She makes you work for that smile but it is worth it.

Despite getting off track with Bootcamp, training the younger crowd is always in progress. My big kiddos are great about letting the young crowd help out. Sarah and Sam both love to help unload the dryer. I was doing some work on the computer and heard Mary calling me to come see Sam.

Sam carried the basket of towels down the whole way, across the living room and managed to get the basket on the couch all by himself. He had to stop a couple of times to get a better hold on the basket and only lost one washcloth along the way. We cheered him on!

As you go about your day with little ones, never underestimate their ability and desire to help! What you do with them today prepares them for years down the road. Sam is only 2 and a little guy. That doesn’t stop him from helping with laundry, throwing out trash and putting toys away. He knows where the silverware and kitchen towels go and where the snacks are kept. He is happy to reward himself for a job well done.

Mary could have taken the basket of towels and moved a lot faster. But look at that face! He is so proud of doing a job. It can be hard at times to let little ones help. We can do it faster and better. If we wait until they are older to teach and train them to work, they will no longer have that desire.  So the four year old is a little messy when she prepares her own pb&j and yes, she spills the water when fixing the drinks at lunch; no worries. She knows where the towels are and can clean up the spill.

(This is Sam showing us how strong he is.) Tomorrow, I will attempt to get us back on track with Bootcamp and let my “In Training Crew” be a valuable part of the process.

Bonus pic of Miss Martha. She is working hard at being precious.

Smiles and Laughter

Let’s do some math. Oh, you don’t like math? I think you will love this math equation. If you are  a mom, I bet you have it already figured out. Or not.  School break + a couple of holidays + new baby = Wonderfully beautiful chaos!

Super Sam!

See. You are nodding your head, aren’t you? That chaos rings a bell, yes?  Well, it is time for chaos to leave my home and time for order and productivity to return. Ok. Who am I kidding? 8 kiddos? Yep, there will always be a bit of chaos but it will be an orderly chaos, thankyouverymuch!

Super Sam flies upside down! (He is laughing, btw.)

After praying, pondering and brainstorming, I decided that it was time for bootcamp again. Bootcamp for me. A friend of mine wrote a book called Bootcamp for Lousy Housekeepers. Yep, that’s me:lousy housekeeper. I was able to be a tester when she was in the beginning stages of writing BFLH. While I followed this plan, my home was clean and organized.

Sweet.ness.

Don’t misunderstand me. My home is not the  pit of despair. There is, however, room for improvement. I see no need to waste anymore time so tomorrow is the Tribal Cleaning Bootcamp Kickoff! Shhhh….I haven’t told my kiddos yet. It is a Monday Morning Surprise. Trust me, they will be so excited!

Hey, Gooseberry

Want to know what we will be doing tomorrow?

Monday = Laundry Day! We will be washing and washing and washing! Sheets, towels, blankets, clothes and I’m sure a lego or ten.

Biggest Sis....Littlest Sis

If you want to learn more about the Bootcamp for Lousy Housekeepers, swing by and check it out! I’ll keep you posted on how things go with out first week of Bootcamp. On the edge of your seat for that, aren’t you?

**This was not a review post. Just my rambling thoughts on the state of my house and a plan that I know works.

Caleb was given this fabulous hat by his grandparents. Looks handsome, doesn’t he?

I’m not sure where the Traveler was heading….but he politely tipped his hat on his way.

Sam snags the hat every now and then….wants to be like his big brother.

Adorable, yes?

Little Miss Martha (who I lovingly call Goose) is a sweetheart. She is a content little one. She loves to be held up so she can look at all that is going on around her.

She is a fabulous sleeper and I am so thankful. And I will confess that she is usually held for her morning nap. Will that spoil her? I don’t think so.

Aw, baby drool. And a bit of spit up. Already such a lady! Dimples!

Happy One Month!!!!

Hello, Goose.

Thankfully, I do have time to enjoy the moments. The good and the bad.

Bad hair day?

I’ll take the bad moments because they teach me to appreciate the good. We learn from the bad; they can provide teachable moments.

Cherished

I love all the moments I catch through out the day.  Hannah, 6, reading to the little ones to keep them quiet. Caleb letting Sam sleep in his bed when Sam is having a hard time sleeping. Sam’s completely happiness every time he sees Martha.

Adorable

Mary getting Sam ready for bed. Bekah making tea. Lydia’s singing. Giggles….hugs…..laughter….

Silly

And I’ll take the arguing over who should walk the dog, the whining when our nap was cut short, the tears over a cut and the wet clothes when someone doesn’t quite make it to the potty.

Beautiful

Maybe tomorrow I’ll write that life changing blog post. Or not. I will try to make the most of my moments.

Sisters

Guess what I hear first thing every. single. morning?

“Can I hold Martha?”

All the kiddos ask. All day.  But Sarah usually meets me at my bedroom door or just climbs into my bed.  The girl doesn’t waste time, you know.

I just love the gleam in Sarah’s eye. Hmm, I wonder if I should be afraid of what she might teach Martha? Giggle.

Be still my heart…..

Hannah, 6, always willing to hold Martha

I’m behind on posting and taking pictures.

Big Sis

Caleb, 10, a pro with the baby.

Lovely in Lavendar

But it was worth the wait, right?

Little Mis Martha

And Martha at one week…..I’ll be watching her out grow the blanket…

More to come…..

Look at those smoochable cheeks!

Very serious girl, Little Miss Martha.

And she just melts my heart with her sweetness.

Newly Born

After 42 weeks and 3 days, Martha Ann decided to join us and we are so thankful! She was born Monday, December 12th at 6:41am. She was 8lb 12oz and 21 inches long. We were blessed to have her at home and everyone is already devoted to Martha.

2 days old

Thank you, Lord for blessing our home and family with Martha.