Chores at our house

Guess what we got more of today... Yep! Snow! I took this picture a few minutes ago. These two have been hilarious lately. They have been so buddy-buddy.

And since I have been kind of empty-headed when it comes to blogging, I thought I would just give a little peek into something we try to implement into each day.

Chores are a very important part of character building! My older boys know that they are to be a good example to their younger brother/s (not that they always are good example or that they are perfect. However they are learning!).

Lately, Jonathan has been trying to "teach" Ryan all kinds of things, and Ryan helps Jonathan with his chores.

Jonathan's daily chore is to unload the dishwasher.

I was mopping the other day and Jonathan volunteered to help me. I thought he looked so cute.Justin's job is to help with the laundry. He is being silly! Sorry for the red-eye. My software editor isn't working properly.

I believe that children are happier when they are helping. Yes, sometimes the carnal comes out and a child will complain. Something that has helped us tremendously is to assign extra chores if one of the children complains. For example if they say, "Awwwe, I don't want to do that, Mom ."

I will say, "Maybe you need more chores to help you appreciate the small chore you are assigned." They usually get real happy! :-) I also try to talk about how strong they are and how helpful they are. Children need affirmation, and it helps them to want to help when they know dad & mom appreciate them.

Life with boys....

What is life like with a household of boys?

Well, sometimes I have days where I walk through the house and notice a lot of imperfections. Smudges, dirt, and yes...mischief. One particular day, during the boys' playtime, I just decided to take my camera and snap things as I saw them. Here is your glimpse: (except for the mud, which was yesterday)

Warning: pictures below are not for the uptight perfectionist!

Army men hanging from the refrigerator

Muddy feet (the snow has finally melted!)

Out of the jar pickle consumption-well since there was only a couple left...why dirty a bowl for mom to clean?

bedpost lassos
Climbing the dresser in the playroom (this definitely against the rules!)
smudges: a never-ending battle

I have decided that instead of letting imperfections frustrate me, I will choose to see them as beauty instead of as trials.

The beauty is seeing that-

***Without childhood imperfections, character cannot be molded (neither the children's nor the parents')***.

Home Life in winter

I used to really detest winter when we moved up here from Alabama. I was so used to the warmer weather and I thought I would die before I would ever get used to it!

Lately I am seeing that God made winter for a purpose. Is winter meant to draw families together as they spend time indoors in one another's company? For relationship building?
Shouldn't winter be a time of slowing down and enjoying the beauty around us?
I am learning to slow down and cherish these moments while they are here.
Before long the beauty will melt and we won't have today ever again....

Snow covered grounds, ice, and 4 degree weather!

Knot-tying lessons by daddy... while lingering in pajamas

This one is called the "blood knot".. because it's so tight. At least that is what daddy says...

Chocolate donuts from my 1934 Hershey cookbook

Flour covered faces
Daddy is a hoot!

A Government Lesson

Voddie Baucham had a great link on his blog today

"I assure you, it will be worth your time. Anyone who is sick and tired of the misinformation and miseducation of the American public will be well pleased."

It won't imbed on my blog so click here