Someone sent this to me on facebook...totally true.
If you are the mother of a boy, or three boys (like me), you have to read this.
If you are the mother of a boy, or three boys (like me), you have to read this.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Look Up from your phone
I am posting what I saw on Facebook, that taught me a good lesson.
Look Up
http://blog.petflow.com/this-is-a-video-everyone-needs-to-see-for-the-first-time-in-my-life-im-speechless/?utm_source=ilmd&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=speechless
Look Up
http://blog.petflow.com/this-is-a-video-everyone-needs-to-see-for-the-first-time-in-my-life-im-speechless/?utm_source=ilmd&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=speechless
Saturday, March 29, 2014
End of The Experiment reward
Here we are at the end of 6 months worth of getting rid of youth entitlement in our home. What a journey.
Here is the breakdown of their challenges:
Keep bed made and the floor of the room clear every day
Cook one meal a week (including setting table and loading dishwasher)
Put away personal laundry
Get out of comfort zone and do service with a smile
Get ready for school on time
Toilets: aim and keep them clean once a week.
As a reward for their hard work, and taking on challenges with no complaining every month, they got to plan and host their own party during Spring Break. They each got $20 and could do whatever they wanted.
Zach decided to do a Bake and Blend Party and used his money to buy treats and ingredients. He invited 3 close buddies, and they had a bake off. In the end, each team ended up making chocolate muffins, but they learned a few things about baking without a recipe, and had fun cracking eggs. Then, they got to blend a personal smoothie. They took some time in between to build Lego, and talk about school. The teams were tied at the end, so they had a Wii basketball tournament to decide the winner. They boys all stayed one hour longer, since they were having so much fun!
Tyler wanted a Chuck the Chicken party. He used the money to buy plastic chickens to throw around. He invited 4 friends, and they had a incredible time throwing around the chickens, playing carnival games, going for an egg hunt, drawing on hard boiled eggs, and building Lego (of course...no one comes to our home without building something from Lego). After lunch, they took a time out to watch one of Tyler's favorite TV shows Tron, with some popcorn. It was a noisy time, having the boys race around, but his party was a success, and he felt proud to be in charge of everything.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Seven Habits of Happy Kids
This week we have been readying the Seven Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey. It is a picture book, with a bunch of characters that the kids can relate to, and in so doing they can apply the good habits in their lives. We can use the common words together now when there is a problem. If Tyler does not want to do homework, I might say, "We need to put first things first" and he will know I don't want him to procrastinate.
This book teaches them proper principles that are needed more than ever. Each chapter covers one habit, and at the end there is a parent/teacher page to help kids take small steps in developing this habit. At the end of the book is a diagram of how the habits work together.
I have read all the stories over and over, and it is the book they ask for at night. Each time, we ask them questions from the end of the chapter, and we talk about how we can work on it.
Great book.
This book teaches them proper principles that are needed more than ever. Each chapter covers one habit, and at the end there is a parent/teacher page to help kids take small steps in developing this habit. At the end of the book is a diagram of how the habits work together.
I have read all the stories over and over, and it is the book they ask for at night. Each time, we ask them questions from the end of the chapter, and we talk about how we can work on it.
Great book.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Great Snacks for Winter Activities
Here are some great ideas for healthy snacks in the winter. I always find this stuff great when I bring the kids out, and they are begging for something to eat. If they are hungry, they will eat anything, especially something we nickname the power bar!
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/12-healthy-snacks-for-winter-activities-1.2542035
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/12-healthy-snacks-for-winter-activities-1.2542035
Monday, February 10, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
The Experiment. One more month to go
Here it is February already. One more month left in our getting rid of youth entitlement experiment. It has been a long road, but a worthwhile one. Having them take more responsibility has helped everyone around our home. We have tackled bedrooms, meals, laundry, doing service, and getting ready for school on time, so our final challenge is the toilets. That is right, toilets. We saved the best until last. In a home with three young boys, you can image what our toilets look like some days. Hmmm..do we work on their aim, or have them learn to clean it up when they miss? HAHAHAHA!
We are going to start the month with some target shooting. Yep, we have to make it fun. We are going to put something in the toilet...doesn't really matter what it is...have them shoot to sink it, and celebrate a good hit. I know this sounds silly, but getting them excited about it, will save me all the trouble of cleaning around the base of the toilet everyday.
Then, I will demonstrate a missed shot, with yellow coloured water in a spray bottle, and have them figure out the best way to clean it up. After hands are washed, we will discuss the importance of keeping our bathroom clean, and the consequence will be one coin (harsh, I know). If I find pee at the back, or around the bottom of the toilet, one coin from every kid (because I won't know who did it, so they all lose). I am experimenting to find out if they will clean up someone else's mess, or if they will remind each other, or if they will always hit the target...we shall see.
Here we go, the final stage of our experiment. TOILETS
We are going to start the month with some target shooting. Yep, we have to make it fun. We are going to put something in the toilet...doesn't really matter what it is...have them shoot to sink it, and celebrate a good hit. I know this sounds silly, but getting them excited about it, will save me all the trouble of cleaning around the base of the toilet everyday.
Then, I will demonstrate a missed shot, with yellow coloured water in a spray bottle, and have them figure out the best way to clean it up. After hands are washed, we will discuss the importance of keeping our bathroom clean, and the consequence will be one coin (harsh, I know). If I find pee at the back, or around the bottom of the toilet, one coin from every kid (because I won't know who did it, so they all lose). I am experimenting to find out if they will clean up someone else's mess, or if they will remind each other, or if they will always hit the target...we shall see.
Here we go, the final stage of our experiment. TOILETS
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Some cool apps
For Christmas my husband got me an ipad mini, to keep me organized, and send me reminders of all the things I forget in one day. It has been so much fun finding apps that are helpful to my life as a busy mom. I will tell you of a few, since they go along with our goals for 2014.
Our main goals this year is to complete Baby Step 3 in the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It has been a few years since we have become debt free, and we have never reached the point where we have 6 months of income saved for emergencies (there always seems to be something that comes up that needs our money more!). So, if we have to save 6 months of Scott's income, we have to do one of two things...either we earn more money, or we decrease in our spending. We have opted to decrease spending, to see how much we can really budget (especially in the area of groceries, since this gets out of control)
My next goal is to watch my health (not to lose weight, or run more, or any other goal that I might not complete), but to simply track my health and make better decisions.
So, with these two goals in mind, I went app shopping.
Goal 1 - Save money - Apps: MINT and Grocery IQ
Goal 2 - Be Healthy - Apps: Seven and Lose It
Grocery IQ - Grocery shopping made quick and easy with the features you expect from the #1 grocery shopping list app. Build lists from our extensive product database using text, barcode, or voice search; sync and share lists with other devices and the GroceryiQ.com website
MINT.com-Not only does it provide a birds-eye-view of your income, spending and investments, but Mint also recommends ways to save money on bank fees, credit card rates and insurance. Best of all, it’s free.
Seven - * No workout equipment & just minutes a day
* Fun achievements and rewards to keep you motivated
* Based on the 7-minute workout featured in NY Times Magazine
Lose It - Lose It! helps you set a daily calorie budget, track your food and exercise, and stay motivated to make smarter choices and achieve your goal. We think it’s the best, most seamless weight loss system available.
If any of you know of some more excellent apps to use, please tell me. I am looking for a place to store my weekly food menus, and to collect my most favorite recipes too.
Our main goals this year is to complete Baby Step 3 in the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It has been a few years since we have become debt free, and we have never reached the point where we have 6 months of income saved for emergencies (there always seems to be something that comes up that needs our money more!). So, if we have to save 6 months of Scott's income, we have to do one of two things...either we earn more money, or we decrease in our spending. We have opted to decrease spending, to see how much we can really budget (especially in the area of groceries, since this gets out of control)
My next goal is to watch my health (not to lose weight, or run more, or any other goal that I might not complete), but to simply track my health and make better decisions.
So, with these two goals in mind, I went app shopping.
Goal 1 - Save money - Apps: MINT and Grocery IQ
Goal 2 - Be Healthy - Apps: Seven and Lose It
Grocery IQ - Grocery shopping made quick and easy with the features you expect from the #1 grocery shopping list app. Build lists from our extensive product database using text, barcode, or voice search; sync and share lists with other devices and the GroceryiQ.com website
MINT.com-Not only does it provide a birds-eye-view of your income, spending and investments, but Mint also recommends ways to save money on bank fees, credit card rates and insurance. Best of all, it’s free.
Seven - * No workout equipment & just minutes a day
* Fun achievements and rewards to keep you motivated
* Based on the 7-minute workout featured in NY Times Magazine
Lose It - Lose It! helps you set a daily calorie budget, track your food and exercise, and stay motivated to make smarter choices and achieve your goal. We think it’s the best, most seamless weight loss system available.
If any of you know of some more excellent apps to use, please tell me. I am looking for a place to store my weekly food menus, and to collect my most favorite recipes too.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Month 5 of the Experiment: Get ready on time
Month 5...Change of Plans
Well, this Experiment to get rid of youth entitlement has been difficult to stick with, but we are seeing some nice results.
Here are some of the things that are happening...
- Zach sleeps on top of his blankets, so he doesn't have to remember to make his bed
- Tyler loves to cook and offers to help all the time
-Zach has put all his spending money into his savings account, and is working to buy his own DS (since we will not get one for him!).
- Tyler continually helps his little brother to keep their room clean.
- All three boys come right away when I call them for laundry, and have successfully been able to put away their piles on their own. (I make the piles, and they grab them and go....we found it more effective this way. I do not fold, just put things in the right piles so there is not fighting)
- The boys have realized that a simple meal means less dishes and less clean up.
- They have to remind their Dad that they can do it on their own now.
- We have gained a sense of self and community through our service acts in December, and I have seen a huge change in Tyler with his courage to talk to others.
- Each boy used their own money to buy each other gifts for Christmas, and they felt so much more joy on Christmas morning when we opened gifts.
Our plan was to start with toilets and home repair in January, but there has been a change of plans. We are struggling with getting out the door in the morning without shouting/fighting...so.....our challenge in January is to be ready on time. Our plan is to give them one warning, let's say at 7:50am. At this time, they need to have eaten breakfast, be dressed, teeth brushed, shoes and jacket on, and bookbag packed. At 8:00am, we load up in the van and leave. The toughest part is not reminding them, or scolding them. I help out the little guy still of course, he is 3, but the others are on their own. At 7, and 9, they know the routine.
We discussed it at the family meeting Sunday night, and Monday morning it started. The first thing Zach realized is that he needs an alarm clock. We put the things that needed to be completed on the chalkboard, and pointed them out, only when asked questions, like, "What do we have to have done again?". The less talking the better.
We have been able to do it two days in a row. We quietly get ready, and at the warning...10 mins before we have to leave...the boys scramble to brush teeth, grab their bags and head to the door. It is amazing how they really can get it all done in 10 mins.
They only lose 1 coin for not completing this part of the experiment. If they make it in time, and forgot their bag (and Mom has to go back for it) 1 coin. If they are near the door, without shoes on when it is time, 1 coin. You get the idea. We have found that you have to be tough the first week, so they actually lose a coin or two, before they get the hang of it. You are not here to negotiate, you are here to teach them how to take care of themselves.
Well, this Experiment to get rid of youth entitlement has been difficult to stick with, but we are seeing some nice results.
Here are some of the things that are happening...
- Zach sleeps on top of his blankets, so he doesn't have to remember to make his bed
- Tyler loves to cook and offers to help all the time
-Zach has put all his spending money into his savings account, and is working to buy his own DS (since we will not get one for him!).
- Tyler continually helps his little brother to keep their room clean.
- All three boys come right away when I call them for laundry, and have successfully been able to put away their piles on their own. (I make the piles, and they grab them and go....we found it more effective this way. I do not fold, just put things in the right piles so there is not fighting)
- The boys have realized that a simple meal means less dishes and less clean up.
- They have to remind their Dad that they can do it on their own now.
- We have gained a sense of self and community through our service acts in December, and I have seen a huge change in Tyler with his courage to talk to others.
- Each boy used their own money to buy each other gifts for Christmas, and they felt so much more joy on Christmas morning when we opened gifts.
Our plan was to start with toilets and home repair in January, but there has been a change of plans. We are struggling with getting out the door in the morning without shouting/fighting...so.....our challenge in January is to be ready on time. Our plan is to give them one warning, let's say at 7:50am. At this time, they need to have eaten breakfast, be dressed, teeth brushed, shoes and jacket on, and bookbag packed. At 8:00am, we load up in the van and leave. The toughest part is not reminding them, or scolding them. I help out the little guy still of course, he is 3, but the others are on their own. At 7, and 9, they know the routine.
We discussed it at the family meeting Sunday night, and Monday morning it started. The first thing Zach realized is that he needs an alarm clock. We put the things that needed to be completed on the chalkboard, and pointed them out, only when asked questions, like, "What do we have to have done again?". The less talking the better.
We have been able to do it two days in a row. We quietly get ready, and at the warning...10 mins before we have to leave...the boys scramble to brush teeth, grab their bags and head to the door. It is amazing how they really can get it all done in 10 mins.
They only lose 1 coin for not completing this part of the experiment. If they make it in time, and forgot their bag (and Mom has to go back for it) 1 coin. If they are near the door, without shoes on when it is time, 1 coin. You get the idea. We have found that you have to be tough the first week, so they actually lose a coin or two, before they get the hang of it. You are not here to negotiate, you are here to teach them how to take care of themselves.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Service and Acts of Love
So, I was going to report all the service we have been doing this week, and then it hit me that all our service will be for naught if I tell everyone. I mean, isin't the point to serve and have no one know your good deeds? Hmmm. We have been doing such lovely things together as a family, baking, leaving gifts, making new friends, that I get excited and want to share our good feelings with others. I want others to feel the same joy we have with serving others. There are so many examples in the scriptures, that we need to love and serve one another, and in so doing will be blessed. I have seen the blessings that come from doing good to others, and we look forward to many more days of doing service with a smile.
I must say one thing, the highlight of the week was going to the Fire Department to drop off goodies. It happened to be the first day of snow, and there were alot of calls for the firetruck that day. We came just as a group was finishing a long shift, and they were more than happy to show the boys the truck, and the equipment. It was a lovely experience, and we hope that we have the same feelings of joy and love when we sing at the hospital at the end of this week.
May you all find some small way to serve someone else, and seek the blessings of doing good to others.
I must say one thing, the highlight of the week was going to the Fire Department to drop off goodies. It happened to be the first day of snow, and there were alot of calls for the firetruck that day. We came just as a group was finishing a long shift, and they were more than happy to show the boys the truck, and the equipment. It was a lovely experience, and we hope that we have the same feelings of joy and love when we sing at the hospital at the end of this week.
May you all find some small way to serve someone else, and seek the blessings of doing good to others.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Fun doing service
The first week is done, and we have had so much fun doing our service with a smile.
This week, we brought donations to the food bank, dropped off toys to the school toy drive, helped cook a dish for our church Christmas party, gave gifts to our basketball coaches to thank them, and sang for someone who is very sick in the hospital. My boys favorite thing this week was when we drove through Tim Hortons, and paid for the order behind us. They were so excited, they asked me to drive slow, so they could watch the people's faces behind us, when they came to the window and the lady told them their order had been paid for. They found so much joy in sharing, and look forward to doing more this week. One day we had to give 5 compliments to people, and really mean them. They reported at dinner time, who they complimented, or helped, and how it made them feel.
I am really enjoying this season much more, when we have something kind to do each day. Tonight we are dropping off goodies to our local fire department, and the boys hope they will get to see the fire truck up close!
They are also starting to talk about getting each other gifts, with the money they have been saving up. This has been a nice change, since most of the time they only think about themselves. Maybe we will conquer this youth entitlement afterall.
This week, we brought donations to the food bank, dropped off toys to the school toy drive, helped cook a dish for our church Christmas party, gave gifts to our basketball coaches to thank them, and sang for someone who is very sick in the hospital. My boys favorite thing this week was when we drove through Tim Hortons, and paid for the order behind us. They were so excited, they asked me to drive slow, so they could watch the people's faces behind us, when they came to the window and the lady told them their order had been paid for. They found so much joy in sharing, and look forward to doing more this week. One day we had to give 5 compliments to people, and really mean them. They reported at dinner time, who they complimented, or helped, and how it made them feel.
I am really enjoying this season much more, when we have something kind to do each day. Tonight we are dropping off goodies to our local fire department, and the boys hope they will get to see the fire truck up close!
They are also starting to talk about getting each other gifts, with the money they have been saving up. This has been a nice change, since most of the time they only think about themselves. Maybe we will conquer this youth entitlement afterall.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Is your shopping under control?
Around this time of the year, we all hit the stores and shop like crazy trying to get everyone the perfect gift. They we buy, and buy and buy some more. If you are like me, I forget what I already have, and see a terrific item on sale, and think "That would be perfect", and I buy it. My kids do not need much, and we try hard not to spoil them (this is part of them growing up not expecting so much too!)
My sister gave me a great idea last year to keep shopping under control.
My sister gave me a great idea last year to keep shopping under control.
Each kid gets something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.
That is it. We buy 4 gifts for each child. I am finding it difficult as their toy want list keeps growing, but I am going to stick with the plan. Santa brings them their favorite thing, and other family members get them things too, so why do we feel as parents that we have to get every item on the list to make them happy. Does that really make them happy? Saturday, November 30, 2013
The Experiment at Christmastime
We are now on to month #4 in the ongoing getting rid of youth entitlement experiment here in our home. Since Christmas is just around the corner, we decided to give the kids a bit of a break. Not much, just a bit!
They are currently keeping their rooms clean, beds made, making meals and cleaning up once a week, and doing laundry without a complaint (at least not too many complaints. I still find some clothes just dumped on a chair in the room, so I just take 2 coins, and eventually those clothes are put where they belong).
Today we cashed in, and the boys were asking what the next challenge is. I am grateful they are still happy to participate.
For December, we are doing SERVICE WITH A SMILE. Every day on our advent calendar there will be a piece of paper that will say what we are going to do that day to serve someone else. Yes, that is right, every day this entire month.
We created a list of things we could do together, and Mom filled in the rest. I wanted to include things that would really help them to overcome being shy with others. Otherwise, we will be making cookies everyday and dropping them on people's doorsteps and running away. They have to learn to show proper manners when giving.
Here is our list:
They are currently keeping their rooms clean, beds made, making meals and cleaning up once a week, and doing laundry without a complaint (at least not too many complaints. I still find some clothes just dumped on a chair in the room, so I just take 2 coins, and eventually those clothes are put where they belong).
Today we cashed in, and the boys were asking what the next challenge is. I am grateful they are still happy to participate.
For December, we are doing SERVICE WITH A SMILE. Every day on our advent calendar there will be a piece of paper that will say what we are going to do that day to serve someone else. Yes, that is right, every day this entire month.
We created a list of things we could do together, and Mom filled in the rest. I wanted to include things that would really help them to overcome being shy with others. Otherwise, we will be making cookies everyday and dropping them on people's doorsteps and running away. They have to learn to show proper manners when giving.
Here is our list:
1. Donate a new
toy to the school
2. Donate food
to food bank (at the church party and craft fair entrance)
3. Donate
clothing/bedding to Phillippines
4. Donate an
item for an adopted family (Scott’s work and Tyler’s class)
5. Attend the
Church Christmas Dinner (make a dish to share)
6.Attend a Christmas
Musical (give a gift to one of the performers)
7. Attend the
Kids Christmas Active Party (make a new friend)
8. Be Secret
Elves to 2 families (wrap all gifts, put on doorstep, ring bell and run)
9. Drive around
looking at Christmas lights and leave money donations if they are asking
10. Sing Carols
on Christmas Eve to our neighbours
11. Hold an open
house and invite the street over.
12. Give gifts
to elderly single men and women that we know.
13. Sort through
toys and find good condition ones we don’t use and donate to toy bank
14. Make and
give cookies to our missionaries and friends
15. Give special German cookies in cloth bag to our teachers and wish them a Merry Christmas!
16. Set up our
Christmas Tree and spend time together
17. Make
ornaments for the tree (paper/ribbon in glass balls)
18. Record a
song as a family and send via email to friends/family.
19. Deliver goodies to our local Fire and Police Departments
20. Sing songs at the Care home.
21. Leave a special surprise for the mail carrier (in the mail box)
22. Serve each other. Do something nice in secret for each other.
23. Go shopping and pick out a gift for a member of the family
24. Smile at everyone you see today, and remember to say thank you
25. Donate warm clothes to our local homeless
26. Invite someone over for dinner that is all alone on Christmas.
27. Drive through Tim Hortons and pay for the persons order behind us
28. Compliment 5 people today and really mean it
29. Do something kind for someone today and tell us about it at dinnertime
30. Make Christmas cards and give to our friends and family
31. Shovel snow for someone else (or take in their garbage if there is no snow)
If you need more ideas:
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Moving on to Month 3 of The Experiment
October is done, and the boys were successful in making meals and cleaning up. I really love this experiment...taking it ONE THING AT A TIME. I have to say it works so much better than making a huge chore chart, and me trying to keep track of who did what...and nagging them to get their chores done. They feel more capable, and they see (or don't see) the reward at the end of the month.
They do not make their beds every day (Zach lost 7 coins this month), and they complain when it is their turn to clean up the dishes (everyone loves to cook..but the cleaning up is always tough). Hey, they are kids. I don't expect them to be perfect, or act happy about doing the dishes. Even I don't like doing the dishes! But, the success comes when the boys say, "It is my turn to cook tonight, and this is what we are having..."
November, we are going to tackle laundry. At first, we thought we would give each kid their own day, but it will be difficult for Tyler and Luke (who share a room) to sort out clothes, etc..and we can see potential problems with that. So, instead, I will show each boy how to do the laundry (from beginning to end, both machines)...and then they are responsible for taking their own clothes from the clean/dry pile, folding them and putting them away (on the days I do laundry...usually Wed and Sat). If they don't do their own clothes, I take 2 coins.
So, today...the laundry is done...I ask everyone to come to our bedroom (because that is where the clean laundry goes in our home...on our bed!). I explain the challenge for the month, and say we can do this one all together. So, each person attacks the pile...Luke many times scampering over the top of the clean clothes...and we each pick out what is ours. We have a quick lesson on tucking things right side out, and at least folding the piece of clothing in half, and then everyone races to put the clothes in the right spot in their own bedroom. Laundry done. So fast. So fun.
Zach has already figured out that if he waits until everyone else is done, he can just take the rest (which will most likely be all his) and be done.
They do not make their beds every day (Zach lost 7 coins this month), and they complain when it is their turn to clean up the dishes (everyone loves to cook..but the cleaning up is always tough). Hey, they are kids. I don't expect them to be perfect, or act happy about doing the dishes. Even I don't like doing the dishes! But, the success comes when the boys say, "It is my turn to cook tonight, and this is what we are having..."
November, we are going to tackle laundry. At first, we thought we would give each kid their own day, but it will be difficult for Tyler and Luke (who share a room) to sort out clothes, etc..and we can see potential problems with that. So, instead, I will show each boy how to do the laundry (from beginning to end, both machines)...and then they are responsible for taking their own clothes from the clean/dry pile, folding them and putting them away (on the days I do laundry...usually Wed and Sat). If they don't do their own clothes, I take 2 coins.
So, today...the laundry is done...I ask everyone to come to our bedroom (because that is where the clean laundry goes in our home...on our bed!). I explain the challenge for the month, and say we can do this one all together. So, each person attacks the pile...Luke many times scampering over the top of the clean clothes...and we each pick out what is ours. We have a quick lesson on tucking things right side out, and at least folding the piece of clothing in half, and then everyone races to put the clothes in the right spot in their own bedroom. Laundry done. So fast. So fun.
Zach has already figured out that if he waits until everyone else is done, he can just take the rest (which will most likely be all his) and be done.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
More food from the boys
Meals brought to you by Zach, Tyler and Luke:
Poutine Dogs
(yes...that would be homemade french fries, gravy and cheese on a hotdog)
Sausage, Eggs and Freshly picked garden vegetables
(they even tried a parsnip for the first time)
Pita Pizza
(Tyler made it easy for himself and had everyone make their own!)
Sushi
(yes...made at home, from scratch...Zach is very ambitious)
Vegetable Soup
(all the boys want to do this one...because it involves a lot of chopping...but we have to spread it out)
Friday, October 18, 2013
Mom lost two coins
Yep, the boys called me on it...I lost two coins today. I guess that a really angry/scary face means I am yelling...at least they think so. I got upset today, getting the kids in the van, and asked them all to sit down now...with a very angry face. Zach piped up and said, "Mom, you lose a coin for yelling"..then...I shouted, "I was not yelling". Opps. They got me! HAHAHAHA! I can laugh now, because they took two coins, and I am learning fast how to keep my cool in front of them. I was on such a good streak..oh well..all I can do is try harder tomorrow, right? No one is perfect..but it doesn't mean we can't try hard to be close.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Clean up your diet in 5 weeks
Clean up your diet in 5 weeks!
I saw a cool poster of this online, with neat pictures, but did not attach it to my blog, because of inappropriate language. I really want to keep this blog clean too... to help people focus on the positive.
Here is the summary of the poster:
Eating clean means whole, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. It also means staying away from the junk that typically makes up our diet. So, no more man made sugar, bad fats, preservatives, white bread, and any other fake unnecessary ingredients.
Week 1 - Add REAL fruits and REAL vegetables to every meal.
Week 2 - No more fast food
Week 3 - Give up white breads and grains. Switch to whole wheat.
Week 4 - Use a fruit or vegetable as the base of every snack.
Week 5 - No more soda or sugary drinks
After 5 weeks, you will be feeling cleaner, and more energetic. Challenge yourself and start today...don't make the mistake of waiting to start until the beginning of the week..or month...just start today!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
So, what did we eat?
When the Friesen boys make dinner, here is what it looks like:
Luke - Quesidillas.
He used leftover Asian chicken (from the previous night), and shredded cheddar cheese (from a bag). He picked out green tortillas, and put everything on himself. We did two large circles on a cookie tray to make it easier, and just put them in the oven to heat up. Then, he cut up (yes, with my help!) mushrooms and peppers to eat raw. For dessert, he served pumpkin pie (since there was some leftover too!) He loved the chance to do everything himself..no brothers around..and he was so proud to serve it to his family. Everyone praised him so well. We even got sour cream for Zach, because he knew that his big brother liked that "white dipping sauce".
Tyler - Spaghetti and Meatballs.
No short cuts for this guy. He wanted to make the meatballs from scratch, and he did. He loved getting messy with the raw meat, and was thrilled to make each ball (some bigger than others..and he made sure those were on his plate!). He was amazed at how easy it was. The pot full of hot water was heavy for him...especially when trying to strain it, so Mom stepped in there. He loved using the timers, and even more enjoyed it when he got to do something else while waiting for the beeper to go off. He served raw carrots for the veggie. He liked peeling, but was worried about cutting them. I replied that he could cut them however he wanted...even big chunks and we would eat them. He heated up the tomato sauce from a jar, and even put it in a gravy boat to serve it. He chose popsicles for dessert.
Zach - Mac and Tac.
That is what he calls it. My creative son, created a macaroni and cheese mix with Taco ingredients. He made the Mac and Cheese no problem, grill the ground beef, and put in whatever spices he wanted. He loves the experimental part of cooking. He added lots of garlic and onion powder! Then he mixed the two together and called it MacNTac. Cold veggies from the fridge were served, some that were already cut up (he is a smart kid), as well as a salad (he chopped up the greens) and he served cookies for dessert (frozen ones that were made weeks before). At first he was going to put sourcream, lettice, and salsa on top, but once the food was made, he decided against it. Instead, he put out the toppings to let everyone chose for themselves. No one did but anything on top the MacNTac, but he wasn't offended, because he didn't want to either!
Each boy set the entire table, served the meal, poured the drinks, and clean up afterwards. The best part was actually hand washing dishes with each son. Most of them went in the dishwasher, but there always a few leftover and it was great fun to stand together at the sink. They washed, and I rinshed/dried (that way super control Mom could make sure they were clean!). HAHAHAHA! It also gave me a chance to thank them for the meal and praise their efforts.
So far, I am loving this experiment.
Who says that you need to eat cooked vegetables at dinner?
Luke - Quesidillas.
He used leftover Asian chicken (from the previous night), and shredded cheddar cheese (from a bag). He picked out green tortillas, and put everything on himself. We did two large circles on a cookie tray to make it easier, and just put them in the oven to heat up. Then, he cut up (yes, with my help!) mushrooms and peppers to eat raw. For dessert, he served pumpkin pie (since there was some leftover too!) He loved the chance to do everything himself..no brothers around..and he was so proud to serve it to his family. Everyone praised him so well. We even got sour cream for Zach, because he knew that his big brother liked that "white dipping sauce".
Tyler - Spaghetti and Meatballs.
No short cuts for this guy. He wanted to make the meatballs from scratch, and he did. He loved getting messy with the raw meat, and was thrilled to make each ball (some bigger than others..and he made sure those were on his plate!). He was amazed at how easy it was. The pot full of hot water was heavy for him...especially when trying to strain it, so Mom stepped in there. He loved using the timers, and even more enjoyed it when he got to do something else while waiting for the beeper to go off. He served raw carrots for the veggie. He liked peeling, but was worried about cutting them. I replied that he could cut them however he wanted...even big chunks and we would eat them. He heated up the tomato sauce from a jar, and even put it in a gravy boat to serve it. He chose popsicles for dessert.
Zach - Mac and Tac.
That is what he calls it. My creative son, created a macaroni and cheese mix with Taco ingredients. He made the Mac and Cheese no problem, grill the ground beef, and put in whatever spices he wanted. He loves the experimental part of cooking. He added lots of garlic and onion powder! Then he mixed the two together and called it MacNTac. Cold veggies from the fridge were served, some that were already cut up (he is a smart kid), as well as a salad (he chopped up the greens) and he served cookies for dessert (frozen ones that were made weeks before). At first he was going to put sourcream, lettice, and salsa on top, but once the food was made, he decided against it. Instead, he put out the toppings to let everyone chose for themselves. No one did but anything on top the MacNTac, but he wasn't offended, because he didn't want to either!
Each boy set the entire table, served the meal, poured the drinks, and clean up afterwards. The best part was actually hand washing dishes with each son. Most of them went in the dishwasher, but there always a few leftover and it was great fun to stand together at the sink. They washed, and I rinshed/dried (that way super control Mom could make sure they were clean!). HAHAHAHA! It also gave me a chance to thank them for the meal and praise their efforts.
So far, I am loving this experiment.
Who says that you need to eat cooked vegetables at dinner?
Sunday, October 6, 2013
A Healthier Halloween
Halloween is quickly approaching and we all know that it is traditionally all about candy...which can mean lots of sugar, fat, and calories. If you are hoping to keep your kids healthy during this sugar-heavy time of year, consider trying some of these tips.
Have children pick their five favourite treats from their bag, then use one of these suggestions below for the remainder of their candy.
- Switch out some of the treats they've collected for ones that are lower in calories and fat. Some favourites are dark chocolate, red licorice, or hard candies.
- Provide the option of trading in some or all of their candy for a toy or book they've been eyeing.
- Stock your own trick or treat bowl with healthier choices such as raisins, pencils, stickers, or passes to a local community centre.
- Provide an opportunity for them to earn back their treats through activities that can help burn calories. This helps teach them that if we burn off more energy, we can splurge on extra treats.
Check this out: 15 Healthy Halloween Snacks
And, if you are looking for something different to hand out this year...try some of these on the chart below. If you can't read it, click it.
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