Instant Gratification

With 'Soccer Saturday' over, Chris in Boston and nothing else pressing to do, I thought the kids and I would have a nice relaxing day. My kids' thought otherwise. Bickering, complaining, and griping over everything, I soon lost it. I LOVE the article that appeared in The Church News nearly 2 1/2 years ago on our devastating need for instant gratification. It's too true. My kids, and it's my fault for allowing it from myself and others, feel the need to 'get' things when they're at the store. What happened to presents ONLY at Christmas and birthdays, and even then in moderation? (Yes I did walk barefoot, up-hill, in the snow no less, all the way to school.) Well, I soon employed the old McEuen motto: Work first, play later. The funny part is, we had a great time. Who knew it took 2:15 to clean a car?

Braden really liked taking his shirt off. A little too much.

What's the lesson of a good hard chore if there's no reward at the end?Even I deserve a little reward!! Supervising a crew like mine isn't easy.

Who Has the Best Grandma?

I DO!!

I stole this from Randi's Blog...hope that's okay Randi!

I love Mamo...widowed and 91 years old, she let someone help her get dressed up for the great-grand kids!

I Love Traditions

Growing up, dinner was important. We always sat down together and Mom always set the table, including goblets. It made dinner a little more fun, and it's a memory we all have (even Nikki talks about it). So...here's my attempt - my dishes aren't as cute, or colorful, but I'll get there!

I LOVE hand-me-downs. Here's an example of my favorite. These shoes were my nephew Cole's. He's now 13 (going on 14). They were worn by his brother Casey, then Brody, now Braden. I always thought bronzing kids' shoes was stupid, but I'm definitely going to have to think of something creative for these.

This isn't a tradition, but a statement of fact that Chris most emphatically supports. I hate to cook, but am good at other things!!