Rules of Engagement: Water Balloon Fights

by brandyellen // June 24, 2014 // Comments off

Filling water balloons, this near daily task never gets easier as each Summer arrives. It’s such a tedious task for such a short time period of fun. I do it every year though, just to seek smiles and laughter from my children. A pile of empty water balloons are set on the counter, this sets the limit on how many I will fill with water, tie and place into a mop bucket.

Rules of Engagement Water Balloon Style

I filled this amount of water balloons, two times. Yes, two times. The boys were happy, but we had to go over some rules of engagement before they were allowed to start grabbing and throwing balloons at each other. I am going to share with you, how we enjoy a good ole backyard water balloon battle with little to no arguments.

Water Balloon Fight for Summer Break

First off, I place all water balloons into a mop bucket, any bucket shall do, and bring it outside with the kids. I know once you fill the balloons it will be difficult to get the kids to not touch them right away, but it’s vitally important that you let them know, none of these get touched until the ground rules aka Rules of Engagement are heard and agreed upon …

No one, and I mean no one is to throw a water balloon at anyone’s face, unless told to do so by that person.
No one is to throw a water balloon at another person unless they 1) have a water balloon in hand and 2) are partaking in the battle.
When the bucket of water balloons are gone, there are no more water balloons, so use them wisely.
If your kids are like mine can be, make sure to count how many balloons each child is allowed to have. Once used up, they are done.
No throwing water balloons at any windows, cars or other inanimate objects that may break.
Last but not least, HAVE FUN!

Get out and Have fun with Kids Water Balloon Style

If you are the adult making all of the water balloons, make sure to get a few thrown at you too, just for fun. Getting out there, throwing water balloons and being one with your kids this Summer is a great way to build family unity and bonds. Keep smiling and having fun this Summer with your family, make memories every chance you get.

I got soaked and the water was FREEZING COLD, but it was so much fun to watch the boys excitement over getting Mama and WINNING our little water balloon battle. Next time? I will be the winner. I swear.

6 Ways your Kids can Make Money This Summer

by brandyellen // June 12, 2014 // Comments off

It’s summer, and your children are no doubt looking for ways to spend their time. They may be saving up for a new video game, tech device, or vacation – so they are likely looking for ways to make a little cash too. Before you go emptying your wallet paying them to do every little thing in your home, have them consider working around the neighborhood for money.

Below are 6 ways that kids can make a little extra dough this summer!

6 Ways Kids Can Earn Money this Summer

Babysitting

This is perfect for a responsible teen that loves kids, especially those that have little siblings. Babysitters can offer their services for moms needing to run errands or who want a date night without their spouse. The job typically pays $10-$20/hour, depending on the number of kids being watched.

Washing cars

Everyone wants to drive a nice looking car, but most people don’t have the time to do anything more than run through a cash wash. Kids can set up their own washing service in their own driveway. Before allowing this, be sure to talk about investments (car soap, sponges, water usage) and how they will pay for these things. Many children will make enough to cover the expenses and still pocket some cash when washing cars.

Selling lemonade and other treats

It’s been around for decades, but this art of making a little money still works! If you live in a neighborhood with a decent amount of traffic, encourage your kids to get creative and sell something. Lemonade is the go to, but they could also sell pastries, cookies, or other goodies to go along with the drink. Investments would need to be considered for this type of money as well.

Walking Dogs

This is a daily job that could easily be done by a couple kids. Since it’s a constant need, those offering the service of dog walking could have a nice piggy bank by the end of the summer. Most dog walkers charge $2-$3 per walk, but you could always suggest your children negotiate a rate for a week or month worth of the service.

Mowing/Caring for lawns

This is yet another service that is needed regularly throughout the summer. Mowing is a hot and sweaty job – so most would gladly pay a kid to push the mower rather than having to do it themselves. Other services that could be offered include watering plants, pulling weeds, and trimming shrubs and hedges.

Hosting a yard sale

Most kids have toys, books, clothes, and other items they no longer want and need. Let them go through their things and set up a yard sale. This would likely be a one or two time deal only, but it could bring in a substantial amount of money for their summer savings.

How do your kids make money during the summer?

Yes, These Kids Have Already Been in the Pool #NH #VT

by brandyellen // June 8, 2014 // Comments off

These kids of mine have already ventured into the pool at my Dad’s home in Vermont. Yes. They did. The pool was about 70 degrees. Of course, me being the parent I am, told them only dip your feet. Seriously, what was I thinking? Dip your feet means get in the water up to your chest, which turned into my Dad saying to me, “what are you talking about? If they can put their feet in then they can get in!” Leave it to Dad … so in they went.

Kicking off Summer Early

So the kids… decided to listen to Grampa because Mom is chop liver when big ole Grampa is around

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I love that all three kids were having a blast, after all they hadn’t slept very well the night before. I worked 10-12 on Saturday morning and knew the kids had to get out of the house that day. I figured what better place than Grampas! It’s all farm land with obviously this pool too. Once we arrived and the van was stopped, we all were at peace. I love it!

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I adore that Aj was smiling, laughing and joking away with everyone. It was a fun time for all and Miss Olivia was there too with my sister …

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Shown above is Miss Livy hanging onto Grampa’s hand while my sis is in the background watching her little baby girl walk around with Gramps.

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It was a beautiful day full of swimming, chatting, laughing and walking out to the barn to see the cow as well as behind Grampa’s to see the piggies. I can’t wait for some food from those piggies!

The pool was warm to the kids, but it was too early for this Mama to be hopping in. Have you gone in an outdoor pool yet this year?

Let’s Give this Dress Idea a Try

by brandyellen // May 23, 2014 // Comments off

I happened upon a rack at Ocean State Job Lot that held a bunch of cute dresses. Usually, as a woman with wide hips, it’s difficult for me to find a dress that suits my body type.

Trying to Dress Up

I picked out two dresses, each I felt may end up looking odd on a girl with curves, but I actually adore this first dress I wore. Never mind my double chin, most of us who have given birth or not end up with one as we get older. I have learned to embrace this double chin even if I do hope it goes away as I work to lose my Winter weight.

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This is the pattern of the dress, one day I will have a full length mirror that allows me to take a full body picture, but for now, you get the idea. I am excited to start challenging myself with new colors and wearing dresses more.

Related Funny Story: My youngest child had never seen me in a dress before, this was a couple of years back, and we were at a local store purchasing some snack items when he lifted up my dress as a means to find my pockets. I was so embarrassed. I handled it well though, with five shades of red upon my cheeks, I explained that Mommy was wearing a dress and this dress does not have pockets, if you lift my dress, you will be giving the store a show that Mommy doesn’t want to experience.

Cherish Every Breath You Have

by brandyellen // May 15, 2014 // Comments off

I have this habit of observing people. I don’t mean to do it, I simply happen to be a person who listens well, watches closely and takes in every moment with any person I come into contact with in person or virtually. It doesn’t take long to realize who is a positive, kind person and who is a miserable, not-so-kind person. I’ve been through a storm of crap in my life; I could go on and on with all of the bad stuff that has happened to me. I don’t.

Why?

I feel that, to dwell in the bad things that happened will only cause more bad things to happen. I firmly believe that if we focus and remember those happy moments and the pieces of our life that are worth living for that we will be positive, kind people.

I don’t have much patience when it comes to adults. I tolerate adults minimally because I watch as many complain day in and day out or worse, they can only mention and think about all of the bad that has happened to them. Their response, when I attempt to direct them to a happier place is that I haven’t been through what they have been through. This is correct. No two people have walked the same path in their life, touche!

There is a little secret about life that I want to let you in on though; every single person in this world has had a storm of bad things happen to them, some worse than others, but somehow some way there are those people who push forward and beyond those bad times while there are others who feel those bad things give them a right to be miserable forever.

Be happy to be alive. Inspirational words from Brandy Ellen!

To me, life is far too short to remember and think about all of the bad that has happened. If you think only of the bad things then you are pushing your heart to turn black, stone cold. I personally prefer to be happy. I want to enjoy my life for as long as I can breath! If I am breathing and awake every day, then that’s a day worth living.

I challenge you all to this – do not allow others to bring you down in their misery, after all misery loves company. Lift above the bad that has happened, rise beyond the darkest moments in your past and LIVE. Live life to the fullest, cherish every breath you have, hug your loved ones, show kindness to fellow human beings. I guarantee you that once you start to cherish the life you have, that great things will start happening. Don’t give up if good things don’t come right away, after all, they say good things are worth waiting for. Keep chugging ahead and waiting for those good things all the while being happy; happy that you are alive!

Do not take life for granted, those bad things don’t have to break you unless you allow them to!