jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

A Year of Habits, no.1

January 10, 2011 jennifer Helpfulness of Habit

I would love to type a glowing report of the lovely week I just spent getting started on all the habits I’m hoping to improve in 2011.

I would love to do that.

But I’d be lying.

Here’s how the week really went.

Due to flooding at the elementary school, most of my children had an extra week of vacation. We should have started getting up earlier, getting chores done, etc. But we didn’t. I let them sleep in. I thought I would at least get up early and have some quiet time in the mornings. But I didn’t. Our baby, who pretty much quit sleeping on December 22nd, continued her streak. She wouldn’t nap. She would sleep just a couple of hours at night and spend the rest of the night laying on top of my head or kicking me in the face until around 4:30 a.m. when she’d finally fall asleep for a couple of hours. I’d like to say I got up and carried on, but I didn’t. I got what sleep I could.

The house fell apart. We did a few fun things, but generally the past week was spent without much discipline in place. I ended up with a migraine but the baby finally started sleeping two days ago. Heaven!

So I just experienced a week in the life of what-not-to-do-if-you-want-your-life-to-improve lifestyle. One good thing did come of it, though. When we got back from Denver I worried that several of us were on the verge of getting sick. I just let my kids sleep as much as they would and all of them shook the junk they were fighting, so at least I’m sending them back to school tomorrow healthy and rested.

Except I’m not sending them back to school tomorrow. Our friends are. My husband was headed to Las Vegas today for a business conference. Our friends heard of his plans and volunteered (brave souls that they are) to stay with our children so I could come too. I’m not good at things like this, but I knew it meant a lot to my husband. A frenzy of cleaning (with a migraine) and less than 24 hours later… we were on the road. I’m hoping my kids are good, stay safe, and that all goes well. And I really hope our friends will still be friends when we get back.:)

As for me, I’m looking forward to more quiet than I’ve had in years. I brought a book, a project, my scriptures, my laptop and my notebook. I’m looking forward to the best planning session I’ve had in years. As stressful as it was to leave, a good planning session will make it worth it.

I’m also starting a new challenge tomorrow which will help me to get a better jump on several habits that need immediate attention.

As for the habits? The only habit I can honestly claim to have worked on this week is what I’m calling “A Soft Reply.” You know how certain children do certain things just the right way and you always respond in just the wrong way? Well, I’m working on a soft reply with each of my children in the moments when their behavior is most difficult for me to feel patient with them. It’s helping. I’m liking it.

And there you have it. A lousy start to a great year. Such is life.

Jennifer

3 comments goals

Today…

January 5, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

I am LOVING the sunshine.

I’m listening to my favorite music.

I’m making something beautiful with this:

I am celebrating my baby’s first nap in more than two weeks.

I just watched my oldest four children walk out the door to go snowboarding together, and I’m a little bit amazed that I have four children old enough to do that.

I’m marveling at all the things children can find to argue over.

I’m drooling over the turquoise houndstooth pillows in this picture. I have been for days, actually. The work is designer Tobi Fairley .

I’m seriously considering participating in a couple of online quilt alongs, found here and here . The first, because it would be interesting to see all the different blocks people design, and the second just for fun. Of course, I should probably baste and quilt last year’s quilt along project first. If I do either or both of the quilt alongs the rule is this: NO NEW FABRIC. It has to come from my stash.

And last but not least, I have no idea what I’m making for dinner. Not good. Not good at all. Suggestions?

What are you doing today?

Hopeful Homemaker

One comment

Musical Bells

January 4, 2011 jennifer crafts & activities

I went back and forth in my mind over purchasing this bell set for my children. It sold out in our local toy store, but I found it online and decided to buy them for Christmas.

I’m SO glad I did. We love them.

The bells go from middle C up an octave to C. On the end of each handle is a sticker that says what note that bell plays, and they came with a music page that has each note written in the same color as the corresponding bell.

The color coding makes it easy for young children to easily play songs they recognize, like Jingle Bells and Old MacDonald had a Farm. We got them out in Denver and had a bunch of us gathered around the card, each holding a separate bell.

It’s also been fun to watch two of my daughters play the bells alone, lining them up in order and picking up each bell when it’s needed. I’ve enjoyed seeing my younger children who aren’t currently taking music lessons enjoy these bells and begin to learn about notes and how they work.

I found that the bells make a very pleasant sound. I don’t mind hearing them, which is a plus! It’s been a great indoor activity for the past week, with the exception of moments like this:

Why? Why do teenage boys enjoy things like this so much?

As for me, I love the rainbow of colors. If you’re interested, I purchased mine here . I plan to use them a lot with my preschoolers this winter.

On a happier note, the children decided to use these bells to ring in the New Year instead of banging pots and pans. Happy pandemonium.

Hope your day is great!