It Worked for Me

My friend Tiff asked her friends to share on their blogs some kind of parenting tip that has worked well in their family. If you want to read the others on her list, click here. For us, it has been our trick to getting our 2 1/2 year old sitting down and excited for Family Home Evening.

For those of you in the dark, in our church families are counseled to hold Family Home Evening (FHE) each week. It is time set aside (usually Monday nights) for families to spend together learning principles of the gospel, playing games, and creating memories (and often involves a treat!). Well, for a while we had a difficult time getting Addie to sit still while we did the "lesson" portion of FHE, even though we keep them super short for her short attention span. Then I had this idea and it has been GREAT. Every FHE we now sit in a circle on the floor with our legs outstretched and feet touching during the opening song, prayer, and lesson/scripture story. We then go ahead with the fun activities. Addie gets so excited to sit in the circle and have her feet touch ours, it actually keeps her somewhat still! Macie usually sits in the middle of our circle, smiling and babbling. I'm excited to watch our FHE circle get bigger and bigger as we add to our family. It's also nice to sit in a big, connected circle because it feels all cozy and lovey, just as a family should.

What are your ideas? Share them on Tiff's blog, or post them in my comments. I'd LOVE to read what has worked for you! What a terrific idea!

balloon fun

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jester Hat creation (being worn incorrectly, however)

The Butterfly Wing Crusader

WE LOVE BALLOONS

when you send it flying up there

all at once you're lighter than air

with your feet on the ground you're a bird in flight

with your fist holding tight

to the string of your kite
wo-oh-OH!

We went kite flying yesterday! We are the COOLEST moms!

Look who's 7 months!

The time goes by so much faster with your second! I can't believe my baby is already 7 months old!

new horizons

I have a new hobby. Don't laugh, but with the help of YouTube, I want to learn to make these

and possibly this

(wouldn't Addie make an adorable Emily to my balloon Clifford?)

and hopefully, one day, I might even make this!

So far I have made this

and these-

With my trusty new pump and two bags of balloons in hand, the possibilities are limitless!

Balloons certainly make for a very merry Christmas!

silly nilly willy pilly billy SILLY

I like my family because we are all so silly. Let me show you what I mean:

The Bathrobe Babes, lounging around in their ultra-comfortable apparel.

Medusa refusing to eat her ultra-healthy broccoli soup. Don't stare into her eyes!

Below is what Addie calls "The Monster"

Jason's been saying for a long time now that we need a toy box. Truth is, he's right. So, today I created what I like to call the Poor Man's Toy Box. Made out of a cardboard box and some duct tape. Yup. I even made a duct tape handle for the lid. Just shove your toys in there, your kids, too, if you like, and wha la! A very silly and cheap, yet functional, toy box. I bet we use it for years.

Addie wanted a blanket dress, and this is what we came up with. The Nemo PJs were given to us recently, and we almost have to pry them off her body with a crow bar. Oh yeah, and I asked her what a camel says and she threw her hands in the air, just like below, and said, "Ta Da!" She just might be right.



Addie reading to Macie in a blanket fort. Just adorable.

And my favorite new picture of my favorite two silly girls.

And why isn't Jason featured in any of the silly pictures? Is he silly, you ask? Why yes, Jason may just be the silliest of all of us, however he's been missing since finals started. If you see him, show him where we live. Thanks.

so proud

Yeah, it's been over a month. I know, I know. It just seems like my days fly by. After a fantastic Thanksgiving at my parents house, here at the Hairs we're now gearing up for Christmas. We are planning on driving to Idaho on the 20th and hope to survive the 25+ hour car ride with two kids. I'd LOVE to hear any tips you may have. (Two people have already recommended doping them up on Benadryl...)

What I really wanted to do was boast about my incredible little family. First, Jason COMPLETED his first half marathon with FLYING COLORS! He ran it in 2 hours 8 min and was pretty happy with his time. He said he'd like to do another one and finish under 2 hours. I'm proud of him. Afterwards everyone kept saying how easy he made it look because he didn't seem to be in much pain (and, truthfully, he wasn't) and pretty much took it all in stride. I was beaming. He worked so hard to accomplish this goal (we all did, really) and I am very proud of him!

Jason is in the yellow shirt right beneath the Finish sign.

Second, Macie worked hard a few days before Thanksgiving and got her first two teeth! She is also working hard right now at sitting up and can do it for about 10 seconds before she topples over. By Christmas she'll be sitting like a pro. I forgot how fun this stage is. She's curious about everything and grins easily. She is the easiest, most cheerful girl, and we just adore her.

Third, Adelyn is learning new things every day and developing quite the sense of humor. The other day she played a joke on Jason and then said, "Just kidding, Dude!" and busted up laughing. She loves singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star at the top of her lungs in the store, and is usually wearing a hat--any hat--wherever we go.

Oh yeah, and here I am with my friends from church right before our ward/congregation participated in our city's parade. I walked behind our float and sang. It was such a great way to start off the season with the spirit of Christ. I have much to be grateful for.