Simplify

I've been trying to find ways to "simplify" my life lately. And while I still have a ways to go, I've found a few things recently that are really working for me. My laundry is always an overwhelming task for me each week. I usually do my laundry on Monday. And by the next Monday I have just gotten it folded. So recently I was watching TLC with the kids about the family that has 17 children and 1 on the way. All the sudden my laundry task didn't seem as daunting as what that mother faces each week (20 loads!). But I did notice that everything went from the dryer to a hanger. I hang things occasionally like dresses or dress shirts, but I had never thought about hanging everything except socks and underwear. So I headed to Walmart and stocked up on kids sized hangers and was ready when my next laundry day came around. I seriously can't tell you the last time I did laundry and had it all put away on the same day...much less multiple loads. I was so thrilled! I hang up all the clothes right out of the dryer. Then I throw underwear, socks and jammies back into the basket. It only took me a couple minutes to fold those. The kids were thrilled that they only had to put away a few things and I felt almost overjoyed hanging the rest up in the closet. Not only is my laundry day easier, but the kids don't complain about putting their laundry away, and it is so much easier for them to pick out their school clothes each night.

My laundry room before:


My laundry room after:


Chores are another responsibility I find overwhelming at times. In the summer the kids did really well getting a daily chore done. It seemed easy when we had no time schedule or extra activities going on. Then school started up and the kids almost thought chores weren't a requirement anymore. I've tried multiple chore charts and it seems I can't even keep up with those! So we came up with a new idea that really seems to work. Its called Chore Sticks. I got colored Popsicle sticks and put different chores on them. Some are easy (feed the fish) while others are a little more difficult (clean the bathroom). There are also blank sticks which mean its a free chore day (the kids love those!). Each day at breakfast the kids usually remind me that they have to pick their chore stick. They have all day to finish the chore the picked. I leave the stick out for the week so it is not chosen again. If they choose not to finish their chore that day, it is added to the next days chore and all chores have to be done by Saturday. I feel like this teaches the kids the importance of doing chores, but also allows them to feel like they have a choice in the matter. My kids have been known to swap sticks as well!

Chore Sticks



And finally, Family Home Evening. Sometimes we are really good about this and sometimes we are really bad. This year I got a subscription to the Friend magazine. In the back of the Friend each month it gives 4 FHE ideas that go along with the stories in the magazine. This has been the greatest solution to getting FHE done each week. We can do it as simply as it instructs or we can add to it if time allows. There is usually little or no preparation needed and it goes right along with the lessons being taught in Primary Sharing Time that month. I also feel like these simple ideas have taught me that FHE doesn't have to be a super service, lets do crafts and then make a ton of treats night. Its about getting together, letting our kids talk and express feelings in an intimate family setting. Simple.

The Friend magazine

Through the eyes of a 2 year old

Luke got a hold of my camera and took some pictures. The kids I had a good laugh at these. Of course, I am not including the 400 pictures he took of the kitchen floor. I think he was trying to tell me I need to mop!

WWF Here we come...

Nathan joined the Weber High wrestling club and had his 2nd tournament on Saturday. Jason has been attending his practices with him twice a week, which Nathan absolutely loves! After his first practice he wanted to wrestle Jason to show him his "new moves!" He is still learning, but he was really proud of his 4th place medal. Way to go Nate!

Daddy Who?

Today I took Nathan to the pediatric dentist in our area. When he walked in to meet Nathan he asked him if he knew a Dr. Jason Church. Nathan said that he did. The dentist asked him how did he know him. To which Nathan replied, "From the Ogden Clinic." The dentist said, "Does he also happen to be your dad?!!" Oh yeah, that. I rest my case. My husband needs to spend more time at home.

Last Home Game

Last Saturday we took the kids to the last home BYU football game. We figured it would be an easy win and we could leave whenever we needed to. Amazingly, we made it all the way to the end of the 3rd quarter. After a $3.50 root beer, beautiful weather, a lot of candy, and a Cougar win it was a great way to spend a Saturday together.

OneRepublic

Friday night I surprised Jason with tickets to see OneRepublic. When we walked into the events center we were feeling a little bit out of place...it was a big teen fest! I told Jason I'd probably see one of my Young Women there. We got settled into out seats which were up pretty close and were enjoying the opening act when Jason said I think that's Sharlie (one of my Mia Maids)! I sent her a text and completely embarrassed her I'm sure by standing up and waving while yelling her name. Oh well. It was an AWESOME concert and we had a great time.

A Hula Girl, Darth & a Future MD

We had a great Halloween this year. After Classic Fun Center, we came home and finally carved our pumpkins. Why is the tradition so fun when the parents end up doing all the work? Lauren did help scrape out the inside of a pumpkin this year, which was pretty nice. After we finished carving, we got the kids ready for trick or treating and headed to a friends house for dinner. After dinner, we made the neighborhood rounds and got plenty of candy! It started to rain about half way through our trek, but the kids weren't ready to give up. Even Luke made it most of the way. When we got home from trick or treating we decided to visit 'Hogwarts.' A family in S. Ogden does their yard up each year like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from Harry Potter. It was so neat and the kids had a lot of fun. They rode a rope swing and got pelted with foam bludgers, drank pumpkin juice, got to meet Rita Skeeter, Buckbeak, Albus Dumbledore, Hagrid and a few others. They both tried their skills at conjuring a patronus and taming the monster book. They even had a toliet with Moaning Myrtle! It really was a magical, fun experience. And we were all exhausted by the time we made it home at 11 pm!

The best treat we ever got on Halloween...

Our sweet, angelic baby boy turned 2 on Halloween. I wish I could freeze him! Jason and I agree that we could have 10 more just like him!! We took Luke to Classic Fun Center for his birthday celebration. We all had a lot of fun riding, bouncing, climbing, and playing! It was a great day for the kids to have off school. We ended up celebrating the rest of his birthday the following day (who wants cake after trick or treating??). He got a new ride on bike, some blocks, and a couple remote control cars. We love you sweet boy!


This video is for the benefit of grandparents (really, you don't need to watch it unless you want to witness of family of really bad singers!)

We Won!

Lauren and I decorated a pumpkin for the school Pumpkin Decorating Contest this past week. Lauren was the creative brains behind the project and I took care of the execution. Our efforts together got us the Most Creative Pumpkin award for the 2nd grade!