Oh the fun we have....

It has been a while since I posted so I thought it was time to share some fun stuff with you.  CRAFTS!  Spring is such a great time of year for doing crafts because we can sit outside at the picnic tables and create all sorts of things without worrying about a big clean-up.  I simply get the hose out and hose down the tables and sometimes the kids too.

When I took my E.C.E course many moons ago we learned about how important art is to children.  Letting them create and enjoy the experience is the most important part.  The final product is of little importance.  When it comes to crafts I try to pick ones that are fun and exciting.  I have switched to canvas instead of paper because it does last longer and it is more forgiving if too much paint is used.  As a t.v free home/daycare I am always trying to be creative with the kids.  Take a peek at these wonderful pieces of artwork that have been developed over here! It's always a real treasure when the experience is as lovely as the final product.

The Big Spring Clean List

Today I started my spring cleaning list.  This is not just a to-do list, it's a special list that allows the kids in the family to sign up for certain chores.  The kids will then earn the amount that is listed beside the chore. The chore has to be done properly and without attitude in order to earn the reward.  In my home this is an optional activity designed for the children who want to earn a little extra pocket money.  It's funny when I tell the kids that everything is optional because each of them were very eager and each job was assigned to somebody.  Now, to avoid a battle between those people requesting the same job I had them pick a number between 1 and 10.  The first person to guess the number got the chore.  Here is my list... (all done with eco-friendly cleaning methods)  Enjoy!

• Clean and organize under kitchen sink $1
• Wash down all walls in kitchen with vinegar/water solution $5
• wash down all walls in living room with vinegar/water solution $5
• wash walls in hallway and front cupboard $3
• clean patio doors inside and out $3
• clean out fridge $5
• wash walls in main floor bathroom including back of door $3
• clean out under bathroom cabinet and organize $3
• bath Sadie (dog) $5
• bath River (dog) $5
• polish piano (with oil/essential oils) $2
• clean front door and front window inside and out $3
• clean living room windows inside and out (they are easy clean windows) $4
• polish wooden handrail on stairs $1
• Clean and organize Bookcase A $3
• clean and organize bookcase B $2
• clean and organize bookcase C $2
• clean and organize bookcase D $2
• clean glass basement door inside and out $2
• clean off front step, sweep cobwebs off brick and clean porch light $2
• wash out kitchen garbage can $1
• vacuum the carpeted stairs $2
• clean/organize upstairs bookcase $2
• clean inside oven (self-clean mostly) $2
• wash kitchen window inside and out $2
• clean/organize upstairs bathroom cabinet $4
• wash down walls and tiles with vinegar/water solution in bathroom $2
• organize linen closet $5
• wash down walls in on-suite bathroom $2
• clean out under on-suite bathroom cabinet $2
• wash window in on-suite bathroom (old window and harder to clean) $4
• wash bedroom windows (tilt-in, easy to clean) $4
• wash windows in girls' room $4
• wash front and back of all upstairs doors and door knobs $3
• clean ceiling fans (2) $3

So, that's my list so far!  I am excited because things are going to get done much faster than if I have to do them.  My children are fully capable of doing a good job and a good job is expected before they get paid.  My home is going to sparkle and this makes me happy!

Blessings!

Samantha