Acrobats

This is Taylor balanced on my hands and Jordan on my feet. We are working on him standing on my feet with Taylor on my hands, but I couldn't wait for Ryan to get Jordan up there and keep everyone balanced until Ryan was able to take the next picture... Hopefully we'll master it and have a follow up picture.

HenderBuck

Our newest incentive program.. the Hender Buck inspired by my sister-in-law, Heidi!
This is how it works, they can earn one for anything that makes me happy.
Putting their shoes away, the first time I ask (something like that)
Sharing
Going to bed well
Brushing their teeth
Staying out of Dad's clothes, i.e. keeping his clothes on the hanger
Putting seat-belts on and keeping them on the whole car ride
Eating all the food on their plate, and not sneaking it off their sister's
Countless other battles which seem to be easier with these wonderful pieces of paper

Jordan told me after he had his cavities filled he should get 4 for being so good, Of Course! He loved that!! They all love it! The also get to buy things, renting a movie or checking out books at the library-10
Getting a bedtime story - 3 , Jordan initiated that one, I was happy to take his hard earned money!
Having a special time with mom or dad, chocolate milk, computer time 15 minutes for 1. Hey anything that gets them involved and motivated to work harder and most importantly happier!

I have thought about the motivational programs Ryan has told me his mother tried and the ones my mother did, they always seem to fade. But I decided that is the beauty of this! This will help them get in the habit, get life running a little more smoothly and then it will fade as needed right? Surely in a few months we will bring them out after fading, but I look at this as a great way to break into summer.

Tomorrow is a laundry day.... luckily they used a lot over the weekend!

Breeching into the life of Soccer

Now that Jordan has started soccer I am beginning to have a glimpse of what life as a soccer mom might be. Getting him to games and pracitce, finding a place for all his soccer gear, keeping balls out of the house etc.. Jordan loves going to practice. The other day at his game he was jumping up and down, shuffling side to side and running all over the field, even before it had started. I look at him and marvel that he is my oldest. I can't believe that I have a five-year-old. He also has started wearing a suit to church. He loves it! He wants to be just like his dad; I am also noticing that he is a good example to his dad! I think they will help each other out and watch each other closely being the only two boys in the household.

Taylor and Dad

Taylor was jumping on the tramp the other day singing to herself, "Roxy is my favorite dog, Roxy is my favorite dog..." Ryan snuck up behind her and jumped up on the tramp. She was a bit startled, but tickled to have her daddy join her. She and him have a special connection of which I am grateful. Ryan is such a playful dad, each of my children take their turns at preferring him. What a blessing to have such a strong family bond.

Happy Birthday Kate

This is a cute and as close as we will get to a birthday photo. She was sung to a number of times. I think that works for a 1-year-old right? Thus it is true, the third suffers from some forgetfulness on behalf of her parents, but is loved none the less!

Queen Kate

Kate definately runs most of our lives most of the time around here. Her charm catches all of our attention and we all enjoy making her smile. Having a 1-year-old has never been so fun. I totally enjoy seeing her develop.