Task Cards

The boys have started getting into the habit of saying, "I want_______!" We have started replying with "Earn it." In order for the boys to earn some "candy money", we have implemented Task Cards. These are little chores that they have to do around the house. They get one card a day, and they get a dime when they complete the task. We store the dimes in a sheet protector that was made for stamp collecting. It works great. Perfect size, and it is see-through. These hang on the wall without being in direct site of houseguests. Jacob LOVES getting his dimes. On saturdays, we collect all of the dimes that they have earned that week, and pay our tithes, and the rest is theirs to spend or save. We have this cool little corner variety store that still has individual pieces of candy for like 2-5 cents a piece.

Eventually we will start adding additional cards that they can do to earn more money. We will then phase out the paying them for the little tasks, and they will be required to "earn their keep". Then they will have to use the bigger tasks to earn their money.

Cody's cards are just words, since he knows how to read.

Jacob, since he can't read, I took pictures of all of his tasks. I used my trusty photoshop, and added words to the pictures. He can look at the card on the fridge, and he knows exactly what he has to do. He is usually the first one to be done with his tasks. I hope it keeps up. Last week, he earned more money than Cody, because Cody chose not to do some of his chores. ;)

I just uploaded them to walmart, and printed them off like normal 4x6 photos. I then laminated them so they would last a little longer. All in all, it was about $2.25 to make the cards. You could probably do it cheaper if you had a photo printer, or used contact paper or your own laminator. I don't, so I had to buy everything. Even still...for under $3, my kids do chores. Well....at least one of them does.

Time Flies.....

Well, since it has been a month, I should probably post something, so my family members will be happy. :) We have had a lot going on this past month. Natalie turned 1. :( My baby is now entering the world of toddlerhood. Even though she doesn't toddle yet. (hehe)

She was so cute at her birthday party.

She loved all of the attention, and was getting quite angry at some of her cousins for stealing her toys. By the time we got to the cake though, she had just about had it. She was so tired, she just wanted to go to bed.

She was a good sport though. Everyone had fun, and left happy. It was a good day.

_____________________________

On another note, Jared has been going to work suuuuper early in the mornings, so he is able to be home earlier in the day to play with the boys. He used to go to work around 9 am or so, and would get home around 6. Well, the boys go to bed between 7-8, so there wasn't much time to rough-house and play with daddy before we had to wind down for the night. Now, Jared goes into work about 6, and he is usually home by 4, just when Cody gets home from school. This has been great. The boys love having the extra attention around when I am trying to make dinner, and I love having the boys distracted when I am trying to make dinner. :) It is a win-win situation. Here are some pictures from one of our recent "Family Night" 's.

Jacob and Cody were wrestling. Sad to say, but Jacob really has some talent in this area, and won. Makes it pretty fair when you weigh the same as your big brother. ;) Jacob is on the bottom in this shot, but right after I took it, he wiggled his way on top, and Cody couldn't move. It was really funny, and Cody was getting REALLY upset. ;)

Natalie isn't much of a wrestler, but she is sure ticklish, and is quite the acrobat. She loves to be upside-down. Blow on her tummy, and she just goes crazy. Combine the two....

That is one happy baby. :)

I promise to post more frequently. We have coming up: Task cards, soccer games, and spelling tests. Plus some random cute kiddos too. :) Oh...and Happy Birthday Daddy. :)