Tattling Tuesday's- Room for Growth!

So since the last time I was here writing about an out of body moment with my kids it been better..

I have started a new 1, 2, 3 Timeout method.

When one or both of the children is doing something they shouldn't; fighting, not listening, hands on each other ect. I simply say 1,2,3 timeout. 1, is simply a warning, 2 is more like a 2nd chance and you better now I mean business and 3 is an automatic time out, in the length of their ages, Kylee is 8 minutes and Caleb is 11 minutes. Kylee said " See Caleb being younger is better!" There is no more Mama raising her voice. When we first started it they were like whatever.. but In a week my children who were crazed animals last week have each only been in time out twice! We are getting there.

This week is going to be a little more about me and the little things that drive me Crazy

1. Leaving a dirty dish on the counter literally 3-5 steps away from the sink, I am not asking you to put it in the dish washer...Just the sink.
2. Laying dirty clothes on the floor right in front of the hamper, even Kylee common kiddos I have bought you nice containers for these just TRY please. (Caleb; the laundry basket is not a toy!)
3. Using literally 20 Towels a week for Showers= we are a family of 3! Not 19.
4. Throwing trash into the Garbage can after you have watched me take out the trash, I removed the bag and didn't replace it yet so please keep your suckers out of the trash can until there is a bag...PLEASE!
5. When someone finishes any food or drink and puts the box or jug back empty! Stop it, makes me so mad, especially when I pour cereal and think that there is milk and to my Surprise there is NONE!
6. Loosing water bottles, my kids have had more expensive save the planet nice water bottles to take to school everyday and they are constantly 'missing'! I am sure one day I will find a stash of expensive water bottles, until then we found some at the Dollar Store so lets see if they can keep these.
7. Caleb leaves his nasty smelly football cleats in my trunk and after a nice warm day when my car bakes in the sun while I am at work, I get into a car that smells like dirty feet!! He is lucky I have a traffic filled drive before I get to him that's how bad it smells.

All this said they are things I can live with, for one day before I know it they wont need me to pick up after them and hear me count to 3... But they will be out hopefully living all the things I tried to teach them and for now I am going to keep teaching and motivating them to be better people. However lately the kids have been constantly wanting more more more. They are hitting an age that is all about them and honestly it has me just about as over the edge as the fighting in the backyard. I want my kids to appreciate things, not expect them and most importantly be grateful for what we have. So I think its time to 'Up' the amount of giving we do and let them go somewhere and be reminded how good life is to them. Anyone who knows of any great shelters or organizations that will allow 11 boys to help out please let me know. We are ready to Volunteer our time and make a difference in the lives of others. That's what life is about helping others and being an example. I want my kids to remember everything I said to them but I know they will remember what I did with them more than anything. So here is to a new family challenge, helping others and seeking a non materialistic reward! Stay tuned for updates on our new adventure, I cant wait to see how the kids grow and change through this process but more impartantly how they are blessed and the blessing they gove others.