School Break doldrums

Kids claim they hate school and wish it was summer vacation all year round. Then when they have a week or two off they can't think of anything to do! I make all sorts of great suggestions (shovel snow, clean the house, work on scouting requirements) but nothing sounds good to them!

We were having problems with certain children being disrespectful and disobedient, only made worse by the lack of school. We sat down and had a long lecture, laying down new consequenses for poor behavior. First offense means a loss of computer priviledges for two days, second is a loss of tv/video, third is a loss of friend time. Colin was the first to offend and we had a miserable day with nothing to do. The second day of his punishment he resolved to do all sorts of sweet things for Mom. He emptied the dishwasher, reloaded it, washed the remaining dishes and emptied it again later. He also shoveled snow for Dad and was extra nice to Atticus and Axle!

I started a "Yes Mom" jar. Every time someone is quick to obey or says yes mom I put a candy corn in the jar. Once its full they get to go to Jump On It. Atticus keeps asking me to tell him things so he can earn more candy corns! I have great kids, they just need the right motivation!

Christmas Joy

Another year almost gone. Christmas was good this year. We didn't feel as pinched as in previous years. We were able to sponsor a small family through the Sub for Santa program. I had so much fun shopping for little girl clothes and toys!
Christmas Day was relaxing. Frank and I had time to wrap presents before anyone woke up. Well, except for Axle. He's always the first one up. After gifts and a yummy breakfast the kids went sledding. I shoveled snow, again. I have not seen this much snow for years! I can see why people buy snowblowers up here on the bench.
I was so excited when Frank surprised me with season tickets to the Hale Center Theater in Orem! Between the plays and the temple we have many dates booked for the next year. (We also have a cheap babysitter booked).
We invested in a new camcorder as a family gift. We kind of missed Axle as an infant and a year or two of Atticus. But, its never too late to record some memories. Speaking of memories, my parents had our old silent home movies put onto dvd as a present to their children. I can't wait to make my kids sit through all the boring footage of me as a child!

Loving the new house

We made it out of Provo finally. We were lucky to sell our little home, just in time it seems. We live in a wonderful neighborhood now with so many great kids running around. We had boys knocking on the front door the first day we were here because they saw some bike ramps and were wondering if a boy lived here now! Colin never lacks friends to play with anymore.
He still pulls the "I hate School!" thing on me a few times a week, but I try to explain that its not school but being unprepared that he hates.
Sydney doesn't complain about school much exceptthat it interferes with her getting enough sleep. She won't go to sleep before 10:30 and wakes up at 8:30. I would LOVE to get that much sleep!
Atticus is three but insists that he is six, because he is a "big boy". He's worn the same orange shirt and blue shorts every day for the last month, whether it is snowing or not! This is one of those "choose your battles" that I am not fighting. I have compromised and let him wear shorts to church every other week. Of course he forgets that he agreed and we fight it out when it is time for pants. Frank reminds us all often that Atticus is only three, not six, and needs allowances and extra love!Our last but not least is Axle. He makes everyone happy all the time! He loves to give open mouth kisses in the morning and I've found that's the best way to get Sydney to wake up happy! Axle is a great walker but is still getting the hang of shoes. He is funny to watch as he wobbles here and there.