Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Thank you

for your kind compliments on Jessie's sewing ability!


She did not qualify for State Fair - which is a HUGE sigh of relief in our house. That would have entailed 2 days to go down to columbus for the judging, and we are already going there on the 8th to watch the steer show and swine market show, and she will possibly show in the pig show. State Fair is EXPENSIVE but I'm planning on taking a cooler of drinks. If memory serves me correctly, it's something like $4 for a small drink. I don't think so.
But she did like sewing enough that she wants to do it again next year. So I'm thinking her very own sewing machine will be on her list of Christmas presents from Santa. I just got my machine back from being fixed from the last time she used it.


And yes, I am taking time for myself in this hectic life we are calling summer. My 3rd sweater for ME is coming along very very slowly. But I am enjoying the process as I sit out on the deck and listen to the kids argue, fight and play. I try to take the hour right when I get home from work and sit down and work on it or read a book.
And the kids have been using new chore charts for their chores every day. They don't have strenuous chores, just things like: water the pigs, water the steers, gather chicken eggs, vaccum, pick up their bedrooms, water the flowers and unload the dishwasher. If their chores are done by the time I get home (2:15) I pay them 25 cents a chore. If they aren't done, they pay me.
And I don't pay for the watering the animal chores - if Jessie wants to show these million animals, she needs to take the responsibility. But....she will also get the money that she receives from the sale to put into her college account, so it is a fair trade.
Have a great day!
Kris

15 comments:

Michaela said...

Your next sweater looks great. I love that pink color. It sounds all fair to me with the chores business. :)

Dena said...

Although I sew, quilt, embroider, and crochet, I've never learned how to knit. I remember trying to teach myself once, but it was a total disaster! LOL

marit said...

I'm so glad I'm not the only one giving the children chores!
Love Jessie's outfit from last post- her own machine sounds like a great idea- the main thing is to be allowed to try! I used to make doll's clothes, and started sewing for myself quite early. Now I just need to get a new machine...
Like your jacket!

Vintage Girl said...

What a great Christmas present for your daughter, she'll love it...you'll both be hummin' away. I just love reading about your family's 4-H adventures. My daughter is taking a horse club and the vet club in 4-H this summer and really enjoying it. Her riding instructor teaches the horse club and is such a wonderful teacher. The vet club is at the local vets office and they teach the kids so much about "real" things going on with animals, not just the cutsie stuff, kwim? Way to go with the chore payment and schedule, I firmly believe they learn such responibility and consequences for their actions (whether busy or lazy, whatever the case may be) You are a wonderful, caring Mom and your children will reap all the benefits!! Heather

Granny Lyn said...

What a good Mom! Kids NEED to learn that the world is partly their responsibility, and is not just there to serve their needs...all my kids had chores, and not one of the boys ever got sick from washing dishes...tee hee

I love that sweater! did I miss the other two? have you shown us? I'll have to check back posts,,you know how I am :-)

Gari in AL said...

I remember chores lists: what fun. And you and the family really do sound busy. Will it slow down in the Fall?

Gizmo said...

Congrats to Jessie! And a machine of her own will be perfect. A friend just bought her DDs (twins) Singers from Sears - $80/ea.

I love the sweater!!!
Maybe it's a farm thing, or a 4-H thing (responsibility), but I'm THRILLED to hear another parent say their children do chores to earn their "allowance". GOOD FOR YOU!!! Our kids have to put 1/2 of their sale money into their college accounts.

Dawn said...

Your sweater looks so soft & yummy. And your 3rd one already??....my hat is off to you, Kris! I do so wish I could share in your talent, but just can't knit to save my life.

What a wonderful thing to slip over your head and wear -- it's beautiful!

Sara said...

We were at the state fair yesterday, $10 bucks to get in per person over 12. And drinks were more like $5 bucks, gyros $6, funnel cake $5...

warren said...

I am still amazed at all the sewing-related things you know how to do...and do expertly! That's going to be a beautiful sweater!

audreypawdrey said...

I can't believe you are on your third sweater! It is looking great, too! Seems like a fair trade on the chores to me. I like that part of the money will go into their college fund; they will definitely appreciate that when the time comes around for it.:)

beth said...

your chore chart is great...glad they're sticking to it. It's a lot of work being a mother. :)

Christina said...

Kris you are one heck of a knitter! I wish you could mentor me...

isolada. by design said...

Kris...you know you make me smile! The sweater looks so pretty. It's so good you take that hour to yourself. I love how you've set it up with your children regarding chores. No doubt they'll be able to equate hard work with earning or giving back, something I don't think many people are willing to take the time to teach their children anymore. You are one awesome mom and I know your children do and will appreciate...more as they grow older and mature!

Happy, happy summer days, one day at a time!

Ana :)

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

Now, I LIKE that idea!! If the chores aren't done they have to pay. Ingenious! When my kids are old enough for chores I'm going to do that. I make Luke help me with things, but he doesn't have actual chores yet.

A sewing machine is a great idea for a christmas gift! As soon as my girls are old enough to sew they'll get their own, too, because there's no way they're touching mine! lol!