Do You Whirley-Pop?

We've been Whirley-Popping for many years. My in-loves gave it to us when Ann was a baby, so it's been that long.  It's great fun at our house to break out the Whirley-Pop.

Necessity, is the mother of invention. -Plato

Lunch bags have many uses in our home, especially for popcorn. 

We keep track of who's is who's and can shake the seasoning into the popcorn real well. 

"Now Ann, this is how you Whirley-Pop" says Mama Bear.

"I knoooooow Moooom" says Wee-Bear.

Mary had her first turn, but you can barely see her smooshed in there between the Big-Bears.

Brother-Bear Elijah is a natural whirleyer.

When Mama-Bear starts screaming "RUUUUN", Papa Bear comes in for damage control. 

(I still seem to overfill the Whirly Pop 99% of the time, yes, I know, I'm a pig)

Elijah and Mary never run though, they scramble to eat the mess.

Settling in for a movie, "Shrek Ever After"

Florida Part 2

I have always wanted to go to the JFK Space Center.  It was a dream come true to go a few weeks ago and to bring my children!  I feel so grateful, and even more grateful that two days later, we got to see the Discovery Shuttle launch! 

The sun was in everyone's eyes.  That's what happens when you go to Florida...SUN!

There was so much to look at.  We spent the whole day and still didn't see everything. 

I took a hundred pictures.

Hannah was terrified of the astronaut.

Mary slept a lot, poor thing had a fever.

Made of over 90,000 LEGOS!

A couple days later we made the 2 hour drive back to an area to see the Discovery Shuttle launch.  There were thousands of people.  We staked out all day to see a 1 minute show!  I kept telling the children to remember this always!!

Florida Part 1

Recently we took a trip to Florida.  All 7 of us. 

We flew on 2 planes to get there and 2 planes to get back. 

We left at 4 in the morning and came home at 11:30 (2:30am Florida time) at night 7 days later.

 I feel like we should get some kind of award for flying with 5 young children, especially when I took all the children through security by myself (while Paul was dealing with our rental van.) LOL!

But really, we all did so good, we were tired, but us Chouinards really know how to pull together.  I was so proud of my kiddos handling everything so well.  I knew they could :) 

We spent our first night in Florida at a hotel so we could get a deal on the rental van, paying for a 7 day package instead of 7 plus extra. Paul is really good about fenagling-the-best-deal out of people.  He's patient and persistent like that. Good thing one of us is.

        We all camped out in one room, side by side. We loved it.  Is that weird?

Grandpa scored a ton of points

offering milk and cookies most nights.

Grandma scored points too letting the girls help bake, frost, and lick.

We drove these golf carts around a lot.   Ann pretended to be scared that I was driving. 

They don't go very fast, so I don't see what she was worried about.

                       We had a blast spotting alligators.

Have you ever read the book "Because of Winn Dixie"?  Elijah just got done studying it at school.  We were so excited to shop in a Winn Dixie, especially in the produce section by the oranges...

It was a great trip, especially visiting family that we don't get to see very much.  I'm thankful that the kids have wonderful memories visiting with their grandparents.  It makes us sad to say good-bye though.  

There will be more to come...



Domestic Command Zones aka Chores!

A few months ago, I came up with our new chore system for this house.  This system was spurred by my frustration with some children cutting way to many corners getting their chores done and the general mommy feeling of... why am I doing everything?!?  Time for me to re-visit I am a Mother, not a maid. :)

So, I started with what needs done in our home? 

Then I listed exactly what was expected for each chore to be thorougly done. 

Put them onto index cards for easy handing out, easy transport, and laminated for easy wiping off.

Sometimes, it is a chore and a command.  For example, whoever gets "Clean Room" is responsible to clean their own room and inspect the other rooms.  They are responsible to check under the beds, behind the dresser, etc.  Takes the lead off my shoulders and trains them about what it's like to be in charge.

Another example, if they get "Vacuum" then they have to tell everyone to pick-up their stuff and follow through, not me.  

They are in Command of their zone, not me.  

Curbs some of the "it's just easier for me to do it myself" attitude that I can get.  

Made pockets for each child. Early morning I may slip in their 2 chores (1 for Hannah).  Or I may turn them all upside down and have each child pick.  Or I may be in "serious business" mode and assign chores according to who will complete it the best OR who needs to learn how to do it better when I have the time to teach individually.

I use these as either consequence chores or company's coming chores or I want a thorough cleaning chores.

When you have a big family, you might be like me and find yourself  repeating yourself over, and over, and over again.  Several months ago,  I lost my voice really bad for over 2 weeks.  This was my solution to my follow through with the children.  Now, I keep it on the back of the front door, and we use it when we need to "re-visit" expectations. 

 (DCZ is Domestic Command Zone-

hey- I have boys who would rather conquer and command than keep house!)

Life (as I know it)

Earlier this week, Paul and I went to another training seminar to pick up more "equipping". My sister-n-law came and cared for the children, but really, I think God sends her just as much for me, as for the children. I just love that woman. 

I am really enjoying the opportunities that San Francisco has to offer, but especially the new ARC skills that I am learning to most effectively love and serve people, which of course, begins in my own home.   Our most recent conference in Long Beach was all about people, our rehabilition program services,(you know the psycho-stuff)  and I learned some amazing yet practical tools.

Jesus said "you will know the truth and the truth will set you FREE!"   

Is it fair game to apply my new understandings to my children, why yes, of course!   (hee!hee!)

This new appointment and venture in our lives, is not soley set out for Paul and Rachel.  It is for the whole lot of us.  Our gracious God appointments the whole family, right down to little Mary.
 He is not a divider, sending us all to go our own separate ways, God is a uniter.

It has been almost a year of an uphilll battle in a lot of ways.  Not everything is "solved" from my perspective, but I try to commit my ways to the Lord instead of brooding, and I keep seeing God's creative provision!!

I take the kids out and about everytime I get the chance.   The children and I are trying to have some fun with all the (annoying) attention we get for being a "big" family.  Now we just pretend we're movie stars and we have paparazzi.  But really, people are so friendly and curious, I don't mind.  I do mind though when they ask me how old I am.

Here is a hidden picture game... can you spot all five?

Wherever you are in your journey, may you know the love and peace that our Living God has to offer.