Friday, August 20, 2010

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.
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.

5 comments:

ShEiLa said...

I so love the chore chart and the fact that your girls made it is extra special.

I am not very crafty. I can do some things... but I think my problem is that its just not my thing. I have an awesome appreciation for those that are crafty and creative and have the ability to make something from almost nothing.

It doesn't bother me that you are not crafty... I like you just the way you are.

ToOdLeS.

ShEiLa said...

ps. spray paint huh? reminds me of tie dye. I wonder if it's less messy????

Rita said...

I actually think you ARE crafty -- just not in the way you are defining crafty. Maybe creative is a better word -- you come up with the best ideas and implement them in a creative way I think.

I love this post -- yes, I realize I say that about pretty much every post your write, but it's true. I love your chore chart and how you implement it -- we have yet to find the perfect solution at our house. I need to work on that. (Man my list of things to work on just seems to grow and grow...)

I am also a mom who isn't too concerned about "keeping up with the Joneses" -- I feel bad about it sometimes, but I am who I am. That's probably why I like you so much -- you are always true to who you are and what you believe in. You don't waste time pretending to be something or someone you aren't to please others. So many people exert way too much energy doing that.

Why am I rambling??? LOL

Great post -- go Griffyndor Golds!

Kelley Miller said...

I love it Alice! I think you were crafted perfectly and are perfectly uncrafty! OK - I have to ask... what is with the bar on the door to the left of your fridge? Do tell. My Gavin get's into everything so if you are using it to lock your kids out of something or to keep them from going somewhere, please share that idea with me! Thanks!

Jenn said...

you're awesome!! I soooo want to see your shirt! I didn't even THINK to use a darker shirt (see you do have some craftiness in ya!)

Your chore chart is great! I always have a hard time figure one out!

Thanks for the link--and for the walk down memory lane!