EKjourney Backup

Today has gone smoothly as well. More than anything, I find that it is me and my habits of not being 100% consistent and allowing children to do get away with things (like arguing when given a direction) that are the root of any issues that we may have. Sometimes it takes things getting uncomfortable to realize where you have slipped up and unintentionally trained. The children have been wonderfully behaved and I have had to give much less reminders today about attitudes. It never ceases to amaze me how obedience and being insistent about good attitudes make for happy children. Today, instead of going outside (ominous rain clouds and then a rain shower) and school, we make a fort. Sawyer had to patrol the fort grounds to ward off bad guys every few minutes with his shooting gun. Jubilee said, "Mommy, I am having fun at your house." Oh my, what will Poppy's wedding pictures look like when this soon to be flower girl is told to smile! We had a picnic in the fort. I t...

Poor Sawyer was suppose to have a speech appointment on Monday. He waited and waited for the therapist to arrive. I let him "rest" on a beanbag by the door so he could watch when it became apparent that she wasn't coming. He was soon fast asleep. Everybody loves it when Daddy comes home!

We have had some... shall we say,.... challenges lately revolving around first time obedience and respect. It was something that crept up on us during the craziness of the past two weeks, one of those being Spring Break where Daddy was home full time and our schedule was anything but normal (and wouldn't trade it for the WORLD!). We are going to Seattle on Friday for my cousin Poppy's wedding and getting firm control is a necessity. So...I took a some time over the weekend to review the Bootcamp notes that I got off of a parenting website and make a plan of action for the week. First, I would like to say how much I enjoy KNOWING my children. I know where their hearts are at and where others may see a "minor disobedience issue", I know IF there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. I also know whether or not, what I am doing is effective and can change my approach if necessary. I know that certain things work for one but not for the others. I am ...

Thursday was a long day! We went to the zoo with our friends the Irwins and then had our first dentist appointments! I just so happened to have my camera along to record the event. First, I would like to say that the children behaved perfectly! They followed every direction and sat very still. The hygentist and the dentist were very impressed (may I suggest even surprised). The hygenist that cleaned my teeth thought we were very brave to take children to the zoo and the dentist in one day and that Phil took the children all by himself to the store while I was having my appointment. I just smiled! Getting a good flossing. The hygenist called this Mr. Thirsty. Open wide for a polish. Flouride treatment

The tractor at the zoo always seems to be one of the favorite "exhibits".

I love to bargain shop. I love to be resourceful (ok, a truly resourceful person would just not spend money). Here are my latest finds: A 5 dollar tablecloth from the Goodwill My guitar for 60 dollars. A 3 T wardrobe (plus some 4 T things) for Jubilee. All in perfect condition for less than 2.00 an item. Enamel cups and spoons so we can toss the plastic ones.

I won't pretend to understand the fascination with weaponry. The socks, the backwards shoes, too cute! This face is priceless Sawyer purchased his first item out of his savings. He had been talking about a bulldozer from Wilco for months and finally earned enough money to buy one. He had to come to terms with idea that he doesn't get the money back.

Michelle and her lovely children (Michelle is lovely, too, by the way), were here on Sunday and Monday. It was great to have them visit and good to know our home could withstand 9 children! The bathroom was kept busy. Phil and I figured the only thing we "need" is a formal dining area (and we have plans for that someday) and a second 1/2 bath. Sawyer put a willow bloom up his nose, making it our first object-stuck-in-the-nose experience. Phil was able to get it out with tweezers. Tuesday, we went up to OMSI with the Johnson crew and part of the Scarbrough crew. Phil took the day off and went with us. The children had a wonderful time playing. When we were sitting together having our lunches, Sawyer exclaimed, "We are like a big family (meaning the Duggars.)" We were there over 5 hours, a new OMSI record for us! We will have to go up more often, the Discovery play area with the water section and the sandbox was a big hit. We had two chiropractor appointment...

Michelle and her children were here for a visit today. What fun to visit with friends! Evi got many many many kisses from Jeremiah We set up the tent. It almost fit everyone. Still and quiet for a few minutes. Rainy days are good movie days. Sawyer's loft is a perfect place to play.

It has been beautiful the past two days and unfortunately the 7 day forecast (starting tomorrow) calls for rain rain rain rain. We decided to enjoy the sun while it lasted. Yesterday, the two older children spent the afternoon at Grammy and Grampy's house and ran around outside for hours on end (ah, to have 7 acres of freedom!!). Today, we picniced on the porch and read books on our beanbags.