Purity Pledge

So thankful to the disciples at SEEDS Family Worship for creating music that puts Scripture into our hearts and minds. Love their new album, Purity.

Here is their Purity Pledge for parents! I took the pledge!

I commit to:

• •Only use language in public or private that I would want my children to also use. Refraining from unwholesome conversation (in person and online)—including derogatory talk about others. (Ephesians 5:4) *

  I agree
• •Only watch and read media that is edifying. By filling my heart and mind with purity, I am better able to honestly talk with my children about temptations and how to keep their hearts with all vigilance. (Proverbs 4:23) (Psalm 101:1-3) *

  I agree
• •Show a reverence for the relationship of a man and woman in marriage. (Genesis 2:24) (Ephesians 5:22-28) *

  I agree
• •Teach my children a Biblical worldview—helping them use Scripture rather than culture to direct their paths. (Psalm 119:105) *

  I agree
• •Remind my children of their identity in Christ—instilling an appreciation of how wonderfully they are made by God. (Psalm 139:14) *

  I agree
• •Teach my children to seek and cherish company that encourages right behavior. (I Corinthians 15:33-34) *

  I agree
• •Pray daily for my children to grow in purity and wisdom. And I will pray the same for the spouses my children will marry. (I Timothy 4:11-13) (Colossians 1:9) (Philippians 1: 9-11) *

  I agree
• •Help your children become patient in all things—especially in not seeking romantic relationships too early in life. (Song of Solomon 8:4) *

  I agree
• I affirm my commitment to this pledge. *
  To learn more or download their new album,click here.

Grandparent's Day

Claire's 3rd grade class hosted a Grandparent's Day on Valentine's day! They shared a skit, song and a recitation of 1 Corinthians 13 with the grandparents. Then they went to the cafeteria for a special snack and to share their homemade valentines with their special guests! We are so thankful that Nana, Pop Pop, and Nan could come and we know that Mimi, Pops, and Greg were there in Spirit! Grandparents are so special and we are so thankful for all of you!!

Mom's Ransom Rubbage

Problem: little messes that pop up all over the house....

Exhibit #1 - Barbie swimming pool in bathroom sink
                    Hairbrush and hair bands left out

Exhibit #2 - toothbrushes left out

  Exhibit #3 - Jacket left laying on the floor by

  messy stuffed animal pile

Solution:  

I found this idea several weeks ago on Pinterest. I loved the idea and plan on implementing today after our family meeting. Here is the way it works:

1. Toys, clothes, shoes,  book bags, school work, toothbrushes etc. are left out of place. 

2. Mom gives a warning about not putting those items in their proper place.

3. Item is left out again.

4. Item is confiscated by Mom and put into the Ransom Rubbage box.

5. Child says, "Mom have you seen my (insert toy, clothing item, shoes, book bag, school work, toothbrush, etc. here)?"

6. Mom says, "I believe that item is in the Ransom Rubbage Box."

7. Child must pull a ticket from the box and complete the said task on the ticket in order to retrieve their item from the box.

8. Child will learn to put away their belongings in a proper place! :) (hopefully!)

Here is a modified list of tasks we are using taken from the Pinterest link that originally gave me this idea:

Clean out van trash

Vacuum out mom’s van

Organize shoe closet

Pull weeds in back yard for 10 minutes

Pull weeds in front yard for 10 minutes

Rub dad’s feet for 10 minutes and sing, ‘this little piggy’ to him.

Sweep off the front porch

Wipe down guest bathroom toilet

Windex the front door while singing any song.

Wipe down outside of fridge and have a fruit or yogurt treat afterwards.

You are free but this is a WARNING!

Sweep off garage door rug

Scrub upstairs bathtub

Give mom or dad a hug and say, “I will never leave my stuff out again.”

Empty all garbage cans into kitchen garbage

Write a letter to someone who has done something nice for you and tell them thank you.

Match up 10 pairs of socks

  Rub dad’s head for 10 minutes while telling him how thankful you are for him working so hard.

Sweep front sidewalk and ride your bike down the street and back.

Go play with Sadie for 10 minutes

Clean out one drawer of your choice

Dust living room

You are free but this is a WARNING!

You are free but this is a WARNING!

Tell your sister 3 things you love about her.

 Write 10 times “I will not leave my things out.”

Do 25 jumping jacks while singing, “I am a cleaning machine.”

Run around the house for 3 minutes and see how many things you can pick up and put away.

Clean out your book bag.

Draw a picture of you picking up things and your mom and dad smiling BIG!

Make up a song about a clean house and perform it in front of your family.

Make your bed and clean under it.

Wipe down your bathroom sinks.

While hopping on one foot, wipe the kitchen counters off.

Choose 2 items of yours to donate to Goodwill.

Vacuum the den.

Pick up trash in back yard and beg your mother for forgiveness.

Sweep off back porch

Design a machine on paper that cleans the whole house and gets you ready for the day.

Water the cherry tree in the front yard.

Organize mom and dad’s shoes

Get all dirty clothes from upstairs and bring them down stairs. Sort into light and dark piles.

Take Sarge for a walk down the street and back.

Draw a picture to send to Maw Maw.

Look up this Bible verse and write it down on a piece of paper: Ephesians 6:1

I am asking the girls to keep me accountable for picking up my things too! So they are allowed to put my things in said Ransom Rubbage box as well! Yes, I'll be sure to post if in fact I end up doing jumping jacks one afternoon shouting, "I'm a cleaning machine!"

Overall, I hope it is fun AND effective at helping us stay on top of putting things away!

Cowgirl Camdyn

Cam dressed up for Cowboy/Cowgirl day at school!! :) Yee haw!!

Claire's Chapel Program

This week Claire's 3rd grade class presented the chapel program. Claire played the role of Goldilocks in their skit on having good manners!
We are so proud of you Claire! Love those blonde curls!!!!

We are Adopting!!

We are thrilled to share that we are following God's call to adopt from Haiti! We began the journey this week and are so excited to see how God moves in this process!

Please join us in prayer and follow our adoption blog to find out the latest! A link to our adoption blog is at the top left! This will be a long journey and we are so blessed and thankful for your support and love through this process!

To God be the Glory for the great things He Hath done!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We love you so much!