I'm Bored!

So the summertime boredom has already threatened to set in around here... It never ceases to amaze me how quickly kids - even kids that have lots of things available to them that they can do - become bored. I am so thankful that I am not committed to a job that takes me away from my home because it seems like summer is when I am needed the most around here.

Bored kids - at least when it comes to mine - tend to fight with each other more. I don't have really mischievous children so I am blessed that they are not also seeking out trouble, but the fighting is something we really try to keep away. Last week we implemented a new program where anybody caught fighting or arguing or being contentious receives an assignment to do what we call a noticeable chore - that is a chore that noticeably needs done. They get to choose what that chore is most of the time. Since this is a pretty new program last night during home evening one of the kids asked if their dad and I were to fight would we do a noticeable chore too? That's certainly a valid question. The answer was simple - we don't fight, we seldom disagree and when differences arise we take care of them before they can become a problem. (I am so blessed to have such a man!) As such we don't HAVE to do a noticeable chore but the fact is that we are both doing them all the time. (Again, I am so blessed to have a husband that helps me as much as I try to help him!) My children take after their dad most of the time as well for they are usually as helpful as he is.

Some of last years activities...

Contention is something we would rather not have to deal with and experience has taught me that busy children do not fight. So we have added a little structure back to our summer and once again implemented summer school. (It was actually at the request of most of our kids - they loved it last year!) While we call it summer school, it is really a scripture centered program where we work together on developing our talents. We are also looking forward to doing more crafts together this year than last. To do all this it is imperative that I am home with my children, guiding, teaching and loving them. What a blessing it is to have a husband who wholeheartedly supports me in this. I love being a mom. I love being home with my children. I love having a family. There is so much joy in family. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for a good husband and so many wonderful children. My family and the gospel are truly my greatest blessing!

I am totally willing to share what I am doing and have included my outlines below so you can use them too if you wish. I will add them as I make them throughout the summer.

LAST YEAR:

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

THIS YEAR

Week Eight