getting ready

Summer hasn't really started for our family yet.

The older kids are out of school, but I still have 2 in school until the end of this week.

Last week Tanner had band camp from 8-3 every day.

Corina had drivers ed last week and this week from 8-(depending on the time she drives) 3.

This week Akayla and Mariah have clogging solo camp from 7-11.

I thought things would start slowing down for me but it's actually been busier.  

I'm completely looking forward to next week when Summer officially begins!!

Every year on the last Monday of school we do a family night where we make our Summer bucket list (we plan tons of fun activities to accomplish before summer officially "kicks the bucket" -- see here for last year's) and print out our Summer Points Chart.

Here's how it works:

* Everyone must accomplish their "First Five" every day.

* If they would like to earn more points (so they can play)  there are extra tasks they can do.

My kids actually really look forward to our Summer Points Program, and there's little to no fighting because kids are busy doing good things (and helping each other) so they can do what they want.

It has completely eliminated the typical Summer chaos (and parents praying for kids to go back to school so we can get back to a schedule!!)

I have plenty of time to enjoy my kids, but my house isn't a disastrous mess either.......and we still get laundry done!!

It is blown up BIG and laminated so it's easy to wipe off and use again every day.

This is what it basically looks like:

SUMMER POINTS

1   personal prayer & scripture study	10 points
2  daily jobs	10 points
3 Practice piano and ______________	10 points
4 read 30 minutes & 2 learning pages	10 points
5 bedroom sparkling	10 points
Extra Tasks	Extra Points
5 finished by noon	25 points
do a service for someone/ personal progress or scouts	15 points
read 15 minutes from New Era/Friend	15 points
get younger sibling ready for the day	15 points
exercise for 20 minutes	25 points
weed in the garden or flower beds	20 points
make a meal	25 points
fold and put away 1 load of laundry	20 points
play with a younger sibling	15 points
extra jobs	determined by mom or dad
special points	determined by mom or dad
Family member	Points earned
Akayla
Corina
Tanner
Adriana
Annalisa
Mariah
Elli
Reward	Points
movie or netflix time (1 show or movie)	First 5 (50 points) + 50 points
Wii, computer, or playstation (1 hour)	First 5(50 points) plus 50 points
friends (including dates)	First 5(50 points) plus 50 points
popsicle or another treat	First 5(50 points) plus 15 points
dollar store prize	First 5(50 points) plus 30 points
Lateover with a friend	First 5(50 points) plus 100 points
other activities	determined by mom or dad

good things:

kiwi loco frozen yogurt

Benadryl for my allergies

kleenex with lotion for my sore nose