Things I have learned so far this Summer Vacation

    Sitting here at the dining table while the three kiddos are silently taking a break from activities watching Tinkerbell and Periwinkle I can't help but think of the things that I have learned so far this Summer Vacation - remember this is my first Summer Vacation with all three kids at home. 

   Not only has my patience been tested in ways that I never thought it could have been tested, as well as my ability to balance way more than I can chew but I have gathered a few lessons and interesting finds from my kids. 
   
   First is if given the chance they would "snack" ALL day long. I had to nip that one right at the start. There is designated snack times as well as only one Breakfast and one Lunch. (That rule is mainly for my son who would eat all day if allowed) I never noticed it before but after a day or two of constant refilling snacks I caught on. Well played sir, well played. 

   Second is learning to just go with the flow - literally. I was rocking the potty training scene with Bear before the older two were home. Once they crashed our party she back slid. I have never had to deal with back sliding during potty training and as much of a frustration it is, I have to just take her cue and go with the flow. We have our good days, our awesome days but also have our icky days. All in due time, all in due time. 

   Third is the importance of a schedule. We had a schedule before and that was super easy to follow but now in order to keep the peace and structure our new schedule is more important than ever. I think it's hard for people who never experienced it yet to fully understand and I may seem like a sour face for saying no but I need that schedule to go smooth so our house can run smooth. 

   Fourth is that I'm not as well stocked up on toilet paper as I thought I was - good grief! Haha. 

  That is all for now as I know my time alone is fleeing by the seconds. (For the record as I wrote this the three birdies were munching on their afternoon snack smorgasbord. I found that if you lay out a tray full of different snacks there is less asking and just more munching.) 

   What is something that you've learned from spending Summer Vacation with your kiddos?  

Wordless Wednesday

Ok so it's been a while but here's a fun one for (not so) Wordless Wednesday. Here is Lulu, in the pink outfit, trying out the hurdles for the first time 

- and she LOVED it!

Like a dyer vent - I need to vent

    After a phone conversation this morning I got the feeling that I am misunderstood. Maybe it's the words that I choose to speak with. Maybe I shouldn't say anything at all. Maybe it's just me. I don't know.

   But what I do know is that I want to raise my three kids to be independent, free thinking and resourceful. I want them to be able to solve things out in a timely manner and know that they can do it. I want them to prioritize and know how to get around an obstacle. 

   Earlier this week I asked Lulu is she wanted to tie-dye and she jumped at the chance to gather up any and all white clothes she could find. I explained to her that it was a process and it couldn't be rushed through. I told her we were going to have to do some research since it had been eons since I last tie-dyed. 

   We sat and watched several how-tos on You Tube to learn layouts and color applications until her questions ran dry and she felt confident. She was determined to pull off some spirals and hearts like a pro.

    So we sat at the table in a sea of white, rubber bands and zip ties with our knowledge and I let her take the lead. She knew how she wanted to set each item up and did it herself - until her hands grew weak from twisting or tying, then I helped out under her lead. 

    Once everything was twisted, banded, folded and zipped we mixed up our colors and proceeded outside to dye up a storm. I was in awe watching her take the lessons she absorbed and apply them to her creations. We only had enough dye for about 3/4s of our white loot so we decided not to mix any more up to see how these ones turned out just in case we wanted to change anything.

    After we let the items sit in separate plastic bags for a day or so we rinsed them out. It was so exciting to watch the designs unfold as they were hung on the laundry line. Lulu was beyond over the moon in excitement as she watched the rainbows get hung out to dry. First was a shirt I did followed by a few of her tanks, her t-shirt, TW's t-shirt and a few baby onesies. Oh and a shirt Lulu did all by herself for the Hubs. Everything turned out super awesome! Now she can't wait to dye the rest of the items.

    I don't think I'm a mean mom. I don't think I'm a pushy mom. I want them to do things on their own. I want them to learn and be confident. I will not do things for them but I will be there to assist them. I want them to take the lead. I want them to know that there are outlets and resources available to learn how to do things for themselves and others. That it's okay to ask for help but to always harvest the drive to earn it for themselves.

    It's hard work - real hard work, especially with three kids - but I am determined and have already seen results of these lessons that make it encouraging to keep at it. And now Lulu can add tie-dying master on her belt next to finger knitting. 

*this is the second edition since my first draft crashed - I'm sure I'll be editing this but the overall message wont change.