One for One

The children are out of school for the whole week for thanksgiving break. After a weekend of too much and near constant sibling fighting, I knew I needed up up my game if we were going to make the most of our week together. We had a little family council. 

 I told the children we would do one service project or housework project a day and I would plan one "fun thing" a day. 

This would eliminate some of the kid's desire for me to provide constant entertainment, and hopefully mellow the quarreling and unify us a bit as we work and serve together. 

So far, so good. 

On Monday, we tackled the garden. The kids pulled weeds and put rogue rocks back in the pathways. I cleared out all of the dead tomato bushes (we finally had our first frost!) and Q helped me haul everything out to the woods. Reese pushed Sloane on the swings and stacked the tomato cages. We planted the last of the bulbs, pulled Bermuda (aka worst grass ever) from the rocks, stacked firewood on the porch for winter, and turned a layer of leaves into our soil. It was hard work but the garden is officially winterized! Nice work, Willies. 

Grandpa Hal and Grandma Lady came by just in time to rescue our dirt covered crew for a treat out to lunch. The kids chose Red Robin. 

The big kids helped me put up the fall decorations and pull some the Christmas bins from the attic. I really super love that they're old enough to help with stuff like that, now. We got most of the outside decorations up. We blew bubbles in honor and celebrate the life of Juan David (who recently lost his battle with Cancer)  for what would have been his 3rd birthday. I told Jeannine that I think her angel baby gave our Sloanie a kiss on the nose. She agrees. 

It was a beautiful, satisfying day. We listened to our favorite Craig Duncan Christmas album.  Aaron built the first fire of the season when he got home. I made a big pot of soup. We had family home evening around the fire. (Soren was feral.) We helped Reese learn the last 2 Articles of Faith for her Faith in God Award. 

The kids had a sibling campout in the loft last night. Sloane lasted 30 seconds before being sentenced to her nursery. 

The kids were up at 5:30am today. They have big plans for service and really big plans for fun. Sorry kids, we won't be going to Harry Potter World tomorrow. We can take Virginia a chocolate milkshake, though. And maybe you'll get one, too. If you sleep in tomorrow! ;)