Thursday, October 29, 2009

Winners of the week

1. A re-vamped chore system!
After they complete a daily or Saturday chore (completed Saturday chores go in the "done" envelope),
they can stamp the poster to build up to a Dunkin' Donuts treat.
Ever since my sisters and I helped my mother transport about 500 donuts for a PTA activity (and made ourselves sick sampling them), I have not been that into donuts. So we're not big donut eaters. In fact, when Jacob went to his first Primary Activity Day, he asked his friend why the bagels had frosting on them! So DD is a great incentive.
I used to think that 2- and 3-year-olds couldn't do these kinds of chores. Not so! I was especially proud of Zach for cleaning the bathroom with very little help:

2. A festive basket!
I can't believe that I haven't done this before: holiday-themed books in a spooky little basket. The kids visit it throughout the day.

3. A family tree!
Family relationships are confusing for these little guys, and so we heard a lot of newly-enlightened exclamations during this activity. (For some reason they've picked up the charming phrase "I see!") When it's finished I'll have some art for my walls, which are the same exact color throughout the house: Bone White.

4. A dinner ballot!
The kids got a kick out of this, plus they ate all their food!

5. A TV spot!
Ok, so it was about five seconds on the ten o'clock news, but it was still a little exciting. My favorite part is that I'm representing the t-ball mom. Plus, the interviewer was none other than the star of the Glitterator commercial of my childhood. Fun.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Eric is thirty!

On Friday we all went to Eric's hospital for a curbside birthday party celebrating his 30th!
I let the kids do the streamers this time, which was much more endearing than anything I could have done:
We celebrated at home on Eric's day off. I'd say that 30 looks pretty good on him, wouldn't you?
He doesn't have a lot of free time, but he spends every spare moment supporting me and these precious boys. What a guy! We love you, Eric. Happy, happy birthday!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Sick day

We watched: rainy windows
We ate: homemade bread, chicken noodle soup, and hot cocoa
We read: Beverly Cleary's Runaway Ralph, Steve Jenkins's nature books
We played: "school" and chess
We listened: to Mo Tab Christmas albums
We wore: pajamas for the kids, scrubs for mom