My kind of Craft Project and Chore Chart

I am NOT crafty.

That is not a confession,

like the kind you have to hide in a closet,

but a declaration of this is part of who I am.

More power to those of you who are crafty and take joy in it.

I would rather buy your stuff than attempt it myself.

Because I am a shopper.

Shopping is a talent I like to spend my time working at.

I'ts also something that I have learned how to curb.

You see, God made everyone different.

It's o.k. that I am not crafty.

It's o.k. that I don't want to spend my time

trying to be like most of the other moms I know.

It's o.k. that I would rather spend my time

reading and writing and bargain shopping.

It's o.k. that I don't care if my girls hair is perfection.

And that I don't even like those horrible

crazy HUGE bows on the modern babies' heads.

It's o.k. that my house is simple.

That I don't need a showroom

for my friends.

It's o.k. It's o.k. It's o.k.

I recently came across a friend's cool craft project.

It involves a T-shirt and a can of spray paint.

It's my kind of project.

I am going to try it.

But, I will probably never post a picture of it.

Because that's just not who I am.

I would rather blog about my

thoughts, opinions, ideas, and funny stories.

Go over and check out how to do it at Jennifer's blog.

I'm sew in heaven.

She's most definitely a crafty.

In fact her mom tried to teach me how to sew once.

It was a disaster.

The only way my ugly skirt got done

was because my sister took pity on my

and finished it after she got done with hers.

We were 14 and 16,

and she was and still is a million times craftier.

And to add to that

Here is an example of the simplicity I prefer.

It's our chore chart.

I will show you how to make your own

if you are craft challenged.

Like me.

This system made it through the whole summer,

and is still in full swing

into the first week of school.

I'm very proud.

Not of its gorgeous display,

or the effective system,

but I am proud of the fact

that I pulled out

the electrical tape,

crayons,

scissors,

paper,

contact paper,

and magnets,

and my kids made it for me.

The kids were crossing their weekly jobs out

with a dry erase marker

as they get them done.

Now, we just know when they've got them done.

The sooner the better.

Each of the girls were assigned a row.

Oldest to youngest.

And there is even a spot for Caroline.

Because we are putting her to work

as soon as possible.

Trust me,

the older girls

can't wait to pawn stuff off on her.

And they each have three columns.

One for everyday jobs.

And a column of weekly jobs.

Because Excel spreadsheets,

I can reinvent.

We rotate the dailies on a weekly basis.

And they get to choose their own weeklies.

First come, first serve.

They love the grab.

And the competition.

We've initiated the concept

in family scripture study too.

Scripture chase:

Old Testament.

Go.

Proverbs 3:5-6

They are memorizing the

scripture songs

so they can get faster.

Watch out seminary kids.

The Gold Girls are in the house.

The last column is completely unrelated.

They are not rewarded any longer for chores.

They are expected to comply.

They don't get allowance.

But, they do get warm fuzzies

for good behavior.

Kind of like

dad gets warm fuzzies from mama

for bringing home the bacon.

The black circles are worth 1 warm fuzzy.

The yellow are worth 2 and a treat at the store.

The red are worth 3 and a rented Redbox.

The blues are the biggest hit.

They are worth 10 and a date with mom, dad, or a friend.

The green are worth 20 or $5.

They haven't learned to save up yet.

They like instant gratification.

In the form of candy and movies.

Lucky for dad.

The term warm fuzzy was coined

by my first grade teacher.

And you will hear me use it as a threat often.

"Go take two warm fuzzies for hitting your sister."

But hopefully, more often than threatening,

you will hear me rewarding:

"Everyone gets three warm fuzzies

for being so helpful today."

It's on the fridge,

like every other important thing in my life.

And did I mention?

That it's been working

at my house

for three months!!!

Kids doing chores = one very happy uncrafty mom.

One last sidenote:

At church the other day,

a teacher was explaining to me that

in his training he has learned

that you don't want to divide and conquer your kids.

For example,

"Look at Bella, she is such a good cleaner."

I am trying to figure out a way that I can

make this system

more of a Harry Potter style.

Where

everyone

gains

and

loses

together.

I am thinking that may

unify the girls

a little bit more.

Go Griffendor Gold Girls.