Sam took the plunge, but I didn't have my camera.

Sam decided he was brave enough to go down the crazy, twisty slide at the pool.  Did I have my camera?  Nope.  I never imagined he would do it.  After reaching the bottom safely, he yelled, "that was the thrill of my lifetime!!!!".  so I took my camera the next day to capture the re-enactment.  Would he go down that damn slide?  Nope.  Not on your life.  So these were just a few pictures of the boys having fun.  Maybe next time.

The Token Economy

THE TOKEN CHARTS

As many of my friends know, I have been struggling with my oldest son's behavior.  He's a really good kid, but he's a lot like me in that he has his own ideas and struggles with authority.  (Stop laughing Mom!) Not the easiest kid to get to behave.  This last month we have had the biggest struggles.  When Sam is angry, I will usually send him to his room.  That is if I can get him to his room.  He's honestly getting too big for me to control in a physical manner. And he flat out will refuse to go to his room.  When I do get him there by squeezing his little neck, he destroys whatever he can get his little hands on.  His favorite is to strip his bed sheets and blankets.  And I refuse to re-make his bed for him.  So then the struggle starts all over again with him flipping out because I won't help him.  Sam has also recently discovered the power of words.  He will scream at the top of his lungs that he hates me.  Not a high moment in mothering.  Then of course after two hours of being calm and collected, I lose it with him, because he is ruining every one's life.  I refuse to let my children control our household.  Another interesting thing that was occurring was that when Andy was struggling with Sam, I would get upset with Andy and protective of Sam.  Not healthy for my marriage. No parent needs the other parent questioning them.  

So what should I do?  Well, I began with opening up to a friend in my potluck playgroup.  Jennifer is a mom to a beautiful five year old girl, Keely, and she is also expecting.  She suggested "the token economy".  Have you heard of it?  It's a positive reinforcement method of training your children to behave.  It offers tokens for good behavior and chores, and rewards those behaviors with privileges.  I t also requires the kids paying me tokens for misbehavior.  Andy and I decided what will earn tokens, and what behaviors will lose tokens.  We also decided what the privileges would be.  When I explained the new system to the boys, their faces lit up.  They were so happy to be encouraged to behave, rather than yelled at for not behaving.  We are committed to this new system.  I know we will see great results.  Another thing I love about this way of parenting, is that when a child accomplishes a skill, you can cross it off the list, and add a new skill to work on.  Magic!

TA-DAAAAA!!!!

I have to say, these are the coolest drapes ever.  Ever.

A simple, yet fun table centerpiece.  (And it beats the Star Wars toys that the boys insist on putting as centerpieces)

I love the new chair fabric.  I paid $9.00 for three yards. Very Nice.

The finished product.  What do you think?

So, not exactly finished, but almost.  I am the worst painter ever, so there's lots of detail touch-ups that my personal assistant will need to attend to.  Have fun Andy.  I also need some new wall accessories.  I never like to rush that process.  The new Z gallerie should be opening in July.  They'll have something for me, I'm sure.  The room turned out exactly the way I was hoping it would.  New, fresh, and inspiring.  Now I think I will go hang out in there and think about my new project: How to get control of my out-of-control five year old.  Any suggestions?

The hikers have returned.

Trey and sam taking a moment to enjoy mother nature.

Rock climbers!

Sam earning his Junior Ranger Badge.

On top of Pike's Peak.

The boys returned Monday early morning from the vacation.  Andy said they were great travelers, and they had a really good time.  I've posted all pictures on our family website, but here are a few favorites.

Sneak Peek...

This is a before:
This is a hint:

Practically Naked

Adler has started walking!!!!!!!!!  Finally.  So he thought he'd do a little mowing after taking a quick dip in the baby pool.  Isn't this how every man dreams of mowing- in their underwear!  

Nikki and Jeremy had a baby on Monday.  Parker Mason is a healthy, handsome 7lb, 7oz. little boy.  What a sweetie!

Rocky Mountain High

Cool Guys giving their "campin' faces"They are ready to go!

They were set up with new toys and lots of candy for the journey.

This is Andy before traveling with Sam and Trey for 6 days.
Many of you know that Andy took S & T to Colorado for their first hiking/camping trip.  They began their journey on Wednesday and shall return hippyfied by Monday.  ( Maybe Sunday, depending on how they are doing.)  Let's hope Monday.  My house is sooooo peaceful.  AAAHHHHHHHH.  Here are a few pictures of them leaving in the 'camp van', as Sam referred to it.  I can't wait to post their pictures when they return.

Dining Room Re-Do

The during photos....   

I was getting very tired of my design style, so I decided to pull a little "While you were out" design re-do of my own.  I don't believe I mentioned to Andy that I'd be redoing the dining room while he was gone....SURPRISE.  I am going for a much brighter, whimsical look.  I can't believe I didn't take a before picture...darn it.  I will post the finished picture in a couple days.  I can't wait.