Movie Night

Daddy cuddling with his boys

Over the past few months since our sofa has arrived we have really enjoyed using it, especially as a family. In fact even though the kids have their own quarters downstairs (tv included), they tend to favor the one upstairs. Either Friday or Saturday night (which ever one works) we normally try and rent a movie. Tonights choice: Kung Fu Panda.

And watching a movie just isn't the same without some fresh hot popcorn even if it has some runts and skittles mixed in. Boys choice of course.

The Consequence

Vacancy spot in front of the television, very rare!

Due to behavior issues (I'll spare any details) with my boys this past week we were at our wits end, literally. Really, it has to stop! However, Doug decided not only to take away ALL electronics, but the television as well. I'll admit the t.v. portion sorta made me cringe. After all, this was my free babysitter in desperate times, or if I just needed some extra silence in the house. The first day (Monday) Jared immediately proclaimed how incredibly bored he was seconds after walking in the door from school. My thoughts, too bad and you did this to yourself! (mean thoughts I know) Bad behavior has painful consequences (even if it is painful to the parents as well). What happened to loving to play outside as a kid? We have absolutely awesome weather in the winter here, live it up! Again, no sympathy for boredom.

Courtney, to you recognize this 20 year old blanket?

Day 2 was a little better and the kids played outside for about 2 hours. The bonus, it was during the bewitching hours (you know preparing dinner time). The beauty was I was able to get some last minute things done in peace. By Day 3 they weren't even asking for the television. It was like the forgotten old toy. Of course, by this time behavior was improving which meant privileges were able to come back. Quite honestly I am not sure I am ready for the boob tube to come back. Just in the past three days we have actually talked more as a family, studied our scriptures and I got a wild hair and began reading the Christmas Box to the kids. We have also been having fun listening to various types of music inclining us all to dance a time or two. Good times.

Getting ready to walk with the ipod

On a random note, I discovered something I should have done weeks ago. When our weather turned cold at the end of last week my boys weren't exactly thrilled about getting into the stroller in 35 degree weather. I make sure they are bundled from head to toe, but I still get the complaints and whines about different aches and pains. I take my ipod on occasion to allow the time to pass more quickly since I haven't had a walking partner in a while. (*sigh*) It dawned on me that I made my boys their own special mix when I redid my ipod a few weeks ago. Why not let them listen to it? Brilliant! Over the past few days, I have not heard one peep out of them--I guess they are much more interested in listening to this. Just click play. Isn't this song great?



good deed: fixed our house insurance

Five For Friday

1). Guess what the cat dragged in around 1am last night? A mountain man? I don't think my husband went to a study course, but maybe ended up on a desolate island? Last I checked the Wal-mart in Maine carried razors. Apparently, he couldn't find that aisle. Ha. Doug has weird traditions such as going on the trauma service to grow facial hair. He used to do the same thing up at BYU before a test. He wouldn't shave until the day of (well he had to for standard reasons) Whatever works for good luck eh? This is the first time I have ever seen him grow a full beard. Remember his Halloween costume? At this point I'll take any look I can get. I am tickled my man is home!

2). The kids had their last swimming meet of the season today. This is Taylor and Jared with coach Dan. Jared improved his time in each event by a few seconds, as did Taylor. Great job guys!

3) Since Doug has been home you know where the boys have flocked to? Not me! They can't seem to get enough of dad. Fabulous!

4) Taylor and Mackenzi met when they were 4 years old. So hard to believe how much time has passed. Look how sweet and innocent they looked. (not that they still aren't :) Today is Mackenzi's 10th Birthday. Happy Birthday Kenzi!! We love you like a daughter and hope you have a great day!

5) We are off to get some stuff prepared for are upcoming drive to Arizona, then to Red Robyn for dinner. Yummy!! I can't believe Sunday is already July. Doug takes his boards a week from Monday. Crazy!

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!

good deed: Helped Doug do the yard.