my motely crue + winner

- we're working on putting our stuff where it goes around here. I thought pretending to move this summer had changed their habits, but I think it was just me who was trained to constantly remind them to pick up after themselves or else we've totally forgotten. Back to the drawing board.

- even though they are not so good at putting their stuff away they are really great about helping me around the house when I ask. I guess that's the key...when I ask. They vaccum, do the dishes, put away their own clothes (megan always complains about this), helps with the folding, & cleans bathrooms.

- we're trying to find a good balance after school with homework and relaxation time. Tuesdays and Thursdays are our busy days where we're just making it home to get dinner on the table, but on the other days we come home and veg in front of the TV for a bit. It seems like my days are constantly moving from one thing to the next so I enjoy having that bit of down time with them and not feeling guilty about taking it. Plus it make getting homework done so much easier when they've had a moment or two.

- i am constantly amazed at the food choices my girls make. Yes, they like candy but for whatever reason they never eat their Halloween candy. There is still 3 big bags of candy hanging around our house, which like I said yesterday is hard on me. Megan even has hers in her room, which I thought would make a huge difference, but she's only eaten a few pieces. It's crazy.

- they are in a huge scooby-doo phase right now.

- they're becoming more and more independent. Each morning they get themselves up and get ready by themselves, which includes a shower, eating, dressed, & brushed teeth. Today they were up making lunches because they didn't want what was on the menu. They didn't even ask for help...times are changing.

- night times have changed a bit for us as well. Bella and Tess read every night in Bella's bed for at least a half hour if not more. When I go to see them they merely give me a kiss goodnight and send me on my way. I'm trying to think now, if they actually take their eyes off the book when they kiss me goodnight. I guess I need to get in there before the reading starts. At least Megan welcomes me in.

- I know I've said this before, and recently too, but I love where we're at right now. I would love to freeze time for just a bit...just to keep them here a while longer. I'm not so sure I will ever be ready for the heavier teenage years (that's only 3 years off people).

****************************************************************************************

Congratulations Elizabeth. You are the winner of the merry&bright tags. Send me your info and I'll get them sent out to you.