Lowes and IKEA! = "spectactular" garage storage!

I have an idea... get organized (again)!  I ventured into the man's area that my husband "Wanted to organize," so I let him -- now I had the time to fix that mistake!  We built our house on the design that my husband got the garage that he wanted.  I wasn't sold on the house until I got to monkey around with the "inside" design... Now I love it!  BUT -- HE was STILL unsatisfied with garage space... I think he is full of malarkey!  There is never enough of it -- I know, but build some storage and sort everything out!  When everything has its place its clear you can produce much more room.

So I got the inspired organizer in me out and got to thinking... We just needed to hide some of the junk we have!... Find that place for everything!...

Most important to me was to have a storage area for the not so pretty, but totally organizational thing known as "the big red tool holder," well to me anyways!!...aka Craftsman tool chest.  Also, the eyesore of a garbage can needed a place within our "let's get organized production."

Our garage has 2 single garage doors on the left side and 1 single garage door on the right side (YOU can find room in your garage too!  I know you can)... with an outstanding area calling my name for storage in the middle...some of the house (mudroom and bathroom) is located within it also.  So, with the perfect area configured and a set counter height (above the tool chest), length available for the project was determined (minus the garbage can).

Area before:

I had fallen in love with the IKEA organizing system of 3 buckets!  ADORABLE... All garage storage areas should be referred to as adorable right?  I HAD TO in cooperate these into my house in some way and since my kitchen was all set... I bought them for nail/screw/small parts storage solutions!   Ok so mine needed to be "adorable" and items needed to be stowed out of site -- as this work area is steps outside of the door I use the most to exit my house -- so obviously, if you know me there was NO WAY -- I would look at a mess when I head out. 

IKEA organization -- doesn't
it look stellar!

We measured the Craftsman tool chest and marked 2 inches above that measurement on the wall... Luckily, the electrical plug-in was in the perfect spot!  Great access for our workbench.  After much debate (can't go to Lowes -- or shopping period -- without a debate if we both go!), we agreed on the three unfinished cabinets shown below.  Just a quick quote I heard that fits our shopping experiences perfectly -- Going shopping with your husband, is like him hunting with the game warden!  = not much fun at all is it?!

The biggest challenge for us was the lower cabinet was too short to accommodate our tool chest height... we thought adding a nook above it by placing particle board on top of the cabinetry (because they are open) was the best use of space -- vs. something under it to lift the height.  With the added additional inches needed, we gained the perfect area for a small tool box that my grandpa thoughtfully developed especially for our wedding -- It contains many of his tools... so a special spot for a heartfelt box!

Peg Board -- What garage organization is complete without peg board!... so we had to add it too!  Most of the smaller tools had their place in the tool chest, but it is sooooo handy to have the hammer, screwdrivers, and a tape measure so easily accessible.  Someday I am still going to add our initial to the peg board (as seen on pinterest -- where else!?)... just a little more character to a fun, workable space!

After:

We are far from professionals -- but completely able to achieve the goal of garage organization for around $350!  We even had some extra shelving from inside the house for closet organization! so we added a shelf above the garage can.  Now there is a bit more "space" in this spacious garage... maybe I can avoid hearing about the lack of it for a little while -- until we acquire more tools I suppose!

Clownin' Around

Isaac did it... he made me nervous like I have never been before.  I guess I have been nervous about issues before, but I really hadn't had this feeling of not knowing if I was going to be able to correct this behavior or the fear that I wouldn't correct it in an effective way????  Doesn't that make sense... either way it needed to be straightened out ASAP.  I don't expect that my children aren't going to have struggles or issues at school, but not being there in person to take care of or actually see what is going on and how he is handling it... makes for a hard situation to correct. 

I believe in establishing right and wrongs AS the situation is evident.  So, it was my first experience as a parent to deal with an out of control situation without actually being about to take care of it right way....

What's this situation I am referring to?  Isaac decided he was going to be the Kindergarten Class Clown.... he was disrupting class by trying anything and everything to get his classmates to giggle, and when they did...it gave him the encouragement to strive from more.   

Where was this coming from?  Knowing me -- I wanted to find the REASONS behind the behavior... what has been going on? ...

Nothing much has changed in our schedules...I don't think it had been adequate time for Isaac to know the workload I have on me right now -- I have added 2 "nursing" classes to teach at the technical college to my already busy schedule, which of course are opposite of my normal teaching days...so now a full week of teaching incooperated into my 12 hour-night shift schedules.  I was asked to help out when the normal instructor had some family medical issues that she needed to cope with.  I was more than honored to be asked as I would love to be doing this work FULL TIME.. and sooner than later, but I don't think that is coming as quickly as I would like --- ANYWAYS.....The week Isaac was acting up I had just started this chaos of work and home life schedules.  So, I kind of ruled the "Mommy changes" out -- I know he doesn't like that I work nights -- him and me both --  but I have been doing this for 5 months now...it is hard to not sit down with family in the evening, afterall that's who I am and who I want my kids to become...I know there are plenty of families out there that struggle with shift work, I am not used to it.  Upside...he gives GREAT hugs when I say goodbye, my heart breaks everytime, both for the sweetness of the hug and the emotion he is feeling cuz I am leaving. -- so maybe if in a few weeks this happens again, this could be readdressed?  The worst part for me was trying to deal with behavior issues from the other end of a phone call.  The first night I knew of the incidents I was able to pick him up from daycare, but only had a few minutes to get to the bottom of it.

So what was going on/why was he needed to clown around?... I discussed it with a few parents at work  -- some ideas included:

Trying to impress others?  Maybe he felt the need to make different friends or fit in differently?  Is there a girl?  WOW -- I don't know...not ready to deal with that... but I suppose it is quite innocent at this age.

Is he bored?  He is quite smart if I do say so myself.  His reading is astonishing-- not that other Kindergarteners aren't reading at his levels, but very proud of his accomplishments.  His writing is amazing.  (It is crazy what they can accomplish in 1/2 year of their first year of school!)  Although, I am not convinced that this isn't the issue I have great doubts that it is.  They keep those students on their toes... and further more -- our school, maybe others?? -- is sooooo good and dividing up the students in activities to suit their strengths and weakness without really setting them into categories of smartness.  He often reminds me how much he loves school -- so how could this be the problem. 

Is there inappropriateness in the setting?... As one parent mentioned -- a poster of a baboon's naked red butt hanging around the classroom???  I have attended some classroom activities (like the RED Event) and have NEVER seen anything like that, although I see her point with "easy" to achieve a "good" laugh out of something like that...I would assume maturity levels are something that are of great concern in the big K... SO, HIGHLY doubtful, but I understand why she brought it up. 

I still don't understand what provoked the behavior...maybe nothing?

We as parents pressured him a bit to get this figured out-- when I first brought it up he started to cry... I told him that wasn't exceptable as we need to solve this and getting this empathy from me by crying wasn't going to cut it.  I wanted him to explain the situtation to me... he didn't do that very well, especially with some denial and lying going on...but we did accomplish that this wasn't exceptable behavior.  Actually, one of the first questions I asked him was, "who are the naughty kids in your class?" -- he named 2 kids and HIMSELF... Right then he knew he was in trouble. 

Most important was my relief of communication of his teacher.  Without addressing issues as soon as possible, things can get out of hand quickly -- not matter what the issue.  I could feel the concern in her voice when she had to make "that call" to me to express that my kid is disrupting class.  The critizism that may usually accompany such calls must be intimidating.  I am sure it is one of the worst parts of a teachers job.  (I haven't had these encounters -- good part of dealing with 18+ year olds... we can't talk to their parents!)  I hope they (school officials/teachers) relize how important that phone call was to me.  How a child ACTS in school affects the rest of their life... anything from if school comes easy to them or they struggle, to the socialization that comes with acting out issues. 

He was extremely concerned the last few days with -- if his teacher had commnicated with us yet..."Did Mrs. V. e-mail you yet Mom?"  So, what happens when that fear wears off???

Having control without actually BEING there to have the control... IT WAS a big challenge for me.  Believing in my child is what helped me through it. :) 

THANK GOODNESS -- it only happened for 3 days...at least I hope the process of becoming a class clown is over.  I can only hope.  I realize the need to address this later and a continuation of the support he needs now is important.  Its not that I don't want Isaac to be himself, even if it is a clown-like image, but he needs to know when its appropriate.

Throughout this continued process, I have told him how important it is to be "Isaac," nobody else -- what a huge struggle that is -- afterall, we as adults can't grasp that.  Oh the challenges of life, why can't they be easier?

"1" Hungry Little Caterpillar

My niece turned 1!

What a great time planning and throwing a Hungry Caterpillar 1st Birthday Party.  It was soooooo simple, yet soooooo effective! 

Paige's parents made invitations that looked like a big leaf with a caterpillar climbing on it...the who, what, when, and where were printed on each "vein" on the leaf for the party.

Decorations included helium balloons.  We chose to use 6 -- 1 red for the head and 5 for each letter in her name!  We used a black sharpie marker to sketch a face on the red balloon and a letter on each of the following...Black pipe cleaners became antennas  by curling the ends of 2 and taping them on the back of the caterpillars head... legs/feet were produced by folding 1 black pipe cleaner in half and just wrapping it around the base of the each balloon.. also bending out the ends to make the feet.  It was important to tape the balloons together so the name was legible and the effect was MUCH better that way -- Balloons "dance" around ALOT.  Her parents bought her a butterfly puppet just like in the book...The caterpillar we created!

We created caterpillars for a fun activity for the children that attended... The 1 year old's Mommy demonstrated the easy and fun to make craft and the kids finished them with pride quite quickly -- a key at a busy party!!  So it went really well!

The party was around Christmas so the "party" pack of pompoms on sale were the PERFECT colors for our project.  1 red for the head and a variety of greens for the bodies.  There were different sizes within the party bags so we decided to separate them into prepackaged bags for each child that way the bodies matched the heads, etc... They each grabbed a bag that contained their pompoms, 2 googly eyes, 1 cut pipecleaner about 1 1/2 inches long for the antennas and 1 mouth (made of black construction paper punched out with a hole punch!).  We supplied glue bottles they shared.  Just a dot of glue in between each pompom and don't forget to stick the antennas in between the red and 1st green one before the glue dries.  We wrote their names on one big cardboard box where they placed their caterpillar to dry -- why we did the project first. 


These are like the ones we made (Guess
we didn't get a picture?)

They served a delicious lunch and included these adorable kebabs out of green grapes and strawberries.  They were a huge hit.  We placed them in a tall glass, so they were easy to grab as a fun treat.



 


Cake -- Well cupcakes mostly!  The face of the caterpillar is a small 4" round, the cupcakes are held in place with a dab of frosting on the bottom of each.  We also used pipecleaners on the cakes for a 3D effect for the antennas.  Such a simple cake (plenty of extra green cupcakes were made to serve as well!) with such a BIG impact. 

The 1st birthday girl needed her own cake to get messy with.  I used a mini muffin pan for the body of her caterpillar.  I think she enjoyed it...wouldn't you agree?

Paige did so good being the center of attention.  She had quite a busy schedule with her first Christmas and birthday in the same week.  We all enjoyed the party and hope someday she thinks it was just as special as I did!

Little Helpers...

 A quick blog about my 2 little helpers....  They love to HELP me in the kitchen... esp. when it comes to baking.  Isaac wants to eat the frosting and lick the batter bowl the most and Trevor just wants to make a mess.  AND the messier the BETTER?!

Here is our all morning project of making Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies... We started in PJs and by the time we finished they went right into the wash machine (the PJs not the kids!!)

Trevor and I made the dough and turned it all GREEN.  Trevor was calling it mint ice cream... that is when Isaac finally decided to HELP out.  He was being that little stinker of... I want to know what is going on, but I don't feel like helping... But MOM... what are you doing next?  As Trevor admired.. I rolled out the green dough and cut into random sized triangles -- the sizes didn't matter at all!  So, that was an easy part (not worrying about the sticking to the cookie cutters!  Then, after the green triangles cooled... we began making them into Christmas trees... AND what a mess WE made...


Isaac enjoying making a different batch of Christmas Cookies
...made easy with an ice cream scoop - He loves to use it!

I "stringed" the trees with yellow frosting from a decorating bag.  I used frosting that was a little bit watered down (compared to the frosting I use for a cake) that way the "decorations" would have somethingmore to stick to.  (And more time for the decorating to get done!)

Once the boys started they really got into it!  I placed a piece of waxed paper under a cooling sheet so the excess would go through and we could easily use it again.  They boys were quite concerned that the "sugars" were then mixed together, but they got over it pretty quickly... (do they have a bit of OCD too?? HA!)

They made ALOT of cookies (Note to self though -- 1 batch would be plenty...both for the entertainment of creating cookies and serving them at Christmas!)  That would have saved me some time too! ... I enjoyed every minute spent with them being creative!  I hope they did too!  Can't wait until next year's Christmas baking, although my gut is glad it is over!!

It's a Pirate's life for me...for 1 day anyway!!

Like I really have time to blog... but I have 1 hour and it relaxes me!!!... so why not! (Not soooo relaxing when pictures don't want to load...but here we are!!)

This birthday season (2 boys' birthdays in October turns into a season in our house!) -- we decided to join the birthday madness together.  We were moving into our house at the beginning of Oct so Isaac was asked if we could have one together... I let him pick the theme (with a little persuasion!)  HE chose PIRATES!!!... I already had SOOOOO many ideas.  I would have made any of them work, but I try to stay away from character lead ones... I don't know why, they are perfectly fine and fun and fabulous... but I was thrilled to throw my pirates a great birthday bash... Lots of pictures in this one... but helps with the explaining!!!



The Birthday Boys... they were soooo excited about their cake, and so was their mommy!

Of Course the cake was a big hit!! 

I made 2-- 9 x 13" rectangular cakes... cut the bump off of one -- for the top of the treasure chest and added the remainder of that cake to the bottom of the chest... frosted the entire cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and piped the decorations on from there.  I made a wedge out of styrofoam to prop the top cake board up... you don't need much of an angle... alot less than I expected... maybe only like 10 degrees.  We had ordered the Gold Coins (both chocolate and fake plastic ones) from Oriental Trading Company... the 2 different shades of gold really worked well on the cake!  The jewels are piped to look like necklaces or loose rocks!... Adding the eye patch really helped!... just dangled it from the corner.  This really was quite a simple cake for how big of an impact it made for a party!!

 We used some "treasure maps" I found again on OTC for both invitations and the hunting clues for the treasure box!  On the invites we wrote:

A'HOY MATES...
Isaac turns 6 and Trevor turns 4.
X marks the spot of the Parrrrrrty (insert address here).
Hoist your anchors and set your sails to arrive (insert date here). 
Be there at 3:30 pm or risk Walking the Plank!

They were also a big hit... I don't believe in RSVP's but you could add that too (never get an accurate count from them -- I am one of those that forgets to RSVP... so if I'm invited and I did not send my regrets, then I will be there... ha ha... Oops!!)

So much fun was had on the plank... just a long board we prompt up on 2 five gallon buckets!... At first some were nervous (esp. Trevor) but by the end of the party they were all super fast at "Jumping into the sharks"... that is what the game became....

So onto the Treasure hunt... The boys and I made up treasure bag (favors, that included an eye patch, bouncy balls, it was fall so all of the candies were "metals" colored.. hershey kisses, york peppermint patties... and of course both sets of gold coins!)  and wrote the names of the kids expected at the party on each bag... THAT way EVERYONE gets one!!! The "box" was filled with the favors and I created "clues" for a treasure hunt that sent the party goers all over the house... one clue led them to the bathtub... another to the movie cabinet...another to the cereal cabinet.... Then one day close to the party the Treasure box disappeared... the boys were not happy... I had hid it already.  And Isaac figured out "X" marked the spot... but I scolded... ha.... him to get away from the decorations!!!  lol!!!

  Decorations also found at OTC... The X made with warning tape.. where the treasure's last clue led them...

I made the Treasure box by covering a box that a ream of paper comes in with paperbags and coloring with crayons and markers to get shades of brown... the "leather straps" are the handles of the paper bags colored with black marker... Don't forget the key hole!

 Be sure to take LOTS of pictures of your pirates... especially saying what Pirates say "ARRRRRRGHHHHH."

And to leave you with a pirate joke you can share at your party... The boy's uncle asked Isaac this one day... and he didn't really get it!  Ha...

What is a Pirate's favorite letter?

 You would think it is the " RRRRRRRRRRRRgggghhhh!"

But it's the "C"... sea... get it!!!!! 

 Hope it's a pirate's life party for you someday too!!!... WE all had a blast!

Simple Thank YOUS...

 



 

Simple, CHEAP thanks yous... Thank yous are soooo easy....soooo appreciated...... and such a great way to show your children what it means to have someone who cares about you, or helps you to GROW in soooooo many ways!! ;)

Here is a simple little pot we clipped and repotted a plant we already had in our house and spiced it up with a thank you note... "thanks for helping me grow." 

Inspirational ways to express our gratitude are made sooooo easy with Pinterest to assist us.  Numerous "food" ideas are great ways as well... "May your holidays be merry and 'Sprite'  " ... Love that one... willm have to use it soon!

This small pot was a direct inspiration from the amazing site, but you can adapt soooooo much just by personalizing your gift for your special occasion. Or adapting certain "holiday" ideas to suit your needs! 

Remember those who help you, family, or friends... even in the smallest ways.  We never can say thank you enough, especially when it affects your child!

Isaac helped plant this little guy...and couldn't wait to share it with his teacher! We were still in the apartment when we shared this thank you, so the typed up sign and clip art are displayed by sticking a drinking straw into the soil (due to lack of craft supplies!) ... but it sure worked well and I would use it again!... Easy to staple the card stock too!

Simple ...... and soooooooooo cheap!!  Cost about $3!!

THE life of a Kindergartener...

Boy oh boy JULY was my last post... well now I have plenty to blog about and catching up to do! A house to call home, crafts and decorating ideas, we've had a great pirate birthday party lately!!! So maybe I can find a bit of time to continue on this adventure.

The first of many ideas running about my brain is how Isaac is dealing with Kindergarten. Or how his mom is too.. for that matter.

The kid LOVES it... Here is why I know this.

So I picked him up from daycare today -- and he knows its Friday -- and the first full fledged conversation we have to have is when the next day of school is. This most recent conversation was a rough one, as he some how "blames" me that he has to WAIT until Tuesday to go to school, so that is 3 WHOLE DAYS MOM... (Monday is Veteran's day, so no school of course!) He really does get visibly upset that he needs to wait longer than normal to head back to the BIG K. I don't know what they do to him there (actually I do -- they are VERY informative!), but the kid can't live without it.

Here is another example of the angony I must put my kid through if he were to miss a bit of school:

He needed a well-child visit, because my baby turned 6! wow... So I got one scheduled and due to my schedules at work (crazy and all over the place) I wanted an early afternoon appointment. We were able to get one! So, Trevor had speech from 11:25 to 11:55am that day. I thought what a great time saver for me to grab Isaac at the same school for his 1pm appointment-- I grabbed my 2 boys, we then dropped Trevor off back at Daycare and I wanted to TREAT Isaac to lunch with his mom.

He seemed a bit on edge, but we all are sometimes, so we ate at Taco Bell someplace Isaac BEGS for and Trevor dreads -- thus the "treat" of it all!! (and that his mom is there right??!) He seemed to enjoy that -- but once we got into the Jeep I was questioned, "How long is this appointment?" I told him probably about 1 hour. "Oh so I can go back to school then," he stated with SOOOO much excitement in his eyes! I broke the news to him that it would be pretty pointless for him to go back for 1/2 hour and that he will probably not be going back.

He was then quiet...VERY QUIET. I was driving so wasn't paying much attention... until I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw my 6 year old struggling to hold bad HUGE tears that were building up in his eyes. My heart broke for him... I was so shocked and amazed at his awareness of the "burden" that he had to visit the doctor during his prime school hours. I didn't say anything at that moment... afterall, I couldn't figure out what to say? I was proud, yet anxious for him -- then the dilema that we would be arriving at the appointment shortly -- and what would they think I did to my kid when he is crying like that?? -- then I heard a BIG sigh in the back seat. It was beyond dramatic, he definately wanted me to see the troubles I was putting him through, because as I looked up into the rearview mirror -- I saw a growing boy that had a deathy smirk on his face -- clearly mad at ME for putting him through this. He whipped his head around to glare out the window. Then, I knew we needed to talk... after all, wasn't it obvious after that sigh??

I asked, what's wrong Isaac -- there was no teenaged "nothing" coming out of him, cuz all at once the tears could no longer be sustained.. they were pouring out of his now bagging eyes. "I want to go back to school."

How could you not attempt bringing him back after having your heart broken by these reactions...the reaction I got from the office when I signed him back into school post doctor's appointment -- was an obvious, "what the hell are you coming back for -- look"... I just stated "he had to come back!" As the reception smirked, I shrugged my shoulders, but with a little relief that my child can find the joys in school that so many are not finding, or are not having the opportunity to find. Let's just hope this ambition holds on for a VERY long time, as we know as a Kindergarten he has a very long road ahead of him!

He strives to be just what we are expecting him to be. It is amazing for all the expectations we have of kids, they still want to have someone be proud of them and they want to make us "happy." If only we can find more ways to relieve this stress for our children -- just be children. Yet, Isaac succeeds gracefully at these attempts to satisfy. Its amazing to me, the product that my 6 year old has become. So PROUD of him -- and yes I tell him that, as often as I can!

Something to be extremely proud of:

We had our first parent/teacher's conference about 1 month ago. Isaac was there too...different than what I remember them being. We were told -- He's a role model, and a great student AND friend to his classmates!! He is exceeding in everything (except recognizing coins -- there are only 4 coins and he just can't get that for some reason-- guess he won't be an accountant??!!) AND there are 4 reading groups will be starting (have since started) and we would like Isaac to be in the highest level one as he is soooo ready for that! =Made me want to hold back my huge tears for many reasons...it's amazing, I'm so proud, I'm glad it is easy for him as I dread when it isn't, but most importantly --- he is growing up WAY TOO FAST.

Choking up even right now. Of course there are times when this amazing 6 year old makes me want to pull my hair out, but how did I get so lucky to have a big boy in Kindergarten that can succeed beyond expectations of so many. How did we get this far, so fast?

As I pull this pop top off my Dr. Diet Pepper, I am reminded that he also wants to please his teacher... They collect pop tops, box tops for education, and UPC symbols (the latter we don't do??) and since it was mentioned in his class we have had a game warden in our house that monitors your every move..."Mom, can you drink a pop??" Yep, just so he can have a pop top for school... He is enthusicatic to say the LEAST.

So in conclusion, if you haven't figured out just how much Isaac appreciates his educational opportunities... I am sure there will be similiar stories to come! Love every inch of that 6 year old! 

Warm and Cozy...

Just a quick project that I am sure we will enjoy for a many years...Very happy that we can prepare the backyard of the new house...while we wait and anticipate the move in... so here is the warm and cozy project we did the other night.  It really only took about 1 1/2 hours to complete... and bit of sweat and sore muscles too!...

Here is where the inspiration photo on Pinterest came from...there were no instructions attached to this one, but I think we did pretty good...or better?  Now we just need the grass to grow in around it!

The inspiration...

Our project!  We meaning, Joe, dug a hole about 2 1/2 feet by 8 inches into the perfect "fire" location at our house -- well at least lets hope so...that may have been the challenge, too close. too far ...where to place it!!?  We used 20 bricks placed vertically around the circle.  (The hardest part was making the hole vertical and to keep them vertical without wasting space inside the circle!)  Then we filled in the space behind the bricks on the outside of the circle to stabilize them.  We stepped on the brick from the inside -- like I described to Joe...like you are stretching your calf... they seemed pretty stable. We filled the pit with pea rock...I am thinking the rain will drain better that way...it was in their picture so we decided to go for it!  Then we strategically placed the quartz pieces that I hand picked.. concentrating to see if I could find some of the bigger pieces with a curve to them... I placed them into the circle...overlapping the tops of the brick.  Next...we filled the empty spaces with the smaller and remaining quartz.  and FINALLY... we filled the spaces with dirt...again as I explained to Joe --like grouting tiles!!!

Our creation...

I think we will enjoy many nights and hopefully create some memories around this fire pit! ...Next outdoor project...some form of permanent seating around it?  Maybe someday!... I really want big logs, but Joe thinks that is probably a bit out of our "project" ability!

Behavior and charting about it!

Behavior chart:  Something was needed as a way to soothe over issues for 5 and 3 year old boys who are confined in an apartment and just want to run around and be boys--yet still need to take responsibility for their behaviors.  So I combined some ideas I saw from Pinterest into a plan that would work for us -- so I thought.  I will explain the way Isaac, Mom, and Dad use the behavior chart and the way things are supposed to go and then I will discuss the sneaky ways Trevor isn't even involved and how it irritates Isaac.



Naughty Cars on top...get placed in the bottom bag if they misbehaved...Sticker chart for good behavior...notice
Trevor's random stickers = hard to control...should have adapted that for a 3 year old...just FYI!

What I needed to "accomplish" was disciplining in an apartment...(I used to be more strong willed at letting both kids cry it out, but I thought for the sanity of my neighbors, I would try something else!).   One of the charts the examples I found used coins to take away as punishment...we adapted and used "CARS" hotwheels of course--it has proved to work well (Isaac hate losing car card, as much as he hates when a really hotwheel is missing).

The boys and I decorated the charts together... I bought 1 orange poster board and cut it in half, we used a grid I printed to set the goal sheet in place and it can easily be replaced when full!  We used duct tape for a road... Isaac thought I was crazy until we put cars by it... then we had some random stickers and I found some clip art I printed and cutout to glue on to decorate the poster board to start out on the behavior chart adventure!... Each board has a large ziploc baggy on top and a small baggy to catch those naughty cars on the bottom (and we use it to store the sticker sheets to apply)...Staple them on good so they don't shift too much.  They had so much fun with it.  They just love projects- wish I had more time and room for them now- so if you make one be sure they are helping!!  Isaac asked so many questions throughout the project and how it was going to work, etc...there was no need to explain it in any more detail from there.  He is his Dad's son after all...  Joe loves to question and question too.  They were both so excited that they could earn rewards that both kids had 3 stickers before any cars were taken away = what a great start to the new disciplinary idea!... Wow am I smart... ha.... that didn't last long.

Ok so first...how it works... they each have their own chart. 

On the top of the chart are 6 "cars"..these get taken away if you are naughty.  We simply (ha) say, "Do you want to lose a car?"  Sometimes it stops at that...others they loose a car.  If they take away their own car then they only lose 1 (depending on the naughtiness--it has been know to lose 4 at once --yikes!)  if us parents have to remove the car because they are having a fit, or what not...then we take 2 cars away.  Isaac HATES that...cuz he has to stop his tantrum.  (This is why it works for him!!!)  If they are missing any of their 6 cars they don't get a sticker for the night, but if they have all 6 they receive their sticker!... We check the chart before bed every night and if they have cars taken away, they are put back on top for a fresh start tomorrow (actually because of the bedtime issues, we have been starting over then...so sometimes when they wake up in the morning there are already cars missing.) 

They can also earn their cars back if the have done something nice. -- shared a toy, helped out around the house, ate their SUPPER!!, were good at daycare (bad at daycare they loose 2 cars), etc... IF they still have all 6 of their cars, they get a sticker for being good!...

We set a goal for every 10 stickers and they get rewarded...some are more expensive ideas, most are free or cheap!...We went to the movie Brave today for Isaac's reward (Trevor got to go too...the down fall of 2 charts, but I was sure to remind the boys this was Isaac's "choice" and maybe if Trevor is nice he can pick one next time!!)  --good movie btw (Brave)-- $1 toys are great...Next is school shopping (Isaac picked it!!--he picks them all)  So, that had to be done anyway! 

So that is the gist of how it works... if you are naughty you lose a car -- have all your cars at the end of the day you get a sticker...replace cars to start over for the next day or by being nice!  Earn stickers by doing nice things throughout the day, or having all your cars before bed!

EASY RIGHT??!  It works for Isaac, I'm not saying he is a great listener all the time, but timeout and talking things through with him, usually worked fine -- so the chart was really developed for the trouble-maker, Trevor James....

How Trevor uses the chart...

Mommy says take away a car...Trevor asks happily with fingers in the air showing "one or 2 Mommy??"  like its no big deal...When you show him there are cars missing like he only has 4 at night he just says,"OK!" and goes to bed...Isaac is totally depressed and wants to stay up so he can earn a few more back... When Trevor earns a sticker...suddenly there are 11 extra ones all over his chart.  Which is also hard to figure out when he has reached a goal, because he won't let you assist him in placing his sticker in the charted area...he's just happy with a sticker... He hasn't ever gotten a reward officially for him> like I said we all went to Brave, but????

Isaac gets SUPER irritated with Trevor, so much so that he almost loses a car, just after receiving a sticker, because Trevor either took too many stickers from his sticker page, or can't put them in order...or Trevor even put one on Isaac's chart once...who would have known the melt down that would create...and "I ruined" Isaac's paper when I peeled it off and some paper came with it -- oh yeah -- I am talking about Trevor being the naughty one!! ha....

I honestly don't even know how to correct the mis-communication of how the chart works to him?  Is that what it is????  Stubborn?  I don't have the slightest clue how to correct his current behaviors...He isn't HORRIBLE ALL the time, but when he is, he is just soooooooo very persistent...In a restaurant like today at supper = I am done Daddy...wanting to leave the table, but we aren't Trevor... "I am done", "I am DONE"...louder and louder, until we leave and he thinks he as accomplished his goal of leaving...and being so persistent.  We are going out very little after tonight supper... yikes...Isaac too -- he just can't sit still...must have ants in his pants or something? 

So... NEXT behavior idea?  We have 2 months left in the apartment...not sure what else to improve on for myself or him?  They do trade nights of falling asleep in my bed now, and bedtime has improved...It's my night!... That is all the fight is about now... and that is easily resolved. 

In conclusion, does a behavior chart work = very well if the child understands it -- not very well if not. 

Capital T for Trevor or Trouble?

I think Trevor is feeling a bit left out…. of the blog… Does he really know that the house was trumping his successes and/or behavior…

Ha.. I am still VERY proud of his daily huge steps and accomplishments with his speech, his outgoing-ness, his excitement…and he is more daring lately too!  One of his favorite activities is swimming… and it is much improving, but still freaks when you let go of him… But he lets me “dunk” him and is very happy.. unless you let his feet touch the bottom… BUT

Our Defiant, Strong-willed, Rebellious, Disobedient, Non- compliant, Stubborn, Determined, Persistent, Little Trevor IS BACK…. Wow… I will blog next about the “behavior charts” that I adapted from some pinterest ideas because it was obvious… behavior was needing so much more discipline for Trevor… so stay tuned for that outcome…

But first… Some of the naughtiness…actually just today he wore the perfect shirt for him "You can call me Super, Serious, Big Time Trouble:

He is most annoying to his brother:

Isaac is VERY tired at bedtime… he always has been, but lately he is REALLY worn out with T-Ball, Intro to Kindergarten, and just all the running around we do… we just have to fit in all these great outdoor activities.. Heck just venturing out to the “construction site” wears down the eldest son… climbing through mud... running around the bumpy, uncultivated yard – you would think this too would wear out the youngest… (I should mention now – They are sharing the same full sized bed.. laying the horizontal way, but with a bulky blanket separating their designated sections – they both just fit, so good thing it isn’t a year later) -- So come bedtime, “Nighttime” as Trevor calls it often, Isaac is ready for lights out and getting his much needed rest… Sneaky Trevor as you have figured out… not so much… He is WOUND UP… I am not sure if his head is even hitting his pillow until at least a half hour into this so called “Nighttime.” 

He leans over Isaac…right on top of him as if to say “Wake Up”  but only to bother him and it works.

He pulls covers off of Isaac… and the kid doesn’t even use the covers... he could go to bed with just a fitted sheet and his blanket in the dead of winter and be perfectly happy… making his bed is the worst one in the morning… Prior to the boys sharing a bed.. he must have taken this half hour cool down time to get every inch of blankets off of him.. but now he has found something much more interesting.  HE gets to pick on his brother.

He steals “animals” from Isaac – they usually fight over Buzz, and the Angry Bird… even though Isaac sleeps with 3 of these animals AT MOST, sometimes none… and Trevor easily has 10 in bed with him… just isn’t enough if I can have Isaac’s too…

He picks apart poor Buzz Lightyear.. most of his insides are out come morning (this started at the old house – not sure why…I have thought too deeply about it, but have already been down that autism path, so I am going to ignore those thoughts and continue with over tired and needs something to shut him down??)… but Isaac hates that he does that.  Buzz was officially Isaac’s and he is very protective of “his” toys although it’s fine with Isaac that Trevor has him, but just don’t “break him.” 

He gets out of bed… “I have to go poop”… “I hungry”…  He never used to do that… uh oh… what have we created.

My easy to put to bed, keep in bed kid has made a 180 degree turn… what happened. 

So we have been “punishing behavior” by using this chart – although we don’t want him to get out of bed to show the consequence which is part of how it works… we have taken animals away.. one night I swear I took 14 animals out of his bed… 1 at a time… I was getting VERY frustrated. We have even moved Isaac into my bed to fall asleep (I am not a huge fan of that one, because I believe Isaac will be the one who will want and need that sooner than later now??! – great I just create these circumstances don’t I?)  So one night.. I had more than the usual stuff to do (probably cakes as it has been crazy busy lately—yikes), So I told Isaac just to go straight to my bed and go to sleep.. He was great with that (see… yikes again)  but a holy fit from Trevor… I tried my best to be strong.. but after 25 minutes of “Isaac in my oom… Isaac by me…Peas (Please)…peas Mommy…Peas….. “  He got his dainty little way again.  And yes of all the words to use there.. dainty… cuz that is what it is… he has it perfectly laid out like he knows exactly what he is doing and is going to do it… over, and over, and over, and over, and over again until …. Well who knows… I guess he gets his way doesn’t he???  Isaac NEVER… no really NEVER got to me like Trevor can.  He knew and knows if he is going to be in trouble there are consequences... not my little Trevor.  He is sooooo persistent. They say that toddlers aim to please and don’t want to make their parents mad… In Isaac I see that everyday STILL… and in Trevor it is quickly fading…. Quickly…….He’s as tall as a 5 year old…guess he is skipping the aim to please phase of growing up… Ha… which is funny because in his speech sessions at the school and even the new place (We started at the college last week and he adjusted SOOOOO well!)  He is very concerned with following the rules and “pleasing” the SLP?  So I guess he knows that he can push his Mom and Dad around. = not good

He is a HORRIBLE eater… so quite a while back… I wrote a blog about supper dilemmas, well I will gladly take those days back.. at least he was coming to the table and actually drank his milk… or something.  You would have thought I asked the kid to finish his liver and onions when it was just Mac – n – Cheese 2 days ago.  He didn’t even touch it – didn’t even come to the table.  “I don’t want that…”  It was a gorgeous night and Isaac and Daddy went swimming and Trevor and Mommy had to stay home as punishment, cuz the chart didn’t work… the neighbors must have wanted to strangle me that evening…  ½ hour of listening to “Daddy….swimming lessons…go too… Daddy… peas (please)… Daddy….”  (Daddy had been gone for a while and he was yelling out the window to him… no pickup in sight”… also, they aren’t lessons that is just what he was calling it…. Ok, so that was cute…  Bathtime seemed to soothe him, but probably too close to swimming, so I probably burned that bridge too… and after listening to that for the ½ hour.  But he was still mad at me. 

He has been hitting.. not hard, but that isn’t the point.    

The rebellious part comes with the little looks he gives as he hasn’t even started doing something naughty but is about too… just saying… Trevor what are you doing, “Nothin”…or the immediate crying to get his way… heck he cries or tries to hide something that the kid could even have, say a nutra-grain (The kid eats them like candy) at snack time…before he even asks, just because he is acting in a way that he thinks is being sneaky and wants his way – even when I say you can have one, he says “Oh” as a surprised response as in… well, what else can I find to get into trouble after I devour this candy bar??!… Fake crying turned on and off.. HAS TO BE my BIGGEST pet peeve with him right now.  URGGGHhhhhhhhhhhh…….

The biggest challenge is that we are in this apartment complex… and he really can’t just cry it out like I feel he should be… learn to deal with the consequence and actually feel bad.  Even his “Sorry s” aren’t on track… snotty like a teenager acts.  (I think… at least that’s when I imagine that happens)

So that is just a glimpse in the world of my 3 ½ year old lately… there is more… as I try to figure out how to control these issues… I will let you laugh at the struggles of raising this defiant young lad. 

Breaking Ground...

They do get along!!...
The land doesn't look like
that anymore!!!..Lots has
changed already!!!

So this blog is WAY overdue... I have been hanging onto these thoughts and pictures for awhile... so time to get it off the computer and brain!

So on April 14th we called a few family members last minute for a tiny celebration -- breaking ground at our new home's location.  It was difficult for me to celebrate as I wasn't positive how the future was going to showcase the possibilities behind the exciting, yet stressful time.  Because as of then I was still deep into the job hunt and was hoping and praying that we could actually still allow ourselves this big step and allow for the enjoyment in constructing a house built just for us.  It was extremely difficult, but just having the faith that things will be ok... I went out to our home's site and enjoyed the simple celebration.

We had some great help getting things started!

It was obvious that my kids knew everything would be fine... I wish I could be so innocent.  At times they were digging for treasure... or China... or even "building" their own rooms.  Trevor could have dug all night.. he was ready to move in... and had sooooooo much fun trying to get things started!  They are just as ambitious as we are!  The little family members that joined us...wanted us to get moved in too!.. I really think they all dug every second they were out there (they even shared the gardening tools!!)--just as ready to get things started as I am!  They had so much fun, helping me to enjoy it a bit too...on a side note... during our tree planting adventures.. I asked Joe if he could believe that this was ours??!  And it was the moment that I really felt like my dreams could come true.  I started imaging my boys running and exploring their land and new house!.. Made my heart smile as well as my face!!!!!

Isaac took a break for
ice cream!

We enjoyed an ice cream social while noticing that the mosquitoes had gotten to move in before we will.

I have been doing a few "home" errands this week, just to wrap things up before I get started on the new life of 2 jobs and a different schedule to keep track of.  It's great fun to have a bit of retail therapy!... that I can enjoy...I can actually spend the money!  Also, we have been on the hunt for the tractor of Joe's...Isaac's...and Trevor's dreams... Snowblowing, mowing...just moving dirt... I suppose there is a need for these boys' dreams to come true.  Just what I wanted another bill to pay when we are just moving in.  YIKES....... Joe has been hounding me about... why are you shopping, what else do we need... ever since the house ideas was brought up... but I will defend myself in saying... even though he is buying less items... HE is spending much more money.... Why doesn't he see that?!

So onto the adventures of choosing the right floorings, lighting...paint colors... decor...garage doors...toilets... where do I stop!!! CAN'T WAIT!!  Probably most stressed about the lighting as I know it will have to stick around for a while....but have an appointment Friday to work on that!   Heck the walls aren't even up... They should be by next week!!!  Here we go... on the adventure of a dream come true!

The Beland Family is ready to move in... Where's the house?

Nursery Decor...

So sitting...yes actually SITTING.. and relaxing, but yet still in this tiny apartment with nothing on the plain white walls... got me thinking.  I never shared the 2 baby nurseries I got to help with!!!... This is old news to some... the babies are 5 and 3 months old already... but I still love their rooms.

Of course the themes to both rooms were planned around the crib bedding sets, but what an easy and fun way to not paint entire walls yet add a huge impact to individualize the spaces!

First my niece's room... My sister didn't want anything too girly (Maybe -- thoughts have since changed as Paige is in plenty of pink, purple, and the utmost adorable dresses all the time!!) but we still got some pinks into her room and the color combos were crazy!... But boy do they work together once it was complete!!  Even crazier... They only needed to by sample sizes of paints (actually we only needed the Pink and the Lime Green , because the rest of the colors were already in her house!  Hows that for budget savey!!  Isn't this room just adorable... almost as much as my niece, but not quite!  There has since been a lime green "P" placed in the big pink circle to personalize the space even more!... How simple and fun!  I know Paige loves it!! She told me so!!!

My cousin had a little boy... he must be a little monkey, because we simply added some vines to his nursery before his arrival!  Again, we didn't paint the walls (they had actually just moved into their house, so the walls definitely didn't need to be painted... they had a hint of green, so the nursery decor she had picked out with monkeys, browns, and greens worked great!   I started by hanging yarn from the ceiling to allow for the natural swing in the vine... so easy.. as I just painted above or below each string and didn't have to waste time drawing on the wall or figuring out angles, etc...With the bright lime green first...borrowed from Paige's room! I set the tone for the vines..then I  added shadowing in 2 other greens that I had on hand... for a total of $0 for this makeover!!!  Doesn't get any better than that! 

Although I love color on the walls.. adding just a bit of "artwork" directly on the wall without painting them can add sooooooo much character and FUN into a nursery (or any room!)

I am currently debating on just adding accent walls in our new house?  We will see, I have never done that before... but I would love to use up/not by more paint...from the old house as we all have pretty new bedding that the colors would still go well.  Stay in touch and someday I will post those too!  (Don't get too excited!! -- as the floors aren't even built in the house yet!!)

Thanks for letting me help with the nurseries!! I hope your kiddos love them as much as I do!!

Trees

Whewwww.. its been awhile again, and I promised it wouldn't.. well you can be mad at me just as my kids are when they don't get to do something too!... So I am used to it... go ahead!

Hang with me... these really do relate to trees...

So I have accepted 2 new positions... I know...BUSY.. But I really think they will work out!  God has a mysterious way to pull me through the obstacles in life.  After all... he gave me this "break" to get the house in order to sell, and organize these moves.  I have been very busy running the kids everywhere...speech, Kindergarten, soccer, T-ball... now camping!  He allowed me this special time with my kids and I may still have certain days off here and there due to my shifts...that can still offer these experiences. (although, stressful and in great need of planning ahead...I do enjoy them!--just don't tell JOE!)  God planned the opportunity to submit an application to Northland College for a nursing field assistance, of which I won't have applied for if I was still working at Doctors Hospital, but would have never thought it would turn into: the dean "held onto my resume" knowing that a more appropriate position was arising!!!  I will be a college instructor -- a dream come true!!!

God offered a 12 hour night shift position at RiverView Hospital (about 20 mins from home). That I at first wasn't too thrilled about, but now it may just work with the Adjunct Radiologic Technology Instructor career I "fell into!!"  I really need to trust in him more.  After all he has the plan already laid out for me, so why mess with it? 

I have been extremely busy with cake orders... just completed a HUGE wedding cake (in my TINY apartment). How I did that... I have no idea... and that $$$$ has officially started going back into our Disney World fund!... YEAH  Knowing that I have a job (or a few!)  really takes some weight off the shoulders and I can really look into the future again.  Planning for a vacation just wasn't in the books 2 months ago.. I was stressing about just paying our new mortgage, so you can tell... it has much improved!!

I am finishing up my last day at the flower shop tomorrow.  I will really miss it... I enjoyed it everyday!  I may still get to help her out once in a while...for big events, or special holidays...we will see what the Beland schedule allows!

And Joe thinks I didn't accomplish anything while I was unemployed.. it took alot out of me and I accomplished alot... that is why these last 2 weeks of unemployment I am going to sit back, relax when I can, and have everything else organized... if I can!... I have ran errands wrapping up house ideas (enjoying every minute of it -- I saw 2 bathroom mirrors, that may be a bit early to buy...but went back for them and they were gone... see.. need to SHOP!!  Retail therapy is the best.. and Joe thinks I am nuts...I haven't allowed myself much retail therapy with the latest situations, but now I can really start to find the deals and BUY them too!!)  I was so busy I could barely find time to do laundry...mind you in am apartment...around other tenants schedules and dryers that don't dry well, so now what am I going to do with more jobs??!  It will work ...RIGHT?!

We are officially finished with our old house (about a month ago) and now living in the crammed spaces of a "cozy" apartment... yesterday I spent the ENTIRE day going through files... files from the old house that I don't think I need anymore... Do I?  Don't tell me I do, cuz they are gone!  Files from unemployment... WOW... Government.. you REALLY don't need that much info sent to us if we are signed up online/emails do you?  After all isn't that the point of working online?  SOOOOOO happy to ditch all of that in the trash!

I filled out paperwork for the 2 new jobs... of course all in the same day... one of them being work for the government, so you know how big that stack is!!?  and both being in a different state.. that added too!

I sorted through my ideas for the house stack AGAIN... Just gets me all excited to see what can come, but then gets me a bit stressed to imagine -- will this look ok together?  what about the expenses?  can I do this project myself?  Not with 2 new jobs I can't.  ??? or can I???!

15 Black Hills Spruce...do you think they are straight?

So, after I had clearly killed at least one TREE due to the paperwork stacks (see!! I told you it was coming!!)  We officially started making our new land ours!  (After killing 1)...We planted 17 trees at the "farm!" That is what the boys call it?!  It is a development in the country, so not quite, but they love it!

We researched a bit.. what to plant.. where... oh do I hope they survive.. its alot of work figuring out what will look good.. where... and how big they will get.. how often to water.. how deep to plant.

Actually -- here is a lesson to learn -- maybe you will laugh at me and say DUH... but... When figuring out how many feet apart to plant a row of trees....say oh just for the fun of it.. 15 trees in a row that is 248 ft long... don't divide 248 by 15...cuz you have 1 tree at each end... there are 14 spaces that need to be filled... so ... Each spruce should not be 16.5 ft apart, but 17.7...it makes a BIG difference when tree 14 and tree 15 have too much space between them... we only did it 3 times... ha... oh and 124' (the center point) plus 124' isn't 148'.. just FYI... Oh good times and memories huh!!?  Oh did I mention it was hot and the bugs were biting.. and we were FULL of dirt...and I dumped a half of bucket of water on me too.. felt good at first.. but then I was just wet.. yuck......Joe said I was wasting water!  -- No plumbing out there yet... so hauling water every few days is our next great adventure!!!!

I used to have a rock that was in my old flower bed that said... I tried, but it died!  Yep, That is how good I can grow plants, so hopefully trees and the future grass will be different.  Joe is in charge now; he also takes care of the house plants, as I have killed off a few of those too!

We will be planting the remainder of the perimeter next spring, as we have seemed to miss the ideal time to plant by about a month and the soil conservation (a place to get cheap, but tiny trees) is out of them.  So time to really research and think about what else to plant!  Any ideas?

So far we have chosen Zone 3 and 4... (hardy in cold ND!) trees.  That's a good start right?!  We planted the back property line with Black Hill Spruces...hopefully it will allow for some wind coverage and privacy in the future.. probably distant future, but they will be 1 year ahead of what we had originally planned!  We were told they are one of the few that stay soft vs. prickly for an evergreen. 

Niobe Weeping Willow

Then I am SUPER excited about our Niobe Weeping Willow Trees!!!  The should get 50' to 70' tall and up to 50' wide... They can grow 8' a year?... Don't worry mine won't!!  We planted them about 70' apart... so I hope that works... kind of grow together to produce some shade over the garden??!!... Yes I just said garden... so I don't know how well that is going to work?  while SEARCHing the internet discovering trees.. we were warned about Willows seeking water sources, so we planted them in the WAY BACK of our lot (I guess the roots can wrap around water sources, pipes, etc... So who's going to remember to water them and the garden, so everyone can have their share of the water???)

I also suppose you are thinking... what could we possibly plant in our vegetable garden that my family would eat... well here's the plan already!... Strawberries, Corn, Carrots, Potatoes...Maybe venture into pumpkins one year!!?... as you noticed nothing green!... Heaven forbid we would eat that...I might have to try a lettuce once too!... We will see how it goes. ;)

Ok so it was a stretch to make those topics BOTH about trees.. but it worked?  Hopefully I will be back soon to keep these updates about our crazy commotions organized and shared!