Sweat Shops and Sleep Charts

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

A little peak into our lives -- The kids have turned the dining room into their personal sweat shop this week as they've churned out pillow after pillow of repurposed t-shirts.  Hahahahaha.  Okay, so it's mostly Grace who has been on a mission here, but Ethan has sewn a few creations as well.  I'm not sure exactly what started it, but when Grace asked on Monday if she could turn a favorite old shirt that didn't fit her anymore into a pillow, I said sure why not.  It wasn't long before Ethan wanted in on the fun as well.  I think he's mostly just used scrap fabric from my overflowing bin, but the enthusiasm is still there.  Unfortunately for the sewing machine, 10 years of service have wreaked havoc on its system, and I think it just might be in the final stages of life.  :(  I'm just hoping the pillow phase will have faded before it bites the dust completely.  Because the LAST thing I want to deal with is a mega-meltdown fit from Grace over MY sewing machine being on the fritz when she still has so many more projects to complete.  Hahaha.

 

 A sampling of Grace's handiwork. (Minus the pink fuzzy one and Halloween one.  I don't even know where half of these "favorite" t-shirts were accumulated from.  Hahaha. I'm thinking a lot of them must be thrift store finds. :)  )

The only other exciting development in the household this evening, is that I've convinced Alex and Jane to make sleep charts in the hope that it will do something to nip their night waking habits in the bud.  Because I cannot handle it anymore!  They are almost 6 and 4 for pete's sake!!!  After a brainstorming session with the kids at the pool this afternoon, we helped Jane and Alex think of something they REALLY want as a reward for filling out their sleep charts, and we also decided that it would help Jane if we could all remember to pray for her each night that she won't be scared in her room.  Because THAT is the main reason why she ends up in our bed every night.  She's pretty much scared of everything -- the dark, the noises coming from the vents, thunder, lightning, and being alone {even though she's NOT -- Alex is in the room, too}.  After eating dinner, Jane went to town "decorating" her chart, and Alex had to jump in and copy her as well.  Hahahaha. 

 

So many things to love about these charts, such as: Jane has drawn everyone in the family along the perimeter, and Alex has attempted to copy Jane in writing "numbers" in each of the spaces.  He managed a few approximations before Grace tried to help him, but still.  I love how adorable and hilarious it looks!  Hahaha.

I'm REALLY hoping that the baby doll clothes Jane wants to buy for "Ava," and whatever superhero themed reward Alex wants is enough incentive to keep them in their beds ALL NIGHT LONG for the next three weeks.  Here's to praying for a miracle.  :)