Halloween on a Dime

Jules here-

Happy Halloween!! I'm awaiting Trick or Treaters as I sit and type this- though we have had a few, it has not been the onslaught I predicted.  So, as I am typing, I am taxing my over-full candy dish... mmmm... 

My children did not want to go with our normal "theme" Halloween and my budget was less than $15 for ALL of the costumes.... How did I manage? Beg, borrow, and steal (well, look for steals at thrift shops...)

First, Grace. She wanted to be a cowgirl.  Luckily, she was brave enough to ask a couple of classmates to borrow cowgirl boots AND a hat. Two items down, check! She already had jeans, but she needed a few additional accessories.

Costume cost:
$0- Borrowed hat
$0- Borrowed boots
$0- Previously owned jeans
$1.50- Flannel Shirt
$0.25- Bandanna

Total costume cost: $1.75

Second, Felicity wanted to be a chicken. Yes, a chicken- I don't know why.  I looked everywhere for a chicken costume to no avail.  So I had to be creative, and spend more money than I intended.  I bought a chicken hat on Amazon.  Turned out to be AWESOME.   We had white pants, an old white sweater of  mine, and a white long-sleeved undershirt.  I did have to buy a fluffy scarf for the wings/tail and some hospital sock chicken feet.

She could put hat up for visibility too.

$5.95- Chicken hat
$0- White accent clothing, previously owned.
$2.00- White scarf from thrift shop
$0.25- Yellow chicken feet hospital socks

Total cost of costume: $8.20

Lastly, James- who KEPT changing his costume idea. So, instead of asking him anymore, I borrowed a Spiderman costume from my awesome-former-neighbors!! So a FREE costume!! He loved being a superhero too!

$0- Spiderman costume

Total Cost of Halloween Costumes: $9.95--- Woo Hoo!!!
So, I bought an 8 pack of glow sticks for safety on their costumes AND 3 pairs of gloves to keep their hands warm tonight!

Halloween total: $14.95 (not including the ridiculously expensive candy that we have to hand out...)

Oh and my last minute Halloween costume? Clark Kent. 

$0- Old sunglasses with lenses pushed out.
$0- Superman pajama shirt- previously owned

Total cost of awesomeness- Free.

The group shot!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Easy Rule #1031002- You don't always have to make things from scratch for them to be cheap!! I spent less this year than last year's homemade debacle.

Picture it

Ems here:

Here are a few of the happenings around our home as symbolized through pictures .

1. My oldest two boys are now in "regular" school in 7th grade. We have mixed reviews :

Although academically and socially both boys are doing great, Theo resents the early wake up and the lack of free time.

2. In an effort to sneak in a healthy vegetable to my children this week, I put spinach in the dinner smoothie. 

My kids were horrified, and I heard the question "why are you making us eat grass and parsley?!"

3. I've recently been inundated by a flood of questions while about town with the kiddies, trying to ascertain if the children are actually mine. Someone asked if they came from my body. Others ask if I am fostering or if I have adopted all these children. One man asked if I run a home daycare! To all these folks, I present this handy cheat sheet:

4. Baby Gemma is starting to be trouble! She is crawling now and pulling up to stand using everything imaginable--tables, chairs, laundry baskets, siblings, etc.  Here she is eating illegally obtained cookies: 

5. I've rediscovered an addiction to Swiss Cake Rolls. Please pray for me.

6. The fall sports' seasons are wrapping up! Lacrosse mini-season is over, and the whole family came out to support my team for their scrimmage. Thanks, Hubby!

I'm holding Gemma while taking the picture, of course.

My soccer dudes:) Jojo and Tad have also joined the ranks of soccer kiddos this season, so we've been busy game-watching and cheering!

I think that pretty well summarizes life these past couple months (outside of this pesky cold that's been haunting us!). Hope all is well with you, Dear Reader(s).

Easy Rule #4552: Spinach is too visible to hide in smoothies. (Note to self:  Maybe try Swiss Cake Rolls?)

I'm a better Mom when...

Jules here-

Sometimes, I'm a better mom when I wear sweatpants.

When I wake up in the morning and throw on yoga pants for the day-  I am willing to snuggle on the couch and read stories. I am more likely to clean my home as I don't fear bleach stains or spills.I will chase them around the playground and sit on the grass with them. I don't worry about wrinkles, stains, or tears when I wear sweatpants.

Hair salon victim, I mean customer...

Sometimes, I'm a better mom when I don't shower.

 My imperfect hair is a perfect canvas for my little hairstylists to add dozens of bows and hair clips. Their "hair salon" leaves me with seven ponytails and a few braids and they love when I model in front of a mirror.  We head bang along to the Bohemian Rhapsody with wild hair. Unshowered, unwashed, we have more fun.

Pancakes- Not just for holidays!

Sometimes, I'm a better mom when I serve breakfast for dinner.  

Instead of laboriously making a well-balanced meal, I serve pancakes and waffles drenched in syrup.  The kids love the "no vegetable" dinner and they gleefully eat crispy bacon with sticky fingers.  We discuss their school days while flipping pancakes and I have the time to enjoy dinner without the huge mess in the kitchen. 

The mess of last years moving....AAHH! So glad to be done that.

Sometimes, I'm a better mom when I leave dishes in the sink.  

Some nights we have giggly dinners with Knock Knock jokes and silly stories- instead of rushing to clean the kitchen- I let it go.  I let the mess go to enjoy the fun tangential conversation that typically end with James drooling with laughter.  I let them take dozens of toys out and we create villages, train stations, battle scenes- we enjoy the imagination and creativity without the fear of mess.

Sometimes when I am not the perfect mom, I actually am.

Easy Rule #42342- Relax a bit, drop your guard, experience ever day.

Easy Rule #324234- When you aren't a "perfect" mom- you don't often take pictures. Sorry none of the photos really make sense....

Teaching Respect

Jules here-

While at Marshalls the other day, I overheard (well, the WHOLE STORE overheard) a little girl (maybe 4 years old) throw an epic tantrum about wanting this Hello Kitty purse.  Apparently, the price was a bit too steep for the parents and they were trying to reason with the child.  Of course, the little girl wanted this purse and she did NOT want to wait until they went to Wal-Mart to see if it was cheaper...etc.... etc... etc...  The parents continued to promise this child the purse no matter what- and they were frantically searching on their smartphone to see if the "same exact purse" was available cheaper.

Now, I have had children throw fits in stores before; I have been blushing from my hairline to my toes as I sling a child over my shoulder and storm out of the store.  But, I would never ever acquiesce to a demanding, selfish, and unreasonable kiddo in a store.  Am I perfect about always disciplining? No- I will bribe a kid with chocolate bars to smile during a family reunion shot or continually let them eat lollipops at the doctor's office even when they are not behaving as expected.

Note the freaking out James. Even candy-bribe didn't work 

So after my viewing of the tantrum, I witnessed another family:  two teenage children at dinner with their parents.  It was a family-style restaurant: casual dining, noisy kids, cheap food- my kind of place.  The teens were glued to their phones the ENTIRE meal.  At one point, the mom sheepishly asked them to put away their phones- not only did they NOT acquiesce they smirked at her.  The father did nothing expect shrug.  Respect has left that family....

What has happened with families that the parents have lost complete control over their children? I think it's a few things combined in our culture:

• Parents have been taught to "not trust" their instincts.  Online you can find ten different ways to handle every situation: from bottle feeding to spanking- parents can feel guilty about anything.  It used to be if your child acted up- you dealt with it. You didn't look online for "strategies" you just did it. Now, I am not saying that you shouldn't look for support or advice- however, make sure you aren't just looking online to find excuses. It's really easy to laugh when someone says, "Oh you let your kids watch 4 hours of TV a day? So do I! Then that's normal!!"  Make sure you are challenging yourself to parent wiser not just look for people who support your not-so-great decisions.
  

  

  You better read all these so you can raise your kids.

• The undermining of the family through "family" programming.  When we watch Leave it to Beaver now, we scoff at the portrayal of the family life: perfect wife & mother with a hardworking, knowledgeable father and respectful children.   Starting in the 1980s, the father became the buffoon.  Even family-friendly shows like Home Improvement or Everybody Loves Raymond- the mother's became the sole source of knowledge and family-management.  Once in awhile the father would have an insight, but usually the mother was the hero of the story. 
  

  

  This is hilarious though :)

• Children's books, shows, and movies.  After all the wonderful picture books I have read my children, I looked forward to great "first" chapter books for Grace.  Though we love the Magic Tree House Series and a few others,....so many of the books have snarky lead characters. I really don't like the Just Grace or Judy Moody series because the stars are rude, disrespectful, and flippant with their parents. These books are geared for 5-8 year olds-- we are teaching children to talk back, make snide comments, and not listen to us!!  Have you tuned into the Disney Channel (not Disney Junior)? Parents are portrayed as idiots and the kids are constantly talking their way out trouble.
  

  

  Good fun reads! Great as an audiobook too.

• Laziness. We have become the quick-fix society. I get impatient waiting for the microwave or my computer to load up. In our instantaneous society we expect our children to behave after 1-2 attempts at discipline.  It takes THOUSANDS of reminders to have your child to remember to say "Please" or "Thank You"-- imagine how long it takes to build a child's character? Umm.... literally forever. My mom is still working on me :)  I know that many times I don't feel like "dealing" with a kid, but I know that in the long-run, getting off the couch might save me tantrums later. 

  

  This happens to me too often....

•  Culture of snippiness.  Stemming back to the "family programming," I often hear husbands and wives sniping at each other in front of the children.  It's fine to disagree in front of the kids- it's not o.k. to constantly disrespect your spouse in front of them.  Teaching your children to resolve conflicts in a respectful way is a wonderful skill to give them.  If you are constantly degrading each other, the children will learn that too.  As the children get older, they will mimic that same lack of respect in their tone and obedience. 

  

  Especially true with parents.

Create a culture of respect in your home- from being polite to each other to surrounding your kids with positive role models in books, movies and TV.   Be very aware of how this culture will later shape how your children will respond to you in their more "tricky" teenage years.  Learn to handle their outbursts, talking back, and frustrations- you are bigger than they are now.... use that advantage!

And you know you may have over-used a parenting strategy when this conversation was overheard in the shower:

"Don't complain about the water!" Said Lissie
"Why?" Grace said.
"Mommy will come in here and tell us about the children in Africa who have to bathe in mud puddles!"


Easy Rule #45445- Let your kids tantrum in public. Most people will smile knowingly that you are willing to "stick to your guns."  And who cares about the other people who are judging you.

Easy Rule #34234- No parents are perfect, but stay strong- every effort is worth it!

Bonus---

Here's a little Frozen bonus that Grace is INSISTING that I put on the blog... only for those of you who actually read the blog posts to the end shall enjoy....

Finding a Balance

 Jules here-

Milkshakes after surviving another week :)

I know I just posted a couple of weeks ago about how I am surviving the start of "real school", but I wanted to focus a bit on how my girls are surviving this massive life change.  First, as a mother AND an occupational therapist I have a unique perspective on school.  On one hand, I love that my children are getting the structure and routine of the academic world. My children have to learn how to sit still, follow multi-step directions, and attend to a variety of tasks-- which are all KEY to surviving in the workplace in the future.  However, as an O.T. I understand child-development- and much of the school day is often too structured for a child to experience the proper developmental milestones in a natural way. Plus, if a grown up can't sit through a half-hour meeting without getting 'spacey' how do we expect children to focus for so long?  Play is a child's job.  That is how human development works....

Controversial but interesting perspective!

Though Grace is doing well academically, she is overwhelmed with the rigidity of the classroom experience. For example, Grace said, "I love art class, but you have to make what she says, not what I want to make!"  Is that defiance or is it simply creativity? After Kindergarten, it's rare that a child has a chance to have any "free expression" time through art, writing, or music.  I think certain children might need a bit of a creative outlet without the structure- sort of like recess for the mind.

I am trying to find a balance for her- I am setting up more unstructured crafting for her- paint, glitter, sequins, etc.- so she can explore a bit after school.  So far, she has made several Christmas presents and she looks forward to that time each day.

I also find reasons for mini-celebrations- such as our Half-Birthday parties. Luckily, my girls are born five days apart so I can save half the cake.... I gave Grace the icing, sprinkles and food dye so she could dabble at the bakery arts for an hour.

Yummy half birthday cake!

Recess is fantastic for giving the children outdoor time and the gross motor/vestibular stimulation that children need- but, I would still recommend encouraging that wild, upside-down play their bodies crave when they get home.  From climbing mountains to hanging on the monkey bars, I challenge my kids to get moving when they get home.

Hay jumping!

Does she love school? Nope. Is she surviving? Yup. We are still adjusting and every week is a challenge.  I love that she has friends and she enjoys music and art- those are areas that homeschooling often doesn't provide as well.  I miss the freedom to explore topics that interested us but I am glad someone else has to force her to do daily math...  I can definitely see the perks in both lifestyles.

Easy Rule #54354- Sometimes your work can help your home life- I am blessed to have a career that complements my parenthood.

Easy Rule #7897- When life stresses you out, bake a cake. Or just half of one.

Time to eat!

Yummy!

Two Year Anniversary!

Hi all!!

It has been 2 years since we started this endeavor-- and though our tagline still reads "Ten children" and Gemma topped us at eleven-- we are still two sisters writing this blog (though Ems feels insanely guilty for not posting more...)!!

Our eleven kiddos- plus cousin Charlie too :)

So, as the tradition of last anniversary, here are our TOP TEN most popular/read blog posts this year:

 #10 Blog Post of the year is my review of the Dollar Tree products that I use- and that I DON'T use...

Ah the dollar store craft section....

Our #9 most-read post is my admission that I have a tendency to dissuade my own children a bit in every day life...  So far, they still are somewhat confident children :)  I also encourage them to dream!

My little dreamers....

Our #8 most popular post is the random lessons I learned one week.... Still relevant today :)

Silly Day!! I think we are due for one!!

 Our #7  Blog post was my sum up on the start of my new home renovations (that were not going so well).

I am SOOO glad I don't have any more wall paper in my house...

Our #6 Post captured the photographic evidence of my journey through painting and re-doing a 1900s home.... Trading Spaces- Jules Style

I still love my mini-mudroom

Our #5 Post was our combo-post on the gifts that we recommend for children at Christmas time!  Don't forget to use some of the ideas this year as we near the holiday season....

Magnatiles- still using them... :)

Our #4 Blog post was Em's wonderful take on Mommy Shaming. 

Nutella for dinner- why not??

Our #3 Most popular blog posting was the announcement of baby Gemma and my take on the welcoming of new life!

Still missing one kiddo... :)

Our # 2 Most read entry wasn't even written by Ems OR Jules-- but the awesome Brian! His "Hubby Style" post was sweet, heartfelt, and quite entertaining too :)

The sweet sisters!

Our #1 Most Popular Blog Post is..... Em's announcement that she was having a girl:

Little precious Gemma! Super popular even before she was born...http://easyrules123.blogspot.com/2015/02/one-more-blessing-to-rejoice-in.html

 Hope you all continue to read, enjoy, and share our blog!  I have some new goals for this year with posting- so wish us luck on our fun endeavor! Remember, if you have any blog ideas, please comment or email- we love suggestions!

Easy Rule #2321-Even if you aren't meeting all of your goals, keep at it!  Though we don't post as much as we would like- it's still cathartic to express oneself even infrequently.

Easy Rule #32-  Having people actually READ your blog is fantastic :) Thanks!

The Start of Real School

Jules here:

My two eldest have been in "real school' for seven days now- which means I am a complete expert on the subject.  Seriously though, I am still in the "learning curve" of having children attend a regular school.  Besides the emotional adjustments-  more tears from mommy than the kiddos- the logistical changes have been slightly overwhelming.  With homeschooling, I have never had to "make them presentable" by breakfast, pack lunches, and coordinate drop offs/pick up times.  Whew.  I have done a few things that are helping me stay a bit more sane with all the chaos of this new regime...

Good bye summer- Hello School!

•  Paperwork- I was amazed with the amount of paperwork for the start of the school year. From emergency cards to lunch choices- I was completely overwhelmed.  And when the school year started- it kept coming, and coming. From "Friday Folders" with mailers in my mailbox, I had to get organized fast.  I quickly made up a "School Information" folder in my home center and a "Complete & Return" folder so I knew to bring it BACK to the school.  I often get questioned on the difficulty of homeschooling- and quite frankly I found the paperwork/decisions for "regular" school to be more challenging....

  

  I love the folders

• Routine- This week we have had the HOTTEST weather we have had ALL summer (I have made it all summer with out installing my AC)... and, for our readers who are NOT in New England- schools do not come equipped with A.C.  The children were little uniformed-sweat-dripping-messes when I picked them up; of course, they begged to got to the beach every single day after school.  Did I acquiesce? YES! I was hot too.  But, I must say playing at the beach for two hours, cooking dinner, making lunches, doing homework, etc. etc. etc.... was a bit much each night.  Blessedly, tonight the weather changed, and we were unable to go to the beach today... and it was so much better.  I was able to enjoy dinner and our conversations rather than rush them through to get homework done. 

  

  Frosty after Hot day!

  

  Yummy!

• Sleep Schedule- Along with a simple routine for meals, my children have been strung-out tired this week. Our normal routine had been "summer-ized" with late nights every night. I have been slowly making bed time earlier so they will get enough rest, and I will get some too :) 

  

  Sleep chart for how much sleep they need!!

• Free Play- From an OT standpoint, having kids be in a scheduled, rigid day of school can definitely wind them up.  After school, kids need to have free play, exercise, and major "brain breaks".  My children run the gamut from exhaustion to hyperactivity each day.  I try to give them fewer chores, more time to choose their own activities, and I encourage sibling re-bonding.  I am really glad my kids aren't in lessons, sports, and more every day.  I am a big proponent on allowing the kids imaginative play and free time to create. We are definitely NOT an over-scheduled family.  Though I know we plan on doing some sports and piano lessons, etc, I am going to attempt not to over-lap the activities so the kids still have plenty of down time. 

  

  Getting in some vestibular action with Delaware cousins!

• Lunches- After scouring Pinterest, I have come to the conclusion that I am not a shape-lunch guru for every day school lunches. Some of the parents out there must have A LOT of free time.... however, I do love my bento-style box for the kids lunches.  Every day I do attempt to pack well-rounded meal for the girls: fruit, vegetable, grain and protein.  Sounds healthful, right? Well, Lissie favors bologna so I do give her that processed meat too :) Grace prefers the hummus with veggies.  It took a few days to master how much the children would actually eat.  I also give them water bottles each day rather than purchase milk or have juice.

  

  Mmmm.... :)

• Meal Planning-  With my working days and the children's school days, meal planning is critical to my grocery shopping and food management. On Wednesday, I have a very long day with the children in after-care at the school.  By the time we get home, I am way too tired to figure out food.  This week, by 7 AM I had breakfast (baked French toast), lunch (packed), and dinner (crock pot) all completed for the day!  I created a pinterest board for crockpot meals, as I plan on doing 1-2 meals a week this method.

  

  I made honey garlic chicken thighs. Yum.

  
  

• Forget "ME" Time- I know, all the websites and self-help books tout "Mommy "ME" Time" so why am I denying such a blissful need?  Well, when I plan for downtime, and I don't get it I am more often not a very nice mommy.... For example, I was exhausted last Wednesday night, and by the time I wrestled the kids into bed at 8:30 PM, I came down to Netflix and finish up my work notes- when out ambled a little anxiety-ridden 7 year old.... and she wanted to talk.  I was more impatient than I should have been; I was not as caring as I could have been; and honestly, I wasn't the mom that I wanted to be.  So instead of expecting down time, just be grateful when you get it.  My children were pooped tonight- we had plenty of time to connect, discuss, and enjoy our time when we got home.  The kids seem more mentally-ready for an earlier bedtime.  I got to Netflix TWO TV shows as I slowly-type this blog.  I am incredibly grateful for this moment- but I also would have been able to sacrifice it for the sake of my children in a heartbeat.  I am appreciative but not demanding about my space/needs.  That seems self-sacrificing, but in reality, it makes me (and the kids) happier. 

  

  If kids don't behave, they plank.  Just kidding- we are doing a plank challenge... 10 seconds added each day. We are up to 90 seconds.... wish us luck!

 And to prove my point, this is the exact conversation I had with James while I was in the shower:

Knock Knock
"Who is it?" asks me in the shower.
"James." And he just walks in the bathroom.
"What is it James? I put you in bed already."
"Um... I just have a question" (he ALWAYS has a question at bed time).
"Yes?"
"Why do you always shower at night after bed time?" he asked.
"Because Mommy likes a nice, quiet shower so I can have some privacy and peace." I said.
"But Mommy, I am in here right now! It's not quiet!" He so brilliantly pointed out.
"Exactly. Now go to bed."

Grace swimming at the beach after school!

And Lissie crashing at the beach after school...

• Can't do it all- Biggest thing I am learning- I am not a superwoman.  I look at the parents who work full-time, manage the children, and run the household and I am in awe. I know I need at least one day to catch up on chores, organization, shopping, and meal planning.  I am going to really, really try hard to stick to my minimalistic budget so I don't have to work that extra day in the future. I'd rather be poor and sane.  Or really rich with a maid, housekeeper, and chef.  Throw in a masseuse too.

Easy Rule #22323- Every change in life has challenges, roll with the punches until you find a way to survive.

Easy Rule #98023- Even when your time is more limited with your children, keep the conversations going. Let them know you will always listen, even when you really don't have the time...