Something old, something new

 Here is an idea I came across from one blog to another. No literally the person I read it quoted someone else, who then quoted another and so on. Just be assured I am not claiming it as my own rather a great idea shared. One of the key points in several parenting books including "The Key to Your Child's Heart" by Dr. Gary Smalley talks about open communication of expectations. This can happen at any age but especially when your kiddos are like mine (11,9,7 and 4). I took scrapbook paper of various and interesting color and designs, printed the phrases on the computer and attached. Then the kids, hubby and I signed it understanding it was the core of who we are together.

Now I wish I could say I have referenced it or included it regularly but well I have not. Yet it does sit at the main entrance for family and friends greeting them too. As this summer seems to be about coming together and being a team, having an awareness of others it is a great starting place I intend to circle back too.

As for something new it is a basic idea really but it is a lifesaver if you have multiple children in activities. My daughters schedules recently rotated making it difficult to remember who had to be where when (especially there are 2 boys who have their own schedules too). SO, I took 3x5 cards and made one for each day Mon-Fri. Then I 3 holes punched them, slipped on a ring and hooked them to a command strip stuck in my van. BAM, easy reference for my brain that has given up be able to figure it all out. The next step is to make another one for hubby to keep in his car when we tag team. All I know is I love organization and this is super cool for me!