Many Hands Make Light Work

GREAT HELPERS

Washing Windows

Our children are taught from as soon as they are able, to help. As soon as a little person is moving around they want to help. People don't realize how they like to help, and if you harness this help they will learn very early on that is just the way it is!

I am famous for creating chore charts and schedules, but I am very schedule and chart resistant! If I make the chart I am sure to never follow the chart! *laugh*. The best way I do things is when I see a job needs doing, I call on the nearest child! But once in a while I get very organized and we all have an all out cleaning day, where we all work together.

Keeping His Feet Warm While Washing My Van

Sweeping the Porch

Buy a Vacuum With a Retractable Handle!

(short helpers!)

Stairs and Landing Man

This was also the day that Briton decided that he would wash the floor for me!

Scrub a Dub Dub

It is poetic justice that I should teach Briton how to use the dustpan, as soon as he was able, since he is the one that dumps the flour buckets!

He Loves to Sweep Up

Oh, and he drives his cars through the flour that he pours on the floor! Ray walked in the kitchen tonight, right after Briton had dumped the flour on the floor and was going to correct him and I said, "Wait! I need pictures!" Of course, I don't let Briton realized I *know* what he has done until after I get the picture. I wouldn't want him to think it was *okay* to dump the flour! But how could you not get a picture of those memory making moments!!! *laugh*

This Makes Lovely Snow For My Cars!

Quickly Trying To Clean Up Once He Was Caught!!

2 Year Olds!!!

Cute as a Button!

Boy, oh, boy!!!! Briton is a busy boy!!! I have had two year olds before, and have plenty of experience, but am I ever on my toes with this one!! It says in the bible that littles ones have their own angel(s). I truly believe this is so! There have been many a time when I have had a 'thought' that I should check a child *right now* and once I have done so, I have often found that child in or near danger! I do not believe that it is 'mother's intuition'; rather I prefer to believe that God protects these little ones that cannot protect themselves! The other day was an example of one such incident.

I was in the kitchen washing dishes and my mind wandered to thinking of a situation where: "if Briton was to leave the yard from where he was playing with his brothers, how quickly that could happen!" A few minutes later I suddenly felt the need to check on Briton. He was playing in the yard with his brothers for the last little while and he had never left the yard, so I had no reason to 'worry', but I felt compelled to check him. When I did he was missing. No one could find him. We all raced around and then I quickly told a child to check the road. One brother went racing out of the property and down the road - and lo and behold! There he was!! He *had* left the yard - for the first time ever!!

I do not consider it an 'accident' that I had this thought as to 'if Briton were to leave the yard' - as I have never had that thought before and never before has Briton left the yard!

After this incident we put signs on the doors to keep them locked, to be sure he did not get outside unless someone much bigger was with him. But in no time he had learned to unlock those locks!! And on top of that we have three doors out of the house - trying keeping your eyes peeled on those doors with four other young bodies coming and going all day!

Yesterday, is an example of keeping us running. Briton was 'right there' and then he was gone, and after our incident a couple weeks ago with the road, we are hypersensitive to 'where IS he?' He had us all running in different directions looking frantically for him - yep, he had slipped out into the back yard in his jammies!! That boy! An hour later the same thing again. He was right beside me and I was marking some schoolwork and then 'where is Briton?' (that question is ALWAYS being asked in our house!!!! since he has learned to open doors!!!)

I checked the front door. It was deadbolted, so I knew he had not gone out that way. The mudroom door was closed, but I couldn't be sure if he had gone that way. Not too certain, but it didn't look likely. And there was no way he had gotten past me in the kitchen!! So we were all checking rooms and doors and some went outside and then I said, "Search again! He has to be here!"

That little monster. I went through my room again and this time when I opened my walk-in closet door it did not open! Something/someone was pushing against it from the other side!! I managed to get it open and what do I find? A little toothbrush monster! He had sneaked into my room with someone's toothbrush and toothpaste, because he *knew* he was not supposed to have it!! Oh, the stress!! *weak grin*

"Helping" With Laundry!

That Was Supposed to Be In the Basket!

Yesterday when things were rather quiet I suddenly knew Briton was up to something. Cassidy went to check and found him in the masterbedroom and he had painted all over himself and my mirror, with makeup foundation!

This morning as a deterent for this behaviour - which has only really escalated in the last few days, I put a baby gate across my bedroom, cause I have all the makeup and toothpaste and que-tips etc! And then another gate across the laundry room door, so we could catch him before he escaped out the backdoor! And then a barricade near the front door!!! That only left the kitchen deck door! We should be safe.... But you know, it only takes one second...

Why Aren't Boots and a Diaper Enough Clothes?

He was determined to join his brothers outside in the rain. They were having a wonderful time running in the rain and splashing in the 'lake'. He managed to get his boots on and get out the door before I could catch him! He got all of sixty seconds fun before he was detained! At least this time he put his own boots on!!! Usually when he wants to go out to play he will grab any boots or shoes that are available!

Six Sizes Too Big!

Later today, when all was quiet I ran up to my room, and he had managed to get in, and he was painting himself with moisturizing cream! Thankfully it was only that!

These are pictures of Briton 'At Work':

Dressing Himself To Go Outside

Dipping in the Flour Barrel

I am the kind of mother that *always* stops and takes pictures of the mischief-makers, *before* I clean up the mess! How else are you going to make memories?!

Decorating His Feet!!

I'm Stuck and Hanging On For Dear Life! Help!!!

He Loves To Dust Pan!!

And Mop!!

Here I was mopping and I made the mistake of turning my back for a *moment* and the next thing I know, Briton is mopping the floor for me. He *never* stops coming up with adventures!!

What Happened?

This was so funny!! He sat down on a piece of wood with his milk and accidently fell over backwards!! The whole cup landed square on his face!! He was so shocked. *smile* At least *that* mess wasn't his fault!

We sure love our little "Dennis the Menace!"

Cadet Annual Parade

Waiting For the Parade

A couple weeks ago, our older boys, Colt and Dane, had their Cadet Annual Review. This is when they are inspected by regional officers, and awards and promotions are given out. On our way to the Parade it was raining. The little ones and I prayed that the rain would stop. Well, as we got out of the car it did not stop; it came down harder! We all stood inside and hoped it would stop. We had ten minutes to show time. Moments before we had to go outside, the rain stopped! It continued to hold off for the next hour and a half!

Regional Officer

The regional officer was very impressed with our small towns cadets. He could see the committment and the effort and community spirit that our small corps exhibits.

In the beginning of the ceremony the flag was marched out. Dane is on the flag committee and very proud of his responsibility.

Flag Committee

Inspection

Our boys did a wonderful job. There were only five promotions handed out that day and our boys got two of them. As well as that they both passed their levels. Colt moved from a Silver Star to a Gold Star, and Dane from a Red Star to a Silver Star!

Gold Star

Master Corporal

When a cadet gets a promotion to a new rank it does not mean that they will also pass to a new level. Our boys have worked very hard and this showed by the fact that both of them got promotions *and* new ranks on the same day!

Silver Star

Corporal


Colt was surprised (not that his face showed it; as he told me, 'we are not allowed to show emotion') when his name was called for the 'Obstacle Award'. This award is given to a teen that has shown outstanding efforts while encountering an obstacle(s) in his or her life. Colt has struggled his whole life with learning disabilties, but through it all he has always persevered and reached for the stars. Some of the requirements that are needed to pass from rank to rank are very demanding in language arts and written work. Colt worked night and day to get his speeches and lesson plans written, even though it was very hard for him. He was commended as having an 'outstanding' lesson plan.

They also acknowledged him for having done very well in public school, after having homeschooled for the last eleven years.

As well as this, just this week, he was recognized at his school for his achievements lately. They will be having a 'Recognition Assembly' and kids that have been noticed as doing outstanding 'efforts' are being 'recognized'. Colt has been nominated for his achievements in cadets and working-out in the gym on a regular basis at school. We have yet to hear if there will be other things; that is just what he has been told to date.

Recipient of the Obstacle Award

Right at the end of the ceremonies it began to rain again. But that was okay - the cadets were done. We all ran for cover.

Biggest and Littlest Brothers

After the ceremony there was a banquet inside. When this was done the drill team performed for us. One of the cadets formed this team for interested cadets. Colt meets with the other team members after school on Mondays, and they practice their drill. It was bucketing down rain and the drill had been cancelled. This was very disappointing as they had been working very hard on their routine. One of the officers said that if four parents wanted to see the drill the cadets would perform. I immediately put up my hand, as did a number of other people. We all trooped outside and the cadets formed up. Within a minute of starting the rain stopped and the sun came out! They did a fabulous job and it was very impressive!

Drill Team

Eight Years Old Today!

I am EIGHT today!

Birthday Boy

While we were at Adventureland in California, I saw these very interesting hats - very large!!! When I saw the Birthday Hat I knew I had to buy it! I figured with as many kids as we have, we could use this hat six times a year for birthdays and make a fun tradition out of it!

While we were in Disneyland I told Austin that he could have his birthday there if he wanted. I mean what child wouldn't *love* to have his birthday in the Magic Kingdom! He thought this was a great idea! So we began to pretend.

As we rode home on the bus people saw him wearing his hat and assumed it was his bithday! They would ask if it was his birthday and he would coyly say, 'yes'. They would then ask him how old he was. Of course he would say, 'eight', even though it was still six weeks til his birthday. He proudly wore this hat all over the place for the next three days!

When it was finally his birthday for real we decided to have a 'Colour' birthday, since we had lots of fun colour things. Austin decided it would be a Doodle-Bop birthday, since they have those crazy coloured wigs! Everyone got in on wearing the wigs, even Ray!

Mr. Doodle Bop Himself!

The Rest of the Doodle-Bops

Daddy Doodle-Bop!

Bouncing Flashing Light Balls and Wigs

Cute Baby Doodle-Bop

After everyone had a fun time running and bouncing with coloured wigs and balls with flashing lights, the games began! First we had an egg and spoon race. Each of the kids was given a raw egg (except Briton; he was given a hardboiled egg and a ladle) and a spoon. I took them on a fun obstacle course around the yard.

Notice how the little guy is smart enough to carry his egg in one hand and his spoon in the other! *smile*

Up and Over

I Can Do It!!

And the Birthday Boy Loses His Egg!

We then moved onto a fun one - wrapping each other in toilet paper!

The Mummies and Their Decorators

After this fun the favourite activity of all time! The Pudding Feeding game!! Two brothers would be blind-folded and then given a bowl of pudding and a spoon. They would then have the great fun of feeding their sibling!!! Ohhh!! The laughing! and squealing! We discovered one child who did *not* like to get messy!! *laugh* And this fun game ended with a food fight with Mum chasing Dane around the yard with a pudding pot and winging spoonfuls of pudding at him!! What fun we had! What laughing!!

Cooper Was Such a Sport!! He had no problem with all the mess; just kept on giggling like his big brother.

After all games we met some friends at the park for a game of soccer. Of course, between our two families there are no girls, so it was a guys game.

Soccer Game at the Park

After the game we came home for hotdogs, cake, and presents!

Hot Dogs!!

What Do I Wish For?

Thrilled to Bits Over His 'Big Guy' Bible.

Austin so wanted his own big boy bible. He has had a kid's bible, but I was waiting til he was able to read before I bought him an older one. He was quite pleased to say the least!

Happy Birthday to our Sweet, Funny, Loving Austin!!!