Today the boys had a holiday from school. Quiet morning. No fights, except at the TV when Mario or Luigi did not do as they should. Girls napped. I tidyed. As I was getting ready, I heard doors slam. Problem? Argument gone bad. I investigate. Not allowed to enter the room, according to the boys . . .
A few minutes later they appear. Both with dress shirts, their navy sportscoats, and navy pants (trying to make a suit;). Mom, we have collected all our money and we want to take you to a special lunch. Heart melt.
After realizing lunch with four kids and one adult would not make for much of a date, the boys rearrange plans. Lunchdate at home. Boys prepare a menu. Escort the girls and I to our table for three. We order. Lunch is served. Sweet boys. A moment I just don't want to forget.
And by the way, this is not our typical day. Just a sweet moment. I tend to capture the good stuff but there is lots of craziness that usually goes on behind the scenes, just not documented.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Back on the Wagon
Well, I have missed an entire week of the organization challenge. Three snow days for the boys, dresses to be made for the girls, along with planning and preparing for the girls' party - each day was filled. Today, however, I was able to complete the Day 14 - under the bathroom sink. Here are my before and after pictures:
With the girls' party behind me, I have also been able to refocus on decorating their room. Here are some of my favorite items so far:
Land of Nod
Land of Nod
I can't wait to pull it all together!
With the girls' party behind me, I have also been able to refocus on decorating their room. Here are some of my favorite items so far:
Birthday Gift for Girls - Pottery Barn Kids
Land of Nod
Land of NodI can't wait to pull it all together!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Celebrating . . . 1!
Sarah Manning
Hannah Katherine
Today we celebrated the girls' first birthday with a family party. We had a casual family lunch with grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The girls enjoyed their day, some moments more than others. Here are a few highlights of the day:-The girls wore a dress I made for their party. They looked really cute of them!
-We sang "Happy Birthday" to each girl.
-Both girls had their own "crash" cake. Hannah Katherine dug into hers without hesitation and LOVED it. Sarah Manning was a little timid at first, but after I gave her some cake on a fork, she enjoyed it as well.
-They both really enjoyed opening presents. Sarah Manning became attached to a blue envelope and Hannah Katherine enjoyed playing with a bow. After opening a Little People House, the girls really had a great time climbing onto the box.
As the party ended and we put the girls down for their nap, I was overcome with emotion. I cannot believe we have made it to the year mark! We have been covered by God's grace this year, His blessings and His provisions. The girls are a wonderful gift. Happy Birthday Sarah Manning and Hannah Katherine!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Checking Things Off
I'm not sure about you, but I function much better and more efficiently with a To-Do List for the day. It really helps me see that I am moving forward and I love crossing things off. Yesterday, however, was just one of those days that things went unchecked. After three trips to school, no real nap for the girls, and a trip to Babies R Us for baby food, my day was done.
This morning, things are rolling along and items are being checked off. I was able to catch up with the home organization challenge and completed Days 4 &5 - linen closet and under kitchen sink cabinet. Here are my befores and afters:
This morning, things are rolling along and items are being checked off. I was able to catch up with the home organization challenge and completed Days 4 &5 - linen closet and under kitchen sink cabinet. Here are my befores and afters:
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
And They're Off
Today the boys had to go back to school. Unlike in years past, I was not ready for the boys to return. It has been so nice having them home - not having a schedule, the boys more relaxed, and the girls able to finish their afternoon naps. I have loved having the time to have all four kids home together for the day.
Each year Greg and I take time to pray over the decision of school for the boys. So far, every year we have been led to send the boys back to a private Christian school that we LOVE and God has provided the means for us to do so. However, as we start to pray over next year, I am a little more stirred towards homeschooling.
For now, we are back to the pace of school, carpool, and 6 am wake up calls. The girls even joined in the activity this morning by waking up with us. I wish I could just push the 'pause' button and have a little more time before they're off again.
Since the girls did wake so early, I have been able to take advantage of their extra long morning nap and participate in Day 3 of the organization challenge - Tupperware cabinet. I really have no idea what has happened to all my plasticware - probably thrown out because I left something in it too long and decided to toss instead of clean. Anyway, because of our dwindling amount, this challenge was pretty quick. Here is my before and after:
Each year Greg and I take time to pray over the decision of school for the boys. So far, every year we have been led to send the boys back to a private Christian school that we LOVE and God has provided the means for us to do so. However, as we start to pray over next year, I am a little more stirred towards homeschooling.
For now, we are back to the pace of school, carpool, and 6 am wake up calls. The girls even joined in the activity this morning by waking up with us. I wish I could just push the 'pause' button and have a little more time before they're off again.
Since the girls did wake so early, I have been able to take advantage of their extra long morning nap and participate in Day 3 of the organization challenge - Tupperware cabinet. I really have no idea what has happened to all my plasticware - probably thrown out because I left something in it too long and decided to toss instead of clean. Anyway, because of our dwindling amount, this challenge was pretty quick. Here is my before and after:
Monday, January 3, 2011
KP Duty
As part of the boys' new chore system, they have each been given tasks to help out in the kitchen after dinner. I have been reluctant to have the boys help simply because I like things done a certain way and it's quicker for me to clean the kitchen. However, after talking with my neighbor (who is the mom to four kids ranging from 5th-12th grade), I decided it was time for the boys to help out.
Last night was our first night and it went really well. Landon is responsible for clearing the table, wiping the table, and sweeping under the table. Camden is responsible for unloading / loading the dishwasher, taking out the trash and wiping down the counters. Greg and I both assist the boys so they are not cleaning on their own. KP Duty - Check.
Also, today I participated in Day 2's home organization project - computer desk (top only). My desk's top was not too messy so I also took time to organize the pile of papers on the kitchen counter. Here is my before and after:
Last night was our first night and it went really well. Landon is responsible for clearing the table, wiping the table, and sweeping under the table. Camden is responsible for unloading / loading the dishwasher, taking out the trash and wiping down the counters. Greg and I both assist the boys so they are not cleaning on their own. KP Duty - Check.
Also, today I participated in Day 2's home organization project - computer desk (top only). My desk's top was not too messy so I also took time to organize the pile of papers on the kitchen counter. Here is my before and after:
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Fresh Start
Happy New Year! I love New Years because it a fresh start, a new beginning, and a time to collect, organize and set intent for the coming year. I have never been much for resolutions, but I do love having a plan.
Today at breakfast we had family time to discuss our hopes and desires for this coming year. We want to live our days on purpose. The beginning of 2011 is a perfect time to stop, reflect and plunge forward with intent.
As we discussed, we talked through our goals for the Five F's - faith, family, fun, fitness and finances. I'm so excited to see how God uses our family this year as we seek to glorify Him.
Here are just a few of our goals:
- Have daily Bible time together
- Travel to Washington, DC
- Speak in normal tones (we can be really loud!)
- Participate in a "fun run" together
- Follow new Chore Charts in order to earn allowance
Another process I have started with the New Year is a 21 day challenge of home organization from a blog, A bowl full of lemons. Today's challenge - the junk drawer. It only took 10 minutes and looks so much better. Little by little. I'm looking forward to Day 2's challenge.
DRAWER BEFORE:
Today at breakfast we had family time to discuss our hopes and desires for this coming year. We want to live our days on purpose. The beginning of 2011 is a perfect time to stop, reflect and plunge forward with intent.
As we discussed, we talked through our goals for the Five F's - faith, family, fun, fitness and finances. I'm so excited to see how God uses our family this year as we seek to glorify Him.
Here are just a few of our goals:
- Have daily Bible time together
- Travel to Washington, DC
- Speak in normal tones (we can be really loud!)
- Participate in a "fun run" together
- Follow new Chore Charts in order to earn allowance
Another process I have started with the New Year is a 21 day challenge of home organization from a blog, A bowl full of lemons. Today's challenge - the junk drawer. It only took 10 minutes and looks so much better. Little by little. I'm looking forward to Day 2's challenge.
DRAWER BEFORE:
DRAWER AFTER: 
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