A trip to the oregon coast

Every morning I woke up to the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the coastline, and every night I drifted into dreamland doing the same.  It may sound dramatic but this trip truly changed my life.  So much was put into perspective for me.  I was so much more aware of what's important, what brings me joy, and what fills me with peace.  

When Mike suggested we should have a reunion with his family and visit the Redwoods I was thrilled.  I'd never been and honestly, any excuse to visit the Pacific Northwest is fine by me.  I grew up loving the greenery, the water, the wild blackberries, and the wildlife as I lived in Washington State as a child.  It's where I feel most at peace and where I feel most at home.  The sometimes dreary weather never stops anyone from enjoying the outdoors and the fresh air fills your lungs and soul with clarity.  I miss the PNW everyday.

I'll be the first to praise my hubby in planning this trip.  He found the most amazing AirBnB right on the coast in a cute little town in Brookings Oregon.  It was minutes away from the most beautiful beaches and a quick 30 minute drive to the Redwoods.  The view from our room was breathtaking and the location was secluded yet close to the amenities and activities we were hoping to enjoy. Our first stop upon arriving was the beach.  The kids loved searching for shells and as the tide washed out we found jellyfish, starfish, a sea slug, crabs, and anemones.  No need to visit the aquarium!  Happiness really is sandy toes and a shell in your pocket.

Mike carried Daisy in the Jublii carrier through one of the hikes in the Redwoods and she left a sweet little sweaty profile for us to laugh at when we took her out.

The Redwoods were unreal.  In my mind I could image the magnitude of these trees but standing below them, looking up into the sky and not being able to see the tops was unimaginable.  Before we left on our trip someone told me to be still and quiet while in the Redwoods; to listen to the sounds.  There was a peace within the forest that I can't quite put into words.  There was no sound. Birds weren't chirping, the wind was stopped, and while I stood beneath the vastness of these trees I felt calm, relaxed, and serene. I wished I could have laid down on the forest floor and felt that peace for a while longer.  

Pictures truly don't do this place justice.  It is so incredibly beautiful and awesome. Here are a few places we visited and a few thoughts on what to expect.

Stout Grove: This is where parts of Star Wars Return of the Jedi was filmed. It's a really easy little loop stroll that the kids and adults enjoyed.  Along the trail are lots of areas to stop and places where the kids can crawl around on the logs and roots of the trees.  Nature's playground for sure.  Bug spray is a must...the mosquitoes were all over the place!

Simpson-Reed Trail: This is also a super easy loop trail.  Again, lots of places for the kids to enjoy and great photo opts.

Boy Scout Trail: While this trail was not difficult at all it was long.  We didn't even make it 1/3 of the way before the kids were over it and wanted to go back.  So I would advise to choose something else to hike if you're with kiddos.  Not worth the complaining.

I'd say it's pretty obvious that the kids loved the beach.  We made a stop there everyday.  And even though it was chilly it was still really fun to walk around and explore.  We went to quite a few beaches near Brookings and every single one was different and had new things to check out.

Mill Beach:  This beach was a quick walk away from our AirBnB.  It was easy to get to and had awesome tide pools during low tide.  Lots of shells for the kids to collect and really beautiful drift wood as well.  

Secret Beach: When we searched for beaches to visit, this one was a must.  It's a quiet little beach and it's only access is a bit of a steep hike through the trees and down a boulder.  We all made it there though so it's for sure not too difficult to get to.  It's serene and unpopulated.

Lone Ranch Beach: One of my favorites and I guess it was one of the kids favorites too.  We arrived in the morning around low tide and the rocks were covered in starfish, anemone, mussels, and barnacle.  The kids loved exploring and climbing on all the rocks. The waves brought in beautiful stones and shells as well.

Harris Beach State Park: Another favorite!  At high tide, the dips in the sand fill with water and then pools are left at low tide.  The kids played in the ocean water pools where it was warmer and shallow.  It was great for rinsing off all that sand too.  There was tons of room on the beach to fly kites and build sand castles, and the kids even got buried in the warm sand.  

One of my favorite activities was playing in the rivers.  Chetco River is right in Brookings and the water gets warmer the farther upstream you go.  We read about a swimming hole called Elephant Rock up the river and had to check it out.  The kids splashed around the rocky shores and the parents jumped off the big boulders into the river.  If you're into a thrill you'll have to check it out.  We found the easiest way to get there was driving up Chetco river about 13 miles and taking the Redwood Bar exit and then driving back down on the bar about a half a mile.  You'll stop at the end of the bar and see the big Elephant Rock.

Another river we visited was Smith River.  I have never seen such a gorgeous river in my life.  The water is turquoise blue and clear as clear can be.  The water is COLD but refreshing and it was such a thrill to jump in the frigid water.  

Can you even believe the view from our AirBnB?  It was dreamy.

I left a part of my heart on this trip.  I'll always look back on all we did with such fondness.  I hope to never loose that feeling of peace I experienced in the Redwoods and I hope to never loose fact that time with family is more important than anything in the world.  I'm so grateful the kids could see, feel, and experience all they did and I pray we will return again someday to enjoy it all again.

Kid Friendly Recipes

sRaise your hand if your kids are picky eaters?  I'm guessing most hands are raised...mine included.  To be frank, I don't get it.  I'm eating the same foods they are and I think they're delish.  Ok, yes there is sciene behind it so I DO get it but it's annoying.  No one likes to spend a good hour on getting a meal on the table only to have their kids refuse to eat it.  With that said, I'm sharing some recipes with you that are tried and true in our house and the kids devour these recipes.  In fact, they ask for them!  What's better...they're easy for baby to eat too and only require a bit of cutting up. Genius!!!

First up is MY all time favorite food and my kids are obsessed! Not only that but it's a quick 30 minutes and dinner is on the table.  I like to pair it with a salad or garlic bread.  This also serves a small army so lots of leftovers...and it tastes better and better as it sits.  

SLUMGULION

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
15 oz. can tomato sauce
14.5 oz can Hunt's stewed tomatoes
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 lb. elbow noodles
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta to box instructions draining pasta when it's al dente (you do not want to overcook the noodles or they will become mush later on). While the pasta cooks, sauté onions and peppers until tender and translucent.  Add ground beef and brown.  Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.  Once combined add the tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Break apart the stewed tomatoes if they're not in bite size pieces.  Combine sauce and noodles and add cheese.  Stir to combine and pour into 9x13 oven safe dish.  Sprinkles with extra cheese to your liking.  Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until bubbly.



This next recipe is a go to because it's easy to assemble and is a crowd pleaser.  In fact, this is one I love to make for friends after they have their babies.  I get it all ready to go and all they have to do is pop it in the oven til bubbly.  I haven't met a person who doesn't like this.  Serve with rice and guacamole.

SALSA VERDE ENCHILADAS

1 rotisserie chicken (meat taken off and shredded)
16 oz. jar mild salsa verde
3 scallions
1/2 c. lime juice
1/2 c. cilantro chopped
10 flour tortillas
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. chicken broth
shredded mexican blend cheese

Shred chicken in a large bowl and add 1/2 jar of salsa.  In a medium pan combine the rest of the salsa, scallions, and lime juice.  Simmer 2 minutes.  Stir in 2 T. cilantro.  Lower heat to keep warm and place one flour tortilla at a time into the sauce coating both sides.  Place tortilla in greased 9x13 oven safe dish and add chicken to each tortilla (about 1/3 c.). Sprinkle chicken with small amount of cheese.  Roll up and place seam side down on dish.  Continue until all tortillas are rolled.  With remaining sauce from pan add chicken broth and sour cream and cook over medium heat until heated through.  Pour over tortillas and sprinkle with cheese and remaining cilantro.  Bake for 30 minutes.


Lastly is one that takes no time at all to fix.  It's quick and fills the belly.  Serve with salad, roasted potatoes, rice...you name it.  That's why I love it...it's versatile.

LEMON GARLIC SALMON

1 salmon fillet cut into 4 inch sections (you'll get about 5-6 if you use the salmon from Costco)
1/2 c. mayo
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp. lemon zest or 1 drop lemon essential oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. dijon mustard
1 tsp. honey
s&p

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Season salmon with salt and pepper and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Combine other ingredients in a bowl until combined.  Spoon a heaping tablespoon of sauce on each salmon fillet and spread to cover.  Continue until all fillets are covered.  Bake for 13-14 minutes.  Do not overcook the salmon.  It will become dry very quickly.  Allow to rest on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving. This will help it stay together when you removed it from the cookie sheet.

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as my family does.  You'll see more pictures on the IG feed soon.  Check out more recipes by searching #allielovestocook on IG.  Click link below to check out the awesome counter high chair from Regalo.  It's easy to install, only $35 and FREE shipping! You need one!  I'm obsessed with mine and Daisy can't crawl out of this one...unlike her actual high chair.  Sneaky baby.

Regalo Hook-On High Chair

Every Step is an Heirloom

Maybe I'm the only one that stashes away clothes here and there that my kids wore when they were tiny so that when they're older and having their own babies they can pull those clothes out and reminisce on the days of yore.  Just me?  Can't be true.  I know you do it.

When I first had Remee I was actually kinda bummed that my parents didn't keep a single item of clothing that I wore when I was a baby as to pass it down to my own kids.  Then I remembered I was born in the late 80's...not great in the fashion department if you know what I mean.  Still, I thought about that a lot as Remee grew.  What would I keep for her so that she could dress her own babies in the same thing.  Now I'm more like a packrat and keep things here and there that are in good shape that have been favorites for each of the girls.  One child has a ton of swimsuits, another might have more onsies and hats.  But Daisy...she has moccs.

Daisy is my last little baby.  So naturally I've spoiled her silly in every shape and form.  I've nursed her the longest...ok that was Daisy's fault though.  I buy her more expensive clothes, she got a top of the line car seat, and lastly she's been the only babe of mine to sport Freshly Picked moccasins.  I just can't help myself.  Her tiny little feet in those adorable shoes...I mean can you blame me? NO!! There's no doubt that they'll stand the test of time.  They'll hold up even after she's run them to the ground.  When she grows out of them they'll hold tiny imprints of her feet...and ,aybe a tiny piece pf my heart. Awwww.

But if I'm being honest, yes their cute, but these little moccasins hold so much more than that for me. These little shoes are what I'm choosing to pass down to my grandkids when Daisy has her own babes.  They're what I'll gift her when she's pregnant and I'll hold those little moccasins in my hands and shed tears remembering so many beautiful and precious moments that I hold so dear of my Daisy.  I'll remember they were the first shoes she ever wore just months after being born.  They're the shoes she wore in our first family pictures.  She sported them in so many of her monthly picture updates and I'm sure they'll be the shoes she's wearing when she takes her first few steps.

Kids get older so fast.  It's like lightening speed fast.  So holding on to things here and there that bring back fond memories of younger years is a must.  Within months Daisy will grow out of her clothes and shoes and I'll pack away a few of them with tears in my eyes knowing there's nothing I can do to slow time down.  All I can do is hold on to the items that give me a glimpse back into the years when she was small, always wanted momma, and got into everything and anything...including her moccs.

Inexpensive Beauty Products that Work

There's no question we all want perfect skin.  For one person that means no blemishes and for another it means no wrinkles.  For me it means even skin tone, and while I still haven't found something that completely gets rid of the dreaded Melasma that resides on my face, I have found a few products that have made my skin so much more supple and brighter that I almost don't care.  Wait what?  Ya I know.  Healthy skin is way more important than freakin melasma.  I decided to get on Amazon one night and buy up a few things that had great reviews but also that were inexpensive.  Cause who has the money to spend on a million products without the knowledge of if they actually work.  Two of these goodies are Korean Beauty products which means their ingredients are so much better than most things you can get here in the USA.  The last product is all natural and can be used internally and externally.  WHAAAAAAT?  Let's get into it shall we?

MIZON Snail Wrinkle Care Sleeping Pack

Sounds gross right?  Snail cream?  But for real this stuff is insanely good.  It's super hydrating and you only need the tiniest bit to cover your entire face and neck...which means more bang for your buck! After I've done my entire nightly skin routine including washing, toning, and moisturizing, I rub a pea size amount of the sleeping pack all over my face and down my neck and then go to bed.  I'll admit, the texture of this is weird but I'm like, who cares as long as it works? I use this about 2-3 times a week depending on how dry my skin is.  It doesn't have a scent which is a huge added bonus cause no way can I sleep if my face smells like some stinky or highly perfumed product!  You'll totally love this stuff.  Don't believe me...just read the reviews.

Milky Dress Wrinkle and Whitening Eye Cream

Again, because of my melasma, anything whitening is welcome.  This eye cream has been wonderful at helping to lighten up that under eye circle problem that all of us mommas have cause we never get enough sleep.  I take a small pea size amount on my ring finger and dab it around the eye area closer to the cheekbone than the eye itself.  Product travels so even though you're not dabbing it right next to your eye the product will travel there as you sleep and you'll still see the benefits.  Also, yes this is me whiteout makeup...you're welcome. 

Colloidal Silver

A friend of mine actually gave me the recommendation to try this spray for overall health.  You can actually take this stuff internally for immune support.  But what I love about it is that it can help to calm down breakouts.  Colloidal silver is antibacterial and helps to stimulate healing in the skin and other soft tissues.  After I tone my skin I spray 2 mists on my face and let it air dry.  If I have a break out I concentrate the spray to that area and again, let it air dry.  I've seen my breakouts heal so much faster.  and a few times I've felt one doing on and I'll concentrate a spray on that area and it never developes.  Pretty crazy right?  I've a huge fan.  So much so that I've used this on Daisy when she got pink eye.  I just put a drop in each eye three times a day and it helped her to fight if off without needing antibiotic drops.  Happy days for me.

Sometimes it takes a bit of searching the internet for things that work for you.  There's no promise that you'll see the same results as me or that this will be something you love but what I can say is that I have loved using these products so much that I felt the need to share.  Click the links to buy some for yourself!

Baby Wearing 101

This journey of having three kids has been just that, a journey.  Lots of roadblocks and speed bumps and stop signs and falling rocks ahead.  I've learned a few things here and there and have made a long list of products I hate.  But, instead of dwelling on the bad I thought I'd share a few things I've learned to love and deeply appreciate.  In all actuality I don't think I could live without these things. They've kept me sane on days when my screaming baby wanted my attention and I had dinner to make.  Or when Daisy was teething and wouldn't let me put her down. I kept my cool, put on a wrap, and went about my day as normal. Here are two carriers that are my favorite.  Before I get started I'll share this first.  I suffer from migraines. Horrible migraines that stem from a previously injured back and neck.  These carriers have NEVER caused a migraine.  They help evenly support my baby so that I'm comfortable and so is she.

Structured Carrier

Years ago I bought a structured carrier and HATED it.  I literally could only wear it for maybe 20 minutes before my back started to ache and I could feel a slight headache rearing it's ugly face. So I gave it away...or maybe I burned it...I can't remember.

It wasn't until I saw this carrier and tried it on that I realized my hatred towards structured carriers was really only towards a brand that really didn't create a comfortable one.  This Jublii carrier has been such a fun way to carry miss Daisy.  She sits comfortably, rests her head on my chest and enjoys our close time together.  She is definitely my most snuggly little baby so it was no surprise that she loves to be carried...in any form. 

Here's what I love about the Jublii carrier.  First off lets start with the design.  You can make this carrier custom, meaning you pick out the fabric, the colors, the size, everything.  I appreciate this more than maybe most people do but I think having something that you're wearing that reflects your own style means a lot. Along with the fabric you have the option to choose a mesh lining.  My carrier has a grey mesh lining that allows for a bit more breathable wear. Great for those hot summer hikes and long neighborhood walks.  Second, this carrier is so incredibly easy to put on.  There's a snap around the waist and a snap around the shoulders and that's it! If someone else wants to carry the baby around you just loosen a few straps and voila, perfect fit.  Third reason why this carrier is awesome...see the picture below.  Every strap (except for the shoulder straps) have a little elastic around the end.  This allows you to tighten or loosen as you need and then roll it up and keep it out of the way.  I can't tell you how many thing I own that have straps that look so dingy and mangled because they flap around everywhere and get destroyed.  This small feature is going to help keep my carrier looking like new for much longer.

Like most structured carriers you have a head hammock(as I like to call it) for when baby needs a little extra support but what you don't always find is one that's removable.  This carrier's head support is removable with snaps and can be washed or left behind when not needed.  Another great removable feature are the suck pads.  You can see an example of them in the first photo, above, wrapped around the shoulder pads. These are essential for those teething and drooling little babes.  The suck pads protect the wrap from snot and spit and are removable so you can wash them more frequently.  Cause who has time to wash and dry your carrier when you need it all the time?  Can you tell I'm obsessed? 

I'm so glad there are products out there that help to make our momma lives easier.  Check out more of the carriers here!

Wrap Carrier

Once again I made the mistake of buying the wrong wrap many years ago and really never used it.  There was literally like 500 feet of fabric and by the time I wrapped it around myself I felt like a clostrofobic mummy.  No bueno.  I was determined this time around to find one that I loved because I need to be hands free.  Three kids is no joke folks! 

The Solly Baby Wrap has been a favorite of ours for many reasons. It's small and compact which makes it a great option to shove into the diaper bag and it comes in a thousand different colors.  Ok maybe not a thousand.  It's also pretty reasonably priced.  This wrap was my favorite when Daisy was really small.  It kind of acts like a swaddle in a sense and keeps baby super close and snug.  Once you get the hang of how to wrap it, it's a quick tuck here and pull there and it's on for good.  In fact, sometimes before I leave the house I just put it on so I'm ready to go wherever we end up.  Now that Daisy's getting older and more mobile she likes to wiggle out of the wraps a bit so I'm constantly having to readjust her so I've been favoring my structured carrier more. There's a season for everything in life right?

 I've been able to wear Daisy through Disneyland, grocery shopping, family walks, and making dinner without an aching back or an arm that's fallen asleep from holding her. These carriers make my life a bit easier because I can still function and complete the tasks I need because I have both hands to use.

Three kids hit me like a whirlwind.  It's been the biggest learning experience of my life.  I have to cook dinner at a different time, I clean differently, I load the car full of people and buckle a thousand buckles. My diaper bag is full of diapers, wipes, kleenex, toys, random shoes someone refused to wear, underwear dribbled with pee, and more hair bows and clips than I can count.  It's a glamorous life I lead, but at least the life I lead can be one that allows me to be hands free thanks to my baby carriers. I'm thankful that someone out there didn't forget about the mom's that barely have their head on straight and need options for caring their kids around that won't kill their backs or rob the bank.

I also must give a shout out to my girl Catherine Callan who took all these photos and nailed it.  Her work is amazing!  If you're looking for a photographer, shoot her an email at catherinecallanphotography@gmail.com

Sharing Infertility

I am 1 in 8 women that struggle with infertility, and when I began my infertility journey I never would have admitted to the struggle.

As a young kid you're asked what you want to be when you grow up.  I heard from my classmates and friends things like rock star, millionaire, newscaster, pro football player, and teacher.  But when the question was returned to me my answer was always,"I want to be a mother." Plain and simple, my soul purpose and goal in life was to become a mom.  In fact, when my husband and I started talking marriage I really pressured him to know that once we had kids I was going to stay at home with the kids and he was going to have to make that possible.  Pushy much?  Maybe.  But the point was, my whole life that's all I ever wanted.  I would take my pillow and roll it up into a ball and shove it under my shirt and pretend it was my pregnant belly.  I'd carry around my dolls in blankets and rock them back and forth pretending I was rocking my own little baby to sleep.  It's easy to dream but my dream of becoming a mother was a whole lot harder than I ever expected.

After many months of trying to conceive, we finally decided it was time to talk to my doctor. And to be completely honest, all through our years of waiting to start our family I had this feeling deep down that it was going to be difficult.  My cycles were weird and had been since I was like 14, so when the doctor told me I'd need some blood work done and most likely be put on medication I wasn't shocked.  I was put on Clomid for three months with no success and then on our fourth month...that glorious pee stick read 'PREGNANT'!  I was so excited.  I fell into a million tears and laughter and happiness just spewed out of me.  Three days later I miscarried and once again fell into a million tears.  Since I was on fertility medication I was asked to keep my doctor in the loop whenever something happened.  I don't think there are any words that have ever been so hard to expel from my mouth than,"I think I'm having a miscarriage." All my hopes and dreams came crashing down around me.  I felt alone and broken and my heart ached to know that baby.  Was it a boy or a girl?  What would it have looked like?  A visit to the doctor was necessary and after a few more blood draws I was told that the reason I miscarried was that my progesterone levels were far too low.  Your body needs progesterone while pregnant.  It's the hormone that, during the first trimester, helps your baby to grow and helps to form your placenta.  Take progesterone away and your body just thinks it's another period and goes along with your cycle like always.

I knew I couldn't give up trying.  We took a few months to heal emotionally and then it was back to the medications, only this time was with the help of progesterone and a Hysterosalpingogram...which is just a fancy word for uterus car wash.  A radiologist injects contrast solution into the uterus and fallopian tubes and examines on an live time x-ray to make sure there are no blockages.  I never thought I'd enjoy this procedure, and don't get me wrong it was uncomfortable and weird, but it was fascinating seeing the inside on my body on big screen.

Back to the story...my first month back on the meds was a no go.  BUT that second month of those precious meds worked like a charm and I was PREGNANT! Nine months later, Remee was born almost one year to the day of my miscarriage.  Her presence filled a void that was empty and ached to be completed.

When we wanted to have another baby we knew the drill.  Getting prevent with Jade proved to be even more difficult.  My hormones were all over the board.  I was put on so many different meds to try and combat the hysteria to only have another issue come up so I came to the realization that my body just needed a break.  After a few months of just letting things be I went back on Clomid, progesterone, and the Hysterosalpingogram. The next month I got pregnant with Jade.  After we had Jade we were done.  When I thought about having another child my mind immediately went to my infertility.  From all the info I just told you I'm sure it sounds exhausting...and that's because it was.  It was exhausting to keep track of my cycle, take medication when needed, take my temperature every morning, schedule sex, get blood work done, cry every month from a negative pee stick, bleed, and then start all over again the next month. No thank you. Never again.  So we were done.

I was always asked if we would have more kids or I'd hear,"your girls are so cute, you should have more." My reply was always no way and the only way we would ever have another kid is if a miracle happened. WELL, a miracle happened.  All it took was one time...ONE TIME of unprotected getting' it on and we made a baby.  No medication, no scheduling, no doctor visits. BOOM, just like that and there's a healthy baby in my belly.  So many emotions came from getting pregnant with Daisy.  I was scared out of my mind.  I felt unprepared and clueless.  And sadly I felt unconnected to her in some way.  I remember laying in the bath one night holding my belly and praying to feel close to her.  Praying to feel some kind of joyous excitement and sure enough when we found out we were having another girl I was hooked on her.  I look back at those feelings of hesitation and like to think that maybe they were there because we didn't spend months and months trying to get her here.  We didn't make trip after trip to a doctor or the lab or the pharmacy. She was just there, completely out of the blue and held on tight.  Daisy has been such a blessing in our lives.  She truly is a miracle in every sense of the word.  She brightens our days and comforts our hearts.

Infertility.  It's a word I hate and yet a word I feel so close to.  It's taught me to grow in ways I never thought I would have to.  It's taught me to have faith in my Heavenly Father and in science.  It's taught me to appreciate my body. But most of all it's taught me about miracles.  I have three beautiful miracles in my life all because I struggle with infertility.

Maybe your struggle with infertility looks different than mine, or your miracles aren't here yet. Infertility doesn't have to be a lonely road.  I am 1 in 8. I have many friends who have struggled with trying to conceive, and I have loved ones who still ache to hold a baby of their own in their arms.  We are all in this together.  The most powerful words to hear when we are struggling are,"me too".

DIY Chore Chart

The truth is, I'm so new to this whole "chore chart" phase in life.  I'm a clean freak so I just do all the things that need to be done in my house.  It wasn't until little miss Daisy joined our family that I realized I couldn't do it all...nor did I want to. So, the chore chart idea came about.  

As the kids get older it's just common sense that sooner rather than later they'll need to contribute to all that needs to be tended to within our house.  They make more of a mess than I do so why are they not getting the hint as to cleaning up after themselves?  Since implementing this chore chart, not only are the girls pulling their weight around here but they also do it more willingly than they did when we would just ask.

I searched and searched for a free printable to make into a chore chart and, wow, I was so bombarded with chart after chart after chart of printables and yet, none of them was really what I was looking for.  I've got one kid who's great at reading and following direction and the other is not at that point yet.  My oldest, Remee, is really helpful around the house.  She even makes her bed here and there without having to be asked...miracles right?  Jade, my 4 year old, is stubborn and unless it's her idea she's not going to budge when told what to do.  I knew whatever chart I decided on, needed to be easy for her to understand and also a bit fun so she would WANT to do her chores.  

I finally found THIS free printable on a homeschooling website and knew it was just what I was looking for. You do have to sign up for emails in order to get the printable but hey, it was totally worth it for me. I printed the pictures off on card stock(one for each child)and cut them all out individually.  It comes with quite a few pages of chores and I excluded a few of them that weren't going to be optimal for my kids' age.  They even come with a few empty squares so you can fill in here and there as to specific jobs within your family. 

I, then, took the cut out card stock squares to OfficeMax and had them laminated.  This way they were not only protected from dirty fingers but also a bit more stable as well. This was $5 and then again...cutting them all out. I bought memo sized wood clipboards as my chart and tiny extra strength magnets to hold the chores on. Glueing the magnets was the most time consuming part of this DIY Chore Chart.  I used hot glue...nothing special, but we all know there's a plus and a negative side to any magnet, and while I thought I had glued them all on the board and papers right...I thought wrong and had to pull a few off and re-glue.  Mom brain problems.  The clipboards hold 9 chores. I glued the magnets about one inch in from the side of the clipboard and then about two inches apart from each other.  I also glued magnets to the back of the clipboard so the charts could hang on the fridge for ease...or really so my kids would see them first thing in the morning when they beg for orange juice.

The rule goes a bit like this...in the morning I put the chores on the fridge that need to be done before school.  This usually includes making the bad, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and feeding the dog.  Once they have finished their chore they can take it off the chart and put it on the fridge.  After school I put more chores on that need to be done before bedtime.  These include setting the table, doing homework, picking up toys, etc. 

This chart has been such a lifesaver for my sanity.  The girls willingly get things done and until certain things are done they know they aren't allowed to play with friends or watch shows or basically do anything fun at all. HAHA.  I've linked all the goods below for your shopping pleasure.  I hope some of you find this printable to be of help and really. more than anything, I hope your kids get to doing their chores more willingly and with a happy face.

Memo Size Wood Clipboards

Strong Multi-Use Magnets