January 2010 so far
The theme of January this year is snow.
Lots of lovely, fluffy, soft snow.
Snow globe sort of snow.
And lots of sled riding in snow (ice skating soon I think.)
And video games.
When the kids are not outside playing in the snow or shoveling the driveway (a new favorite service for Rachel) they are spending lots of time play strategic or exercise related video games. Lots of Star Craft, Garry’s Mod, and Tales Runner going on here (for after spending time outside) and lots of Wii Resort and Wii Fit Plus combined with all sorts of pretend play and contests for when it is just too cold to play outside. For example, yesterday the kids set up a plane in the living room to make the flying game in Wii Resort more fun and so everyone could join in.
The kids did spend some time watching movies but other than Issac’s current repeat obsession with The Goonies and the kids’ repeat watching of The Gamers: Dorkness Rising there is not so much of that right now. In the meantime we are focused on spending 5 min a day upstairs and 5 downstairs cleaning 1 room as quickly as possible. A good habit to develop and each kid has a chance at a reward for doing their very best. We are trying to develop an attitude of service in a household where chaos is more comfortable than order and schedules and lists DO NOT WORK. This suits us well and keeps the house in relative order. We have also had much less complaining than with our previous attempts at this. (If they complain then they get 1/2 hour instead. And I have also found that they are willing to go the extra mile and really work hard in this time, stretching it well beyond the necessary 5 minutes to get the job done.
In the meantime, the painting is actually coming along now that I have the proper colors. It is coming out different than expected, more solid and less surreal but I am happy with my first attempt at acrylics since high school so far.
I am starting to think we need a Wii. They’re wrestling in the renovations again. So much for quietly doing a puzzle.
I love that tree-in-the-dark shot! Wow purty!
I say yes. It is awesome for getting out that energy when it is too cold or to tiring to go back outside. Plus lots of cheap additional games (like old Nintendo games for $5 or $10). Awesome system.
And James took that photo–playing with my camera again. 🙂
Beautiful photos! Sounds like you’re off to a great start on your year! 🙂