What types of chores do you have your kids do for extra money? {I think this question was inspired by this post.}
Right now these are some of the things on our “money job” list:
scrub kitchen baseboards, clean out fridge, dust all glass jars above kitchen cabinet, dust pot rack, sweep off front porch, clean out BBQ grill, clean out and organize pantry, enter pictures into blog posts for your mother 🙂
Our regular Saturday job list is in this post back here.
Is max’s card debit? {this question was from this post}
Yes it absolutely is. Man alive I LOVE that this kid has a real bank account. He works at Dave’s office after school each day and is our pool boy (see this post) so he’s earning a little cash on the side. Each time he makes a deposit, he immediately moves 20% of that into his savings account and takes 10% out to put in an envelope for tithing. I adore that he’s learning that habit early. (More about the 10-20-70 principle back here.)
What do you think are the most important attributes of being a mother and why?
Wowzers, I could go on and on all night about that one. But if I had to narrow it down to two words I’d say: “love more.” No matter what. In the tantrums, in the eye-rolls, in the chaos, if I just stop myself from turning into a ranting lunatic and count to ten I try to remind myself how much God loves those darling children he’s entrusted me with and try to have that same love, I’ve found I’m more patient, kind, concerned, and happy as a mother.
I’m so glad to have that saying above my front door as a reminder. (Because believe me, I haven’t’ been so hot at that lately.)
Another important attribute is to take yourself and all that goes on around you lightly. Take it all in with a sense of humor. Have FUN.
And DON’T compare yourself to others and try to change yourself into them because they do such-and-such better than you. Be your own best kind of mom. Because that’s the mom your children need. YOU. The best YOU you can be.
Post edit note: Oh my gosh, I forgot to add this yesterday because I was rushing at 5:00 to get this post in, but speaking of Motherhood, one of the best ways I know to figure out how to be your own best kind of mom is in a Power of Moms motherhood retreat. Click here to see the ones that are coming up. My heart is breaking because I’m supposed to go to the Australia one. It would be a dream come true. But we have too many complications with the dates. Oh how I would LOVE to be there. It is sure to be an amazing experience for all involved.
I'm keeeping this post! It perfectly sums up what I want to do – be the best I can be at the thing I think is most important in all the world (and the thing I always wanted to do/be more than anything else). And yet, as serious as that is, I want to have fun. Just enjoy life, enjoy the job, enjoy the ride. And btw, the most difficult or challenging times I have had with my children, when I remember to pray, "God, help me to see them the way YOU see them and love them the way YOU love them" – things always get better. What a privilege we have, what a joy!
I love the sign above your door and I think I'm going to have to make my own. I will never forget seeing you and your mom at TOFW in Las Vegas and teaching me how to be my own kind of very best mom. Thanks again for the reminder today.
best Q&A ever, thank you.
Shawni,
this is a personal note from a stranger but I just wanted to thank you again for your blog. This week my 6 mo old son was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. We are on a crazy ride with 3 other small children at home and living out of a hospital, dealing with surgery and the possibility of losing our baby as though it was normal. I've been following your blog for a couple years and just wanted to say "thanks" for teaching me about the "Brave Girls Club" and deliberate mothering. Here's a blog of our little guy's journey my husband put together fortwheeler.blogspot.com if you ever had time to peak.
Thanks Shawni!
Your Love More sign is beautiful, would you share what "font" it is?
I know you don't know me, but I want to thank you for the influence you have on our family. My 15 year old daughter checks your blog on almost a daily basis and sees the example of your teens. We live in an area where she and her brother are almost the only members in their entire high school. And I just love the book you did with your sweet mother and your beautiful pictures. I try to incorporate as much as I can from that great book. You are an amazing person.
Thank you so much for sharing things you have learned and are learning! Thank you for encouraging me, not that you know you do, on tough days!! I always feel like I want to keep going and and do my best even when I slip up and am not the mom I want to be sometimes! I feel like you have "big sister" type advice in the way you lovingly share your ideas and things you know. I hope that is a compliment and doesn't creep you out!! 🙂 Thanks again.
Shawni, thanks for your inspiring blog. I read it daily! Simple question – what's the paint color that you have in your foyer here? I love it!
Would also love to know the font for the sign!! Or where you purchased it?!
What is the 20% savings for? Is it for Max's mission? Is it for Max's college fund? A car? Retirement? For his future kids/family? Or?
What about your 20% savings with your husband? Would you like to serve a mission(s) together in the future? Is the 20% savings for a future mission? For family vacations? Weddings for your kids? Money to help your kids with college? Or?
I adore your backyard. Could you maybe describe it in word or pictures? Thanks!!!!!!