Starting the summer off Right, hello Bingo!

Hello lovelies! I’m feeling quite pumped and happily free since school ended for us on Monday, and summer break has just begun! I’m also firm believer in the importance of beginnings and taking advantage of starting good habits, so the children and I sat down first thing yesterday morning and decided what the summer rules are, and the consequences for breaking them, as well. I find it’s much more effective when the children decide these things. Also, we set up a summer schedule we can all live with, which has proven to be very essential in order for all of us to look forward to the fun there is in store. In case you think me a control. freak, I must have to remind you that I’m a mom of seven. Yes, SEVEN, and once mom is burned out (which happens too quickly when things are all in disarray) no one enjoys anything. AT ALL. True story! I must say I’m quite impressed with the children, they did a wonderful job. Everyone woke up this morning knowing the expectations, and the spirit of accomplishment and looking forward to the rewarding activities is in the air! But that’s not all we have done, we’ve also resurrected a favorite of the children’s and started their favorite summer boredom buster: Summer Bingo! I got this idea years ago from a real good friend of mine from my Spokane WA. days, Stacy Julian (oh, you MUST check out her blog, she is simply AMAZING-in real life as well as online!). So, without anymore said, here is what we’ll be doing around here:

Wash a car with a sibling	Read an article in The Friend with somone	Play outside for one hour	Read 5 verses in the bof  Mormon with someone who can help you	Ask mom how you can earn money for your mission.
Do a service for some- One (without telling)	Pick an activity from the “boredom jar” and do it	Make something in the kitchen (get approval from mom)	Go on a nature walk and  bring something home	Organize or decorate something in your room
Jump on the trampoline for 30 minutes	Make up Some kind of water game & play it	Do a homework assignment (assigned by Mom)	Play a card or board game with a sibling	Draw or paint a picture
Practice tying your shoe	Make Kool Aid or Pudding pops for the family	Go roller blading in the front yard (20-30min.)	Make up a scavenger hunt for a friend	learn how to play a small song on the piano
Write a Thank you note or letter and mail it	Blow bubbles in the backyard with Alyssa and/or Amy	Work on an art project	Arrange a play date with a friend	Ride your bike for 1/2 hour

Wash a car with a sibling	Read an article in The Friend	Play outside for one hour	Read your book in a special place	Plan a day trip for the family.
Do a service for some- One (without telling)	Pick an activity from the boredom jar” and do it	Make something in the kitchen (get approval from mom)	Go on a nature walk and  bring something home	Organize or decorate something in your room
Jump on the trampoline for 30 minutes	Make up some kind of water game & play it	Do a homework assignment (assigned by Mom)	Play a board game with a brother	Draw/paint a picture with Amy &/or Alyssa
Read with Justin &/or Alyssa/Amy	Make Kool Aid or Pudding pops for the family	Go roller blading in the front yard (20-30min.)	Make up a scavenger hunt for a friend	Collect pop cans and cash them in for mission money
Write a Thank you note or letter and mail it	Practice learning a song on the piano	Work on an art project (carving, building, drawing)	Read your book in the back yard	Take Amy &/or Alyssa on a walk to see the horses