Monday, August 25, 2008

Week #11



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That's my motto the past couple years.
I first saw the block letter word used as decor in my friend Shannon's house.
Shannon really understands this word, and I have learned a lot from her about how to function in a small home with a large family.

I found my own "SIMPLIFY" the other day, and it fits perfectly over the fireplace in our living room, and it was half off so I bought it.

I used to think that Simplifying meant having less, but recently I have discovered that is not necessarily the case. Living in a large house now, I find that it makes more sense to have multiples of certain things.

One of those is sippy cups.
Historically I've only allowed one cup per child. Each child had a different color, and they took it with them into town, to the dinner table, and to bed at night.
I was proud of this plan which had worked well for so long! I don't know how, but we managed to keep track of those cups for quite a long time, only occasionally losing them between the bed and the wall, or under the couch.

This 5000 square foot house is a different matter!
When the children climbed into bed, they had left their cups upstairs, and when climbing into the car, their cups were (of course) left in their beds and so on. When tucking four or five little ones into bed, I am not excited about cutting one loose to go look for a cup!
I say "climbed" past tense because I found a solution to my frustrating problem.

*I bought four cups for the bedroom - one for each child, each a different color.

*I bought four more for the car - one for each child and the same color as their bedroom cup.
I also bought a little carrying tote for the cups going into and out of the car.

Zachary is responsible for filling cups before we leave the house, and then for collecting them before coming back into the house. This tote has four compartments the perfect size for our cups plus room for a couple diapers! - Maybe some sunscreen and bug repellent too.

*Finally I bought four water bottles for the kitchen.
They are to stay in the kitchen, they sit on the edge of the counter and are available for reach at any time (staying in the kitchen), and are easy to take to to table at meal times.

So far, I am very happy with this arrangement. It seems to be working very well.
My favorite brand of Sippy is Playtex, so that's what eight of the new cups are.
The kitchen ones are Wal Mart cheapies - small clear water bottles with pop top lids. The only real chagrin with them is that Daddy wishes they weren't clear - you know... eating at the dinner table together? A two-year-old? Need I explain further?

4 comments:

Alterton Scottish Terriers said...

Yes on the Playtex! And ditto to sippy cups for the beds, car, and I used to keep a set in the door of the fridge ready and loaded. My only problem is finding enough sets without girly colors mixed in!

What are your thoughts on their insulated cups versus original?

The Diane Story said...

LOL on the two year old and clear cups. Whenever my youngest niece grabs my drink at dinner and drinks before I can grab it...I say...It's okay you can have it. LOL.

Momma Bug said...

I have the insulated cups Faith, and like them, but I don't know if there's really any significant difference.
I too, am hunting for colors I like, although I like half girlie!
The packages I bought were from Target, and are the tell insulated ones that come in a two-pack. Orange and pink in one, and purple and green in the other.
I see your problem! ;-)

Yes indeed Diane! I made the mistake recently of taking a drink out of Olivia's straw when we went out to eat, and let me tell ya! It doesn't matter if it's clear or not! The same things are at the bottom of the cup! YUCK!! AND DOUBLE YUCK!!

The Diane Story said...

Analene,

I had just typed a long message and it didn't work and it was all gone! So here I go again...LOL.

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment me and read my blog. I cannot tell you how much it means to me for you to care for me like that and just take the time to brighten my day. Just the fact that you care enough to develop a friendship when we have not even met means a lot to me. Thanks for your sweet spirit.

Do you know when Nick and Molly plan to visit? We would LOVE to come with them. My hubby has never been farther than Oregon so he is always up for new adventures. How far are you guys from Colorado Springs? I have family that lives there I have not seen in awhile.

So, how long are you guys in Colorado before going to Idaho? I am having a hard time keeping up with your plans. I get a bit confused. LOL.

Outlets...I LOVE outlets. But just coming to visit you entices me enough too. LOL.

Love you,
Diane