each character trait. I used this part of last year.

Language -
ABeka Language 3, Spelling 3 (Nicholas)
Essentials of the English Language (Victoria)
Our Mother Tongue: A Guide to English Grammar (Victoria)
IEW for writing (Victoria)
U.S. History Based Writing Lessons IEW (Victoria)
Vocabulary from Classical Roots (Victoria)

Reading-
I don't assign reading books. We go to the library every couple of weeks. My kids read a lot! I am fortunate that I not need to motivate them to read. If I want them to read a book, I will simply leave it lying around and one of them will pick it up and start reading. They get reading comprehension from their history, science, and language assignments. They like to tell Allan and I about the books they've read verbally as well. I will probably have them also do a few simple book reports.

Math-
Saxon Math 3 (Nicholas)
Saxon Math 6/5 (Victoria)

History-
We are studying U.S. History this year and will check out many biographies and books on U.S. history.
ABeka Our American Heritage (Nicholas)
Story of the World Vol. 3 & 4
Veritas Press History Timeline Series (from Old Testament to Present)

Geography-
will learn to draw and memorize all 50 states and their capitals

Science-
Classical Acts and Facts Science Cards: Anatomy, Chemistry, & Origins
201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre & Incredible Experiments
My Body
We will also check out other books at the library on the human anatomy & chemistry. We'll be doing at least one science experiment per week with Classical Conversations. My kids love to do experiments, so I bought 10 experiment books for them to tinker with. I have just have to monitor Nicholas.

Extra-
Health for the Glory of God by Rod & Staff (both)
Choir (Victoria)
Piano (both)
Art - Drawing with Children (both), Discovering Great Artists (both), Classical Music for Dummies (both), will learn to play the tin whistle with Classical Conversations
P.E. - hiking, roller blading, biking, running, flag football(Nick), basketball, and other large motor skill activities
Computer - Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Version 18
Latin - through our Classical Conversations program we will learn John 1:1-7 in Latin

As I scroll back through this list it seems like a lot. We'll see what we can accomplish. We are not planning on going through each book entirely in one year. I left out a little of what we'll be doing with Classical Conversations. The CC program is lots of memory work for all the main subjects (Math, English, History, Science, Geography, and Latin). They'll be memorizing weekly grammar sentences or words in each subject which will help them as they get older and need that specific piece of information. Also, for hands-on projects they do a weekly science project and something with the arts as part of the CC program.

I pray that most importantly I rely on Christ in everything I do and say with my kids in teaching them this year. I am excited about our second year of homeschooling!!

Summer Fun With Cousins

The Kids & Their Cousins: Can you tell their related?

Last week the kids had a blast spending time with their cousins. We decided we were going to go to this really fun musuem in Temecula called Pennypickle's Workshop. We called up Maddie & Sammie to see if they wanted to join us. It was a long drive (1 1/2 hours) as Benjamin asked, "When are we going to be there, mommy?" I brought lunches for all and we ate those in the van since I didn't know where a park was near the musuem. Benjamin kept us laughing with his silliness. I braved watching through Old Towne Temecula shops with six kids & no stroller for Lizzie. My nieces helped to keep Lizzie & Benjamin safe while crossing the street and obeying rules. We had to use up about an 1 hour until the next session. The kids entertained themselves in a cute kids boutique with toys & expensive children's clothing. They actually behaved very well. We splurged and bought Starbucks drinks (coffee free for the kids).

Here's the scoop on the musuem we ventured to. Pennypickle's workshop/Temecula's Children's Musuem is a 7500 square feet home cluttered with hands-on inventions, gadgets, experiments...and kids won't even know they're learning as they play! You walk into a very fun gift shop with lots of different things to take home. We left with a small butterfly finger puppet, a finger printing kit, a purple, glitterly night light, a green heart-shaped stone and a whistle. As you enter Professor Pennypickle's home the staff tells you to look for a penny & a pickle together. At those spots there is always something for the kids to look at, turn, touch, crank, stack, etc, etc. The kids love this place because you can touch almost everything. For kids who can read, the staff will give you a scavenger hunt and they get a small prize at the end. This was our second time going and we had a blast! Check out their website before you go. I'd say it is great for 18months on up: http://www.pennypickles.org/

This is Professor Pennypickle's Library

Lizzie enjoyed sitting in the time travel chair as the lights
dimmed and upbeat music played.

Time for Fun

Last week we had spent every day at the doctor. Lizzie had an eye infection and Nicholas had to have a laceration from camp looked at on Monday at the pediatrician. On Tuesday Victoria and Benjamin went to the ENT for their biannual visit and auditory test. Both stayed the same with their hearing loss. The doctor did think they needed allergy medicine though. I had scheduled Victoria's 10 year check-up for Wednesday and thankfully she didn't need any shots. But that same morning I found out that Ben needed a TB test for transitional kindergarten. He was not happy, but was very brave after he realized that it really didn't hurt. On Thursday, I had scheduled Nicholas and Elizabeth's ENT biannual appointment for their auditory test. Lizzie had not slept well the night before and as I suspected she had an ear infection. Nicholas' hearing stayed the same and Lizzie is still showing no hearing loss. Yea!! Finally on Friday we only had to have Ben's arm looked at for his TB test. Then we ran all of his paperwork over to the school district's office. He is now officially enrolled in a transitional kindergarten class. I even know his teacher's name. So after a week of doctor's visit we were ready for some fun.

First we met up with some friends at the Belmont Pier for this pirate festival. The kids did crafts, a treasure hunt, obstacle course, and a giant slide. We couldn't resist the yummy selling kettle corn. The best part was

hanging out in the shade watching our kids beat on buckets with wooden sticks. One of the craft ladies brought them over to us. Then we all headed over to Chili's to meet up with more friends for lunch. It was fun just hanging out with friends, enjoying our beautiful weather and watching our kids have fun!

A craft to lift the spirits (fill an egg with some favorite things,
seal with stickers, and as you shake it think positive thoughts)

The kids had a blast beating the buckets and drawing
in the sand with the sticks. We enjoyed the shade.

Mommy and daddy are letting me make lots
of beautiful noise. I'm a beach princess!

Moms Have Needs Too

I have been overwhelmed lately with life. Raising kids and taking care of a home is not easy. Then add homeschooling on top of it all. I realized that I spend very little time on myself. As I read a book, "What Every Mom Needs", I was reminded that I have needs too. Somehow my needs get pushed aside because I'm so busy making sure everyone else is happy and that their needs are met. I'm not trying to sound selfish or feeling sorry for myself. I'm just realizing that in order for me to be a happier mom, wife, and person I need to start taking care of myself. That way I can be more attentive and patient with my children. That way I can not be anger or frustrated with people. That way I can plan more fun in my life. My challenge for myself is to take better care of me. Here are some of the things I'd like to do more of: - Spend time with friends
- Exercise more constitently
- Visit the doctor - get a physcial - check my health
- Get a pedicure
- Enjoy a movie with friends or my husband
- Go out to dinner once per month alone with my husband
- Go to the beach or park alone (and walk or journal or read my bible)
- Have unplanned fun (and be okay that it's not preplanned)
- Get a haircut & color weave more often
- Read my bible 15-20 minutes daily (uninterrupted)
- More one-on-one time with each child (mother/child dates)
These are just a few things that I quickly thought of.

The first page of this book I'm reading, read...
           Mom, what do you need most?

A sanity check.
To know that I'm normal.
To know that I'm a good mother.
Acceptance.
Encouragement.
Support.
Time.
Time with my husband.
Time off.
Time alone.
Time with God.
Patience.
More energy.
A break.
A nap.
A housekeeper.
A secretary.
A nanny.
A dishwasher that loads itself and a vacuum that runs by remote control.
A vacation.
Adult conversation.
Friends.
A best friend.
Someone to understand how I feel.
To know that being a mother is important.

As I read this list I began to cry. Yes, this is what I need! All of them is exactly what I need. I've somehow forgotten how to take care of myself these past few years. I want to be completely happy with who I am, how I treat others, and how I honor God. I am glad that I can recognize what I need. Now the next step is just doing it.

One of my favorite places to relax and read is the beach.

Pedicures are great! I am in need of one.

Discipline

Ben scrubbing the tiles with a toothbrush.

Of all our kids, Benjamin has been the one we've had to discipline the most. Or maybe just the one who has gotten caught the most. He does things he KNOWS he is not supposed to do, but does them anyways because he WANTS to. Also, he says things that he KNOWS he shouldn't say, but says them out of anger, disappointment and frustration. Sometimes it's tough being the parent because we have to be sure that they understand that their behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We vary the punishment based on the crime. I honestly can't remember what he did wrong to receive the punishment of cleaning some of the tiles in the bathroom. He admitted, "Mom, this is really hard work!" We have many other consequences for our children's actions like taking away TV, computer, or Wii priviledges, not allowing them to go on a fun day trip or hanging out with a friend, taking away part of or an entire allowance, and there are many more. I sometimes have the kids do a time out, but that is more time for all of us to cool off and not just a punishment. As a parent I feel like I am constantly correctly and repeating myself about the same things. I'm trying to be more positive and looking for the good in my kids. I am looking forward to the future to see how these four kiddos will turn out. Will they listen to our advice? Will they be anything like Allan and I? Will they follow Jesus? Only time will tell the future.

Father's Day



We had a great weekend with family! On Saturday Allan's parent's Flora and Jim came over to visit. Allan's mom always brings some type of Filipino food over for us to warm up and have later for dinner. This time it was Sinagong soup(pictured below). Allan said my picture doesn't look too appetizing, but we all really enjoyed it. Then Saturday we had my parent's over for lunch. Sunday afternnon, Victoria and Nicholas could not wait for us to take them to Super Summer Camp. They are gone for an entire week. This is Nicholas first time and Victoria's third time going. It is sorta strange not having them around. It is less busy, less noisy, and less fun. I miss having them around playing with their younger siblings, but they'll be back in no time and I'll be ready for a break. I had a conversation with Victoria before she left. I asked her if she was okay with one of her who had invited a friend to come. She is friends with most of the girls in her cabin, but she has become closer to one of the girls. I just wanted to know how she felt. She said, "Oh yeah, I am excited that her friend is going because she doesn't know Jesus." Ah, my little girl is so smart, so sweet, and loves the Lord with all her heart, all her mind and all her soul. I was so proud of her response.

Flora's Sinagong Soup with beef, peppers, green beans, bok choy,
potatoes, and the sinagong soup powder/mix. Allan said the picture
doesn't do it justice. We all love it!



My dad and my kids on Father's day. The kids were extra silly
since they had ice cream in their bellies & we were headed off
to drop Victoria & Nicholas at camp.

Allan with his two little girls. I know they look just like him.

Victoria in her cabin "The Fab Flamingos". This is where
she is sleeping for a week. 

Nicholas chose the top bunk and he is in the cabin
"The Mowgli Mob".



Allan relaxing after a long day on our new outdoor loveseat.
I got a great deal on the loveseat, 2 chairs & a coffeetable.
We just took out our jacuzzi and so we needed something to fill the space.
Allan is the best dad to our four little monkeys. I am so blessed to have him
as a husband and a dad to our kids.