Giving Thanks for Family

Oops, I had no idea how dirty my wall is, until I took this photo.

Kaia singing the Turkey Song.

I'm participating in Kelli's Giving Thanks week, and today, I am thankful for family.

Saturday night my mom came over and helped me pick up the disaster area we call home. I didn't feel good, had very little motivation, and just couldn't figure out where to start. In the short time she was here, we managed to clean the front room and dining room and vacuumed. All that's left is the TV room, and I can handle that.

Mo spent Sunday night with Dana's parents. This way, I can take Kaia to school and then Dana and I will head over to the hospital for his surgery.

I'm thankful our families can help us at this time. I'm also thankful for all the prayers and well wishes from all of you. I cannot believe my favorite holiday is just days away. It has been so hectic around here. I am excited to see all of the Giving Thanks posts, and get ready for this wonderful holiday.

Reward Update

I'm very sorry to report that Kaia has not earned High School Musical yet. Apparently some habits are hard to break. I am going to really try to work with her this weekend on staying in bed, because I don't think a crowded bed will be good for Dana's recovering knee.

Better news is that I am healing, although I had some scary, "I can't breathe" moments yesterday that required my inhaler. Mo seems completely over his cold, which is very good.

My house, well that is still a disaster. Thank you so much to all of you that would help if closer. My plan is to tackle it all tomorrow, and hopefully get a head start tonight. I don't like how dirty it is, so it will have to change.

Have a wonderful weekend all! I will definitely be in next week, participating in Kelli's Giving Thanks week.

Prayers and Praise

It's been a long week already, and it's only Wednesday! First is my praise: My friend Kris had her son last week! He is home and healthy.

At the Kihn's, I am sick with a monster cold. Mo seems to have a touch of it. Dana will be having surgery on his right knee on Monday the 17th. He will be down for a few days after surgery, and will have the entire week off of work. They anticipate taking care of his left knee some time in December.

On top of this the Kihn house is a disaster. I'm not sure how I fell so behind, but not feeling well isn't helping. So this weekend I HAVE to clean up so that Dana doesn't trip and fall on one of the 500 small toys, papers, pencils... you name it scattered throughout the house.

I promise to visit you all soon! I try to check in, but haven't had much time to comment.

When not to spell out words

I have learned a great lesson from Kaia just now. When you spell out certain words enough, your child can memorize those letters. Then when she's learning how to write in kindergarten, she can write out that word.

Want to know what she wrote?
S - E - X

We won't be spelling that out anymore.

Reward!

Photo of DVD from Amazon.com, and a link to purchase.

If you have read my blog for any period of time, you may have realized that Kaia still climbs into bed with us to sleep on a nightly basis. Well, she did anyway, until Tuesday night.

Tuesday night she slept all night in her bed with Cinnamon. Wednesday morning, I awoke amazed to find that only Dana and I were in bed. When Kaia did wake up, I told her how proud I was of her, and so did Dana. That's when I decided to tell her about my plan that I had been thinking up.

I told Kaia that if she sleeps in her own bed for 7 nights in a row, that we would buy her High School Musical. She was instantly excited. We went to High School Musical 3 for her cousin's birthday party, and she loves it now. I also followed up with this; after earning High School Musical, if you sleep in your own bed for 14 more nights, we will buy you High School Musical 2. She was taken aback by how many days that was, but she seemed up for the challenge.

This morning, the alarm went off, and I reset it for a bit longer. I climbed back into bed, a bed that contained Dana and our cat Callie. A few minutes later Kaia came down. She didn't climb into bed though, she asked me if she could cuddle for a little bit and not lose her movie. Of course I told her yes, that she could come and cuddle in the morning, the deal was to sleep in her own bed.

2 nights down, and 5 to go. I'm looking forward to her meeting the challenge, and earning her reward! (oh and there is the benefit of Dana and I both getting a good night sleep without a kicking, squirming 5 year old in between us.)

And on a frugal note: I have 2 coupons, each one good for one free previously viewed DVD at Blockbuster. Here's praying they have her movies!