A dinnertime tradition is to go around the table and tell a couple of WINS for the day. I thought I would share the insights of our family.
Jordyn: Enjoying Cade growing up. Being the top reader in my class. Getting good at rip boarding and basketball.
Tyson: Getting myself ready for school 4 weeks in a row (which includes guitar practice before school) because that means I get a late nights on Fridays!
Luke: Wrestling on the trampoline with my brothers.
Joey: Playing with Cade. And earning Bobofet in Lego Star Wars II.
Cade: Being the center of attention!
JD: Learning about Accounting with his friend Emmet.
OK- my WIN is long because I'm the writer of this blog so I get to give my own perspective....
Courtney: Having a house of order! I've always been a sub- par house keeper! I like having a clean house, but it hasn't always been on the top of my priority list. My college roomates will laugh at this story but I remember sitting at the kitchen table together having a pow wow about how we were going to divide up the cleaning of our apartment. I remember saying "This kitchen table always seems so dirty." Laurie (who was constantly cleaning up!) said "Well, then clean it!" I always thought that was a good answer to me- the lazy cleaner.
Courtney: Having a house of order! I've always been a sub- par house keeper! I like having a clean house, but it hasn't always been on the top of my priority list. My college roomates will laugh at this story but I remember sitting at the kitchen table together having a pow wow about how we were going to divide up the cleaning of our apartment. I remember saying "This kitchen table always seems so dirty." Laurie (who was constantly cleaning up!) said "Well, then clean it!" I always thought that was a good answer to me- the lazy cleaner.
So I feel like our home is becoming a well oiled machine. The kids know what's expected and what's going to happen if they fall short on their responsibilities. They know their rewards if they follow through. Sometimes I feel like we're running a business because we have systems in place to take care of issues. So, I guess our business is -FAMILY! It may sound structured- but my brain really likes order! These are some of my favorite things that we have structured into our family system. Date night is every Friday night and one individual child gets to go with us every other week. Everyone gets one free hour of TV or game cube time a day- which they don't always even use, but they can build it up and save it for Saturday. (There is also incentive to earn more time by making healthy choices like exercising, reading, service) No afterschool snack til homework is done. Silly Daddy time for an hour on Saturdays. Everyone helps clean up dinner. Chores on Saturday morning that they get to pick from a list that I make. Family Home Evening every Monday. Family scripture study most nights. Family prayers every morning and night. Nothing too unique, but we are constantly trying new things to do better. So if anyone has any ideas or things they do with their family that they love- I would love to know about it! Even if it's simple- usually simple is best anyway. Just post your thoughts- I would love to hear them!! (Also, how to get pink egg dye out of the carpet?)
I'm really enjoying and seeing the benefits of a clean home and enjoying the spirit of it! The only problem is Jordyn has my old attitude and she thinks I'm way overboard on how I like things just right! A place for everything and everything in it's place! Ahhhh, it's a peaceful feeling I can get used to!
I only have a few pictures to share this time and they are of Cade, since he is the one changing and growing the most currently.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW JUST 16 MONTHS AGO WE HAD THIS:
AND NOW WE HAVE THIS!!!
The sad face is some mighty big teeth coming in!
3 comments:
What's rip boarding?
Congrats on your organized life. I don't have any suggestions because I need to get to your point. I'm totally working on getting my kids to work and figuring out how to incentivize properly. I like the idea of an hour of video games a day that they can save for the weekend. I've read books and searched on the internet and I've got all kinds of ideas about everything I need to do to teach my children work and responsiblity. I've yet to find someone willing to implemenent it all for me. Good thing you're going to come live with me this summer, he, he!
Stacy - You are such an awesome Mom! Your family is fortunate and as they continue to grow (in body and spirit), you will look back and say, "Gosh, I must have done something right"!
I see and hear how much you have grown over the past year and that has a direct impact on your personal achievements and a domino affect on your family.
I'm proud to be your master-mind buddy.
Now, PUT IT IN A BOOK to share those skills and talents!
I love reading about your family because I feel I can learn so much.
Thanks for checking us out. In answer to Hama...sorry I don't know another way to let you know...James coudln't say Emily and he would say my name as Emmia (but sounded more like Hammia). Andrew tried to teach Ethan Hammia but he said Hama, and it stuck.
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