Family Work Day

After a couple of major tantrums from the kids when we've asked them to clean up their things, we have decided that our kids really need to learn how to work.  Phase 1 of the Stringham Children Work Training Plan involves yard work.  This is how we spent the first part of the holiday - with all able workers participating.  The older kids actually put in some good effort - which was a nice change.  One of them did run off every few minutes to check the time so they would know how much longer they had to keep at it, but still an improvement. (I'm sure the threat of no summer solstice party if they wouldn't help out was a little bit of a motivator.)   We didn't make them work all day.  We enjoyed a lunch of jambas and bagels and had fun at a Memorial Day barbeque at the Burt's house.

After this I think phase 2 will involve toilets, floors and possibly laundry.

Sunday Naps

Even the youngest among us can succumb to the warmth and relaxation that comes with holding a sleeping baby.  Jonas offered to hold the baby while I was helping the girls get ready for church.  Shawn was trying to talk to Jonas and didn't know why he wouldn't respond.  This would be why.  He was sound asleep - at 11:30 in the morning.  I don't think Jonas has slept during the day since he was two!  They both enjoyed a nice little catnap before church and we were all entertained.

A Sure Sign That Summer is Almost Here...

The time has finally come.  Amelia has asked at least once a week all winter and spring, "when can we go boating again?"  She was so excited when she woke up the other day and saw the boat in the driveway.  (Actually we were all really excited.)
We had one failed attempt at boating last night because of wind and white caps on the water.  (Of course, it died down once we finally gave up hope and headed home.)  We still enjoyed a nice picnic with the Dunfords at Echo, and our kids had a lot of fun running around together.  Amelia was really upset that we didn't go out on the water but we'll try again before the holiday weekend is gone.

The Long and Short of It

Jonas will claim that it was blackmail,  that we forced him into getting a haircut.  He was clearly so happy about it.  But, in fact, it was part of a deal that he made with Shawn.  I explained to him that if it had been blackmail, he wouldn't have gotten anything out of it.  Besides his hair grows so fast, he'll hardly be aware of it being short.

I actually don't mind his long hair, but it has been such a long time since we have actually seen the tops of his ears, his eyebrows (and eyes, lately) and the back of his neck, that it seemed like a nice change.  Besides - swim season starts next week.  I think he'll be thanking us before too long.  And now we can see what a good looking kid he is!

The "Bucket Bike"

This is our new Madsen cargo bike (or the "bucket bike" as the kids call it.)  Shawn has been making very good use of it and the kids beg to ride in it every day.  He's taken it to the library, the store and on errands around the neighborhood.  It's definitely a conversation piece as it is always full of kids and stuff.

  You can see more here.

Things I Love

Such a rare moment - everyone smiling and getting along.  It may be short lived but it's always nice when it happens. 

Major Accomplishments for the Week

Major accomplishment #1:

I had a baby.

He is beautiful and healthy and I am glad to be done with the process of getting him here.

This is Peter.

It is sad that my sister-in-law managed to post pictures of my baby before I did.  I imagine that is how things will always go with this poor 5th child.  He doesn't lack for love or mothering though, thanks to all of his older siblings.

Major accomplishment #2:

Perhaps less physically taxing but definitely more time consuming, I washed and folded a week's worth of laundry today.  This is about 15 vertical feet of laundry all on my bed waiting to be put away.  (This accomplishment was much less rewarding, by the way.)

If I plan to sleep here tonight, I've got to go and put this all away.  Too bad that didn't get done yet - that would have been 3 major accomplishments in one week - pretty amazing around here.  I'm pretty tired, maybe I'll just sleep on the couch....