We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.


Monday, June 1, 2009

Summer Days, week 1

Summer is in full swing here at the Thatcher homestead. We had a busy, fun first week.
We went to the park and played with friends, went to see Race to Witch Mountain at the dollar theatre, went to the botanic gardens, the aquarium and planted a vegetable garden (I know, we got a little bit of a late start!) Here are some pictures of the week.In the children's garden.Riding a gi-Ant!
I wish I had taken more pictures at the gardens, it was beautiful!Just chillin' in the stroller.Workin' in our garden...Grace is supervising!The finished product. We planted 2 tomato plants (a beefsteak and an early girl), a red bell pepper plant, a butternut squash plant and then seeds for carrots, zucchini and yellow squash...now let's see if they actually grow and bear fruit! This is my first attempt ever, so we'll see how it goes!Cooling off after all the hard work!

Those of you that know me, know that I am not a scheduled person...I kind of fly by the seat of my pants. Well, I have found that as my children are getting older, that doesn't really work. I am tired of them getting into the pantry all day, asking me if they can go to a friends house or when we are going to go someplace fun, all day, etc, etc...I also needed to find a way for us not to waste our summer in front of the TV, so I put together a summer schedule. Here's our basic daily schedule:The sheet on the left is our daily schedule and on the right is their check-off sheet (click it to enlarge). My kids love to tell time, so I put the clocks in for a little novelty. The check-off sheet is for the things that they need to accomplish to be able to do our fun activities.
Our weekly schedule is:
Mon-At home day
Tues-Park day
Wed-Movie day (they have free kid movies at our theatre every wed., if you have a Regal/Cinemark movie theatre around you check it out to see if they offer the same)
Thurs-Field trip day (we will go swimming, to the zoo, children's museum, etc. I have passes to the zoo and museum)
Fri-At home day
Now my kids know what to expect and hopefully it will cut down on the constant inquiries!
Today was the first day that we put this into effect. We are half way through the day and it has gone really well. We have only had a few squabbles, but all in all the first half of the first day has been a success! I'll let you know later if it continues to be.
I feel pretty well prepared for a fun, productive summer...how 'bout you?

10 comments:

Emily Widdison said...

SWEET schedule. You go girl! Better yet, go to Utah girl!

The Pierce Family said...

What great ideas and fun plans. I'm looking forward to summer with the kids as well. I might have to snag a few of your ideas.

Sabrina O'Malley said...

I love the idea of using clocks along with the check off sheet. I think I will try that with the schedule I am putting together. Thanks for the idea! And I have to say that your check off sheet is very funny and true to life.

Karalee said...

Looks great. Do you think it would work with my teenager?

Alan and Jeni said...

I love this idea! I think you've inspired me. Thanks!

Laura said...

very impressive, all of it. i read your blog just in time--today's my kids' last day of school. and, i hope the giraffe-inflicted damage is not too great.

shayla said...

Let's see how tired you get from your schedule! Love it though--makes for a fun summer. Seems like you've acclimated quite well to 4 kiddos

Mel said...

Do you still have it saved on your computer? Can I get a copy?

Joanne said...

I love your garden! And your summer charts! They look so bright and colorful, it would actually be fun to check stuff off.

susie harty said...

Please send it to me too. hermanabair@hotmail.com