A family favorite!

We all just LOVE going in for a dipped cone! Everytime we leave all sticky and full of joy- I always regret not bringing in my camera. Well today I didnt forget!

The girls both had soccer practice and afterwards we thought we'd enjoy a nice treat. Here are a few pics to capture the moment!





MMMM-
MMMM-
GOODNESS!!












Little MT would NOT let me eat mine without sharing!






















And
Big D
made a
delicious
mess,


















and daddy
didnt want
him to look
bad..soo.....

Kayla is #9

The name
of her team
is yet to be
determined.
The girls on
the team get
to pick out a
name! Can you
help us think
of a good name?


The Purple ____________.

Spelling List for 2nd Graders

The girls thought someone might be interested in knowing what their spelling list is like this week. They have to _study all week for the test on Friday. Honestly, this weeks list is an easier one than most some!

1. zoo
2. food
3. look
4. moon
5. book
6. soon
7. took
8. good
9. boom
10. foot
11. hoof
12. moose
13. groom
14. spoon
15. boot
16. green
17. many
18. pull
19. sing
20. around

TIDY ZONES

Adapted from FLYLADY, (A helpful website that assists moms in keeping their house in order) I have implemented a new "tidy-ing up the house" system and I HAVE to share it with all of you!
Of course, one of my main jobs is a housekeeper. SO I have a routined schedule in place as to what "zone" I deep clean each day. Daily- it gets all undone, things all over, toys, clothes, everything is dissaray. I do NOT have the time and energy to be constantly tidying up. So, we all now have our own Tidy Zones!
What is a zone you ask? I have broken my home down into sections or zones.

*Zone 1: The Entrance, Guest Bathroom
*Zone 2: The Kitchen, Dining Room
*Zone 3: The Stairs, Kid's Bathroom
*Zone 4: The Living Room

I have given each family member above the age of three (Dylan is two- his chores only consist of feeding the dog, and cleaning his room) a zone to be in charge of for half a month. (During one pay period) We each must make sure our zone is kept tidy as many times as youd like, but at least once after dinner time.

Of course there are other chores our children are in charge of, but this is one everyone jumps in. And for some reason, everyone is happy with me saying "Go tidy up your zone" versus "can someone help me pick up the living room?" And if the zones are completely tidied up in a cheerful, quickly manner, there will be a dot awarded. (I mentioned previously about our DOT system )

This is a great system that could be used for even roommates, or couples with no children. Im LOVIN' IT!

Anyone else have any good tips or ideas on keeping a tidy home?

NOW HIRING:

The Stricklands
are looking to hire
a big green bear,
preferrably one
that looks alot
like BOZ.



Job descriptions would include:
(Morning, noon, and/or night) having lots of fun with our four kids- jumping, reading, playing, singing, dancing, just like that green bear named Boz.
Must have lots of joy and wisdom to teach, love, mentor, and encourage our kids, alot like that green bear Boz.

We have a tree in our backyard that we would provide rent-free!
Pay would be lots of cherry pies! If this is you, please inquire asap!

To get a better look at BOZ, check out his website. http://www.bozthebear.com/home.asp

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Please excuse our mess as we update our site.
The header might be off, a few links might not work, come back later and maybe then everything will be back to normal.
THANK YOU!

Valentines Day, and V-day favorites..

I consider myself festive- I really enjoy all the holidays, everyone of them.

And Valentine's Day is
not too far away.
I have my holiday tub
out of the garage,
and we are ready!



Do you even know where Valentines Day came from? Read more on Wikipedia. Basically, February 14th is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, or offering candy or flowers. (I take it as a great opportunity to express our love and gratitude to those around us.)

Here are a few of our favorite ways we like to "express" our love for others. Feel free to use any of these ideas in your own home.

~We decorate the house with hearts and old homemade Valentine crafts.








~This is last years Valentine Joel wrote to the girls. They loved it!



















~We enjoy crafting. I have glitter, stickers, stamps, and we just work away to make things for our teachers and family. One year we sent them to the Hillcrest childrens ward, and one year to the nursing home.






~I dont know why, but every year we make a batch of these heart crayons to give out to classmates.
I dont think we will be doing it this year, which will be a first in 6 years! Anyone wanna borrow my molding pan?




~Of course, in each of the kiddos classes we exchange Valentine's. Its so much fun for the kiddos to pick them out each year. They take so much joy and pride when giving these out. Nowadays they come with candy and stickers!



~We make heart shaped cookies, or a heart cake. This year- cupcakes with sprinkles. Yu-uu-my!

~Lastly, this year we are sending out "thumb"-thing special to our family and friends. Cant show them online-sorry its a surprise! Email me at the6stricklands AT gmail DOT com with your address, and we will send you something too. Please email no later than NOON on Wednesday! That way I can get it out in the mail!


Happy Valentine's Day!!

A nightmare.....

I woke myself up a little after midnight from my own agonizing crying.

I was in the middle of a nightmare.

It had been three days and my two baby boys were still missing! Joel and I had left them both in the car while they were sleeping, the car doors were locked. Someone stole the car, and took our two precious boys with them. There was no sign of the car or our boys. And it was day 3. The reality had sunk in that I couldnt care for my babies, were their needs being met? Had they eaten? Have they had diaper changes? I couldnt hug and comfort them, The dead-weight reality of lack of control as a mother for my children was so unbearable that I bursted into this overwhelming cry out of my gut.

Which is what woke me up. It took me about 5 minutes or so to regain my emotions after my husband kept reassuring me it was just a dream. I checked on my boys and realized everything was okay. BUT I just couldnt go back to sleep. And I couldnt stop thinking about how real my feelings were.

Then I began to realize that my nightmare is unfortunatly a reality for some people. In this world, even in our country, and in my state, children are being abducted. I went to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website and was overwhelmed by the amounts of missing children.








Half of me wanted to click out of the site, and ignore that there is such a thing, its that self-defense mechanism we have to ingore and push away the things that hurt. But instead I chose to push on and look at the children missing in my area. It hurt, and I can only imagine the hurt the parents and family must be feeling.

I am writing this post to encourage you to go visit the website just as I did. At least we can look, and try to keep a visual in our minds, because you never know what kind of opportunity we might have to help a missing child. OR we can even pray over the children and their families. There is also more you can do to get involved. Click here to find out more. Above is icon for National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website, just click on it and it'll take you to the site.



BTW.. I felt this post was so important, I posted it on both my sites.

A few happenings to share.....

Joel's dad recently found Joel's trumpet he played in highschool. He's been having fun playing it....frequently..loudly.






















The boys just got matching pj's...thank you Crystal! I love matching little boys!



















Also, we have a new firetruck bed. Dylan just loves it! We have a car for Taylor when he is old enough to be in a toddler bed. LOTS of fun at bedtime.












Lastly, the girls have lots of homework, and needs lots of study. High expectations for little 2nd graders! So I implemented a "Math with MOM", "Spelling with MOM", or "Reading with MOM" time where we do these study type things in an specially unique way. (In the bathtub, on the washing machine, ect) It makes learning FUN.
So last night, the girls took a mock spelling test writing on the mirror that is located on the wall of the middle landing of our stairs. They had a blast! And I hope they ace their spelling tests!

NEW changes to the Site SOON!

Come back after Valentines and you will notice our site will have a new look!!
We are so excited, and very thankful to mention someone special who has helped us put it all together.
Make sure to drop by soon after Valentines!

Parent’s University: Organization

This is a series hosted by Kat. This weeks topic is organization. Honestly, I am in the middle of trying to reorganize my home, so I look forward to reading alot of the tips.

I just thought I would share about our chore chart we use. I think its important for our kids to work around the home (instilling a work ethic), and to earn some allowance in the process, which is a great way for them to more learn about (earning, counting, tithing, saving, and spending) money.

We have tried several chore charts, and none have ever been practical for us. Finally I came up with the "DOT" system. I have a 12 month small size laminated calendar, and each month gets posted on a board in the kitchen. I have two girls doing chores, so I have two calendars up.

For each chore done, a dot is awarded. So on that day, when the chore is done- we make a dot from a permanent marker on the calendar. A big chore might get awarded a couple of dots. The girls are old enough to go make their own dots, I dont have to touch the chart if I dont want to! But I like to award them dots at times too. It is pre decided what chore earns a dot. And the girls know. But at times, I might award a dot for being an extra super helper at Walmart.

Each dot = 10 cents. So, twice a month (around daddy's pay period to be exact) the girls count their dots, and tell us how much they've earned. Its been a great exercise in math counting by tens!! They have money jars where they collect the money, then when its time to tithe at church, or go shopping they put it in their wallets.

WHY I like this system? Its practical. There is no upkeep other than a calendar posted a month, and a marker, or pen to make the dots. We have tried so many things, and this is just something we could be consistent in doing. Now, with little brothers, we have to keep the marker in a "secret location"!

NINE YEARS OLD!!

We asked Kayla to spend some time reflecting on her life, what its like to be nine, and think of the things she is thankful for. She is excited to share these things with all of you who stop by our site. (Of course mom did a little editing.) Please leave her a comment and wish her a happy ninth bday!

















It's fun being nine because I'm the oldest in my family, I can do things on my own and read my Bible well. While Im nine I want to learn how to play soccer, go to Washington DC, visit the Mountains, do alot of diving, spending more time with Pawpaw and Nana and with Granpa and Granny.

I love God, Jesus, my dad, mom, sister, and brothers, Daisy the dog, James Mark the fish, all the rest of my family, I also love all my friends.

Im glad the way God made me with pretty blonde hair and peach-ish skin. Im also glad that Taylor looks like me too. I like dresses, make up, and wearing pretty shiny shoes.

I really delight to spend time with my family and friends. as well as cooking, going bike riding, swimming, and being home too.

I think rainbows, hearts and flowers are very pretty. Im very happy because I planted an Acorn Tree in my backyard, I hope it grows big!

My treasured memories are of going to Fort Davis Mountains, going to the beach, traveling far to India, and when both my brothers were born.

I think its fun in Art and Music at school. I also have fun with friends at school at lunch and reccess. I know I wont like leaving 2nd grade at the end of the year.

Some of my dearest things are my Bible, my Littlest Pet Shop pets, my guitar, my rock collection, and my earrings.

Some of my other favorites are:
color - blue/green, lime green
food - tamales, spaghetti, chicken fried steak
drink - Dr.Pepper
snack - Cheez It Gripz
dessert - cake, cookies, ice cream

Im thankful for my mom, dad, sister, and brothers, my dog Daisy and fish James Mark, all the rest of the family, my friends, my lifegroup, Mrs. Metz, my church and the Journey, getting allowances, my house, my room and my bed, our cars. Im also thankful for all my favorite things, and for being nine years old.

When I grow up I want to be a teacher, then a mommy of three kids: a girl, and two boys. I would like to go to China someday, and also back to India.

I think everyone should treat others the way they would want to be treated!!

A Kayla Post

Thats right
everybody,
Kayla is
getting all
ready to
make a post
on our site!
She will be
a grand 9
years old
and plans to
share with
the world
what a nine
year old is
thinking about.
We will learn
so much wisdom
and truth.
Stay tuned:
February 5th.

Some girly fun!

And so it begins...........

We have signed the girls up for soccer through at least July. We have been afraid of the committment, but look forward to the girls acquiring a new skill and excelling at something new.

















They each got their own soccer ball, and have been practicing in the back yard. This momma use to play soccer, so I have been in the backyard playing with them!

Im sure there will be more soccer insights on our site to come!!

Fun with Family

Aunt Breezy and our cousin Kamryn came to hang out with us on Friday. We had such a good time. We had lunch out on the town, we visited the discovery center at the Mayborn Museum. We discovered and played until we were all worn out!



















Then there was a short rest period and back to the fun. We watched a movie and played around the house. Lastly, we enjoyed a yummy dinner topped with Oreo Ice Cream!

We love our Aunt Breezy and cousin Kamryn, and look forward to hanging out again soon!