Good FRIDAY afternoon! It seems that whenever people hear the word Friday, they just spontaneously smile...kids and adults alike. My kids love Friday, because we have two days of family time then, later bedtimes, and usually something fun thrown in (fun...what life is about!) For us, we started the day with something I have been dreading, putting off, finding reasons to avoid...but alas, the kids cornered me, so off we went...to ...(GASP!) Chuck E. Cheese...you know mom, where a kid can be a kid! Let me tell you, nothing gets me THRILLED like knowing I get to go spend time around a group of screaming, whining kids, as is usually the case there. However, today was a bit different. We arrived around 10:30. A few random people, but only a handful. So far, so good. I explained to my kids that we were NOT eating there (Chris is allergic to most of their food...NOT fun!) so we were just there to play. I further explained we had a certificate...we could use a SET amount for their tokens....boundries...I believe they are not only important, but crucial in raising respectful children. I also explained how we were going to stay together, play the games TOGETHER, and spend some good bonding time.

Yep. That lasted 4 minutes...then...MOM...he pushed me! Mom, she stole my coins! AND my favorite part....when he frustrated her because they were racing, he won, and she screamed loud enough for even the poor folks eating down the block at Granite City could here her....and it wasn't a short bellow....oh no, it was a LOOONNNNGGGG howl....like she was having her toe pinched off.....AHHH...the joys of chuck e cheese. I am however a great mom for taking them, and they have been extra helpful around the house.

I will let you in on another small bit of "bribery" (such a dirty word, but yes, that is indeed what it is!) that I like to use. Friday's are penny per ounce at Get n Go...that applies to their ICEE'S too if you use the Get N Go cup....so, for 22 cents a kid, they can each get an ICEE, and I get chores done without complaint! I have learned in the past that if you actually want anything done, you need to get it done BEFORE you provide the ICEE, but all the same...it is cheap and easy...and works like a charm!

I am getting very excited as Zach and Kate will be home on Sunday. I can't wait to hear of their experience at Rainbow Trails.

I hope you all have a good weekend planned, or maybe not "planned", as often times, those are the BEST times. Just remember to not only do something good for someone else around you, but do something nice for yourself....after all, you deserve it!

Joyfully yours,
Julie