It Works For Us

I've been lurking on several mom blogs and picking up ideas about everything from homemaking to blogging and more. I've noticed that several have sections about things that work for them. Some are even themed (crafts, homeschooling, recipes, organizing). Over the last 4 years, we've figured out a few shortcuts and little things that seem to make life run more smoothly at our house. So, I think I'm going to post a few every now and then and tag the posts as "it works for us". Every family is unique so these are in no way intended to be one size fits all advice or claims to genius or anything like that. Just things that work at our crazy house with three 4 year olds, two dogs, three cats, a mom and a dad and a sister who may never move out (a whole other topic to be sorted out another day). Here it goes-the very first It Works For Us...

Our boys attend a Montessori preschool and we have been embracing much of the Montessori philosophy for early childhood at home as well. Recently this has carried over into independent food (snack) choices. The boys are becoming increasingly independent as they master new skills everyday. They are able to dress themselves and usually are given the freedom to choose what they wear (weather appropriate, of course). This results in some ensembles that would rival any worst dressed list winner - but they are happy and warm so who am I to judge? They have designated shelves in our home for their books, puzzles, games and art supplies so they may access any of them at any time. They get their own cups and water (from the refrigerator dispenser). And now, they choose what to have for snack and when. Much of our survival as a triplet family has hinged on efficiency. It is really the only way I've stayed (barely) sane. So this new freedom has been a difficult adjustment for Mommy who is used to running things on a tight schedule. But it has been really neat to watch how proud they are when we create an environment that allows them to do for themselves. So here is what we've done - and it is working out fantastically:

I cleaned out the pantry (agh) and left one low shelf to be designated for the boys. I bought a 100 pack of snack bags (smaller, sealable baggies) and filled them with appropriately portioned healthy snacks (Spelt pretzels, trail mix, raisins, craisins) as well as some pre-packaged cereal bars and fruit leathers and stocked the shelf. I also filled some up with carrot sticks and celery and placed them on the bottom shelf of the fridge. I use little plastic storage containers without lids to keep them separated and semi-organized. When someone says they are hungry (which is all day long around here), I say okay, you may choose a snack and they are so grateful (still, and we have been doing this over a month now) and excited to be able to do for themselves. They get their own, take it to their seat at the table, eat, clean up and go back to whatever they were doing before snack. No whining about when is it going to be time for snack, no work for me and no argument about what they're having because they picked it. And, they feel important, confident and proud because they did something on their own. It's a win-win and it works for us!

War

I recognize that there are no easy answers. I am saddened by the partisanship that does not allow for thoughtful, logical, rational discussion about solutions. And I am astounded at the waste (in all areas) of our tax dollars when there are children here - in the United States of America - without food, shelter and access to basic healthcare and education. Feeling a little overwhelmed by it all this morning...

Regardless of your political affiliation or your belief about whether or not government should respond to these injustices, we are all responsible for the children. The least of these, whom we are commanded love, cherish and protect. Where is Jesus in all the rhetoric? What are you doing to live your life in accordance with His commands?

I am asking myself these and other questions. Searching my heart and striving to live every day according to my principles.

More Super Tuesday

Get the facts on those who control your future

Project Vote Smart

Super Tuesday

ONE Vote '08 is an unprecedented, non-partisan campaign to make global health and extreme poverty foreign policy priorities in the 2008 presidential election.

The next president will take office in a time of great hope: there are effective and affordable solutions that save lives. AIDS drugs can now cost as little as $1 a day. A $5 bed net can keep a child from dying from a mosquito bite. With the force of more than millions of members from all 50 states and a coalition of more than 100 non-profit, religious and charitable groups, ONE Vote '08 will educate and mobilize voters to ensure that the next American president is committed to using "strategic" power to end global poverty and keep America strong.

In deciding which candidates are ready to lead on issues like clean water, hunger and stopping global AIDS, knowledge is power. You can make a difference by visiting the On The Record website to learn more about the candidates' plans to bring strong American leadership to the historic opportunity we have to make poverty history.

The United States cannot win the war on terrorism unless we confront the social and political roots of poverty. We want to bring people to justice if they commit acts of terrorism, but we also want to bring justice to people. Colin L. Powell, No Country Left Behind

Read why this is so important here.

Lessons in Love

Love is patient.

And hard.

Love is patient. How can I be patient in the tipsiness of this domestic chaos? How can I be patient in the pain of now? When vocal cords pitch screams, when tears brim and fall, when the clock keeps ticking steadily ahead and we just keep sputtering, stumbling along? I want to strive ahead of here, into the future where we all stick to the script of buffed perfection.

Deep breathe. Love is patient. And it strikes me, an epiphany over the fry of bubbling pancakes, “Love can only be patient when it is first grateful for what is right now.”

Spending a few minutes to read this in it's entirety has made an impression on my heart. Take a moment and check out The Order of Love by Ann Voskamp

A Few More Fun Photos

We had an amazing weekend! Daddy was home with us and we spent much needed quality family time together. The photos are blurry - I've been playing with my camera settings and can't figure out what I've done just yet. They're still cute (I think). The boys visited the famous Fox Theater for the first time to see Go Diego Go Live and it was fantastic. Then some outside fun chasing squirrels at Piedmont Park and dinner with live music where 4 year old dancing skills were on display. Enjoy...

 

 

 

 

Family Fun