Another day.....another $

         So my kids are always thinking of ways to make some extra $. I am always telling them why? we pay for everything....shame on me! I stopped and started thinking,  am I just being lazy and not wanting to put thought into what they can do to earn extra $? I am crushing their entrepreneurial spirit!

       I decided to help them start working towards their goals....for that I had to come up with basic chores that they need to get done to get an allowance (or base salary, and yes I explained to them what a base salary was in the real world) and then extra chores that could boost up their allowance (or commission if you will).  I also put boundaries on commissions....for example if I ask you to play with the baby so I can make dinner I don't want you asking me how much can I make? now, that would just be obnoxious!....commissions are only available for pre-determined chores (with prices posted). Well, so far ....so great! everyone wants to help....and they are thinking of how they can expand their business....

     Bella wants to offer dog walking services, Brandon is thinking he can do some dog babysitting and Ju...well she can help around the house some more (she is only 7 so I have to keep a close eye on her:)).

     Well, Bella went on a sleepover at her friends house this past weekend and at 8 am the friends' mother sends me a text along with a picture of Bella and her friend sitting on the driveway manning their very own lemonade stand! yes, the girls woke up early and decided to take advantage of a garage sale that was happening across the street....I was so proud of my girl. She saw a business opportunity, found a partner and made it happen! Their lemonade stand was a success and she is already thinking of the next one and how she can improve on her product (fresh squeezed lemonade perhaps?).... so proud of my little entrepreneurs.....another day....another $


Here is a picture of the girls with their booming business:)

An Introduction....

I decided to blog to keep a journal of sorts for my kids...they are always asking me to tell them stories of when they were babies and who did what first . Well, I decided to put everything down on paper so they can read it and enjoy it for years to come! This blog is about the day to day challenges of raising 4 munchkins in a multi cultural family.

My name is Tatiana and I am a 35 year old Brazilian mama to 4 blessings. We live in the midwest with our 2 dogs, a Golden named Charlie and a Yellow Lab named Daisy. The kids are Isabella (10) Brandon (9) Juliana (7) and Gabriella ( 8 months). Our lives are...well...chaotic to say the least. Between soccer, gymnastics, dance , baby gym, school....and of course summers in Rio, Brazil we have barely time to breath! but that's how we like it....busy and wonderful:)

meet Isabella:

Bella is 10 and the girl who made me a mama. To say she stole my heart is an understatement. She is a great big sister and a wonderful young lady. Bella enjoys dancing and she absolutely, positively loves dogs! She will make a fantastic vet someday:)


Meet Brandon:

My one and only baby boy. Brandon is sharp as whip and has a heart of gold. Did you know that since age 5 Brandon has donated all his presents to a different charity? This little prince melts my heart and he is the best brother to all these young ladies in his life:) His passions are math and soccer.

Meet Juliana:

My little firecracker! Juliana keeps me on my toes 24 hours a day. She is fast (both mentally and physically). She is non-stop but as sweet as sugar. Juju is 7 and loves gymnastics and soccer...you can find her always with a big bow on her head and couple of scraped knees....love my princess tomboy:)

Meet little Gabriella:

This little sweet girl is our bonus from heaven. When we thought we were done God sent us the best gift of all, a surprised bundle of joy.!We all cater to miss Gabi 24/7 because she is just way too cute and her smile just lights up a room. Gabi is 8 months old and she loves her sisters and brother and to crawl all around the house!

Meet Daisy:

Daisy is our 6 year old Yellow Lab. We love her and she is our "big Mama" because she is so protective of the kids...you can see her here with her "babies" :)

Meet Charlie Bear:

Charlie Bear aka "the love hog" because, you guessed it he hogs all the love! he is a HUGE golden that thinks he is a chihuahua. Charlie is 4 years old but acts like he is 4 months old..we love him ! he is our big baby:)  

Now you have met the whole gang! My husband and I have our hands full...all the time. We are busy, busy but that makes for some pretty fun days (sometimes very stressful days) and some very interesting stories....hence the blog....right back to the stories my kids always ask me to tell them....so sit back, relax and laugh out loud with us as we try to figure out life with 4 kids 10 and under and 2 big dogs.