The Police ARE Watching

We established family rules last spring. For those of you who follow our blog you will remember reading about Peace, Order, Respect and Obedience.  We have now added the rule of asking. Funny how 6 months ago it didn't seem like we needed it and now it has become a necessity.  

We spent some time reviewing our rules and then assigned each person a rule to "police" for the week.  Olivia was watching for Order, Braden for Peace, Steve for Obedience and I was looking for Respect.

    

Then each night at dinner we gave our our awards.  The first night (which you see above) Olivia gave me the Order award.  Olivia had to describe why I earned it and then put the award on my shirt.  Olivia earned Respect, Steve earned Peace and Braden earned Obedience.

It was a simple paper award but they were beaming when they received it.  We did this each night for a week. One night Nana celebrated with us and earned the Order award.  Good job Nana!!

I am ALWAYS happy when I am deliberate with our family systems and when I put the extra effort into paying attention to the good things my children are doing.  This was well worth the time and energy and fostered good conversations throughout the week. 

Our next step is to decide if we should consolidate the family rules into one short saying OR if we should post them as is in our dining room.  HMMMM.... 

It's Been Seven Years

I remember this like it was yesterday... There is NOTHING like the day your first child is born. 

Sam and Emily's Wedding - That beautiful bald head. :)

Our Christmas Elf - One Year Old

A wedding we went to - Our dapper little man!  I don't think we could get him in a suit coat now if we paid him!

Finally - A BIG Brother

Silly little guy...

Braden has always LOVED his daddy - This was at Olivia's baptism.

A family trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum - he's losing those baby cheeks.

The mini-teenager

A BIG Brother and a BIG Sister - Just after Norah was born.

He was so proud of Olivia - at her Preschool Graduation

1st day of 1st Grade - So grown up!

Seven Years Old... Where has the time gone?

I cannot believe that Braden is SEVEN.  I don't feel old enough to have a seven year old. I have such a fear of my children growing old and not being "mine" anymore and seven seems much closer to that mystery age ... I'm not quite sure when that hits.  :)

Seven things I'm loving about Braden - November 2011

1. He has always loved books.  He loved being read to when he was little, he looked through books when he couldn't read and now he's reading them!  Thankfully he also still loves to listen because reading as a family is one of our favorite past times.  Braden can often be found up past bedtime with books piled high on his bed.

2. Braden has appeared to find his groove at school.  This year has been night and day compared to last year. I do attribute some of it to his wonderful teacher but I think even more of it is because of HIM.  He is working hard and really growing.  Homework time thus far is a joy (it's a special mommy/Braden time) not a burden and he beams when he is able to show us what he has learned and accomplished.

3. He can become so immersed with building legos that he doesn't hear me talking right next to him.  Although this can be quite frustrating at times - I also love that he is so passionate about it.  I'm amazed at what his creative little mind comes up with.

4. When Braden feels loved he LOVES back times ten!  He is such a passionate boy.  When we adorn him with our love and sincere praise we are greeted by a boy who will bend over backwards to show you love, give of himself and help anyone around.

5. Braden is still a snuggler.  He asks nightly for Steve and I to lie with him in bed and snuggle. I should really take advantage of this more because it's the best time to talk.  He opens up and snuggles right in.  His favorite thing is to ask for tickle fingers which are just light fingers on his back.  I know that someday this will end but i certainly hope it doesn't end anytime soon.  Nothing says I love you like a snuggle.

6.  He tries at sports even though they may not be his favorite thing.  If left to his own accord Braden would play wii and legos all day long - any maybe sprinkle a TV show in there.  Steve and I think sports are an important part of life - they keep us physically healthy and teach wonderful life lessons about working as a team and hard work in general.  Despite his hesitation which often creeps up on the way to an event he jumps in, tries hard and has a great time.  One of my favorite things to watch is soccer.  He runs up and down the field with his HUGE smile on his face.

7. Braden has taken responsibility for his morning routine without many reminders.  We do have mornings that don't go as well but for the most part he is really growing into a responsible boy.  He wakes up, makes his bed, brushes his teeth, gets dressed and throws down his clothes, feeds Magnus if it's his day, gets his snack and packs up his backpack. I think for a seven year old that's pretty awesome!!

I am so proud of Braden and where he is in life.  Happy Birthday Buddy.

Remembering

My dad has been scanning old slides and sending out snippets here and there. I LOVE them.  There is just something about peering into your past and remembering moments that would have otherwise been forgotten.  I don't know how old we were here or where this was taken but isn't it awesome?

Running in Your Own Lane

I try to find a few minutes each morning to read a passage in this 90-day devotional I have called "Daily Steps for God Chicks."  It's great - easy to relate to and keeps me thinking during the day.  Today's topic was about running in your own lane... living your own life...not trying to live like or as someone else.  

It was using the analogy of sprinters at the Olympics.  They MUST run in their own lane.  In fact they get disqualified if they run in anyone else's lane.  She then posed the question, "How many of us are trying to get through life running in someone else's lane?" 

She speaks to the fact that each of us are supposed to do great things on earth.  We are given different gifts and different tools with which to do those great things. Coincidently we talked at a group I am part of yesterday about using and knowing our OWN talents.  The woman leading our group is really an inspiration to me and knows exactly what her talents are.  She is so sure of herself but not in a pompous or conceited way - in a beautifully confident way.  

I know I've wasted time in my life being who I think I should be... running in other lanes, running other people's races.  I could be wrong but I think most of us do this to some extent.  I believe it's why growing up can be so affirming.  It's why Oprah said "50 is the new 40!"  We have been around long enough to get to know ourselves, discover what our talents are, what our purposes are and how to make the most of our time here on earth.  

I hope I can be that confident, sure woman for my children - especially my girls as they grow older.  I've got a ways to go but every step in my OWN lane, running my OWN race and not glancing behind me or to the side will help me get there. :)

Congratulations Jen!

Saturday Katie and I threw Jen a baby shower (with some great help from Sally and Jen's sister Holly). She knows that she is having a boy(Tyler) so everything was BLUE!  

Not sure why this picture is colored so horribly but you can see my favorite part - a Wishing Tree. We made this tree and then I made wish tags. Each person filled one out for Tyler and then hung them on the tree.  It turned out really cute.  We also had inspiration rocks upon Jen's request. When opening gifts she introduced everyone and then they gave her a piece of advice, shared a story or a little thought that had something to do with the word written on her rock.  

 This is Katie, Jen and I.  Doesn't Jen look awesome!!!  She is due January 26th and is all baby.  You can also see the rose cake dusted in blue that Jen requested. :)

She got some great gifts and is just about ready for Tyler to arrive.  I can hardly wait to meet and snuggle that little guy.  Congrats Jen - She is going to be an incredible mother. I'm so excited for her.

Gratitude

This week was a rough week.  There were unexpected twists and turns, and a to-do list that wasn't relenting despite my need to just sit and "be."  Last night as we were going to bed I wondered aloud to Steve what God was trying to do to me this week. What was I being tested for?  I somewhat giggled to myself at all that I had going on even though nothing was particularly funny.

I woke up with a peace draped over me.  A sense of gratitude for all that I have in my life.  I am surrounded by the most wonderful people.  I say that with sincerity. I was overwhelmed with the love and support that poured out around me this week.  I am one lucky woman and I promise never to forget it.

I woke up feeling thankful for my three beautiful children and all that they have given to me in their short lives.  The chaos, the smiles, the heart ache and the moments that only mommies know about when your heart is just bursting with pride simply because they are yours.

I woke up feeling thankful for friends who give us reasons to celebrate(more on that another time!). I am thankful for being able to share the comfort of our home with others.

I am thankful for so many things and maybe this week God was seeing how much I could handle.  Maybe he was testing how far along my spiritual path I've moved in the last year.  Perhaps he was checking to see if I'd ask him for support.  Those are questions I of course will never have answered but if nothing else I've been reminded of all that I have to be thankful for in my life and for that ... I have gratitude.

Our Halloween Happenings

For the McKinley Halloween parade Olivia decided to be a witch.

And Braden a Sheriff or Outlaw!

Hmmm, I wonder how a sheriff feels about a witch roaming around his town?

This is the kiddos lining up for the whole school parade. They walk through the neighborhoods - it's a really great community building day.

Norah is growing up learning to be a trooper.  She had no nap and was hanging out in the stroller.

Judy, Marc, Cathy and her boys joined us for Spooktacular Night at the ZOO! It was a beautiful night as we made our way around to see the different animals.  Braden thinks her boys are about the coolest kids around and was making plans before the night was over to see them again.  

We went trick or treating at the Olson's which is always a blast.  This is Norah and her buddy Nina.  Sorry for the blurriness of the last two.   I only had my phone with me.

I simply can't get enough of this little pumpkin fairy!!

 During our neighborhood trick or treat Olivia was Ariel as you can see. 

 And this is the neighborhood gang. From left: Norah, Rory, Sabrina, Annika, Charlotte, Evan, Andrew, Braden and Olivia.

 Norah decided to sit down and enjoy trick or treating on some random front step!

 Olivia brought her bitty baby dressed to a T in her own pumpkin Halloween costume.

 Nana and Papa trick or treated with us!

Doesn't Nana Ariel look beautiful? :)

AND THEN... WHAT TO DO WITH THE MOUNDS AND MOUNDS OF CANDY???

We simplified our Halloween Advent Calendar from last year and decorated envelopes a few nights before trick or treating.  The kids practiced writing their numbers and we had fun using stickers and drawing spooky pictures on the fronts.  

Braden LOVES drawing... and family time. :)

So after the last of our trick or treating the kids went through their candy, picked out their favorites and stuffed one or two pieces into each envelope.  They sealed them and we organized them into piles. 

Now each morning they come down and try to find their envelope hidden somewhere around the house. It's been REALLY fun so I think we'll write it down in our tradition book and do it each year.  

I couldn't resist sharing this picture of my favorite little nephew Lincoln dressed up as Yoda.  We weren't with him but Emily is really good about sending pictures and videos so I don't feel like we're so far away.

Happy Halloween!

Impromptu Princess Lunch

We had an impromptu princess lunch at our house recently.  Our two neighbors, who we are so thankful for, came over for lunch.  When food was ready all three girls got dressed up...

Don't they look just magical?

They put their fanciest shoes on.

This is Princess Ava.

This is princess Olivia W.

We ate on pretty plates - fancy grilled cheese, apple sauce in "fancy" glass bowls and sparkling grape juice with fancy straws.  As long as I called it "fancy" the girls were delighted.

As usual Norah just took it all in and was pleased as punch just to follow the girls around.

We are looking forward to more princess lunches in the coming weeks. :)

Reminders

I have a new favorite app in my life... It's called "Reminders" and is part of the new operating system for all things Mac.  You all know that I love to organize, I love lists and even more than that I love crossing things off of lists so this app was made especially for people like me. :)

Part of the "Mom's Retreat" that I went to was on organization and how it helps families.  I was listening with intention because I know that not only do I feel better but I am able to be more present when life is organized.  They suggested a few different methods and I took some that I thought would work for us and tweaked others.

I have categories of lists where I write things down as I think of them and then I also have a TO DO TODAY list where I move things to each night in hopes of completing them the following day.  

I know I am a bit of a nerd but these lists have helped to streamline all that I have to do at home. I don't feel worried that I am forgetting things because these lists are with me all the time and I can prioritize my time based on what I have to get done that day.  I know everyone has their own way of organizing their family but this seems to be the key for us right now!!

Norah is Thankful

Olivia is Thankful

Braden is Thankful

Peacefulness

Olivia feels peaceful when we help each other.

Braden feels most peaceful when we are in nature listening to the birds.

I feel most peaceful when we are taking a walk in nature as a family.

Steve feels most peaceful when we pray together.

Norah was sleeping but I am guessing she feels most peaceful with her thumb in her mouth, her froggie snuggled close and sitting in her mommy or daddy's arms.

Power of Moms Retreat

The amazing fall colors in New England

Two weeks ago I packed myself up and flew out to Boston.  I met my friend Sarah at the airport, we picked up our rental car and drove 2 hours North into beautiful little Wolfeborro, New Hampshire.

This is the fabulous group of women I spent the weekend getting to know

For quite some time Sarah and I have followed a blog called Seventy-One Toes by Shawni Pothier.  Following 71 Toes lead us to some parenting books written by her parents, Richard and Linda Eyre, such as, "Three Steps to a Strong Family."  We were also lead to The Power of Moms website.  This organization is co-lead by one of Shawni's sisters Saren.  Sarah and I spend a lot of time debating the ups and downs of parenthood.  We discuss everything from snack ideas to discipline strategies.  These websites have given us a lot of inspiration and talking points. 

The house we met at was right on a lake... simply stunning!

When the Power of Moms announced their fall retreat in New England Sarah and I jumped on it.  I can honestly say it was one of the greatest things I've done not only for me but more so for our family. I drank in all that was said, took copious notes and am still in a haze trying to decipher it all.  I am a "Yes" person by nature so it's hard not to want to do it all right away.  I am working on being content with the fact that everything is written down and I have to take baby steps because although my family is very supportive of all these great changes - everything takes time!

The Archibalds raised 7 sons and 1 daughter here in the summer time!  Now they gather with their large family a few times during the year and fill the 9 bedroom house to the brim.

I had so many people ask me how it was when I returned.  I did talk my mom's ear off but I don't quite know what to say to others.  Here is a glimpse of what I came away with.  You'll notice that some are concrete DELIBERATE mothering ideas and others are more an attitude or way of thinking...

My take away...

-We miss the joy in life when we are overloaded. Rid your life of "joy suckers."

-Be Deliberate ... spend one hour each week deciding what is important and preparing for the week

-I set the tone for our day

-Two dinner time questions... What was something you learned today? What did you do for someone else today?

-We DO make a difference in how our children turn out

-Motherhood is NOT a chore to be endured but a gift to be cherished

-What children see reflected in our eyes is how they del about themselves. Do your eyes light up when they walk into the room?

-Mind Organization for Moms System... an entire life organization model

-An effective family is like an organization with a purpose, leadership, an economy, rules/guidelines, feedback and a culture/traditions.

-If things are important to your spouse than they should be important to you!

-Sit down with your husband and decide what and who you want your children to become.  Let this guide all of your parental decisions.

-How to create and run a family legal system... sounds kind of stuffy but is awesome!

-A 2 years olds cognitive ability comes before their will power.

-Expect arguments to happen with children. Between 2 and 4 years children, on average, argue 6.3 times per hour.

-How to run an effective family meeting.

-What a Family Economy is and what it teaches children.

-How important a Family Culture is.  It is what bonds a family together and builds confidence.

-Traditions should be simple, deliberate and an important part of a family culture.

-No one is PERFECT but you are the PERFECT mom for YOUR children!

So you can probably see why I am overwhelmed with joy at all that I took away but I am also overwhelmed with wanting to implement it all.  I feel so lucky that I had Sarah with me.  She is an amazing mom and such a great friend. I rely on her a lot when I am frustrated with things, when I want to share a silly kid story or if I just need a little pick me up during the day.  We talked so much about wanting to keep this feeling alive and wanting to not stick our notebooks in the corner and a few months from now wonder if our going away was worth it.

Sarah and Sarah :)

So Sarah and I are dedicated to staying in touch.  We may start a virtual mothering group that meets once a month online with some Power of Moms materials and we talk daily through email and texting.  I feel confident that we can help each other become the best mommies that we are capable of and raise families that we are proud of and children who are contributing, confident, loving individuals.... who love coming home to their mommies even when they are older. :)

Thanks Power of Moms for helping give me tools to take my family where I envision us going and also Sarah for never judging but always supporting me on this journey.  

Thank you Sarah and Saren for the pictures!