Dishwasher Wars Solved

We have dishwasher problems.
Oh, the dishwasher works just fine.

The problem comes when it's time to unload it.

Me: Brookie, unload the dishwasher.
Brookie: But I did it last time.
Why do I always have to do it?

Or...
Me: Jakie, unload the dishwasher.
Jakie: But I did it last time.
Why do I always have to do it?

Or...
Me: Little boys, unload the dishwasher.
Little Boys: But we did it last time.
Why do we always have to do it?

Actually, Ezzie might say that.
But Jobie will just melt into a puddle on the floor.
Wailing about the unfairness of it all.
Can you say baby of the family?

Here's my solution.

I bought some little buttons on clearance after Valentine's Day.

I just knew I would need them someday.
And...they were only 49 cents.
For 8 of them.
Who doesn't love a bargain.

I cut out a circle from one of those freebie magnets.
(I'm sure it was a magnet advertising something very important.)
And glued it to the back of the button.

I let each kiddo pick out their button.
Jake-basketball
Ezra-football
Jobe-rocket
Brookelynn-butterfly

It's their turn to unload the dishwasher
when their magnet is on top.
Ezra and Jobe share the job for now.
It's Jake's turn today.

After they unload the dishwasher,
it's their responsibility to move their magnet to the bottom.
If they don't, they have get to unload it the next time, too.

Let me tell you.
This has revolutionized my life.
Well, maybe that's going a little too far.
But it really has made things easier.
I always know whose turn it is.
And if they argue.
All I have to do is point at the magnets.

I find it all very wonderful and amazing.

Brookie finds it all very childish.
Teenagers...

My Kid's Crafts

Ezra made a paper ornament at storytime last week.
The little hole for the string broke.
And it was squished in the bottom of the library bag
by the time we got home.
So he redesigned it and made a new one.
I put it on the tree.
He was so excited.

This was my Christmas present from Brookie last year.

Three little magnets she made herself.

She laminated them with scotch tape.

So cute!

It's snowy, sleety and cold today.

I have some pastry in the oven.

The boys are actually getting along.

They are wearing their snow boots

and whatever they are playing

requires my vacuum cleaner attachments.

And, sadly, in a little bit I have to leave my cozy home.

For a dentist appointment.

Just a cleaning.

But still.

Yuck.