Surprises!

One of the best way to teach kids about the joy of service is to be an example. One thing my siblings and I did as children was to clean something, weed the garden or make something when my parents left. I know realize how my Mom taught us to do this. Almost every day we do something to get ready for Daddy to come home and "surprise" him. Usually it's just washing the dishes, making dinner, mowing the lawn or even making our beds. By letting the kids help me to surprise Daddy you're learning to surprise me too. We also like to come up with a surprise for Ksenya when she gets home from school. This is a great way to find joy in serving others!

Laundry Time

Children pee a lot - especially boys. When you're trying to get the pee smell out of clothes you can use bleach, or you can use salt and vinegar. I just add some iodized salt and white vinegar to each load of kids clothes I wash - it doesn't damage the colors but will remove that awful urine smell. To get blood out of clothes use hydrogen peroxide. Pour on and let it bubble, then dab it off (don't rub). Repeat until it's gone.

Oh - and watch out for bananas and avocados - if left on clothing they'll turn brownish black and you won't be able to get it out. Throw the clothes away and use a bib next time!

Tidy Bathroom Sock

It's amazing how quickly a bathroom counter can get covered in toothpaste, makeup and all manner of unsightly things. Rather than pulling out the rags and chemicals daily, pick up the dirty socks from yesterday that are still on the floor (I like to use Daddy's) and on their way to the laundry basket use the top end (the part that doesn't get dirty) to wipe down the bathroom counter-tops and faucets. I usually do this as I'm brushing my teeth. Don't worry - you're going to bleach the socks and they'll be good as new. If you keep a little window cleaner handy you can do the mirror with the other sock.