Chores and amazing kids

Towards the end of the school year the kids begged me to change their daily chores. They were tired of them and at the very least wanted to trade.  I'd made a summer calendar with the idea that I'd be more intentional about what we did instead of coasting through like usual. In the words of Dominic this was Caitlin's first "real summer break". So I wanted to do some new things. We put in movie and pool days. But I also added some cooking classes, required book reviews, and new words (both English and ASL) to learn each week.

And on the very first day of our summer break (the week after camp meeting), I changed their chore charts. I sort of expected to hear some complaints. I'd added two extra chores to each one and the new ones were more difficult. So far I have woken up each day to find them either finished or almost finished with all of their chores. They are waking up at 6am to get them done so that we can have the whole day to read, play, cook, and have fun. 

And they are enjoying them. Caitlin had a moment of difficulty when she had to figure out how to clean the tub. She couldn't get the cleaner to spray out (her hands aren't strong enough) and she couldn't reach the other side of the tub. But the kids worked together. Dominic sprayed the cleaner for her and she just climbed in and got to work. When she finished, the tub shone.

I'm continually amazed and thankful for these tremendously awesome kids that God has blessed me with.

Camp Meeting

This year at camp meeting we had a different element. We had my niece Leila stay with us all week. The kids loved it because she was tons of fun and I enjoyed not hearing about how there weren't any kids in the house for them to play with. 

Camp meeting is wonderful in its relaxing familiarity, but also in the new and exciting things we see and do every year.

Popsicles

 

Trolley rides

The race

All three kids chose to do the one mile this year. I was really bummed that I didn't get to see them come in since they do both races simultaneously. Really, really hoping that changes next year.

 

 

Eating out

 

That weird deathtrap of a bookstore we visit just to see if we'll survive

And walks around the lake with friends

 

Went swimming

It was freezing cold.

We also found some new "friends"

And saw a bald eagle

We are sad that our amazing week is over, but so glad for the wonderful experiences

Kindergarten graduation

Anyone that's talked to me recently knows my feelings on kindergarten graduation. But just in case you haven't heard my rant, I'll share it now. =) It's the biggest joke. What are they graduating from or to? What have they accomplished in one year of school that needs a whole huge celebration? Shouldn't we at least wait until they have done something? I could go on, but I think you get the point. It's a waste of time and money.

But since Dominic got one and it's combined with the 8th grade graduation that the students are required to attend I sucked it up. She's my last one anyway.

But despite my reluctance baby girl was precious and I'm so proud of her. She's turning into a gorgeous young lady both inside and out. 

Both of my kids won the two reading awards for the school. Shocker! ;)

Yesterday I tested them on two different tests I found online and they are several grade levels above in their reading. Can't say I'm surprised, but it's still nice to know that I've passed my passion on to them.

This next picture is of Dominic accepting his award. I had a board meeting that started at 5:15pm. Graduation was at 7pm and I slipped in the door a few minutes before it started. I left right after the reception to another meeting that lasted until after midnight. So that was definitely not my calmest day. I knew Jon wasn't going to have time to worry about the kids clothes so I had everything picked out and packed so the kids could change at the church. I'm sitting there watching the kids march up and I see Dominic in a too small, inappropriate shirt and paint splattered shorts. WHAT?! Turns out his size 8 church pants are too small and he couldn't get them buttoned. So he just wore his play shorts to the graduation. I felt like the mom of the year! But hey, the kid can read really well. =)