Coming out of hibernation

I think that I tend to not do much during the winter. Just read, watch TV, sleep, and hide out. I feel like I've been hibernating for the past 6 months. And lately, with the spring, I've been slowly waking up. Spring in Texas is beautiful. And I've found myself getting back into "GO" mode.

I made strawberry and strawberry-blackberry jam the other day. I froze a bunch of berries too. Nate got a new blender and we've been making all kinds of treats: sorbet, ice cream, smoothies.I even did a bunch of cooking ahead stuff: a week's worth of breakfast tacos, the meat prep for 5 or 6 meals that I put in the freezer. I actually made dinner too. That in itself is momentous. We've been eating a lot of quesadillas and waffles instead.

I got my garden put in and fixed up the flower pots and flower beds.

I even cleaned my oven (a first since we moved in a long time ago).

I created a new chore program for the kids. And it seems to be working okay. They do their chores to earn "mom bucks" and "daddy dollars" which they can spend for privileges and fun stuff. Everyone now does their own laundry, and helps cook dinner in addition to regular household and outdoor chores.

(Click on the pic to see Nate as Conan the Barbarian)

The oldest two have adopted it the best. Isaac hasn't quite caught the vision. He wants the privileges, but doesn't want to do the chores he's been assigned. I hope it's just the age. Otherwise, I may pull out all my hair in frustration because of his "explanations" and "discussions" about why he shouldn't have to do this or that. Some days he gets everything done quickly and early, some days not. I guess that's normal. But, still, frustrating. I want him to be able to enjoy the rewards instead of missing out.

Up for this week:

1. catch up on the ironing
2. clean the refrigerator and microwave
3. clean out the pantry
4. plant some daylillies
5. edit a bunch a pictures I took for friends last month (sorry it's taking me so long)
6. work on my independent study class
7. correct Toby's homework and make sure he's completed 2 courses (2 left to finish by the end of May-I think we're going to make it!)
   
8. work on some relief society stuff
9. clean the garage
10. go camping with Isaac and Hazel (with the cub scouts)
11. get names lined up to take to the temple this weekend and for next month
12. clean up my sewing room
13. run
14. bike
15. take family pictures for a friend