Kids in the Kitchen

After years of hearing complaints from all the kids each time we sit down to eat dinner, I decided they need a taste of their own medicine. So I put them in the kitchen to make dinner for me! This is they way it works. Each week when I am meal planning and making my grocery list, they are each asked to plan a meal. It must be a well rounded meal that includes some kind of fruit or vegetable. The day of their meal, the cook sets the table and prepares the meal. I help of course. Our dinner time transformation has been outstanding!!! Instead of sitting down to complaints, we sit down to compliments. They all praise each other, even when they don't like it too much. The cook of the day is always proud of the meal that was made and loves hearing our compliments. They are now fighting over who will cook first each week. Bill is in on the action as well, and I love that part. The day he cooks, I don't even have to help! As long as there is a leftover day or two, I am only cooking my meals once a week which has been wonderful. And, on my cooking day, the kids always ask to help. The best part? They are more sensitive to my feelings when I cook. It has been a FANTASTIC change in our family. The next chore handed over.......... The Laundry! :)

Ice Skating for the First Time

We took the kids ice skating for the first time yesterday and had so much fun! We went to the Stockton Arena where they only open for public skating three times a year. Matthew was especially excited since Stockton Hockey is his FAVORITE thing to watch. He couldn't wait to get out there on the ice. All three kids were sure that ice skating would be a piece of cake. They figured they would throw on the skates and be skating like the pros in no time. Having skated before, I knew they were in for a shock. But they wouldn't hear any of what I was telling them. Needless to say, I was a bit concerned that our fun family day would turn into a 10 minute adventure. They all proved me wrong. After a few short moments holding the rails, they let go and were off - well not flying like the pros, but not crying on their bottoms anyway. I skated with them. Drew prefered holding my hands and would say "Faster, Mommy, faster!" as we skated around the rink. Matthew had his Thunder jersey on and went around on his own hoping one of the hockey players might show up. He was very proud when he lapped us! Bill can't skate because of his knees, but it didn't stop him from being on the ice. He came out with his shoes on and snapped photos. Rebecca liked holding onto him and trying to catch Drew and I. When it was time to leave, they were all begging us to go back again. I am sure we will!