OKC Cheerleaders

While we were at Walmart last weekend, a call came over the intercom.  "Attention Walmart customers, the Oklahoma City Thunder girls are at the front of the store signing autographs."  Diesel, Sawyer, and I decided to go get some autographs.  I was hoping to get a picture of my boys with the cheerleaders. 

We get up to the table, and all three girls sign autographs for the boys.  Then I ask if they could take a picture with my two boys.  I always have a camera with me.  They, of course, said that they would.  I handed Sawyer to the cheerleaders and tell Diesel to stand by them. 

If you know Diesel, you know that HE IS NOT SHY.  However, he wouldn't go near the girls.  He had a death grip on my leg.  After me asking him about three times to please go stand with them, I gave up and took a picture of Sawyer and the three girls. 

After I got the picture, we walked away to continue our shopping.  While we were walking away, I asked Diesel why he wouldn't take a picture with them.

He simply said, "Mommy, those girls aren't as pretty as you."

I'll accept that.

This one's for my Nana...

My Nana and I always had a special connection.  I've done a lot of thinking since she's passed away, and it made me realize how special that connection was/is.  I've only had that connection with a couple other people.  Although I'm only 27, I doubt there's going to be many more people I come across that I share that kind of connection with.  My Nana understood me.  I spent many nights and days talking to her.  Sometimes we didn't even need to talk.  We usually agreed on everything, but when we didn't, she was always the first to tell me.  She wasn't afraid to tell me if I was doing something she didn't approve of.  She didn't hold back on telling me how proud she was of me. 


My Nana passed away 18 months ago.  It's taken me this long to write about her.  To this day, I cannot look at her picture without crying.  I am crying right now as I type this. 


I look at her picture almost daily, so this tells you how much I cry over her. 


I cry because I miss her. 


I cry because I want my boys to see her.


She loved Diesel so much.  She commented daily on Diesel's Facebook pictures (yes, my Nana even had Facebook).  She never met Sawyer, but she knew I was pregnant without me telling her.  That was the connection we had. 

I can remember getting the phone call from my mom telling me that my Nana was going into the hospital.  She was sick.  I really thought it was a temporary thing.  She was one strong, old lady.  But, me being worried, I packed up my car and me, my husband, and my two-year-old drove 500 miles to see her in the hospital.  As soon as I saw her in the hospital bed, I began crying.  I knew it was bad.  She was sitting in a chair and told me to stop.  She said there was no need to cry.  "I'm not dying yet."  After she said that, she looked at me and asked, "Are you pregnant?"  David and I had just found out a couple weeks earlier that we were expecting #2.  We hadn't told anyone other than my sister, his brother, and my best friend.  We hadn't even had a doctor's appointment yet to confirm.  I looked at her and said, "No."  We sat and visited.  We talked about Diesel Dan.  Diesel wasn't allowed in the ICU, but we sneaked him in for a second.  Nana wanted to see him, but she didn't want to scare him with all the medical equipment attached to her.  David got yelled at by the nurse for it (which made David feel horrible).  That night we stayed with family.  I felt horrible.  I had lied to my sick grandmother about being pregnant. 


The next day we went back to the hospital.  I decided to tell her the truth.  I sat down in her hospital room and told her that I had lied.  I was pregnant.  She looked at me and said, "You didn't have to tell me.  I already knew."  Nobody had told her.   She just knew. 


We spent a few days visiting her, and then we had to go back home.  I had a room of second graders that needed a teacher.  I really thought my Nana was getting better. 


A few days after we got back to Oklahoma, my Nana got worse.  She passed away about a week later.  I can still remember the last time I talked to her.  I got to tell her that I loved her.  She told me that she loved me too.  I will never, ever forget that.  I am so thankful for those two sentences. 


David quit regretting taking Diesel into the ICU to see her. 

We drove back to Missouri.  We got there a couple days before the funeral.  It was so hard for me to stay in her house.  Even though my Papa was still there, and I wanted to be there for him, walking and sleeping in that house was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I just kept walking around waiting for her to appear to me.  I guess I felt like if she could, she would talk to me.  She would tell me what heaven was like.  I can remember walking back and forth in the upstairs bedroom for hours.  Just waiting and wishing I would get to talk to her again. 

Although I was surrounded with my Nana's things, I didn't feel like I was close enough to her.  I wanted something more.  I walked into her bathroom, opened her drawers, and found one of her favorite necklaces.  It was still covered in dirt from her gardening.  She loved to garden.  I put on that necklace and didn't take it off for months. 

I went into labor with Sawyer on November 7, 2010.  I wore her necklace to the hospital.  When they asked me to get into the hospital gown, I took everything off except for my necklace.  I wanted my Nana to be close.

You see, my Nana was there when I had Diesel on November 12, 2007.  She drove from Missouri to Oklahoma to see her first great grandchild being born.  She was one of the first people to hold him.  It was such a special, beautiful time. 

I wanted her to be there when Sawyer was born, too.  I thought wearing her necklace would help me feel like she was there. 

Well Sawyer was born, and the first thing he reached out for was the necklace. 

After Sawyer was born, I stopped wearing the necklace all the time.  It was hard to wear jewelry with a breastfeeding baby.  Everything was tugged on and in the way.  So, I put the necklace with all my other necklaces.  I would still wear it whenever I felt like I needed her close.  I would wear it at least a couple times a week. 

Sometime in February 2011, I went to put on the necklace.  I was worried about something and needed her close.  I went to get the necklace, but it was gone. 

I was heartbroken.  

I knew what had happened.  Diesel knew how important my necklace was.  I called it my "Nana necklace".  I'm sure Diesel wanted to look at it and touch it.  I'm sure he took it off my necklace hook.  

I searched everywhere.

I dumped out every drawer.  I looked through every toy box.  I took apart furniture.  I checked the cars.  I checked the trash.  I searched for six long months.  Not a day passed without me thinking about it.  Not one day.  It was constantly on the back of my mind. I begged my Nana to tell me where it was.  I would pray every day.   Even my husband was constantly keeping an eye out for it.  He knew how much it bothered me that it was missing.   

My Nana's birthday was August 13th.

On August 14th (Sunday), 2011, we were getting ready to go to church.  My husband pulled a pair of shoes out of his closet.  A pair that he hadn't worn in a while. 

My Nana's necklace was inside the shoes. 

Do you know what I think?  I think my Nana was allowed a birthday wish in heaven.  She wished for me to find her necklace. 

The dirt from my Nana's garden is still on the necklace.  I will never wash it off.

I will wear it whenever I need her. 

Time has passed, and the wounds are still there.  I know my Nana is watching over me.  I can't wait to see her again. 

Teaching my 3-year-old to Read

While we were on vacation in Missouri, I quickly realized that my 3-year-old was capable to using a computer appropriately (his GiGi let him play on hers).  So, I decided to introduce some "introduction to reading" websites to him.  The mouse on the laptop was a little difficult, so I bought a wireless mouse.  He loves it.  Hopefully it will help him learn to recognize his letters and letter sounds. 

www.starfall.com

www.more2.starfall.com

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

At the end of the school year last year, one of my sweet second graders handed me a card.  It was a thank-you card with a $40 gift certificate to Kohls and a $10 gift certificate to Sonic.  When I opened it, she said, "The Sonic card is from me.  The Kohls one is from my mom.  I'm not supposed to tell you this, but my mom said you're too skinny and your clothes are too baggy.  She said that you need to buy yourself some new clothes." 

Well, I finally spent the Kohls gift card today.  I bought myself a pair of capris, two house rugs, and this:

Why did I buy this (even though it's a little baggy)?  Because I'm a PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHER!  I, as a 27-year-old, can get away with wearing things like this to work!  So, if you're ever wondering what to get me for Christmas or my birthday or something just because you love me (or my blog) so much, I need some new work shirts! 

By the way, a few weeks after school was out I received an email from the mom who purchased the Kohls and Sonic gift card.  She said that her daughter slipped and told her about telling me I was too skinny.  She said in the email that she was terribly embarrassed.  I replied and told her not to be embarrassed.  I don't know anyone who would ever complain that someone said they were too skinny (especially 7 months after having a baby)!  Thanks to her daughter, though, I packed up all my maternity clothes. 

Diesel's first (two) goal(s)!

This summer we decided to put Diesel in soccer.  Even though he's only three, he has a lot of energy, and with me staying at home during the summer with the kids, we had to find a way for him to use that energy.  Plus, David and I firmly believe in sports and extra-curricular activities.  Well, his soccer team consists of twelve 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.  The games are 30 minutes long.  They had one practice before the season (just to introduce the kids to each other).   Diesel's cousin, Jaxton, is on the team, and there's also sweet little girl named Megan (she goes to Diesel's daycare) on the team.  David and I (mostly me, I admit) were so excited about him playing a sport that we even went and had shirts made.  We made a Diesel's Mom, Diesel's Dad, Diesel's Brother, Diesel's Grammie, and Diesel's Papa shirt. 






Well, the first two games were pretty stressful on Mom and Dad.  David and I are very competitive people.  It's hard for us to watch Diesel goof off during the games.  We immediately expected Diesel to be a star and score all the goals.  Heck, that's why we had shirts made.  We wanted everyone to know that the star was our son!  After the first game, my throat hurt from all the screaming.  I wasn't necessarily screaming bad things, I just wanted my boy to focus and get in the game.  Diesel was more interested in chasing his cousin, Jaxton, around the court.  There were even a few times we had to run out there and pick him up from rolling around on the court.  You see, in a three-year-old league, parents are allowed to run next to or behind their kid to encourage them.  We also began bribing.  If he scored a goal, he would get ice cream from Braums.  We told him this before every game.  Even though he never scored a goal, we still took him. 

On June 21st, at 6pm, Diesel had his 3rd soccer game.  His 3rd soccer game ever.   We expected the same outcome as the other games.  The one difference was going to be that his cousin was on vacation.  We knew there was going to be one less distraction for Diesel.  We, once again, bribed him with ice cream. 

The game began.  It was 100* and no airconditioning.  A lot of the kids refused to play, so we pushed Diesel to play as much as possible.  After about 5 minutes of playing, we could tell he was already tired.  In order to keep him playing, I told him I would stand out on the court while he ran around.  I think he feels more confident if he knows his parents are near.  Diesel got the ball, and I began to cheer him on.  He kicked and kicked and ran and ran.  He ran to the goal and kicked it in!  GOAL!  As soon as he did it, he turned around and ran to me with his hands in the air.  I picked him up and swung him around.  As we turned around, I noticed Dad had jumped up and ran onto the court in excitement.  At that same moment, we saw that Grammie and Papa had just walked in the gym.  All 4 of us we standing and screaming for Diesel.  He had the biggest smile on his face.

Well, he earned ice cream and there was still half a game left.  What to do?  Sprinkles.  "Diesel, if you score another goal, we'll get you lots of sprinkles on your ice cream."  What did he do?  That little boy went out there and scored another GOAL! 

Now he had ice cream with sprinkles.  What should I bribe him with?  There's only 5 minutes left in the game, and his team needed another player.  "Diesel, if you get another goal, I will take you to the lego store tomorrow."  He looked at me and said, "I'm too tired.  I'll go to the lego store another time."  I accepted it and sat down with him.  I was so proud. 

When your mom is a teacher...

I consider Diesel lucky.  Every day we have craft time.  I should probably focus more on him writing his name, but I enjoy craft time more.  We've had a big box in our house for almost a week now.  Diesel plays in it all the time, so I haven't had the heart to throw it away.  I decided to make the box look more like a toy instead of a piece of trash. 

Well, we had Christmas, zebra, and camo wrapping paper.  We decided to make it a hunting lodge.  His favorite part is the window. 

I don't know why he's gluing beads on the top of it though...

Jesus and I Made It

Every year our family does a garden. 

Usually David does all the vegetables, and I grow the herbs and decorative flowers. 

However, this year I decided to plant 3 gourd and squash seeds in my garden.  I wanted something fun to grow on my fence.  And I, like many other gardeners, love the satisfaction of getting to pick and eat something that I personally grew. 

Every day Diesel, Sawyer, and I go outside and water the gardens (we have lots considering the small yard we have).  Diesel loves looking for all the squash and different gourds that have started growing. 

Finally a couple days ago, one of the squash/gourds were big enough to pick.  It probably would've grown a lot bigger, but I knew Diesel was wanting to pick it very badly to show his daddy.  So, I let him pick it.  It's a pretty special squash/gourd.  The reason why I keep slashing squash and gourd together is because it's both.  You see, the squash and gourd plant cross-pollinated.  So, it's both.  Here's a picture:

As usual, before an important phone call, I quiz him on the things he's supposed to say.  He wanted to call his daddy and tell him, so I began asking Diesel the necessary questions.

Mom: "What is that?"

Diesel: "It's a squash."

Mom: "Squash and gourd.  What colors are in it?"

Diesel: "Yellow and green."

Mom: "Where did it come from?"

Diesel:  "The garden."

Mom: "Who grew it?"

Diesel: "Jesus.  Me and Jesus.  We did it together."

I think he's understanding his Sunday school lessons.

Meanie

For Christmas, my Papa Kurtz bought Diesel a doll.  Not just any doll.  The doll looks like this:

This doll even has wire toe hair sticking out of its feet.

When we asked Diesel what we should call it, he replied, "Meanie."

Meanie scares Diesel. 

We can't keep it in his room.

So, it ends up everywhere around the house.  My husband, David, likes to hide it under the covers while I'm showering before bed.  He gets a chuckle out of me finding it.  Diesel likes to push him around in Sawyer's riding toys.  

But, you know who plays with it the most? 

My 8 month old.

Oreo

Diesel has made a new best friend.  While we were on vacation, Ella and Buzz Lightyear (my two classroom rats that we keep at home during the summer) had a litter of 4.  There are 3 brown and white rats (they look like Ella) and one black and white rat (it looks like Buzz).  Diesel's favorite is the black and white baby. 

He has named him Oreo. 

They play together all the time. 

Today, Diesel taught Oreo how to ride a tractor. 

I don't know how well Diesel's going to take the news about Oreo's future.  In another week, Oreo and his brothers and sister are going to be snake food (unless they find someone who needs a pet rat). 

You see, we thought Ella had gone through menopause.  She hasn't had a litter in 6 months (usually they have a littler every 21 days).  What a delightful surprise (sarcasm)!

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is  very special.

No, I'm not Irish.

Not from Ireland.

Not Catholic (because of the Saint thing).

Yes, green is my favorite color, but that's not the reason.

Four years ago today....

March 17th, 2007

I was standing in a Walmart bathroom stall holding a pregnancy test that had two pink lines.

Yes, I was crying,

BUT

I didn't understand how wonderful of a gift it was going to be at the time.

I was scared.

This is how it started....

David and I were married on September 30, 2006.

We began dating on September 29, 2003. 

Yes, we purposely planned our wedding anniversary next to our dating anniversary.

David said he already had too many dates to remember, so this would make it easier on him (since he had already memorized our dating anniversary). 

I accepting a teaching position in Oklahoma in July 2006.

David didn't move to Oklahoma (he still went to school in Missouri) until December 2006.

Yes, we were married and living in two different states.

We bought a VERY small house (2 bedrooms, one bath, 1100 sq ft) in December 2006 when David moved to Oklahoma.  From July-December I had been living with David's parents (even though he lived in Missouri). 

We were finally married and living together in our own house.

David got a job working on an oil rig.

He worked in Texas for a week at a time.

I got to spend every other week with him.

When I began teaching, I, of course, got my own health insurance.  Because we had just bought a house, we were poor and decided that we would wait until January for me to get on birth control (because of the deductible thing).  Well, since I just moved to Oklahoma, and didn't have a primary care physician, it took me a while to get an appointment.  

I know....

Excuses, Excuses

But, it's true. 

Well, spring break was coming up and David just so happened to be working in Texas during my spring break.  Instead of spending it alone, I decided to go visit my family in Missouri.  Where I come from (Rolla, Missouri), St. Patrick's Day is a BIG deal.  Lots of partying.  Lots of drinking.  I planned on doing all of those things. 

Before I headed off to Missouri, I decided to buy the biggest Red Bull you could buy at a gas station.  Why I was buying it, I thought to myself, "Hmmmm, I think I'm a couple days late on my period.  No biggie.  I'm sure I'm fine, but before I start drinking all this caffeine and green beer, I should probably double check." 

After all, even though I wasn't on birth control, we were still taking extra precautions.  We weren't panning on having a baby anytime soon.  Our house was very small.  David didn't have his career yet.  We weren't ready.

I know you roll your eyes whenever you hear someone say, "I didn't think it would happen to me."  Well, we honestly didn't think it would happen to us.

After all, we had only been living together for two months and half of that time David was away working.  The odds had to be small.

Well, I ran into Walmart really quickly.  Grabbed a pregnancy test.  I grabbed the cheapest one possible.  It was in Spanish.  It was buy one get one free.  Checked out in the express lane, and walked straight into the Walmart restroom.  Peed on the stick. 

And two lines showed up.

Immediately I began crying and shaking.  Most people would've called their husbands or started jumping up and down with joy.

I called Cathy, my best friend.

She calmed me down and told me to drive to Missouri anyway (I think she said this because I was on my way to see her). 

Before I left Walmart I bought a water.  I had to double check.  I guess this is why most packages come with two pregnancy tests. 

I began driving to Missouri.  Still hadn't told anyone other than Cathy.  About an hour into the drive, I pulled over and took another test. 

Two lines again.

I decided to call David.  I was too scared.

I tried and tried to call David, but he didn't answer.

This was common because of his job.  He was in the middle of nowhere working on an oil rig.  There was no cell service.  He would usually call me at night when he got back to the hotel.

Well, I didn't know what to do.

I sent him a text message.

It said something like this:

I'm pregnant.

I got to Missouri and told my sister.  She didn't believe it either.  We went to Walmart.  We bought another pregnancy test.  I guess I thought there was a chance I was reading it wrong because it was in Spanish.  I bought one of those digital tests (yes, this package was buy one get one free, too).  We decided that I would take the test and not look at the results until we got in the car.  We got in the car and she pulled out the test.  And a HUGE smiled appeared on her face.  I began crying again.

We drove to my dad's house.  When we got there, we always sit down on the couch and "catch up".  Let me remind you that I still hadn't talked to my husband.  The only people who knew my dirty little secret were my sister and best friend (and maybe David if he checked his phone and was just in so much shock that he couldn't call me).  Aimee (my sister), my dad, my step-mother, and I were all sitting down  talking.  And here is comes.... 

I knew it was going to come up. 

They decided to give me the pregnancy talk.  True story.  They explained to me how it would be irresponsible of me to get pregnant now.  They asked me if I was on birth control.  I lied and said that I was.  They said they recommended me waiting two years to have kids. 

The entire time Aimee is giving me puppy dog eyes.  I was heart broken.  But, I didn't let it show.  They had no idea I was pregnant.  I told them I didn't want a glass of wine because I was saving it for the partying I was going to do later.

Aimee and I left and went to visit our mom. 

While we were visiting my phone rang. 

It was David.

I went out to my car and answered it. 

I began crying automatically.

I said, "Did you get my text."

He said, "Yep. Are you sure?"

I said, "I've taken three tests.  They're all positive."

He said, "Sounds good.  Sounds good.  Well, I have to go.  I'll talk to you later."

And he hangs up.

I cried and cried and cried.

I eventually went back inside my mom's house.

She took one look at me and said,

"Are you pregnant?"

I told her no.

She didn't ask any more questions.

She still swears that she knew that night and didn't believe me when I told her no.

I had a great week with my friends, even though I didn't get to drink Red Bulls and green beer.  My best friend, Cathy, was already pregnant, so we even went shopping for maternity clothing.   I even took that extra digital pregnany test while I was with my girlfriends.  It said PREGNANT loud and clear.  By the time I drove back home, I was excited about having a baby.  David and I still hadn't talked about it too much, but we had nine months to do that. 

Well, I know you're wondering about how I told my parents.  After my second (yes, second) ultrasound, I decided I could tell them.  We told David's family April 1st (decided it would be a good April Fool's joke).  I believe I was around 4 or 5 months when I told my family.  How did I tell them?  I sent them a package in the mail.

Both parents received a grandchild picture frame with the ultrasound picture in it. 

I included a card.

The card read,

"Ready or not, here I come."

On November 12, 2007, Diesel Daniel Baker was born.

He is perfect.

Happy, St. Patrick's Day, Diesel!

Christianity

I was raised Catholic.

In 2008, I became Lutheran.

In 2011, I decided to become a better Christian.

David and I are trying to raise our family believing in the importance of God.

 You see, if you would've asked me my religious beliefs 10 years ago, I would say, "I really don't know what I believe."  Before David, I hadn't been to church on a regular basis since 2nd grade. 


However, my beliefs are stronger than ever.

Why?


The number one reason is my children.
They are so beautiful.
I am so blessed to have them in my life.
I know that there must be a higher power that made these beautiful boys.
My boys made me realize that there is a God.


 My number two reason will be saved for another day.  A day that I'll be able to accept ridicule.   

 Well, this year I decided to become more of a Christian woman. 
I want to read the Bible more.
I want to pray more.
I want to go to church and Bible study more.
So, I did, and I still do.
And my life has truly become better because of it.

 I don't ridicule (as much as I used to).  This has been one of the hardest things to change about myself.  I admit it, I am a gossiper.  I love gossip.  In highschool, I was the one who started the rumors.  No more.  I think before I talk.

 I am trying to love my neighbor.  I am trying very hard.  Anyone who knows me, knows my number one reason for wanting to move so bad is because of my neighbors.  I have had so much trouble with them and their dogs.  DOGS!  How can dogs cause so much turmoil?  For the past six months, dogs have been my number one stressor.  Crazy, huh?  Not money, not a new baby, not my job, but DOGS!  Well, at church a few months ago, I decided to change.  When the neighbor's dogs get into my yard because they're hungry and attack my dog and break my pots and air conditioner (pictures inserted) and crap all over my yard and growl at my three year old, I'm NOT going to call Animal Control.  I'm NOT going to kick the dogs out of my yard and let them roam the neighborhood.  I'm NOT going to throw a fit because my neighbor put up an electric fence on our fence that we share and I have a three year old who likes to play in the backyard but can't because I'm worried he's going to touch the fence.  What am I going to do?  I'm going to feed the dogs.  I'm going to give the dogs shelter.  I'm going to stand outside with my son whenever he wants to play out there to make sure he doesn't touch the fence and the dogs don't attack him.  I'm going to be a good person.  And you know what happened a couple weeks ago?  My neighbor got rid of 11 out of 12 of his dogs.  That's right.  11 of my 12 stressors are gone.  Why?  Maybe coincidence, but I think it's because I decided to be a better Christian.  God answered my prayers.  Maybe if I keep it up, my one stressor will soon be gone.  What will I have to worry about next? 

David and I have made the decision to make church a bigger part of our lives.  We don't make it a chore.  It's a want and a need.  I now look forward to going to church every Sunday.  It's something we do together. 

We look at each other during Bible study whenever they talk about marriage and children.  It helps us connect.  It helps our marriage.  It helps us be better parents.

Our extended family shares the importance of church.  My mother-in-law helps take Diesel to Sunday school before church.

This allows for David and I to go to Bible study (with Sawyer tagging along).

For Valentine's Day, David and I bought each other a Bible. 

David's was $89, plus a $30 Bible carrier.

Mine was $25.  My Bible cover was $25.

But, that's ok.

I'm not going to ridicule.

The important thing is, we each have a Bible for Bible study.

I'll post my Bible cover as soon as I get it.

I found it online.

It's super cute.

It has stars (which, to me, represents my family).

And it's quilted (which reminds me of my Nana).

Not only do Mommy and Daddy have a Bible, but Diesel and Sawyer have one as well.

They have the same Bible.

By coincidence.

The one on the left is Diesel's.

His Godmother, Aunt Mimi, bought him it for his baptismal birthday.

The one on the right is Sawyer's.

His Godmother, Aunt Carrie, bought it for him for his baptism.

Daddy even takes the time to read the Bible to Diesel before he goes to bed.

 Diesel takes his to Sunday school every Sunday.
I bet Sawyer will be soon to follow.



 Every Sunday, after church, we always eat a big lunch together as a family.
It's a very special time.
The cousins get to play together.
The brothers and sisters get to talk.
And Papa and Grammie get to sit back and watch the family they created.
Hopefully this tradition will be passed down forever.

Hints for a Mommy

This one took a while.

It took a lot of thinking.

You see, when it comes to cleaning, I am not willing to spend a lot of time on my hands and knees.

I try to find quick, easy ways of cleaning things.

Well, I found some...

Tip #1: Buy white everything. 

White towels, white sheets, white pillow cases, white blankets, and white shower curtains.  Why white?  You can bleach them.  I bleach everything that can be bleached.  I love bleach.

Tip #2:  A shower curtain, liner, and the rings at the top (still attached to the shower curtain) can fit in the washer. 

"What?" (I know you just said that in your head)

See the attached picture.

I take my shower curtain and liner off the rod (with the rings still attached) and put it in the washer with a cup of bleach.  No, I don't dry it.  I hang it up (hehe) in the shower to dry!  I do this every few months. 

Tip#3: Wash the shower when you're taking a shower. 

This is what I do:  I spray the entire shower with cleaner about 10 minutes before I want to take a shower.  When I get in, I take a sponge with me and scrub the shower.  Just remember to do this before you actually wash your body.  I do this once a month. 

Tip #4:  Keep a small trashcan in all rooms. 

Keep a few extra Walmart bags in the bottom for when you need to empty it. 

Tip #5: Clean one thing a night (on weekdays). 

I, like most mothers, do not have the luxury of paying someone to clean my house.  So, during the week, only worry about one thing each night.  For example, last night I dusted the living room.  That was it.  Tonight I will clean the coffee pot.  Tomorrow I am washing the shower (when I shower).  On the weekends, clean your ass off.

Tip #6:  Put a glass with one cup of CLR in the dishwasher once a week. 

Only have that glass in the load.  This will prevent nasty buildup (especially if you live in El Ghetto and have orange tap water). 

Tip #7:  Once a week (I do this on the weekends) fill the bathtub with bleach water (include a little dish soap), and throw everything in it that you can. 

I put baby toys, baby bathtub, bath toys, razors, potty chairs, trashcan lids, toothbrush holders, etc. in there.  Get rid of all those germs.

Tip #8:  Have your husband's side of the bed be the side that's away from your bedroom door. 

That way, when we have visitors, they can't see his disgusting mess that I refuse to clean up.

Tip #9: Keep a bowl full of pacifiers available.

Wash the used pacifiers once a week (or when necessary) in the dishwasher.

Tip #10: Get your kids involved.

Diesel has 5 chores that he does everyday.

Everyday that he does them, he gets paid $1.

You might think that's a lot for a three year old, bu this is what we do:

Every Sunday, he gives $1 to church.

That leaves him with $6 a week.

Once a month he goes to a gas station and picks out one candy.
He pays for the candy with his money he made that month (around $24).
He learns about spending money that he earns.
Then we go straight to the bank.
He deposits the rest of them money (around $22) into his college account.
He watches the bank teller take the money.
At the bank, they give him a sucker.
He's as happy as can be.
He talks all the time about saving his money for college.

Yes, a three-year-old.

And, you know what?  I don't mind giving him $1 every day.

By the way, I change it up.

Give him a one dollar bill one day, four quarters the next, 10 dimes the next... that way he learns about different types of money.

Diesel even has his own spray bottle.

I put a little bit of vinegar in the bottle.

I fill the rest up with water.

He has a blast cleaning on his own.  And he thinks of things to clean that I've never thought of.

Tip #11:  Organize all your chores on a calendar. 

 See mine below. 

 

When I get a chore done, I write it down on the next day that it needs to be done on.  For example, when I get done washing the floor, I cross it off and write it down for 7 days later.  Here's my list of what I do and how often I do it:

Once A Week

Disinfect and clean bathroom

Wash and disinfect sink

Wash and disinfect counter

CLR the dishwasher

Wash coffee pot and coffee maker

Sweep/mop (I wish this could be done on 2 seperate days, but it cannot)

Change Scentsy wax

Done Once Every 2 Weeks

Wash throw blankets

Wash Mommy and Daddy sheets

Wash kids' sheets

Dusting living room

Dust dining room

Water plants

Wax my face (yep, sure do)

Done Once a Month

Wash large blanket on bed

Fertilize potted plants

Wash rugs

Trim my arm, eyebrow, and nose hairs (yep, sure do)

Change air filter

Change contacs

Use ceramic cleaner on oven top

Dust bedrooms

Wash and disinfect the shower

Done Once Every 3 Months

Add toilet tab to back of toilet

Change razor

Get haircut

Wash outside of car

Wash inside of car

Wash carseats

Vacuum car

Wash shower curtain




You may think I'm strange, but it works for me!