Whistle while you work...

Cleaning the house. Ugh! I don't always want to do it, but I do like a clean house.  It takes a lot to keep the house clean and the more people there, the harder it becomes. 

Over the past few weeks, Steve and I have started discussing a chore list and allowance for Talia.  She is old enough to be helping out around the house and as a core family value we believe that everyone should pitch in to help. 

But it is a conundrum for us.  We don't want her to do her chores simply because of money, but we want her to learn the value of earning a dollar.  Makes me rack my brain to try and remember how my parents did it! 

For now, we have emphasized three basic 'duties' that she should be doing daily; clearing her dishes after a meal, dressing herself daily, keeping her room clean/bed made.  She will not be earning money for these chores but rather beginning to build a foundation.  These chores promote manners, self responsibility and general cleanliness. But, it's not for nothing....

She is regularly bombarded with hugs, kisses and thank you's.  And once a week one of us will take her out for 'Talia Time' and she can choose a reward...the $1 bins at Target are AWESOME!  In the next year we will start adding a few more 'duties' to her list and assign a monetary amount to each based on frequency.  Meaning, one time doesn't earn money, but three times a week consistently would.

Today, as I was picking up after Talia was at school I noticed Sydney picking up some things and walking around the house.  She too was helping pick up the house.  It was so adorable. We stopped picking up and just giggled and played. After all, that's more fun!

I am so proud of my girls!  I am so excited for the days ahead to watch them grow. For now, I will enjoy each day as it comes and cuddle my girls every moment I get! One day they'll be picking up their own houses!

Little joys

Too often the day-to-day activities seem to become big tasks.  Before I know it, I feel overwhelmed with the small things.  Though I don't really buy into the New Year's Resolutions, I do believe in new starts.  My new start is being present in the moments around me.  Learning to cherish each moment for what it is and let go of the stresses that in the end, don't make a difference.

Over the past few days, while working on being present, I have found such joy in the small things I often blend into the day.  I like this new focus and am so excited each day to be thankful for what God has granted me in my life. 

My dancing princesses

Laughter is the best medicine

A good chuckle, hearty giggle or down right laugh-til-you can't breathe can really turn your day around or keep it going in the right direction.  Do you laugh every day? Seems silly, right?  How hard can it be to laugh everyday? However, when the small stresses of life start to take over, you'd be surprised how little you are laughing.   

Talia (aka 'Doodlebug') has recently learned the art of knock-knock jokes.  I'll admit they don't always make a lot of sense, but to hear her laugh at her own punch line is fantastic!  Here are the latest knock-knock jokes circulating our home:

Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Sherwood.
Sherwood who?
Sherwood be nice to get a kiss from you!

Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn't say banana?!

Everyday my girls do something that puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh. I am so thankful for them and the opportunity to be at home and cherish the moments that help make the big stuff seem even smaller.