MTO Great Ideas 2010!

Thanks to everyone who shared ideas great and small, practical and spiritual!! They were great!! I got most of your names down...but apologize ahead of time for the names I didn't catch! If I forgot any...please leave a comment on this post...or *gasp* you could post your very own little post!!!! *hint, hint*

Beckie
- days of the week clothes org. using shoes separator
-Mabel's Labels
-slide razor for counter cleaner
- rad pineapple corer slicer Vacu Vin

Lisa
- put on your own coat trick for kids. Her delicious baby shared...you put the coat on the ground with head towards them...they put their hands in the sleeves and flip it over their head.
-journal for each kid that gets written in at each birthday
-thumbs up prayer for evening meal (whoever puts thumb up last GETS to pray)

Bobbi
-chores charts and daily docket from simple mom
-use beach towel or hand towel in kids bathroom so they can reach to dry hands w/o yanking it down. Secure with rubberband.
-Casting Box- prayer box based on 1 pet. 5:7 on idea from theheartchangeplace
-my only change on original idea was to include scripture within prayer catergory

Julie
- Scrapbooking prayer pages (using child's name for character acrostic)
-praying a blessing over children
-write letters of hope for their future and put in scrapbook pocket
-dishsoap in pretty olive oil bottle

Denise
- horizontal shoe sorter used to organize hats/gloves/mittens...kept on inside of closet door.
-amazon comparison shopping (she got $400 printer for ~$200)

Shelley
-picture (~30) recipe book...of family recipes.
-planters for closet organizer

Jen W.
- 365 yr. cycle box for memories (write event from day...and use the same card the next year)
-laundry (each family member gets own basket)
-write children letters for each birthday

Jessica
-wrapping ideas- use fabric from Joanne's and share for next year. Use baby blanket for baby shower.

Stacy
-emealz.com-- 7 days meal plan with grocery list attached

Carrie
-shoe tubs (seasonal)
-school papers of importance go in file folder (each family member has own folder)
-magazine holder hidden in pantry for homework drill papers

Nancy
- SOS pad lasts a year if you keep in freezer between uses (keeps it from rusting)
-cold water towel strip (~1 1/2 inches) pin around rim and cakes will rise evenly Since I'm typing this, I just get to say that this one totally rocked my world! THANKS!
-for hard boiled eggs with yolk in center...store egg carton on it's side. This is important for making deviled eggs, etc.

Heather
-1/2 c. baking soda in water for extra suds
-cornstarch for baby bottoms Yes, this works better than even balmex

Amy Gee
-teach colors in checkout with photo flip from billfold (older adaptation with language)
-i-phone has app. for flashcards
-even or odds game...played like rock, paper, scissors. Younger kids count the fingers sticking out, and older kids determine if even or odd.

Sara Z.
- grow own avacado or pineapple tree plants for lessons in gardening
- encourage siblings to work together and help each other

Carmel
-prayer jar (colored popsicle sticks in jar with prayers on them for children to draw out)
-popcorn container with super special treats (lesson: keep certain things for truly special moments)
-beach towel around kids torso to hold while learning to ride bike

Tegon
-Windex Multipurpose Cleaner (happy to be down to one product instead of multiple)

Rebecca
-old sweatshirt cut up back and fastened at neck with velcro...with denim pocket sewn on front...makes GREAT kids art shirt

Rachel L.
- chore chart with order of day. Flip over as done.
-Commission- not an allowance- on excel sheet-gives possibility of earning $1 per day with $2 flex for extras. 10% for tithe and 10% for savings. If you have questions please ask Rachel...this was hard to type out briefly.

Els
-activity board for $8 at Meijer
-message board messages with son...so sweet!

Christine
-tag kids when on outings for SAFETY (dress alike, take picture first thing in morning)
-if you get lost..."find someone with a nametag, or a mommy with a stroller"

Shannon
-pick out verse from study or devotions and focus on memory for that day.

Melva
-hydrogen peroxide with water for cleaning windows (1 part to 3 part water)

Chris
-note from toothfairy that rhymes with year
-calendar for kids to see
-favorite part of day shared at dinner
-52 prayer cards (each week of year)...quick card that says something like "I'm praying for a person each week of the year. This week is your week! Please let me know if there is something that I can pray for specifically. "

Casie
-set up tent in living room on rainy day Major kudos to you for doing this!!
-little purse within diaper bag for those non mommy moments

Erica
-paint tarp in living room for birthday party...to keep things neat!
-freezer meals for nights she can't be home to cook a nutritious meal

Aislinn
-multitask bath/shower with daughter--for extra quality time while getting ready
-hooks for towels instead of bar

Mommy with tiny little baby?
-Vinegar for fabric softener

Funny Mommy?
-pampered chef hamburger masher
-mystery day instead of telling kids where you're going...so they don't get disappointed.

Writer Mommy?
-typing up her journals from childhood so kids can read them later
-scrapbook calendar pages...to log each day

Mystery Mommy?
-special gold coin for toothfairy gift

Wonderful ladies...I just can't wait to see what you come up with for next year!!!