What happened to 2011?
{[So many wonderful things have happened in such a short period of time!]}
With the beginning of a new year, our family has decided to make a few changes. Even though they are small; we know it will be beneficial for all of us to become a stronger and unified family.
I'm so excited to share with you what we have in store. The changes we are implenting more are:
{[Saturday Family Movie Night]}
Every Saturday we will gather as a family and spend 30 minutes sprucing up our house getting ready for Sunday. And then the fun begins..... We will watch a rated G movie and enjoy dinner together on the floor. Eden asked if we can either have pizza or tacos every week. Of course, we said yes!
{[Family Meetings]}
Every Sunday after we return from church and get settled in we will meet for a family meeting. We will begin with an opening song, prayer and conducted by Joel. We will have an open forum where anything can be discussed. If we can't make a decision, we will move it to the next week or when time arises. Eden will also receive his payday during these meetings (listed below) and close with a prayer.
{[Job Chart]}
Eden has been working really hard on making a routine with completing his chores in a timely manner everyday. Joel & I have decided we are going to paying him for his duties performed. Jobs will include: brush teeth, get dressed, make bed, scripture study, daily prayer, school, chore assigned, pajamas on, bath, etc. For every job he completed he will get 1 point. 0 points = 0 credits, 1-9 points = 1 credit, 10+ points = 2 credits. At the following family meeting Eden's performance will be evaluated and credits issued. For each credit he earns 5 cents. And if he has a perfect week (10+ credits) every day for 5 days, his credits double! We will also monitor him on a quarterly basis and if he averages more than 8 credits everyday for 4 months, he will earn a special priviledge.
Eden will be required to pay 10% tithing and 20% toward savings. The remaining 70% he will be able to spend toward clothes, toys, etc. I believe Eden is old enough now to be responsible and start earning his own things. I've read a lot of books issued by church members and they recommend instilling these factors at a young age. I want Eden to appreciate as much as possible - even if he is only 6.
{[Family Home Evening]}
Joel & I have always felt it important to have FHE in our home and every couple weeks we are successful and do a lesson/activity with Eden. But I need to be honest and admit, I haven't done it on a regular weekly basis. This needs to change and we are ready to make that commitment. We are dedicating every Monday evening to FHE after dinner. We have cleared out our calendars!
{[Planning Meeting]}
Even though I am home with Eden, I am finding that I truly don't have any "alone" time. Usually, I never think about it but every couple of months I just need a time out to get my own life in order - I hope someone can relate to this. So, I have asked Joel to give me 30-60 minutes every Sunday evening after Eden goes to bed to plan out my week and make sure everything is in order. I've felt really burdened with homeschooling lately because I feel I don't take enough time to schedule things and just kind of "fly by the seat of my pants", even though there is a curriculum that is super easy to follow.
Anyways, it will just be a short time that I can close the bedroom or office door and have no interruptions. And, I will offer the same to Joel but at this time he says he doesn't need it. His quiet time is a nap to rest before starting his crazy work schedule over again.
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So, there you have it......
That is our goals for 2012!!!
I pray for your good health, stable income, and family unity.
{[Happy New Year]}
