This and that

Addie and I were reading a Little Mermaid book last night and we saw a picture of Aerial and Eric riding in a horse drawn carriage. She said that was kind of like what Santa rides in. Never thought about it, but I was amazed at her connection. We talked about how they were a little different, but in the end she said, that yes, that is kind of what Santa rides in. Amazed at her connection at the age of 3.

The Zach, age 6, and Nate, age 8, are taking care of the neighbors cats. I normally go with them but their sister has been sick so I sent them over on their own. Zach said, "Mom, we'll make sure not to disappoint you". I've been impressed with how well they have been doing it without me being with them. Good kids.

Job charts

We've done job charts off and on for a while. we've had our latest job chart since April and the boys are required to do their jobs every day. They are pretty simple and include cleaning their room, making their bed, pj's away, dishes in the sink, teeth brushed, etc. I'm also a mean mom and have included on our job chart things like reading for 20 minutes every day, homework, and exercise. If they don't have homework from school, I make them do something like flashcards or write in their journal. Every year for the last few years they get a composition notebook as one of their gifts for Christmas. That is the years journal. We aren't really good about it, but I try to get them to write five sentences in it when we are doing journals. I need to be better, but its a start.

Anyhow, we were shoveling sidewalks this morning and after they finished doing our sidewalks, Zach (age 6), asked if we can include service as one of their things on their job charts! So, part of it was that Nate helped the neighbors shovel their sidewalk on Christmas eve and they gave him a candy bar for everyone in our family to say thank you, but hey if he wants to do service I'm thrilled!

Cub scouts

After spending hours sewing on Cub Scout badges during the last three weeks I have to remind myself that, yes, I do want my son to succeed in scouts. I hate sewing and have had to do it by hand, but I'm getting much better at it. I originally ironed them on but they started falling off so now I've been sewing. It's a wonderful program and it's worth it with what they learn and get out of it. However, I think I should earn the sewing merit badge! Maybe we'll focus on belt loops for a while...

My Sweet Nathan

My sweet Nathan. He came home from a birthday party today with a big bag of candy which his brother and sister wanted him to share. He didn't share it right in the beginning but it was set aside where they played throughout the day. Around dinnertime he, all on his own without being asked by me or his siblings, decided to split it. He took four bowls out and divided all of his candy up and gave a bowl to me and his brother and sister. For an eight year old boy, I think it's pretty huge. He had a big bag of candy and only took 1/4 of it for himself. He's such a sweet kid and such a good example to his brother and sister. I went to the bank with Zach and Addie when Nathan was at his party and they got suckers, which they always do. They asked to get one for Nathan as well. Such sweet kids.

I keep telling myself that all our hard work is going to pay off in the end. It's what gets me through the day!