Keeping kids on task...Is it really as easy as 1-2-3??

Keeping kids on task, is not always as easy as it sounds. Most kids have a little chaos and disorganization. Yours might go from one thing to the next — forgetting lunches at school, forgetting to do chores, not finishing projects they have started. wouldn't you like them to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework?

Theb keep reading...

Some kids are naturally organized, but for the rest, organization is a skill learned over time. With help and some practice, kids can develop an effective approach to getting organized.

The website kidshealth.org, there is an article called...Easy as 1-2-3. I actually thought the steps were great. Here they are...

Easy as 1-2-3

For kids, all tasks can be broken down into a 1-2-3 process.

1.Getting organized means a kid gets where he or she needs to be and gathers the supplies needed to complete the task.

2.Staying focused means sticking with the task and learning to say "no" to distractions.

3.Getting it done means finishing up, checking your work, and putting on the finishing touches, like remembering to put a homework paper in the right folder and putting the folder inside the backpack so it's ready for the next day.

Once kids know these steps — and how to apply them — they can start tackling tasks more independently. That means homework, chores, and other tasks will get done with increasing consistency and efficiency. Of course, kids will still need parental help and guidance, but you probably won't have to nag as much.

Not only is it practical to teach these skills, but knowing how to get stuff done will help your child feel more competent and effective. Kids feel self-confident and proud when they're able to accomplish their tasks and responsibilities. They're also sure to be pleased when they find they have some extra free time to do what they'd like to do.

I hope this helps get your kiddos ready for school. Some of my friends kids start next week...as for mine they don't start until August 8Th. Good luck to all those that start soon!!!

Homework: Help your kids finish a project they have already started. Have a great and ORGANIZED WEEK!!!

Tip of the week #7

Dump Something Daily!- Every day, throw one thing from your house away, recycle it, or set it aside for donation.
I always say if you buy something then get rid of something!! For example this week my sister was in town and we always go shopping!! I bought the cutest sweater shrugs for only $4.94. I had to buy 2 because they were a screaming deal!!! OKAY... So that means I have to part with 2 of my shirts. YES, it is usually the ones I have not worn for a couple months...in fact I ended up parting with 3!!!

Homework...get rid of 1 item of clothing this week!!! (I know you have something to part with!)

Love for Lana

Friends, many of you have seen the news reports that my dear friend Lana was brutally mauled by a black bear in Pinetop, AZ. She is a very close friend of mine.

I served as the Relief Society president for my church for 3 years, and that wonderful woman was literally my right hand man!! If something happened in the ward or neighborhood, I would run over to find out that SUPERWOMEN LANA had already been there with food or her cleaning supplies or both. I look up to Lana in every way.

The Sunday before it happened she came up to me and gave me a big hug... JUST BECAUSE!! If I would have known I would have hugged her a little longer, and told her again how much I love and appreciate her.

Lana, I love you and pray daily for your recovery. Thanks for being such a great example for all of us.

Please come out on July 8Th and 9Th on the Corner of Val Vista & Baseline
3651 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
***Help up raise money for this amazing woman.***

There will be bands playing in the parking lot, car washes, booths with items such as baked goods, knock off jeans, purses, boutique items. Inside the building we will have massage therapist doing massages, hair stylists doing hair cuts, eyelash extensions ect. Also Lakeside Cosmetic and Family Dentistry owned by Dr. Kris Heap has offered to do cleanings, exams, xrays, and whitening by a first come first serve basis.

These two days, each activity is set up so ALL proceeds will go to helping Lana with this terrible tragedy that has happened. For those of you that don't know dear sweet Lana she has spent a lifetime serving our community and helping those in need. We want to give back and she needs us right now. After the bear attack she spent her first night and morning in surgery for about 8 hrs and another round of surgeries today.

Please come, tell your friends and neighbors to come. We have also set up an account through Bank of America if you would like to donate details on that will come. If you are a business owner we have created containers with her picture in which people can donate money but we need businesses to place these jars.

This will be a HUGE event with media/news attendance and we will need all the help offered. Thank you for your support, love, donations and prayers for our sweet friend Lana!

Go to: www.loveforlana.org for more info!! Thanks for all your support!!

Tip of the week # 6...THEY ARE ONLY THINGS!!!

For the past 10 years I have been in many people's homes helping them organize a room, closet, kitchen, pantry, garage, office and much much more. In fact 3 in half years ago, me and my sister started a little business, we called it, ORGANIZED R U. Yep that is were I got the name for my blog. We didn't advertise we just got clients from word of mouth. What we do is we go into peoples homes and offices and teach and help them to make "HOMES" for there things and to teach them that they can have a more fulfilled life if they had a place, or what I like to say is 'HOME" for everything.
Through the years I have seen so many different mistakes that people make with their homes. Many of the clients I have worked with have had such a hard time letting go of their "THINGS." The first things I teach them when I go into their homes Is that they are only things.
I have listed 30 reasons why we should get rid of some of our "THINGS!!"

1. It has no value, sentimental or monetary.
2. It hasn't been used in over a year.
3. There is no logical place to keep it.
4. It doesn't work.
5. And what's the worst that can happen if you throw it out?
6. Search for phone numbers online instead of storing bulky telephone directories.
7. Lose the road maps and get a GPS system to download up-to-date travel guides.
8. Eliminate paper statements by banking and paying bills online.
9. Call 1-888-567-8688 to stop unwanted credit card solicitations.
10. Opt out of mailing and telemarketing lists by logging on to Fight Identity Theft
11. Running shoes need to be replaced after 300 to 500 miles in order to prevent injuries.
12. Throw away your toothbrush every three to four months.
13. Change out disposable air conditioner filters once a month (during the hot, air conditioning season).
14. Replace the batteries in your smoke detector every year.
15. Find the USDA's recommended storage limits for refrigerated and frozen food!! THEN TOSS OLD FOOD!!!
16. Throw out mascara and moisturizer after three months.
17. Discard foundation and sunscreen after six months.
18. Keep concealer, lipstick, eyeliners, lip liners, fragrances, powders, blushes, and shadows no longer than two years.
19. Trade in an old iPod and receive a 10 percent discount on a new iPod.
20. Easily convert spare change into "real" money. (Your local Walmart's have a machine.)
21. Sell it to anyone.
22. Get cash for gift cards you'll never use.
23. Trade the books you have for the ones you want.
24. Trade the DVDs you've seen for the ones you haven't.
25. Clear off your CD shelves and make money in the process.
26. Getting rid of clutter will reduce housework by 40 percent. I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE!!!! TRUST ME!!!
27. Around 23 percent of people pay late fees on bills they cannot find. Make a special HOME for bills!!!
28. 4 million Americans suffer from chronic hoarding & clutter. THIS IS VERY TRUE AND SAD!!!
29. People waste 55 minutes a day looking for things.
30. 80 percent of what we own we never use.

I hope this helps on your crusade of making your home or office a better place to live and work in. Have a great an ORGANIZED week. Remember the question...ORGANIZED R U??

Don't forget to check out my new blog and website!! www.fuzzystreasures.com

Tip of the week #5

How many fingerprints do you see on your appliances??? I have 60 different fingerprints running around my house everyday...I get asked all the time how do you keep your stainless steel appliances looking so great all the time???

The secret is...are you ready...ready for the big secret...Okay this is it...

A washcloth and water!!! Yep that is all...I have try ed and researched so many chemicals on my fridge, I have decided that just good old water and a washcloth works the best!!!

Now here is TIP OF THE WEEK #5...whenever you wipe your counter (which I hope it is often throughout the day) take the 1 minutes it takes and wipe down your appliances, because they get so dirty everyday, and they will last longer too!!

Homework: Wipe all your appliances down REALLY thorough, and then just keep up on it daily!! Have a great and ORGANIZED WEEK!!!

Tip of the week #4

Okay, how many of you have a HAYDEN in your families??? Well we like to call all our stains HAYDEN'S, because my son Hayden always, did I say ALWAYS!!! YES ALWAYS get's a stain on his clothes, and on OTHERS!!

On the blog 365 days of organization she talks about stains. She says the best defense against stains is information -- knowing how to attack a particular spot before it sets permanently into the fabric. Since there are so many kinds of stains, each with its own best cleaning method, it's difficult to memorize them all. That's where this convenient chart comes in: It's a comprehensive listing of stains, from grease to ink, along with advice on how to handle them for washable items. You can download the chart and print it out. Place in a page protector and hang in the laundry room/area.

Homework: Print out a stain chart and place it in your laundry room. Have a great an organized week!!!

Oh and Happy Birthday HAYDEN!!! This has been a GREAT 11 YEARS!!! We love you and want you to know we don't know what we would do without our special boy!! Oh and you will always be our favorite son!!!

Checklists & Charts: Stain Removal Basics
from Martha Stewart Living http://www.marthastewart.com/article/removing-stains-the-basics

NOTE: This chart is for washable items only.
STAIN TREATMENT

GREASE

(butter, oil, mayonnaise)
Treat area with a dry solvent (such as mineral spirits or acetone) in a well-ventilated room. Using an eyedropper, rinse with
isopropyl alcohol; dry well. Spray diluted dishwashing-soap solution on any remaining residue, and soak the item in an
enzyme detergent before washing.

PROTEIN

(blood, egg)
Spray diluted dishwashing-soap solution on stain, and let it sit; rinse in tepid water. If stain remains, treat area with an enzyme
detergent, and wash according to label instructions.

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE

(juice, jam)
Spray diluted dishwashing-soap solution on the stain to remove sugars. Using an eyedropper, flush the area with white
vinegar and then hydrogen peroxide to remove any remaining color. Follow up with an enzyme detergent to remove residue
before washing.

GRASS

Treat area with a dry solvent in a well-ventilated room. Press with cheesecloth; tamp with a soft-bristled brush. Repeat
to remove as much pigment as possible. Flush area with isopropyl alcohol, tamp, and let dry. Follow up with an enzyme
detergent to remove residue before washing.

CHOCOLATE

Gently scrape off excess chocolate; spray area with diluted dishwashing-soap solution. Follow up with an enzyme detergent
to remove residue before washing.

LIPSTICK

Use a dull-edged knife to remove excess lipstick. Using an eyedropper, apply a dry solvent (such as mineral spirits or
acetone) in a well-ventilated room; tamp with a soft-bristled brush. Flush area with isopropyl alcohol, and tamp. Repeat until
all stain is removed, and let dry. Spray with diluted dishwashing-soap solution. Treat with an enzyme detergent, and wash.

WAX OR GUM

Use ice to freeze wax or gum, or place item in the freezer; scrape or crack off as much as you can, then remove residue with
an oil solvent or mineral spirits. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol; let dry. Treat with an enzyme detergent; wash.

MUSTARD

Using an eyedropper, flush stain with vinegar; then wash with diluted dishwashing-soap solution.

SAUCES

(tomato, ketchup, barbecue)
Scrape off sauce; spray area with diluted dishwashing-soap solution. Soak in tepid water. If color remains, apply white vinegar
with an eyedropper. Treat with an enzyme detergent; wash. If color persists, apply several drops of hydrogen peroxide; let sit.
Rinse; treat again with enzyme detergent, and wash.

SOY SAUCE

Spray with diluted dishwashing-soap solution; tamp with a soft-bristled brush. Flush with water, apply white vinegar, and tamp;
let stand several minutes, and flush again. If stain remains, apply hydrogen peroxide, and let stand. If stain persists, apply
1 or 2 drops of ammonia to wet area. Flush with water. Treat with an enzyme detergent; wash. If stain is still there, apply a
powdered nonchlorinated color-safe bleach, such as sodium percarbonate; rewash.

VINAIGRETTE

First, treat stain as a grease stain (see grease, above). Then flush with white vinegar to remove any remaining spot. Follow
up with an enzyme detergent to remove residue before washing.

FELT-TIP INK

First, build a “dam” around stain with mineral oil or petroleum jelly. Always work within the confines of the “dam”. Test the ink
with a cotton swab saturated with water and another one saturated with isopropyl alcohol to determine whether the ink is
oil-based or water-based. Whichever solvent pulls more pigment out of the stain is the one that should be used. If isopropyl
alcohol is more effective, follow the steps for ballpoint ink stains below. If water is more effective, spray the stain with diluted
dishwashing-soap solution, and then flush with cold water.

BALLPOINT INK

Build a “dam” around the stain with mineral oil or petroleum jelly. Always work within the confines of the dam. Treat area with
isopropyl alcohol using an eyedropper. Remove any remaining pigment with a dry solvent in a well-ventilated room; let dry.
Rinse with diluted dishwashing-soap solution, then wash with an enzyme detergent in warm water.

MUD

If stain is a combination of mud and grass, treat grass stain first (see grass, above). Shake or scrape off residue; pretreat
stain with diluted dishwashing-soap solution, and soak. Then treat with an enzyme detergent; wash.

The diluted-soap solutions called for above is made with 1 tablespoon of fragrance- and dye-free liquid soap (containing sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth
sulfate) and 9.5 ounces of water. Pour it into a tiny spray bottle. Do not use the enzyme detergent, called for below, on protein fibers, such as silk, wool, cashmere,
or angora. Always wash fabric after using a dry solvent (such as mineral spirits or acetone), and do not use acetone on acetate.

Summer Schedules!!!!

Okay who is not ready for the summer??? Or who is ready but in a month will change there tune??? Well last Monday night we had a family night and I went over our SUMMER SCHEDULE!!

You know how I feel about having a schedule and sticking to it...well that is no different in the summer with your kids. Of course I want to sleep in til 9:00am but should I???? It is important that children have a set schedule and know what is expected of them on a daily basis. When I presented my SUMMER SCHEDULE to my kids, they were a little unhappy as you can see up in the picture. My sweet boy did have some tears shed...BUT OH WELL, THIS IS LIFE!!!! Better he learns it now than when he is 19 and on his mission!!!!

Here is a sample of my summer schedule...

***Every morning my kids will read 35 minutes. Then wright in a journal about what they just read. Following there favorite book they will say their prayers and read there scriptures.

Daily Chores...

Bailey...clean bathroom, practice guitar and piano, make beds and clean rooms.

Hayden...make bed, clean room, check weeds sweep all porches, flashcards.

Avery...make bed, make my bed, clean room, practice piano, flashcards.

Finley...make bed, put blankets away, practice letters.

***Then on June 1st, 22ND, and July 20Th and August 3rd they will do SUMMER CLEANING (oh this is what got the tears started!!!)

Bailey...clean all blind (I have 26 of them)

Hayden...clean all doors and floor boards

Avery...clean cabinets, table, chairs and stools

Finley...clean couch

I hope this gives you a place to start, and I hope your kids don't hate me!!!

Homework...make a SUMMER SCHEDULE, and have a great and organized week!!!

Don't forget to check out my new blog and website... http://www.fuzzystreasures.com/

and http://www.fuzzystreasures.blogspot.com/