Random Fun & Happiness

Morgan was chosen to advance to the District level of the Science Fair! Her project was "Does Color Affect Memory?" Here is a pic of Morgan with her display at the District Science Fair:

 A month ago we went to a BYU basketball game with the Farmers. Grandpa Ross was in town that weekend, so he also got to join us. Our seats were literally in the back two rows of the stadium! I have never sat that far up before! The nice thing is that there was lots of room to spread out and stretch our legs. I took several pictures, but from the looks of them you'd think we were watching a chess tournament. Seriously - check out how excited everyone looks in these pictures; and don't forget to look in the background too. (Kudos to Drew and Cayden for trying to liven things up in the last pic!) :)

On a totally unrelated topic, look at my beautiful Brynne!!

 This next picture is our new family chore chart - I LOVE IT!!!! I was getting so frustrated trying to get our kids more involved in cleaning and taking care of our house, so I finally posted a request for ideas on my neighborhood facebook page. I got lots of great ideas about what various families have their children do, along with how and when they have them do the things. One of my biggest problems is remembering what it is I want/need the kids to do each day, so I needed a visual to help me with whatever I decided to do. I considered all the great ideas and then opted to copy the chore chart one of my neighbor's (Angela Jenkins) uses for her kids. The tasks/chores the kids have to accomplish are a bit different, but the chart is very similar. I was very happy that one of the awesome ladies I visit teach had a bright pink poster board she was willing to give me. (Thank you, Karin!!!!!) My friend Denise came over one morning and helped me get the chart put together. Here is the final result:

I was prepared for a fight, since kids always put up a fight when something new is introduced. Sure enough, the kids complained straight through the first day. I was quite please, though, because at least they were working through the complaining - I had prepared myself for an all-out revolt!! By day four I watched with my jaw half way to the floor as both girls actually got started on their things before they even left for school! I seriously consider this a miracle. This chart has taken a lot of stress off my shoulders. Our house has been a lot cleaner, and I finally feel like my kids are learning the things they need to know to function when life takes them outside of our home. I am a happy Momma!!! :)