I was just going to start today, but then I realized that I probably needed to give some coaching before I just let them loose (probably more for my sanity than the fact that they wouldn't be able to do it). So, today, we learned how to clean the downstairs. The remodel is done enough that we can pretty much clean the bathroom, washroom, and playroom and things won't really change that much. The kids had a blast and Zoey even commented that the lists made cleaning like a treasure hunt. She loved marking each thing off as we did it. She asked if we were going to be able to do this every day all summer. Maybe my kids do have a bit of me in them.
I am also planning on doing some rotations with my kids. I love that in the summer they can play and do things they don't get to do during the school year, but after a few hours of playing, they start fighting. I'm thinking with rotations, they can have some time to themselves in the morning and play together in the afternoon. I actually got the idea from a sister in law and I'm exctied to try it. I was going to start today, but our jobs took a little longer because I wasn't so strict about them when everyone was sick. So, tomorrow is the rotation day. Here's my plan: we'll get up and have breakfast. Then do jobs from 8:00 to 8:30. From 8:30 until 9:30, we'll do house jobs (which this week means learning a new area of the house and quick cleaning what we've already done). Then from 9:30 to 11:00 we'll have three rotations: 1/2 hour of reading, 1/2 hour of Wii Fit, and 1/2 hour of math games on the computer. I'm debating about adding a typing rotation. I think we'll see how things go. I'm assuming that we'll have to re-vamp some stuff after tomorrow, but we'll see. I might end up trimming our times down to 20 minutes depending on how the kids are doing at that point. After rotations, I'd like to read with the kids for 1/2 hour. It's hard to do it at night. After Nathan comes home, the kids want to be with him. I'm also hoping to be able to do some reading outside when it's nice. I'm missing being outside.I thought I'd give an update on the chicks. I still have 6 and they are growing. It always amazes me how fast they grow and get feathers. I just went out to feed them. The cage was all torn apart again, so I had to fix it. I took some shavings out because they just kept ending up in the feeder and waterer. After I re-filled their food and water, all of the babies came out. It's so cute to see the mom. When she realizes that there's new food, she clucks to her babies and they all come running. She shows them how to eat. Since they were all out, I decided to take some pictures and a video.
In this next one, the mom is at the top left (of course). Off to the right, the two yellow babies are the leghorns we bought at Scotty's. The one sitting on top of the feeder is the one I think is a pure Buff. The lighter one off to the left with the dark spot on it's head I think is a Buff mixed with an Easter Egger. When I first saw that brown spot, I thought the mom had pooped on another baby. It wasn't until I picked it up later I realized that it is just it's markings. Of the two black ones, the one off to the right is a Barred Rock that we bought at Scotty's and the one off to the left is another one that I think is an Easter Egger mixed with a Buff. It is adorable. That is the one that we got video of hatching. It has a brown face and black body. I'm excited to see them grow up.
Once again, sorry the video is so dark. I even had the light on in the coop, but there's not great lighting in there. Hopefuly it's good enough for anyone who wants to see it.
Tonight, . . .
1. I am grateful that my kids had so much fun cleaning this morning. It makes it much easier to have them help. I know it will be good for them to know how to clean.
2. I am grateful that I still have 6 baby chicks. It is fun to see them grow and learn. Hopefully, in a week or two, I'll be able to let them out with the big chickens. I just need them to get big enough that they can't get out of the run through the chicken wire.
3. I am grateful that I was able to go quilting. I forgot it was Monday last week. I'm grateful that my life calmed down enough that I could remember what day it was.
4. I am grateful that my kids enjoy Family Home Evening. They know that, on the days I go quilting, we have FHE. They remind us and bug us until we have it.
5. I am grateful that Owen finally got his room clean. It was a BIG job, but he did it and I'm proud of him.
Today, I felt that I had God's help as I was able to get all of the things done that I needed to do. After getting up early this morning, I was exhausted. But I was still able to help my kids learn to clean, go quilting, and clean up the kitchen. I needed help to get through everything today and I felt it.
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