Simple Chore Chart

 

 

I've reviewed elaborate chore systems, and we've given several different ideas a try.  Then, with the holidays, Eden's birth, and assimilation to life as a family of 6 in general, we became very lax with chores and allowance fell by the wayside.  Since Jon and I feel it is important for the kids to have responsibilities and to learn the value of money, we felt the need to get back to chores again.  As I was feeding Eden in the wee hours of the morning, it dawned on me to try a simple sticker incentive chart.  After a week, it has proven successful and beneficial. 

 

Chores for the week if completed correctly and with a good attitude are worth $2.  Everyday, the kids are responsible for making their beds, keeping their rooms clean, and putting away clean clothes.  Then, there are three rotating chores.  For this week, Rachel was in charge of kitchen clean-up... wiping off the table and sweeping under the table.  Caleb had the upstairs bathroom detail including taking out trash, stocking toilet paper, and cleaning the countertop, toilet, and sink.  Jeremiah had downstairs bathroom detail as well as feeding and cleaning up after the cat. 

 

Because we've been struggling with tears and/or a lack of focus during school time, I felt it would be wise to include it on our chart.  So Monday - Friday, the kids are responsible for doing their best in school with positive attitudes and no tears.  If they earn stickers for behavior and school all week long, they are able to earn an additional $1.

 

It's not elaborate nor any stroke of genius.  However, it has now been tested and tried, and it works for us!  Hallelujah for tearless school days and some accountability with our reinstatement of chores.  

It's Not Easy Being Beautiful!

STUCK

Both Ends Burning is an organization that promotes adoption as one solution for children without parents.  It exists to create a culture of adoption and to help facilitate change in the current system. 

BEB has produced an award-winning documentary film.  STUCK follows three families through the process of adopting from Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Haiti and highlights the challenges they face.

Every Child Deserves A Family!  Both Ends Burning is taking that message on the road with the STUCK tour.  Be sure and check the Tour Itinerary to see if it will be in a city near you.  Also, consider serving as a volunteer.  There are many capacities in which you can serve. 

I know I'm excited that the tour is making a stop in Nashville, Thursday, April 18th.  Also, there will be a viewing of the film at Summit 9.  Not familiar with CAFO's Summit....  then you definitely need to check out the website too.  (Thrilled to have it taking place in my own backyard this year as well!)


 

Check out the movie trailer! 

 

 



 

 

 

Change the Story

Compassion: Change the Story is a traveling, interactive display that allows people to experience the reality of children living in poverty.  Thankfully, the story doesn't end there.... it changes!  Event attenders are able to see the transformation that takes place through child sponsorship.  Even more amazing, the story not only changes for the individual child, but often for his family, community, and the sponsor family as well. 


Change the Story came to a church in Nashville, so along with friends, the kids and I attended.  We pulled into the parking lot where we saw a tent and tractor trailer truck parked and waiting for us.  Once inside the Compassion volunteers got us outfitted in our headphones and ipods, so we'd be able to walk through the truck/small rooms representing the individual stories. We had the choice of experiencing one or all of the three stories.  Due to the content (stories of abuse, alcoholism, etc.), we opted for Brinda's story. 

Brinda was a young girl in India who did not believe in Jesus.  We began our journey with her in her home.  We traveled with her through her childhood to her school, the hospital, saw her correspondences with her sponsor, and saw the impact that gentleman had on her life, family, and community.   Originally, Brinda was Hindu.  However, through the sponsorship program not only did her quality of life improve and she was afforded the opportunity to receive an education, but her family came to know Christ. 

If you are not familiar with Compassion International, I'd encourage you to get to know this organization.  Through sponsorship, you can CHANGE THE STORY of a young boy or girl.  The impact your monthly contribution has on the life of a child truly has eternal implications. 

Perfect Freebies for the Imperfect!

Imperfection... it is never something for which I strive.  Quite honestly, I am a huge perfectionist.  Combine that with my typical procrastination and you actually have a recipe not for Miss Perfect but for Miss Ridiculously Stressed Out, Easily Irritated, and oftentimes Less than Pleasant (to put it nicely).  Now, who do I allow to see the latter?  The ones I love the most - the hubby and kiddos.  Then, later I'm plagued with awful Wife/Mommy guilt.

Remember when I introduced you to the book No More Perfect Moms?  I've recently completed reading it and have found it to be the prescription to this crazy notion that a Christian Mommy must be perfect.  No, the book doesn't advocate that moms slouch around giving less than their best.  Instead, it encourages moms to remove unrealistic expectations of perfection in their lives and relationships and to find their identity, hope, and rest in the ONE who is PERFECT - Jesus Christ.

Everyone loves a good investment…especially one that comes with a big bonus!

 

 This is one of those investments that you don’t want to miss!

Purchase Jill Savage’s new book No More Perfect Moms anytime between February 3-9 (online or at a store…and yes, electronic versions such as Kindle and Nook count too!) Send a copy of your receipt to NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu. Scan it, take a picture of it - just be sure to send it to the email! You'll be given access to well over $100 worth of resources that will help you on your mothering journey - absolutely free!


What will you receive?
 
6 Sixty Minute Audio Workshops (MP3 format) from Hearts at Home

• Desperate for Wisdom - Dr. Juli Slattery
• How to Fight for Your Marriage - Dr. Juli Slattery
• It is Well with Your Soul - Jennifer Rothschild
• Multiple Intelligences - Dr. Kathy Koch
• Ten Stress Strategies Every Mom Needs - Jill Savage
• The God Who Sees You- Tammy Maltby

4 Printables from Hearts at Home

• 10 Stress Strategies Every Mom Needs
• “Love Is”--I Corinthians 13 for Parents
• Mom Rules
• How to Fight Fair In Marriage

3 Free E-book’s (including PDF, Kindle, iPad, and Nook editions!) from Moody Publishers

• Live Free by Kendra Smiley
• Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larsen
• Real Moms Real Jesus by Jill Savage

1 Contest Entry

You will be entered in a drawing to win hotel accommodations and two Hearts at Home Mom Conference registrations for you and a friend at a conference of your choice! (If unable to attend a conference, a Hearts at Home Conference To-Go will be substituted for the winner and a friend.)

This offer is available for this week only (Feb 4-9)!

 

Grab a copy of No More Perfect Moms, scan your receipt, email it, and start enjoying your new book PLUS all of the extra bonuses you’ll receive! It’s “mom university” delivered right to your computer!