It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Kicking off the season with pictures...

Fun, Fun, Fun from my friend in tiny town (Who by the way, I've NEVER actually met!)

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?

Way. Too. Much.

2. What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.

Hmmm...I'm real good at thinking up creative projects and picturing them perfectly completed in my mind. Not so good at actually seeing them through. My latest, valances for my bedroom that match the quilt my mother-in-law made for us last Christmas. Took me the better part of one afternoon.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?

Just perfectly right! I used to really struggle with incontentment. God has really done a work in me in this area. I'm so thankful for our home, its character and the space we have. I love, love, love to entertain in it! It may be far from perfect to others but it is PERFECT to us! :)

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?

Working in my flower beds OR raking leaves with the kids.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?

No way! Can't stand the smell of it....gives me a headache in minutes!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?

Um, ride. Everyone else would rather I ride also!

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

Money

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?

Does falling asleep count as giving up on it? If so, minutes!

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Michael Jackson. Actually, I'm not embarassed by it - but I am made fun of constantly because of it.

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?

Hmmm...I think a six.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?

If ever I was, motherhood stripped that away. I now chomp ABC gum, drink any beverage with floaties and have grown to love any brand of chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life? (I hear people gulping and see them sweating in anticipation of how to answer this one.)

I'm pretty sure I'm trying to control way too much in my life. I could start to list, but it would take a long, long time. God's working on me here too!

In Search of the Next Family Member

We've been having this discussion for awhile. When I say awhile, I mean YEARS. We decided that when we were officially done potty training children -then we could get a dog. The kids are ecstatic. We've tossed around all sorts of breeds as we've been in search for the perfect fit for our family.

We've finally made a decision. Now, we just need to find the dog. Hooray for our cute little GOLDEN DOODLE...wherever he is. We can't wait until he's officially ours!

A Two-Wheel Man

Recently Jack decided he was done with training wheels. He and his pop loaded up the bike and went to the high school parking lot. Jack found a yellow line to ride on and presto-chango, he is now a two-wheel man. It was so fun to hear the excitement in his voice when he finally "got it." He was just gitty. Now we can't get him off of his bike. He rides it everywhere. Just one more example of my little man growing up.

Responsibility 101

Our little man has always been a big help around the house. He helps Justin on trash day collect the trash from around the house. He is the main recycling man in our home and he is good about helping set the table, help with dinner or clear the table when asked.

Lately he has had his eye on a Star Wars Lego kit. Justin and I decided it was time to implement the "chore chart" and give our little man a lesson in delayed gratification. We worked up a little chart that he fills out each week. Each chore in the grid has a money value. We added items like make your bed, bring up your dirty laundry, pick up toys to the tasks he already does around the house. At the bottom we made a place for him to earn an extra quarter each day for laying out his clothes for the next day and having a "NO WHINING" day.

I'm pretty proud of Jacker. He's all about his little chart. He's eager to help out each night and checks off his sheet with us each evening. He has his bank out on his night stand to house the money that he earns.

We are also including some money managing skills along with this little chore chart. If you haven't checked out doorposts.com, you should give it a gander. It has some great resources for teaching your child about saving, tithing and spending. It's hard to believe that my little guy is old enough to learn the ins and outs of responsibility. I love watching him be a little helper and take part in a little delayed gratification....a good lesson for all of us!

Happy Easter!

Ahhh...Easter Morning! I love it! The heart and soul of our salvation and heritage in Christ.

Luke 24:6 "He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "

Hooray for our risen Savior! Hooray for today and the opportunity to celebrate with our family the blessing of our eternal salvation. May you enjoy all of your egg hunts, Easter baskets, yummy Easter foods and the fellowship of your families and may we all take the time to not only remember but to boldly discuss the death, burial and resurrection of our blessed Jesus Christ! Happy Easter my friends!

Facebook

Can I just tell you that I feel like a slow learner in the facebook realm? I started an account last night at the request of some friends. I logged on tonight to check things out and I was WAY confused. Is it just like an ongoing little chat room? Some people that I'm now "friends" with have these cute little pages with all sorts of extras. I think I'm going to need some tutoring before I become a facebook junkie! :)