Mean Bees

We had fun at our school's meet and greet today. The kids played at the park (It was hosted at Freedom Park), ate chips, salsa and Taco Bell for lunch and had a great time until... the end when Matthew was stung by a bee on his finger. I pulled the stinger out (Yes, I know that you have to be very careful about not squeezing the stinger or it will release more venom but a three year old does not and will not keep still to be able to remove it properly.) and Randi rushed him over to put cold water on it. (Of course, we did not have any ice!) I grabbed the antihistamine spray, a band aid and a penny. (I heard from a circulating e-mail that something in the penny counter acts the effect of the venom and have been wanting to try out the claim. I just did not think my three-year-old would be the Guiana pig! According to further research the e-mail was more than likely false.) Put it all on him and came home during which time he proceeded to tell us that ice would make him feel better, watching Bob (the Builder) would make him feel better and eating various assorted treats (IE donuts, cookies, ice cream, etc) would make him feel better. I did let him milk it for the first day. On another note, he seems to be absolutely fine which I believe is due to his hardiness but has since told "I like bugs but bees mean." and "I no like bees."

Chore Charts

I have been talking to my friends recently about chores and schedules since school is upon us. I have noticed that when my boys are on a fairly consistent schedule everything in our house runs smoother. I also read something from Christina in her blog Hands Full and Loving It (mostly). She made a comet I whole heatedly agree with:

"Want to know a secret? It doesn't really matter what system you use to get your kids to do their chores. What matters is that you change it every once in a while."

I have notice I receive less resistance when I switch up the chores every few months.This is very brief overview since we will be changing again because of school season I have to work out new schedules.

For now Erik is responsible for sweeping after every meal (the first two he can do with the sweeper) after dinner he has to sweep (with the broom) and mop. This is usually not done until the baby is in bed though because we have had a few accidents. He also needs to go through and make sure the kitchen counters are tidied up.

Jeremiah is responsible for unloading the dishwasher. He also has to wipe the table and chairs after every meal.

They are both responsible for keeping their room clean and doing general pick up. Depending on the day I let them know if they have extras IE Erik wash dishes or Jeremiah wipe kitchen counters.

Matthew has to do chores with me and as I designate. He is old enough to do them but I do not expect him to remember what they are without telling him. Also, he still does better with specific directions IE go put this toy in the play room.

Seth is growing into the lets see how much havoc I can wreck stage so we usually just try to distract him and get him motivated to throw things in the basket or box. This sometimes backfires as he will dump it or try to take the things out faster than you are able to put them in.

Stubborn or Cautious?

Our little boy will not walk. I am not worried that he will not ever walk but slightly annoyed that he is not making my life easier by walking. He crawls all over and usually has black on his knees as well as the top of his feet (not the bottom because then he would be walking).

I attributed this to him being stubborn. He climbs and happens to be quite adapt. (He was able to climb half way up a fairly steep slide before an adult decide it was too dangerous.)

I am now beginning to wonder if he is just overly cautious. He will walk with us. He will walk holding on to my capris which seems to me as if it would be harder than if he would just walk. He will push objects around. He will stand by himself. He just will not walk by himself!

I noticed something today as I was watching him play at the park before he does most things he checks a few times to make sure he can do it. He checked his footing three times before he climbed up something the first time. After the first time though FULL THROTTLE! I guess it is time to fall back on the reassurance that he will be able to walk across the stage in time to receive his diploma. (I just am not sure if that is his High school or College diploma!)

I have to do ...?

We started school early this week. Our official start date is September 8 but I wanted to try and ease into things slowly. This way if we have a hard day or if we get behind because of whatever I will not get too stressed out. (I tend to think that if I do not do everything perfect I am ruining my children!) It has gone well so far. Erik and Jeremiah have had good attitudes for the most part but I am also writing this with Jeremiah sleeping right by me as he cried himself to sleep. (He had a long day and drawing lines sideways just pushed him over the edge.) Hopefully this year will go well as this is the first year I am attempting to homeschool not one but two children on top of everything else I already do. I have been praying for patience and understanding and am excited to see what this year will bring!