I need help with bedtime- badly!!!

Okay, so here's the long story!
I have 3 kids: 6, 41/2, and 3yrs old. They all share the same room. There is no way to split them up- we only have 2 bedrooms.

We were bad parents, and have been giving them milk to fall asleep with. We just stopped that 2 weeks ago.

Now, bedtimes have always been a crazy, tantrum producing time. They don't settle- they play, talk, get up... I often am yelling at them many times before they fall asleep.

Now that we don't do milk, it's even crazier. They are not falling asleep until 11 or later, and having to get up early to get the oldest to school is killing them. They are soooo grumpy all day because they are tired.

So, now they have a mom who yells and is grumpy at bedtime, and then a no-fun day because everyone is grumpy.

Help!! Any good bedtime techniques that work for you? I'm at my rope's end!

On Juggling and Surfing

Written by Guest Blogger Audrey, from Kaboogie.etsy.com
Kids property of Krista! lol

As a mom of 6, I know many think my situation can't be like theirs. After all, SIX kids has to be nearly impossible! I must be insane, running to and fro like a lunatic all day! I must have some mom secret no one else has! How can I juggle a home business, homeschooling and keeping a home, not to mention keeping hubby happy? I'm SUPER mom!

Ha. Nothing could be further from the truth. Or, perhaps, It is ALL true. I'm going to give you some big secrets. You won't find this in any supermarket self help book, e-newsletter or $10 e-book online. Oh, and I'm not a P.H.D. in child "anything", so you may not want to bet your life on this advice. Here is advice #1, and it's not even my advice, a friend got it from a mom of 300 in the park one day.

You're going to screw it up. Yes. Somewhere along the line, you're going to do it wrong. Now, get over it. Move on, you have too much to do to worry about whether your kids will need counseling because you didn't bring them to enough play dates or have a perfect home.
Next piece of advice. This will help you deal with advice #1.

Your kids will love you anyway. My mom always told me, if you give them equal parts love and discipline, they will be balanced. They are not keeping score, you'll just know. This brings me to the next advice.

You have to discipline your kids. They will not break. They actually appreciate knowing who is in control. This goes beyond "please don't touch that stove or run into the street." This means when you say "wait", they wait. When you say "ask me once, and don't whine", they do it because they know you mean what you say, you'll do it, on your time, when you can. This does teach them to respect other people's boundaries. This will be painful at first, but the best training I ever gave my kids was that they better not carry on once I say something. It takes longer with some than others, and consequences were quick and sometimes painful (no, not just spanking), but it works. This sounds harsh, but things run smoothly when, 1. they do as they are told immediately and 2. they all pitch in, even the 2 year old. This way, I can be freed up to give them what they actually need. Give them as much responsibility as they can be taught, you'd be surprised. Everything I do here, I ask myself, can THEY do this? Everything they ask for, I say, you can get it yourself, or you can wait.

Capable, responsible children are trained, they don't just appear. Next advice.

Pick your battles. You've heard this. I mean everywhere. Do I NEED or WANT this. What are my priorities, kids with impeccable matching outfits, clean rooms and the ability to NEVER bicker? Or kids who are polite, helpful and can work out their problems themselves without fisticuffs and screaming? Refer to the last advice on this. Teach them the boundaries of interpersonal behavior with you and each other, and stick to it! It may take until they're 18, but, well, it's our job. For ourselves, do we CARE if the house is immaculate, or will this wait? Sometimes I wish I had time for manicures and salons, but usually I'd rather just not go out. I have shoes to make and the kids have teen group, plus I MUST have dinner on the table every night. Learn how to say "no" everywhere in your life.

A confession: Sometimes I stay up until 2 am, JUST to get some alone time. Socializing online is addictive, I'm sure you all know. My biggest hurdle to reach before school starts is to know when to STOP, and go to sleep. I can keep making shoes, promoting, tweeting. All night. Must stop doing this.

One last thing. This is a huge issue for many women I talk to. It may be controversial for some since we've been weaned on feminism, but for 20 years it's worked for me with boundless returns. And I've seen the opposite NOT work. It's about our husbands. They're men, so it's simple. If the hubby/partner situation is a problem in juggling home/family/business/sanity, stop and think. Do you fill his love bank with what he REALLY needs? Because honestly, it's simple with most reasonable men. They need very little, really. Do they come home to the chaos we've dealt with all day? If we're working, they understand, most of the time, but if there's food on the table, a little love and attention ("I APPRECIATE your help SO much honey, you're my HERO!!"), goes a long way, and to not have to listen to the minutia of each small issue we're totally wired to deal with amongst our friends and female relatives. If you need something, just ask for it. They don't need the story, or hints, or resentments, it doesn't work anyway! Another great piece of advice, and this is a HUGE secret; if you want something done, start doing it yourself. Even if you can't. In the end, either you will be proud of the work you did, or he'll jump in and help. Men are doers, not listeners. Think of the teacher on the Peanuts cartoons. That is what we sound like to most men.

Disclaimer: This advice does not cover each situation and is not meant to. We all need to know how much we can handle, and handle what we take on. My daughter will not melt if she doesn't have dance lessons, and hubby will have to iron his own shirts. I have boundaries, you know.

Crockpot Applesauce

I had some extra apples lying around, so I thought I would make applesauce. It was so easy to make! I think I'm going to make it from now on!

Here is the recipe I used. It turned out tasting just like the inside of an Apple Pie! If you don't want it to be as sugary, or taste like apple pie, you can use less spices!

6-8 Apples, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 to 1teas. Pumpkin Pie spice (or add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)

Place all ingredients in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hrs, or on high for about 3 hrs. Mash all the apples, and Enjoy!

Bread Machine Challah Bread

Italian Spiced Challah Bread!

I wanted to make bread in my bread machine, so I searched for a good recipe. This one is A-mazing! Very easy to make, and you can turn it into so many different flavors! Here we go!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Milk
3 Eggs
3 TB margarine/butter
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teas. salt
1 1/2 teas. active dry yeast

1. Add ingredients to the pan of the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. (Usually wet ingredients first, and then dry)

Then do EITHER of these options:
A. Select Basic Bread and Light Crust settings. Start. Bread will be cooked completely!
B.(I did it this way) Select DOUGH settings and press Start.

1. After the machine is done, take the dough out, and place it on a very lightly floured board, punch the dough down, and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Divide the dough in half. Then divide into 3 equal pieces, roll into ropes about 12 to 14 inches, and braid into a loaf. Do the same with the remaining other half. Gently put the loaves on a greased cookie sheet, mist with water, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm, draft free place, until double in size.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water.
4. Brush risen loaves with egg mixture. Sprinkle with sugar. (optional)
5. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, cover loosely with foil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This prevents the crust from browning too soon.

Then, check out all the variations I have thought of... and let me know if you come up with more!
* Add 1-2TB Italian herbs to dough. Sprinkle garlic powder on top of loaf after spreading egg/water mixture. This tastes BETTER than Italian Bakery Bread! (The top picture is of the Italian bread!)

* Add Cinnamon, Sugar, Nutmeg to dough. After cooking, drizzle cinnamon roll frosting on top!

*At your machine's add-in cycle, add shredded cheese and spices.

I think I can... I think I can...

Thursday
Day 4
Sustain

Sustain: "Keeping the gains and building further progress."

When you have a dinner party, you can't sit back and do nothing. You have to work to keep guests happy, food on the table, etc. The same is true with this marvelous, shiny and clean space that you just created. It takes work to keep it looking that nice. But, you can do it!

You've created systems to help you. I will now pull my bills out of the mailbox, open them, take them directly over to my desk and file it under the date that I need to take care of it. Walla! No more bills all over the kitchen table. No more late fees cause I forgot where I put that darn bill.

Take some time to sit at look at your new space. Isn't it amazing how much you didn't need? All of that was cluttering up your life; not letting you reach your potential. It is now all clean and simplified.

Thank you for joining me on this challenge. Your support helps and motivates me!

I would love to see and hear from you about how your experience was. Please send photos to doubledippedlife@gmail.com. If you are willing, I will post them all here!

Day 3: All Systems GO!

Welcome back! I'm so glad you are still with us!

But...I guess I have all your items hostage in a box...so you had to come back... Anywho...

Wednesday

Day 3

Shine and Store

*A friendly reminder from your overseer...I mean... helper! Even though we are taking this process one day at a time, it is NORMAL to take longer. I hope that we don't lose anyone a long the way. Keep reading, keep planning, and keep on working! We will all come to the same amazing results!

AND... at the end I will be posting before and after pictures! I will add yours whenever you can get them to me!

So... back to work!

Cleaning day!

I assume that you all know how to clean. Do it.

Is your space this clean? :)

Then... Storing time!

It is time to put in place Systems.

I won't be regulating your systems. Do what works for you.

Examples:

In my space, I am hanging up file systems.

I am buying an expanding file folder that goes from 1-31. As I get bills in the mail, I will open them, and then put them in the folder on the date they need to be taken care of.

If you are cleaning a craft room, you can buy bins - or use old cardboard boxes - to store items in.

LABELING is so important! Label boxes if it applies in your system.

You WILL have to WORK on your systems continuously. They, unfortunately, won't run themselves.

Make systems that you know that you can maintain.

Make systems that work for you and your style.

If you find it's not working, change it.

Post your ideas in the comments, and get ideas from others!

HOW TO:

Once you have your files or storage boxes or whatever you are using in place, start emptying your "keep" box.

One item at a time. Find each object a home.

Homework for tonight:

REST!

We will talk more tomorrow about sustaining our systems.

Congratulations on getting this far! Doesn't your space look amazing?

You put the right foot in...

Welcome to Day Two of Organize your Space!

If you missed the first day, it is HERE.

Tuesday

Day Two

1. SORT "Separate the neccessary from the unnecessary."

We are starting the 1st official step of the 5S program. Some steps will be consolidated.

Get out your 3 bags or boxes that you collected last night. Put them in or near the area you are fixing.

1 box for "Garbage"

1 box for "Give away"

1 box for "Keep"

We are going to take each item in the space one by one. Some will be easy to designate to their box; some will not be. If you come across an item that you are not sure about, ask yourself:

*What is the history behind this item?

*Does it hold a special place in my heart/life?

*Would it make someone else happier than it makes me?

*Is it something that I can take a picture of and then give or throw it away?

Consider your answers, and then choose where the item goes. There is NO judging here, no mandatory "throw away everything!" This system is designed to give everything a home. If everything in your room needs to stay, then you will need to find a home for every last item.

When your space is completely cleared, take a deep breath! Clearing the space might take an hour, it might take a day or two. Be patient with the mess you will create. It will all be worth it in the end!

Now, run the garbage out to be disposed.

Put the "give away" box somewhere where you can't see it. You will be keeping this box for a day or two. Why? Because if you find yourself thinking about a particular item in that box, and you know you need it back, then you can grab it. Do NOT keep going through the box. You know what's in there. If you think about something, then you will know that you still need it.

Now, if you can live in this space without putting every "keep" item back, keep them in the box for just a little longer. We want a clear space for the next step.

Step back. Look at your space. Grab your paper from yesterday, and refresh your dream of this space in your mind. Imagine that the room is already complete. Isn't your life grand?

Homework Time!

Tomorrow we will be cleaning, and starting to put systems into place.

If you need to go shopping for cleaning supplies, or for new items to put in your space, do so tonight. (Ex: file drawer, a new shoe rack, etc.)

Remember- you don't want to bring a lot of useless things back into your space. Choose items that will compliment your dream.

Sleep well! You worked hard today, and accomplished quite a bit! Congratulations!

Please comment on how your work is going! If you are blogging about the experience- and we hope you are- then link us!

Organize your space! 1 week series and workshop

This week we will be focusing on organizing a physical space in our home or office.

We will loosely follow the "5S" method that big corporations like Toyota use in their factories. I say loosely, because I will be adding some personal insights, and good tips from other methods as well.

The 5S method states: "A place for everything, and everything in its place, clean and ready to use." Wouldn't that be nice?

If you had a clean space... you could look like her:

We will be following certain steps in our organization. Check back each day to see what to do next. Homework assignments might be given each night as well!

Monday

Day ONE

* Find a space to get under control.

*It could be a bedroom, family room, desk, or even a little junk drawer! You pick!

*Take pictures of your space!

*Come and link your picture or blog here so we can encourage each other!

Okay, now you have your spot. Find a time when you don't have any distractions and look at this space. Have a notebook and pen in hand, and HONESTLY answer the following:

*What is this space's function?

*Is it currently serving that function?

*What amount of time is spent here?

*Would you spend more time if it was clean and organized?

*What do you like and dislike about this area?

Start dreaming. Imagine this area neat and tidy, with a place for everything. Imagine it fulfilling it's life's mission. WRITE DOWN what you think!

That's all for today! You are now armed with a "before" picture, and a list of what you would like to see the space become.

Homework for tomorrow!

Find 3 boxes or bags. If you are doing a full room, you might need large ones. If you are doing a small space, smaller boxes are required.

Go to bed dreaming about a new, functional living space!

We'll see you tomorrow!

Here is my space! Yikes!

My computer is the white one, Hubby's the black. There is a big table in between us that could use some organization! Help!

(Don't worry that it says "Envisioning Beauty" on Mr. Linky! Enter anyway!)

Aloha Friday: School-Night Bedtimes

I found this great post on Alas 3 lads blog, and she gave me permission to post it here as well! Enjoy!

It's time for Aloha Friday. A time to take it easy and post something quick and easy for you to answer.

My topic this week is school-night bedtimes. Our kids started back to school on Tuesday. I have to admit, it was a little bit of a shock to the system - getting back into the early morning routines. I'm a night owl by nature; I love to stay up late and then sleep in. During the summer, my kids are pretty much the same way. Now that school has started back, here's the schedule we aim for:

Our 8, 11, and 13 yr. olds in bed by 9:00 pm (they catch bus at 7:30 am and 8:30 am)

Our 16 yr. old in bed by 11:00 pm (he leaves for school at 6:30 am)

Here are my questions for you:

1. If you have kids, what are their bedtimes?

2. Do they have the same bedtime all year or do they change during the school year?

3. If you have more than one child, do you give them different bedtimes according to age?

~For more Aloha Friday, be sure and visit An Island Life

Get ready for school!

So, now you have your new schedule. What happens with all of those "extra" things that pop up? Here's some hints to start the school year out right!

Buy a Calendar: Simple, right? As soon as a note comes home from school with an event on it, jot it down on the calendar! Papers can get lost, but a calendar nailed to the wall, or stuck in your purse, will not. I found this great site yesterday, and I want one! Busy Body Book

Stock up: The first week or two of school can be hectic. Especially in the morning, trying to get everyone out of the house. So, plan ahead! Make sure you have enough breakfast food, food for packed lunches, and quick dinners if needed. Pack lunches before bedtime the night before.

Use Weekends: Use the weekends to get ready for the week ahead. Plan entire wardrobes for the coming week, so you won't be rushing around looking for your child's socks! Iron and wash whatever you might need. Go grocery shopping with a menu. Make extra food, and freeze it for quick dinners.

Do you have any other tips for a smooth school day? Let us know!

Back to School Schedule

Schedule, Schedule, Schedule.
Written by Krista

So, "they" say that kids like structure. I know this is true...it's just hard to follow!

My oldest goes back to school in a few weeks. (1st grade! Yikes!) We have a pretty crazy schedule, and I would like to see some structure.

So, I’m going to post a schedule here, and then try it for one week!
I challenge you to sit down and make a schedule too!
Let me know how it works for you!

My School Schedule

Wake up until 1pm: Wake, dress, eat, play with Dad. (Mom is at work)
1:00-2:30 Lunch, activities with 2 younger kids. "Preschool" time
2:30-3:15 Pick up Tanner from school.
3:15-4:30 Free play
4:30 Reading time/Homework time
6:00 Dinner
After dinner play, clean, bedtime. (hubby works afternoons/evenings. Gets home at 10pm)


So…the challenge is on! Add your link to the comments if you accept the schedule challenge! Blog your schedule, and the results!

Discussion:
What kind of schedule do you have? What is your biggest obstacle to keeping to a schedule? Any fun ideas to add to my schedule?

What do I do with my kids?

This is a very common question in our house. I always wanted to be the mom with activities galore. A new project every day. And of course, with a perfectly clean house, well-dressed children, and plenty of time to relax. Hmmm… in what world?

My kids are 6, 41/2, and 3. The advantage to their closeness is that they usually play well together. There are times when I think I should be playing with them, but they are doing so well together…why interfere?

Here are some of the activities that we do, or need to do more of, in our house.

Kids learn best through Playing. It is their “job” to play! They learn interaction, social etiquette, and communication. They learn about their world and their place in it.

Play dough I do believe that Play dough is the best invention ever! It only takes about 10 minutes to make, and the kids play with it for HOURS! Not only is it a good “mommy needs to get stuff done” activity, but play dough is a great toy for building coordination, creativity, and learning. (Look for a great play dough recipe coming soon!)

Sorting There are a million ways to sort a million things! A fun game is to grab a bag of M&M’s or Skittles and some containers, and let the kids sort. They can sort by color and number. They can learn math. My next activity with my kids will involve skittles. I’ll post pics! Here’s my game plan.

McKenzie is 3. She will sort by color.

Michael is the 41/2 yr old. For him, I will put random numbers on a piece of paper, or in the bottom of a paper bowl, and have him put that many candies in.

Tanner is 6. He will work on his math, by setting up groupings, and working with a worksheet.

The really fun part is to see how quickly the candy is “Subtracted” into their mouths!

Music Music plays such an important role in our lives. Children love music. This is something that I need to improve in my house. When the kids are playing with their play dough, or sorting, soft music can play in the background! It can be classical; it can be a selection of fun kid songs. Music is proven to get your mind working, and developing. Dancing to the music helps physical development, as well as coordination. Letting them PLAY music is fun too! Have a craft day to make your own drums and maraca’s! Then have a parade or concert!

Cook together Kids in the kitchen can be a true adventure. Prepare for everything to take twice as long, and to be twice as messy! The benefits from this activity are enormous though. The kid’s excitement level is contagious, and will get all of you laughing. Math and science are found in the kitchen. Memories are made as the kitchen warms up, laughter and stories are shared, and something is created together.

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Stouts' recipe

I discovered the recipe for this bread at "Two Peas and Their Pod".

It was pretty simple to make- even without a Kitchen Aid- and is delicious!

The bread has a great texture, and great flavor. I am going to try to make this more often, instead of buying store bread.

This recipe makes 2 loaves. (Sorry for the bad picture!)

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 T vital wheat gluten (find it at Whole Foods, Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur, etc.)

2 packets of yeast (I used rapid rise)

2 1/2 cups warm water

In a large mixing bowl (preferably a KitchenAid), add the 3 cups flour, wheat gluten, and yeast. Stir. Add in warm water and stir until combined. Let sit for 10 minutes.

1/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup honey

1 1/2 T lemon juice

1 T salt

3 1/2-4 cups whole wheat flour

Mix the oil, honey, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Add to flour mixture after the 10 minutes. Mix until combined. Add in the additional flour and mix. Now knead the dough for ten minutes with the dough hook- or by hand! When it is done divide the dough into two loaves. Make sure they are even. Shape them into loaf form. Place the dough into 2 loaf pans that have been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After the loaves have risen, bake them for 30 minutes. They should be golden brown. Let cool before slicing, if you can wait:) You can freeze one of the loaves if you wish.