Money Saved is...

Chad and I stress the importance to our kids about having a strong work ethic.  We teach them to work hard and budget for the things they really want because things in life aren't going to be given to them.  This method has proven to be very effective for us in that the kids save their money, purchase their items, and they take better care of them because they had to work hard for them.

After pooling their money together, they were able to make their first ultimate purchase.   

Money well spent when you are 7, 9, and 11 (and 34).

Lots of helpers working together:

Don't worry.  I will supervise.

Still supervising...

Oh, come on!  Show me a real smile.

That's more like it! :)

Almost done!

Finally!

♪  Cel-e-brate good times, come on! ♪

Cheers to a job well done!

Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom...

Can I get a haircut?  Please, please, please, please, pretty please?  Mom, mom, mom...can I?

Podiatry Progress

One Week Post-Op
My surgeon did an impeccable job!

The x-ray shows the plate that was put in my foot, as well as the screws.  It turns out that (in non-medical terms) the placement of bones on the top part of my foot was one of the main reasons I was in so much pain.  In order to properly lower these bones, they had to be realigned, and in doing so, a bone graft was placed on the big-toe side of my foot.  Because of the bone graft, I have been restricted to 4-weeks non-weight bearing rather than the 2 weeks I was originally told. 

 

Due to this interesting turn of events, it was recommended that I get a knee scooter.

Eight words sum up how I am feeling about Scootie McScooter...

Where have you been all of my life?!?!

♪(I've got a brand new pair of roller skates scootie mcscooters; you got a brand new key...)♪

Children of the Cake

After watching The Kids Baking Championship marathon on Food Network, my girls were inspired to make a cake creation.  Luckily, with some supplies from Grammie, they were able to concoct a beautiful bundt all by themselves.  

 Lemon Bundt with American Buttercream

Fun with Sprinkles

While Ella does the decorating,... 

Sophie does the tasting.

But it's not enough.

 Need...more...sugar.

 Ella was finally able to finish the cake.  All the while,...

Sophie found a much easier method for sugar consumption.

This reminded me of five years ago:

  Same girl.  

Same determination.