Monday, September 26, 2011

Gold Stars

We have a Family Expectations Chart which lists each of the kiddos' weekly responsibilities....from morning routine (which must be completed and checked off by 8 a.m.) to tasks to be completed during the day (they rotate being the "server" at each meal) and there are boxes that you mark off if you miss a responsibility.  If you do mark a box, it is your responsibility to ask, "What can I do to help?"  This gives them a chance to focus on how to improve next time.  And let's face it, it also helps me get my work done!  Ron develped the Family Expectations Chart and I have to say, he's rather brilliant.  


One portion of the chart is the "gold star" area where you have an opportunity to earn a gold star for doing something extraordinary for the family.  Basically, this is where we catch them doing really cool stuff for each other, or for us.  It can be a variety of things and varies by age.  If you earn 3 gold stars during the week, you get to pick a prize from the prize bin.....a random basket of assorted toys, stickers, earrings (my older girls are demanding more than stickers these days :)) and the like.

So when I came down Saturday morning for breakfast and found that one of the GLAM clan had rounded up all of the soccer gear -- bags, balls, shin guards, cleats, socks and jerseys -- they most certainly earned a gold star!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Cannonball!


Pretending the couch is a swimming pool and doing cannonballs "canon bomb" =  All. Boy.
Almost completely missing couch = Hilarious.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Introducing......


.....Oreo & Cotton Ball

I mean if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it.  So yes, we have 2 bunnies.  And here are 2 of the proud GLLAM members returning home at 7:45 a.m. yesterday from retrieving our newest additions.  I'm pretty much the craziest coolest mom ever.....

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Bunny What?!

This is the letter I received from my daughter this week.


Things I have done to show I am responsible to have a bunny:
1. I have been made responsible with walking other people's dogs.
2. I have watched Kate and Paige's dogs.
3. I have helped Kate feed, water, set-up the cage and play with Coconut -- Kate's bunny.
4. I can take care of my siblings by myself and I have many times.  (many?)
Is it necessary to call your parents out on their occasional lie in/nap in the middle of your letter?
5. I have been and can be trusted with lots of things including, strangers, dogs, sibs, friend's kids and  friend's dogs.

Things I will do if I get a bunny:
1. I will pay for any pet bills.
2. I will share my pet with my sibs (with permission).
3. I will spend at least 30 min/day with it. Every day.
4. I will clean the cage every week.
5. I will change its water and food every day.
6. I will make sure it gets exercise.
7. I will protect it.



How could you not reward that?


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Rotate Your Greens!



We are busy rotating greens in our smoothie world.  Plants have traces of alkaloids and too much of any one green (over many weeks) can actually produce symptoms of poison in your body.  Plants, and our bodies, were created this way so that greens would last and not become extinct.  What an Intelligent Design!
  
Incidentally, fruits do no contain these alkaloids so eat away, your apple a day!

This smoothie contains red leaf lettuce, beet & carrot tops, and some cilantro.  I threw in an orange and lemon  so my kids would actually drink it  for good measure.





Saturday, September 17, 2011

Soccer Saturdays


.....are the best.


Monday, September 12, 2011

Cos Family Vacation 2011


All 27 of us.
Thanks Mom & Dad!  We had a fabulous time!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Edible Columbus


To read Madeline's article, see page 16.



Cousins!


13 total (so far!) Ages 8 weeks to 10 years.
(Hunter not pictured as he was snoozing)

And that's just 1 side of the family...

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Friday, September 9, 2011

Soaring!


Gabe 2010



Lincoln 2011


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

My Baby


I heart this picture.
(minus my hair, wt?!)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

GLLAM in OBX


 Building sand castles



Swimming



Hanging with Daddy



Flying kites



Boogie boarding


Hurricane Irene kept us away until Tuesday (although we loved Raleigh and plan to return) but we maximized every minute after that and had a full vacation!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Green Smoothie To Go


Brittney snapped this picture of Lincoln chugging his green smoothie in the car one morning.


Of course I packed the Blendtec.  In fact, Madeline was stopped going through security and TSA had to verify that the blade is not removable.  Indeed it is not. (thanks Green Smoothie Girl for the heads up on that)


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Home Again, Home Again

We survived Hurricane Irene and spent the past 9 days enjoying 3 mini vacations.....Williamsburg (to hide from her), Raleigh (need to go further inland!) and finally, OBX.  Lots of fun memories and many wonderful pictures but one of my favorite highlights was during the plane ride home when one of the GLLAM clan handed me the following (they found it in a magazine) and said, "This is for you, Mom."

You are the cheese to my macaroni 
You are the horizon to my sky
You are the bacon to my eggs
You are the laces to my sneakers
You are the jelly to my peanut butter
You are the smile to my face
You are the gravy to my mashed potatoes
You are the bubbles to my bath
You are the milk to my cookie
You are the ink to my pen
You are the ketchup to my french fries
You are the water to my ocean
You are the icing on my cupcake

Nothing like ending vacation with a few tears.