Take back your Turf Thursday(ummm Friday oops) -Take back your Kitchen and take back family dinners

In October I worked on keeping my sink clean.By night all dishes needed to be done.It felt so good!By doing this it was like I pushed areset button and could start completely fresh the next morning.Many have talked about the importance of doing this,but until I actually tried it myself I didn't realize how great it felt. Once I felt comfortable with that,which took about 2 weeks I worked on clearing the counter.That is where mail,paper,almost everything ends up.This is going to be a very difficult one to break. Empty spaces practically call out to have "stuff" put on it.This dumping when youwalk in the door is a bad habit and even if you get those flat surfaces clean it gets cluttered because you aren't getting to the root of the problem.Like a tree,you are attacking the trunk of it there is so much more beneath the ground,deeply rooted.
I want to write what I am going to be doing this month so I can be held accountable.Start with one counter and move to the next.Keep adding a new flat surface each time.

Here is what is going on emotionally.You are tired,you dont' want to deal
with the mess.Can you picture your shoulders drooping forward?Everything in your hands feel heavy and you need to drop them because they are one more thing to deal with.This is how clutter builds.You start to not want to tackle this big job and you stop wanting to cook.This leads to eating out and less family meals and conversation.Do you feel  that way about your life?Each day you are just dumped anywhere.Your day is at the mercy of what you can squeeze in?Maybe there is no direction to your day?Just like clutter your negative thoughts are piling up and this can affect the rest of the areas in your life.You feel anxious frustrated.Negative thoughts like "I will never get to all of this" cloud your mind.So who wants a two fold change;both mentally and  physically?Unclutter your counter,unclutter your mind and keep going to unclutter your life.Start removing what doesn't belong.How does that feel?Here is my plan:

Week 1&2-This month I will be setting up a place for my mail and other papers.I also want to get in the habit of filing once per week.I will be devoting 15 minutes a day to going through paper.

Week 3-I am also going to create a mail center and deal with the mail as I come in the door.

Week 4-Pick a cupboard and clean it out.Set my kitchen into zones.Create command center.
There is a great command center here

Next month:finish Island cupboards and drawers.

January-organize your closets
Make a mud room out of coat closet.

Take back your Turf Thursday-October must do's

October is my favorite month!I love the changing leaves the crisp air and al foods pumpkin.It is also a great time to get ready for winter.Here is a list so you don't Fall behind.:)      

Outside-

• clear rain gutters,prune trees and bushes,
• winterize swamp cooler,sprinklers and lawn mower.How early you do the winterizing depends on where you live.
• Fertilize your lawn for winter.
• Check roof and windows for leaks
• Prepare car for winter-check wipers,tires
• Of course decorate with orange pumpkins and a wreath for the door!

Inside-

• go through clothes and see what you might need.All summer clothes should be on sale so you could stock up for next year.Just be sure to buy a bigger size for kids.
• Review fire escape plan during fire prevention week
• If you haven't started to plan for the holidays now is a great time.Print a calendar for October,November and December and plan away.Write down activities and parties you will attend.Don't forget to include birthdays.
• Start Christmas shopping and hopefully you have some money tucked away!
• Buy Christmas wrapping and cards
• On a rainy or cold day make some gifts and get the kids involved.You could also make some cookies and deliver it to a neighbor. 
• Also work on your Kitchen.Stock up on holiday items when on sale.Clean fridge in and under and same for your stove.Your Kitchen is going to need a deep cleaning!
• Clean chimneys and fire place.
• Clean walls and ceiling by swamp cooler.
• Get furnace checked and serviced.
• Sweep away the cob webs,unless they are a Halloween decoration. ;)

Excercise-yoga (especially plank pose)and squats are a great way to stay in shape!Find an excercise buddy or go to the mall and walk around.

Beauty-

• moisturize,moisturize,moisturize!
• Take care of cuticles.I use olive oil everytime I cook.
• Put moisturizer where you wash your hands,in your purse,at work.

Here is a great resource I recommend looking at:personal-assistant-for-october

Take back your Turf Thursday -Just start!

Last week I made a list of things most important to me.Did you give it a try?If not I would encourage it because it is a very strong motivator to have a goal of where you want to end up! If you just say I want my house clean it seems daunting and very unattainable.For example I know my kids rooms have been driving me crazy! I have been spending as least 5 minutes a day.There have been days that was all I could or wanted to do.Today I spent a half an hour in my son's room and man oh man boys are disgusting!I need to help him before roommates or his poor future wife has to deal with that! I have time though right.The idea is to just start!Start small and work up to your goal!Yes,it takes more time but you won't burn out as easy.
I told my son that I worked on his room.He replied with a heartfelt thank you and then he said"You work too hard Mom" Every Mom's dream to hear! But when I asked him to pick up the papers and garbage in one area he said NO!Moment over,crushed.and I am back to reality.However they have had t.v. ,friends and video games taken away until they clean.I'd they leave it up to me it will be a while!

I think that I am going to move the time to 7 minutes and keep my kitchen table clean. I saw this really cool organizer someone made to put books and things that are on the table.

Here is another organizing miracle I have found.It is a way too store stuffed animals and have more seating too!You want to know how?

That is right! A bean bag !!!!! Genius right? I 

only wish I had thought of it!The frog is trying to escape!
 Do you have any organization tips to share?

Take back your Turf Thursday-How to start anything and start small

The clutter is out of control.I clean somewhere and the next day or even hour there is more stuff!Is it coming out of the walls?My Mom used to talk to us about the house fairy.If we didn't pick up things they would disappear and she would say it was the house fairy.Well....where is she?I must have a house troll or warlock!

Messes happen with kids.It just does!However it really bothers me.I have made a recent discovery.If I can get most of the things up high,then I can limit what is out.Wow shocker!If there are toys hidden in the walls I will know and scare them back in!

Since looking at my house as a whole and a hole to clean,I would feel overwhelmed!I need to make a more reasonable goal don't you think?
How do you start something? 1.Find out what is important to you.2.make a goal(one,not four or ten, one!)3.Baby steps4.be prepared to take baby steps backwards too and accept life and it's chaos!

I wrote down my most important things to me.
1.spend time with people I love
2.Get house manageable(notice I don't say spic n span because that isn't going to happen anytime soon)
3.purge the junk 5 minutes a day
4.get breaks when when I need

As I wrote this list I noticed something.To achieve my first goal I need to do number 2 first because cleaning takes a long time..To manage my house better I need to do number 3 first.I don't know when number 4 will happen.As I write I chuckle then cry.Impossible? No but it will take longer than I hoped.I found this post about simplifying your life.It is suggested to start small and then gradually add on.So first I purge for 5 minutes and then celebrate my success.Then the next week it can be 8 minutes and so on.I also need to try to keep my counters clean so I am going to start in the kitchen by the sink.I think the flylady has good ideas on where to start.Where are you going to start?Post here and we can support each other! I feel a challenge coming on! Maybe?:-P

If you are in a slump what do you do to get out of it?

Take back your Turf Thursday -finding the light when you are surrounded by dark

Today was one of those days!After a week of no sleep.Also getting our rental up after our renters bailed on us.I woke up with a migraine.I couldn't function.I couldn't try to clean up my messy house due to being at the rental every moment.

After my kids got home all chaos.I was nagging the kids were oblivious! My daughter was pushing all my buttons.I had forgot that a friend was going to pick my kid up for soccer.She showed up I was bawling and we weren't ready! How can I embrace this chaos?

The baby has a infection on his diaper area and as I was pulling up to get his ointment he was screaming in the pharmacy drive through.I turned car off.My battery died because I turned the car off but not the lights.Are you getting an idea of how I felt about my day?

Then I see the most beautiful sights in the sky.I am going to start over cleaning and hopefully getting sleep again.What I realize upon reflection, is after the storm ,when it seems the darkest clouds are overhead, a ray of light breaks through and it is stronger than the darkness.God is always there and always watching.He is my light and my life.

Take back your Turf Thursday-How to make your to do list dissapear.Ta da!

How many of us have a long to do list everyday? Isn't it discouraging when half of it stares you in the face like a dark cloud hanging over your head.I have caught myself on many occasions saying "I have so much to do!"I sounded like a broken record.Not to mention it is so discouraging not to get everything done.A while ago I posted about a system I use with note cards.I sorted all my jobs into yearly,monthly,weekly and daily.It seems with 4 small children I have a hard time doing the daily things.I still use this system.If I don't get to all my cards I move it to the next day and the next day until I get to it..There are only a few tasks that have to get done like laundry,dishes and things like paying bills or for a church activity or a party.You can't have a party if you didn't decorate or make/buy the cake.Appointments also take time and grocery shopping.They are also more time consuming.On days when I have appointments and shopping I do not set myself up for failure by having a huge to do list of things I have to do that day.

Now here comes the fun part! Set your timer for 15 minutes.Those who have been following me know I love timers! Why does this crazy lady like timers? I like them because it gives me a time frame in which to complete a task.What if I am not done when the timer goes off? Stop look at what you have done and decide if you want or can keep going.In a dramatic announcement of sorts the word ta da is often used.One day I worked really hard to clean the whole house while my husband was away.When he got home I couldn't wait to show him.He walked in and I said ta da.I. dawned on me then how happy I was because he was thrilled and I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I don't have to do lists anymore.I have ta da lists.Look at what I have done today!Then you should feel good about it and hopefully a little less stressed or overwhelmed.You are that much closer to your goals.

Apparently this ta da list is not a new thing.I want to give credit where credit is due.I found a site where you can you create a ta da list.They are retiring the original ta da list but have a good replacement!

Take back your Turf Thursday-When your Turf is kicked to the curb

This is going to be short and sweet.After a week of having my husband gone I caught up on the house this week until my Tot had reaction to amoxicillin. After 2 sleepless night of having him in our bed,screaming,itching and putting his feet in my face I am done and my house is the result of running to his and my other kids aid.I'm tired and so do not want to face tomorrows pile of things to do and the heat.My turf is being kicked to the curb.Anyone else have one of those weeks?

Take back your Turf Thursday -My goals for Summer

So far we are having a great Summer! We are doing school at least an hour a day. The kids are home more and pitching in around the house.The house is more clean.I even got a chance to work in my room!Things were a little crazy last week because my hubby was out of town.My biggest problem is still the papers.I am desperately trying to find a solution! I dedicated a drawer in my son's room for his papers.Once it is full it then he must decide what to keep and toss.

We are also doing operation baby.This is where if the kids find a toy they figure out if it is a choking hazard.If they don't know they can see if it fits in a toilet paper tube or if it can come apart.It won't be long till the baby is crawling so I am making them aware now!

We are in week 4 of our 12 weeks.4 weeks until I put on that bathing suit for our Vacation. I have been a lot more active.This challenge may have been too much when I have so little time!My most successful week was when I would squeeze in time at the park.Have any of these exercises been of any benefit?What did you like?not like?I can't wait to go to the beach!

A little tip:bring baby powder to the beach it will get the sand off and don't forget warm clothes!

Take back your Turf Thursday-How to have a more relaxed day and you in 4 easy steps

Summer time is so much fun.The sun is out.Swimming,camping,and hiking are only a few of the things to enjoy.There is almost too much to do and routine tends to go flying out the door. We got invited to go swimming last minute and I had just started to get all the swim stuff together last night but didn't finish! So I had ti run around trying to find things! There are things we can do daily to be ready for the next day.I am going to share 4 steps to a more relaxed day and you!

1.Do as much the night before, then you know if your kids need underwear or you are out of snacks for the picnic.I will now have my swimming bag ready and a bag of snacks and water!I also want to pack my diaper bag at this time.

2.I am woken up at 5 a.m.most days with the baby.There are days I get up then and days I go back to sleep.On the days I get up early I get more done before the kids get up.The days where I sleep in, not only am I more tired but rushing around to get the kids ready , myself ready, and all the other things that I need to do.So my tip to you is to get up before the kids ,relax and do things that you need to do before they get up.Having more time in the morning and doing  more things at night help out more than you would think.

3.Next is to let go of expectations that your house is going to be clean and everything is going to work out well everyday.Let's face it your kids are home and into more things and eating more things, so your house is going to be more messy.Also there's going to be more fights and not getting along.So just take it as it comes day by day hour by hour.

4.This next step is also very important that I mentioned a little bit at the beginning.Stick to a routine!In the morning, afternoon, and night make sure the kids know what is expected of them.If you let them lay around all day and watch TV and have no structure and it's going to be harder for you to keep any kind of order or to keep the kids entertained.See my schedule here If you follow these steps you can have a more relax day.If it all falls apart at least you know you did your best.

To end I would just like to remind all of you following my 12 week to a beach worthy Mommy,that there are 4 more weeks! How is everyone doing with thier challenge? Can you find the time?I just happened to find a workout for the last four weeks.Good luck!

Take back your Turf Thursday-How to pack your car so there is no surprises!

Is everyone ready for Summer?If you decide to go to the pool or park do you have a bag you can just grab?Do you have extra clothes and sun block?

I came across this blog where this person was more than prepared.She thought of everything! She really found a creative way to use the dollar store hanging organizer.Check her site out! Don't forget the stroller!

I also found these cute smaller grab and go bags.It would be good for smaller things like first aid or activities.

I was thinking too,if you have a space in a garage or mud room to have a bag for camping,hike and beach.You don't have to keep them in the car but just grab and go!Also you should have paper,crayons and pens to write things down when you think of them or for the kiddos!If they have their journals they can write when inspired to do so.

You can take a Lysol container and fabric and make a place for trash bags or grab and go bags.It could also be a good place to put snacks or treasures from the kid's adventures.

Also we put a fire pit together in less than an hour.We had the ring already so we went and got stones to put around it and rocks to fill the gaps.Pretty easy and only $50!We had to try it out of course!!

This week I have been sick so not much exercising happening here.This week is week 5.Check out this 7-Minute-HIIT-Workout.If you are new to my get ready for the beach in 12 weeks.I am not a fitness guru I just want to lose some baby weight.The first post is here!

Take back your turf Thursday-7 steps to a successful Summer

Summer is almost here! 5 more days of school,a birthday party,and a baptism!Yikes and that is just the beginning of June! There is so much out there to do for the Summer,too much!!All this month I have been gathering ideas on Pinterest. Next I put them in order of educational, important dates and what parties I am in charge of,vacation and our bucket list!I am calling it my Summer of Success! I will walk you through what I have done and my lesson plans,hopefully in advance! Here is 7 steps to a successful Summer.So what is first?

1.Print out a calendar for each Month and fill it in with important dates! This is a MUST!
2.What do you want to do to keep the kids skill sharp? There is many options my favorite so far is the one hour schedule This is where you do 15 minutes of different subjects and the kids are done!The old work before you play motto.

The next idea is to have specific days for things ,like make it Monday or Wet Wednesday.I found this do it yourself Summer camp She has great ideas!

I want my kids to write,and read as much as they can.We will go to the library once a week.I  will have them write grocery lists.My 8 year old may plan and make a meal.I want to teach responsibility with chores and values.They will earn money and save for something.I am also going to do a girls and boys club to work on skills,make things and experiment.The kids will have quiet time to read scriptures,write and draw.

3.Write your bucket list with the kids.Write it down with as much or as little as you want.

4.Each weekend we will plan for the week ahead and hopefully everyone will be on the same page.

5.I will make my grab and go bags with the kids so we are prepared for it all.It will have food,drinks,extra clothes,first aid,sunblock and well you get the idea! I will do a more detailed post soon!

6.I will have to fit in exercise somewhere!We are on week 6.I found another tough but worth it set of exercises, Brazilian bum workout Need I say more! I am serious about this.

7.Create an area to create,craft,write and dream.It should include a writing surface,any pens,crayons,paper,tape etc....I will make a more extensive list later.

Get packed and set for a fun and best Summer ever!Are you ready?

What are your plans for Summer?

Take back your Turf Thursday-Week 7

Today I looked at the dishes to be washed and stared them down.I am the boss in this here kitchen and they needed to go! Why do I let it pile up? Oh yeah I am a Mom of four busy and inquisitive children. The baby screams and all comes to a halt.I cannot live up to the world's idea of a perfect Mom.However, I do have days where I get things done and play with my kids.I discovered today that my toddler can wash his cars while I wash the dishes.It goes right along with our theme for this week,Transportation. There are days when I can get things done and others where the piles of things I have to do laugh at me and say I will never catch up.I think what a mess.A mess just means we live here.We experiment and play.The kids left there dishes on the table but the food is gone.I may not be the best housekeeper by a long shot,but I am the best Mom I can be.(at least trying to be.)

Sometimes my life is upside down 

I just had to share my thoughts.Now as I move on to my exercise challenge I grimace because I have lost some motivation lately, but here is week 7.My challenge is to strengthen our core.I am strengthening one core,the very center of my world,my family! But my belly still reminds me I have that weight to lose! Here is a challenge to do 6 core abdominal moves
Are you ready?Bring it on!

Are you new to my 12 week challenge?Here are the weeks so far.
1.Week 12 and count down
2.Week 11
3.Week 10
4.Week 9
5.Week 8
Good luck this week! I hope I inspired you today!

Take back your Turf Thursday -week 9

How is the workouts going?We have been having so much fun exercising with the baby! Today I went to a class where they really worked the abs and glutes.I am very sore and realize I need to work those areas more! No pain no gain right?Well have I got a treat for you?How does a no squat belly,butt and thigh workout sound? There are only 5 exercises and they have a way to make it more challenging or easier.As always listen to your body!
http://www.prevention.com
The exercises are as follows:
1.Wall bridge
2.Wind shield wipers
3.Toe reaches
4.Wall scissors
5.knee press
See website for pictures and explanations. As always be careful and talk to Dr if you are not sure about these.I think the kids might like these! I foresee some giggles ahead!
What are your favorite glute exercises?

Now for a cleaning tip! Clothes belong in the hamper not the floor.Get your kids or yourself out of the habit of dropping clothes on the floor or bed.Even Toddlers can do it.Make it fun like shooting hoops in the basket.See how far away they can stand and try to make it.Next time have them beat it!Play horse or toss it over your head while you stand backwards! High five when you are done! It doesn't have to be a chore.That is my new motto! Have fun shedding junk in your house and your trunk.That is my pep talk I couldn't help myself!

Take back your Turf Thursday -Week 11 6+ exercises to do at the park

How is Spring cleaning going?

We are in week 11 of my Take back my turf meaning my body.It has been overtaken by baby weight and I have 10 weeks now to make it ready for the beach.How did Sun salutations go for you?It is harder than it sounds.You can find how to do them on YouTube.

So,as promised I am talking today about how you can workout at the park.First you can chase your kids around or maybe do some yoga outside.If you live by a park you could walk there.Again if you have young kids you probably have a stroller.You can use that stroller as a bar to lean on just make sure it has it's breaks and test it to make sure it won't tip.
1.You can lift your legs up on it to stretch,or use it to hold as you go down into plies` or a deep squat.
2.You can use the steps to step up and down.First start with your right foot up up with the left.Then down with left and down with the right.Look up step aerobics for more exercises.Another on is to step up and lift the opposite leg.Then switch sides.
Another exercise you can do is to use the cement walls to do push ups.You can also use the jungle gym
3.Use the swings.Lay on your stomach and stretch your arms and legs like Superman.
4.slide lunge
5.pull ups
6.park bench dips

Would you do any of these or would you feel silly.I would and have anyone join me.I like that can keep an eye on the kids too!

Take back your Turf Thursday-Week 12

We have all been scurrying to get our houses in shape for Spring cleaning but what about our bodies?Starting now I am doing a 12 week program to get in shape and lose the body weight.I will share exercises you can do.My baby will even be joining me in a few weeks.There are so many quick exercises that you can do it is just the motivation most of us lack.That is where I come in!First if you have any health issues check with your doctor.

As many of you know I love yoga! There is no better workout than sun salutations.It is s great one to do first thing in the morning to get the blood flowing and wake up!Try it this week with me!

I am particularly excited about earth day and the yoga we will be doing outside.It will not be just yoga,some will be combos of cardio and targeting certain areas of the body.We will do abs,arms,your behind,ballet,and exercises at the park,store and some involving the kids.I want it to be fun.Also I am not a dietitian but eat smart don't eat junk.What works best for me is a protein packed breakfast,lots of little snacks(nuts,apples and cheese,greek yogurt) and salad with a sandwich or meat and a small dinner.I am always hungry(famished) because I am nursing but small snacks are the key to sustaining my energy!

Now,I can't go until I talk about our home a little bit.Here is the touch only once jobs.What I mean is literally that touch it only once and it shouldn't pile up.These jobs are laundry,mail,dishes,dressing and undressing.For laundry, don't take it out and dump it somewhere.That is unless you want it back on the floor,laid on,or part of an obstacle course for your kids!Take it out fold and put away.Your kids can help whatever their age!1-3 years old can find colors,match socks,and put it in and out of the laundry basket.3-6 can fold cloths and learn to fold the rest.They can also put it away.We have had races for that.Winner chooses next activity.

For mail bring it in and file or throw sway.Little kids like doing this!Dishes ate used and cleaned right after.Same with clothes you can put it in the hamper!You get the idea.Try it this week and see!You could stand on your tippy toes or squeeze those glutes while you are at it!

Take back your Turf Thursday

We did a makeover of our daughter's room for her birthday.It turned out so cute!

 

Here is the After!

We added decals and tore pieces of yellow tissue paper and crumpled it up to make it look like flowers.

Here is a a head board I made with circular canvas with fabric glued to the back of it.

Take back your Turf Thursday

It has been a real busy week.Life still revolves around little Mister.Some days I can barely open my eyes.I was falling asleep while I was reading to my kids!!!Another time my hubby was so tired that when I asked for the baby he handed me the blanket instead.What are some funny things you have done because of sleep deprivation?

I did manage to stay on top of my laundry.I also finished the hallway top to bottom.I dusted pictured in my room and organized and dusted my dresser.I didn't do anything fancy but I put my jewelry in a hanging organizer so I can see what I have now.Pictures to come......

In addition I made a chore chart with empty picture frames.I can write on it with dry erase markers.I heard from somewhere but I don't know that to know how many chores to assign you take the child's age and multiply it by 2.So a 2 year old would have one,for example.This is in addition to picking up his toys.Each of my kids are expected to keep their rooms picked up and my oldest 2 can put their laundry in the washer by themselves.How do you assign chores at your house?

I hope you know that I love writing these posts.I hope to inspire and help wherever I can.As a busy Mom to another I hope for you all to realize what you accomplish and give yourself a reward for your hard work.You can paint your nails or a bowl of ice cream.I hope you are all making progress on your Spring cleaning and taking back your Turf one day at a time.

Take back your Turf Thursday

I feel really good about all I have accomplished.All my help has gone home but my sister really helped me pair down on the things in my closet.First in my linen closet I moved all cleaning supplies to the bigger closet in my laundry room.Next I took everything out to see what I had.As usual too much stuff for a space.I decided I wanted to cover my shelf with paper.We cleaned the shelves and washed the back of the closet.I wiped down the door frame and door with vinegar.It does a really good job.
Here is the before picture

They look so pretty huh?

We put things back and there was still too much stuff.I decided to move it to the kids bathroom.We put up shelves and got baskets for kids bath stuff and towels.
Now it looks like this.

Here is the before of the wall of the bathroom.

Here is the linen closet before again.
 
Here is the after.

A little trick someone told me for sheets is to put them in the pillow case so it looks nice and neat and it all stays together.

The next thing I did was scrub the shower top to bottom.I used hot vinegar and dish soap for the tough stuff and it came right out! I just poured the soap along the edges and then sprayed the vinegar.I am going to continue to clean top to bottom.First I will do the walls and door frames,curtains,blinds,windows,shelves.Dusting will also be included in it like frames,glass figures.That way all the stuff falls onto things you haven't cleaned yet.We will see how I do this weekend and next week.

Take back your Turf

It is the month of March and I can't wait to see the end of Winter! It is the perfect time to walk through your home in each room and decide what projects need to be done.I want to get my kitchen painted it is really old looking and needs an update so when I finally can go back to my normal every day that is the first project that I want to work on.

Every year I try to save up for Christmas and I end up putting it off.My parents always had a Christmas budget.So I want to start now .Also I need to buy wrapping paper and birthday stuff because starting next Month I have birthday after birthday.Ugh! My babies are growing up.

For now I will just be doing a thorough clean of each room.I will start with the entry way and what all I want there.I have seen a lot of awesome entry way ideas.I will be happy to be putting all my winter stuff away my closet will be able to breathe.Luckily there are hooks on the inside of the door for backpacks
and jackets. That is all that should be in there.I took the shoe basket out of the closet because it all ends up on the floor.So next week or when I am finally up to it I will be cleaning out the closet.Next I will wipe down and wash the door and baseboards .We have a beautiful stain glass window that needs cleaning.The last week, I will move into my living room and start from the top to bottom.I will dust,clean curtains,wipe baseboards,clean fireplace and decorate it for Spring.Next I will start on the Kitchen one cabinet at a time!
What are your plans for Spring cleaning?

Take back your Turf Thursday- 5 ways to have a smoother bedtime

Let the battle begin!I don't know if it is the weather, the new baby or several things combined, but come an hour before bedtime my kids have been jumping off the walls.It usually ends in tears where someone gets hurt.I even eliminated TV and video games several hours before bed.We tried charts but they only work for a short while. I also used to do bath time before bed but they would splash and pretend to underwater sea dive so that my bathroom was a mess and they were wound up.No relaxing here!
What is a Mom to do?I can't lift or drag them to bed.
I don't want to be up till midnight,one or two!
Here are 5 weapons I use to train my troops. I am still in the process of perfecting them!
 What can I do with things1,2,3,and 4?

1-Make sure the kids get enough exercise during the day and no rough housing at night.
2-Stagger bedtime just 5 min or so
3-Quiet time an hour before bed.Let them choose activities.In our family they can color,do puzzles,write in journal or read.We do a lot of reading.Sometimes I can even get them to do yoga.
4-Have the kids say good night to their stuffed animal or dolls.Rowen likes to put his cars or big yellow truck to bed.
5-Lights out mean bed! No drinks,extra this or that.We are still working on this one!!My daughter is a master mind out of not going to bed.
That is not all.Don't give up there is much much more........
How did you like my tribute to Dr Suess?.Did you catch it? We have been doing a lot of fun activities to celebrate his birthday Saturday.Check out tomorrows post.