april vacation

Well, it's April vacation up here in Massachusetts.  For me, it means I can spend time tackling projects that are usually neglected while at the same time procrastinating on routine housework (the laundry pile isn't getting any smaller!)

First, I polished my silver candlesticks.  

Before

After a little tlc via $3.99 silver polish

Next up was my first sewing project!  My husband bought me a sewing machine for my birthday this year.  I have been super excited to use it.

I will not tell you what my project was because it's a surprise for someone who may or may not follow my blog.  But I'll tease you with a photo and post the full project later.

Next, I tackled my closet.  No joke it was a mountain of shoes.  I do not have a before picture, but here is my after shot.

When my hubby found out, he gave me a big THANK YOU.  God it feels good to be appreciated.  Even if I didn't do any laundry. :)

Elf on a Shelf

The last few weeks, I have been struggling with behavior management. I have a tough group of kids that test the boundaries and my usual techniques haven't been working this year. So I decided to try the age-old parenting technique of positive reinforcement (and by that we all know I really mean bribing). Enter Elf on a Shelf.

Stewie, as we named him, arrived today from the North Pole. When the kids came in from their morning special, some opened their desks to find a surprise inside.

The kids still had not spotted Stewie on his shelf. But they joined me on the rug with their treats while we read the book. Afterward, they found him on a shelf. He had stolen a snack and the owner didn't even notice!

The kids were really into it. I'm talking, SUPER excited not to mention well-behaved. And what do you know? Everyone with a messy desk found time to clean it today!! Parents, I think you may have found something in this whole bribing thing. Why didn't I think of this sooner?