Screen Fast Review

We have officially completed our fast. We actually completed the strict fast a couple of weeks ago and we have added a tiny bit of screen time back into our day.Let me start with how the strict fast went. It went much better than I could have even imagined. The kids never even asked for electronics and they all said they liked doing the fast. They quickly adapted to going outside and finding things to do on their own and not needing me to help them figure out what to do. The benefits that I noticed were anger levels we're down drastically. Our kids were kinder to each other. Defiance was almost completely gone. My kids moods were better, they were happier and calmer. One thing I was hoping is that they would have better sleep habits but unfortunately I didn't really see a change in that. It may have to do with the sun being up later and summer being a hectic time so they're having a harder time falling asleep. Also I was noticing my one child has a few minor ticks. And these did not go away. In the book I had read it said that children with tics will tend to have them less. Since this child's ticks are not dramatic I assume that's why we didn't see a change. 

We have started adding television back in but only one show a day at most. And most days we are still not watching any. So a couple of days ago I decided to let Charlie do some math games on the computer. Of course time got away from me and he was on it for about an hour. And sure enough the next day when he woke up he was in a terrible mood and begging to be on the computer.While I have regretted letting him do that, it was an excellent lesson and just proof that we need to stick to a very strict electronic schedule. Because we do a lot of schooling online I am going to try to put electronics back in but only 15 minutes a day and make sure it is early in the day and not near bedtime. 

I have to say that the first week was so hard and I wasn't sure we would make it.  Week two was slightly better but by week three I was loving it.  So if you are like me and notice your kids need a break from screens, I know you can do it.  I have the worst follow through so really if I can stick to it, so can you.  I am so happy we did it and am really going to do my best to not fall back into old habits.

If you haven't read about our screen fast check that post out here...Screen Time Fast
Miles of Love,
Stacey

One Week Update!

We have made it a whole week with NO screen time!  Has it been easy? No way!  Am I tired? You betcha!  Is it worth it?  I don't know yet.  
First off we have been so busy.  The Calendar has been key to sticking to it.  The kids are so excited every morning to wake up and see what's on the agenda.  Charlie has especially loved this time.  He says that he prefers no electronics because we do so much more together.  I think it's been hardest on me.  It's embarrassing to admit how much I relied on that down time, but I did.  

 A few highlights from our week: 

Two visits to the children's museum

Fun at the skating rink/ Fun Center

Lego Time at the library

The girls had their dance recital

Charlie gave us an oral report on two bugs he made up.

STEAM night at the library

Another hands on museum

Making bracelets

Bounce house fun center

Stuffy School

I'm not sure I have seen major changes in the kids yet but there have been a few minor things.  The biggest change is they don't complain about leaving the house.  This wasn't even one of the behaviors that I was thinking would change.  It was a nightmare to convince them to go anywhere.  Even if it was something fun for them.  Honestly we had started to give up on going places.  This week though, they have even gone to the grocery store with me, TWICE.  No complaining!  What?! So unexpected and so nice.  
I do think that the defiance and the anger has been less frequent.  The other thing I was curious about improving was a few tics in one of my children.  I'm not sure they are less or not.  They are pretty subtle anyway so it's sort of hard to measure.  I was hoping that their sleep habits would improve a bit.  They aren't terrible but they all take quite awhile to fall asleep and they still wake up in the night about half the time.  I don't think this has changed at all.  I'm still waking up with a kid next to me on most mornings.  
We are only on week one so I know that we still have time for more improvements.  Either way, I know it's better for all of our relationships.  Even if it means I'm exhausted.  Part of the problem is it has rained here almost nonstop.  No outside play is so hard! Also Brian has been gone all week working on remodeling one of our rental properties.  So I have been on my own.  I'm feeling good though and am excited for nicer weather next week.  Looking forward to lots of bike riding and swimming in the pool.

Miles of Love,
Stacey

Hiking Misadventures

We have been enjoying the nice weather and have started taking the kids out on hikes and biking adventures.  Last week we decided to head up to the mountains for a little hike.  We headed up to one of our favorite spots and started down an old closed down road.  We started at the top and headed down hill.  After walking for a short while the kids decided they had had enough.  So we started to turn around.  Brian felt like we were about half way down and decided he could run up and get the car and drive it to the lower lot.  The kids and I could simply head down hill and meet him at the bottom.  Way easier than getting three tired kids to the top.  

We took off, enjoying our walk with songs and stories.  We searched the area for bugs and found pretty little waterfalls.  Soon I realized we were far from where we needed to be.  The girls were getting whiny and I was having to take turns carrying them.  I was pulling all my tricks of motivation to get them to the bottom.  It turns out we had 3 more miles to go when we left Brian.  The road was about 4 miles in all.  Our short little walk was not so short for short little legs.  The kids did great in the end.  Lily was asleep in about 2 minutes after getting in the car.  Oh and if you're wondering, Brian did come up the trail and met us about a half mile from the bottom.  So he was able to help with the carrying from then on.  I'll tell you what though, my calves are so sore.  Who knew downhill was so rough on the body.  Probably a lot of people.  Not me though.  

I think next week we will research our hike a little better.  And bring water with us. And I will probably not let the girls bring their purses.  Lily packed a jar of rocks in her purse and then was kind enough to let me carry it.  Kids! I tell ya!

We had to take a lot of breaks

I overheard Charlie encouraging Lily to keep walking and then I looked over to see him holding her hand.  He really is the best big brother these girls could ask for

The kids thought it was so fun finding snow on a hot sunny day.

We are sure loving this nice weather and can't wait for more adventures.

Miles of Love,

Stacey

Finally Spring!

We made it!  Through winter I mean.  We always seem to go into hibernation in the winter.  We socialize less, we do fewer activities, we stay indoors mostly.  But this winter felt especially bad.  We didn't spend much time with friends, we rarely played outside and we definitely spent way too much time on electronics.  Finally, we are getting some warmer days and starting to play outside again.  It's amazing how much the weather can effect how you feel.  It's so nice to open the windows and enjoy the longer days.  I think this year I was the one who felt the winter blues the most.  I had a hard time staying motivated to get anything done and I really just didn't want to do much of anything.  It's time to get back out there and put friendships back into the forefront.

We are counting the days down till summer.  We can't wait to swim.  There is a pool directly across from us at the park we are staying at.  They are prepping it now and we are all obsessed with watching the progress.  We can't wait for lazy days at the pool. 

We are also getting more serious about finding land to build on.  We are doing on our research for a couple of plots and hoping to make an offer on something soon.  We are all getting excited to build something of our own. 

Recently to get out of the house more, we have taken up roller skating.  I didn't think I would remember how.  Turns out it all comes back to you.  The kids are picking it up rather well and we all love it.  So for now I will leave you with this little video of our last outing to the fun center.  There are also bouncy house stuff there. 
Roller Skating Video

Oh and the kids have been learning to ski.  Kya and Charlie spend most of their time on the big hill with Brian.  Lily is learning to ski with me on the small hill.  She loves it and begs to go all the time.  And I think she is the cutest thing ever when she skis down the hill. 
Lily Learning to ski

Big Kids Learn to Ski

Miles of Love,
Stacey

Electronic Free days

This past weekend we had three electronic free days and it was the best.  I really am so tired of electronics and the effects on my kids.  Amazing how well they play together and how creative they are when there are no electronic distractions.  Here they are making a toy talent show. They played this for days.   

We headed up to the mountains on Saturday.  We love it up there, hence the wanting to live there, so we go up at least once a week.  We told the kids we could go sledding, we were actually wanting to look at some land.  They are so tired of driving around looking at land that we have to do a little manipulating.  We had found 20 acres that we were sure was more than we wanted but still wanted to check it out.  So we headed up there.  Of course when we got there it started to snow super hard and was actually pretty cold.  Not to be deterred we all bundled up, put our snow shoes on, put the kids in sleds and started plodding through this amazing plot of land.  It did stop snowing and with all the walking we were quite warm.  The land was beautiful with trees and a creek.  It isn't for us, but was fun to dream.  It is more than we actually want to take on.  The kids loved running around and being pulled in the sleds.  Lily was super tired so she had a few melt downs, but still managed to have fun. Both of the older kids thought it was fun to jump back and forth across the little creek, and both ended up stepping into the water and filling their boots with ice cold water.  So they were ready to get back to the car after that.  It was so much fun to be out in the snow with the kids.  Everyone had so much fun, even with their wet feet.

The next day we loaded up and headed down to spend time with my sister.  I think my kids would live there if we let them.  My sister would let them, or all of us actually, if we would just agree.  So we spend a lot of time there.  So we got our laundry done and the kids played with there favorite cousin, sorry to all their human cousins. 

Monday was a holiday and we went and saw the Lego Movie 2.  We went back to my sisters and loaded up and headed home.  The kids of course threw a fit and didn't want to leave.  But we got home and everyone was so exhausted from such a fun long weekend.  This is really what life is all about, making memories together.

Lots of Love,

Stacey

Valentines Day

Oh boy was there excitement for Valentines day this year.  The kids were able to do an actual class Valentines party, which they had a blast at.  On Valentines day we started out waking up to our presents that the Valentines Chicken brought.  That's right we have a Valentine Chicken visit us every year.  It's so much fun.  He always does a scavenger hunt and the kids had been wondering for weeks if he could pull it off in such a small space.  The answer is of course yes.  The Chicken is not one to disappoint.  

After we found our surprise we were off to the dentist.  We were visiting a new dentist and the kids loved it there.  It was Lily's first time and I was pretty sure she would freak out so of course I told them this when we got there.  She of course proved me totally wrong and did unbelievably well.  You know kids, totally unpredictable.  

That afternoon they all received money from Nana in the mail so we had to head to Target to spend it right away.  No sense in letting that money sit around in a piggy bank.  I like to try and make a special dinner, so it was heart shaped pancakes and sausage. With a little box of candies.  

This kid fell asleep well before bedtime, she partied too hard I guess

The kids had a fun day and they always tell me Valentines is one of their favorite holidays.  We like making it a family day and not necessarily a romantic holiday.  We think it's really meant to show all the people you love how special they are.  My mom made it that way for my family when we were growing up so I hope that is what we are doing for our kids.  

Lots of Love,

Stacey

A Day Inside

Ever wonder what a day in the trailer really looks like?  Well Saturday was just that.  It was snowy and cold out, and not the nice fluffy snow you can play in.  So we hunkered down and stayed in ALL day.  My biggest problem with this isn't being cramped together in a small space, it's that my kids want to just sit on their tablets all day.  So we decided to work on their Valentine boxes for school.  One of my worries with homeschooling was that my kids would miss out on things like class parties and exchanging Valentines cards.  This was a huge draw back for me, as I know it is for a lot of home school parents.  It seems silly but it really is a factor in the should we home school discussion.  Since we signed up for a co-op this year, my kids go to an activity day once a week.  So this year they were able to participate in a Christmas party and now a Valentines day party.  So it's a win win.  They are so excited.  Kya has asked me a million questions about how it all works.  I love it.  So we worked on their cute boxes.  Charlie made a Pokemon character and Kya's is a collage of stickers.  
I let Lily make one too.  She just wanted to put the stickers on everything but the box.  

Look how cute they turned out

While we worked on the boxes Brian was changing the breaks on the van.  Poor guy ended up working in a snow storm.  He was a trooper and got it done.  They kids liked taunting him from the window.

Lily had seen someone make barbie shoes on YouTube.  They used a hot glue gun and when she saw mine in the craft box, she insisted we try.  So this was our attempt at making barbie shoes.  It took a long time and after I finished them lily told me she hated them.  Kids! No appreciation.  I mean they weren't pretty but they did fit Barbie perfectly.  

Already disappointed before I even start.

We wrapped her feet in plastic wrap and then covered them with hot glue

Barbie seems to like them but they needed color

So we painted them with blue nail polish

And they are done.  They looked more like house slippers than the tennis shoes that Lily had hoped for.

So after a full day of crafting do you wonder what a small RV looks like?  Well let me show you.

Yep, that is totally real life.  I got behind on dishes and there were toys and craft items everywhere.

However when people ask me what I like most about living in a tiny house, my answer is always the same.  The house can go from this to this in less that thirty minutes.

Even the kids are better about helping because they know it's quick.  I spend so much less time cleaning and it makes the messes not feel like a big deal at all.  I have to admit that when it is messy it feels like the walls are caving in.  But just a quick clean up and everything feels much better.  We lived in a three story house before and after a day of crafts and playing, it would have taken me closer to two hours of cleaning to get the house clean again.  So I am always thankful at the end of the day that my time is much better spent now.  

So that is how a day inside goes.  We do a lot of crafting, play dough time, puzzles, really anything to keep us off electronics.  I will be so happy when the sun stays up later and when it's warm enough to go out and play.  

Lots of Love,

Stacey

  

January Update

Wow January really got away from me.  To be honest,  January is always a survival month for us.  It's always a month we all get out of sorts and quite frankly a little unpleasant.  This year of course, it didn't help that we are all living on top of each other.  I think everyone said at least once this month that they were done living in the trailer.  The cold days and early sundowns really get hard when you have no where to get away.  But this last week has seemed better.  The sun is going down later, it has been a little warmer, so we are feeling like we can spend more time outside.  I'm sad I didn't keep up with the blog because this is really what I am using as our family journal.  So I'm going to give a quick update about the last few weeks and then hopefully I will get back on track.  

Big news! The binky is gone! Lily came up to me a couple of weeks ago with a baggie full of her binkies.  She said she wanted the binky fairy to come and bring her an LOL doll.  So she put the binkies outside and the binky fairy wasted no time in taking them away.  She has done amazing.  She hasn't asked for it at all.  The only downside is that she is no longer napping regularly.  This is a kid who used to put herself to bed at nap time.  She loved her naps.  She also takes a little longer to fall asleep at night.  But it gets better everyday and I am glad that I let her decide when it was time to get rid of it because it was so easy and stress free.  

Last moments with her binky.

Totally worth it for the doll

The other big thing we've been doing this past month is lots of skiing.  Charlie had made so much progress over Christmas and we were so excited about that.  Recently though, Kya has also made leaps and bounds.  She is super fast and she even loves to jump as she is heading down the mountain.  She asks to go skiing almost everyday.  She loves it.  Over Christmas we tried to put skis on Lily but she wasn't having it.  But then about a week ago she asked to go.  So we rented her some ski's.  The smallest boots they had were two sizes too small.  We figured it didn't matter because she probably wouldn't last very long.  We headed up the mountain and I thought I would take her out and let her scoot around a little and then we would head inside for some snacks and playtime.  Boy was I wrong.  She picked it up amazingly fast and I spent the day running up and down the magic carpet slope.  She skied for seven hours.  She outlasted Brian and Charlie by more than an hour.  I had to bribe her to take two breaks during the day because I needed it.  I am so glad she loved it.  She also asks to go everyday.  So it looks like I better learn to ski.  

All three of my skiers. 

Lily, Kya and Charlie

After seven hours of skiing, she was asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot.

Some other things we have been up to are field trips to museums, the library, indoor playgrounds, and the airplane museum.  This was Charlie's favorite.  We have been playing games and doing lots of crafts.  Charlie is way into Pokemon lately so we have been learning to play that.  I really don't like that game.  

Doing school work on the train ride home from a field trip

Life in the trailer has been going OK.  Our hot water heater has a switch that is broken, so when we need hot water we have to go outside and hit the switch.  This is a bit annoying since it's cold outside.  Hopefully we get that fixed soon.  The plug outside that our heated water hose is plugged into has shorted twice, leaving our water hose frozen.  So that was fun.  Overall though, we are still fine with living in Millie.  Lily really loves it.  The other two occasionally complain and want to live in a stationary home but then when we look at land and talk about building a house and moving out of Millie, they whine and cry.  So you can't ever go by kids reactions.  

I'm going to try harder to keep up on a more semi-daily basis with the blog.  So if you are enjoying following a long make sure to check back frequently this month to see how we are holding up this month.  

Miles of Love,
Stacey