Partay of 6

2011-A Learning Experience!

In January we learned...

...Snow comes only 1 a year.

 ...we have love to keep us warm!

...child proofing is imperative.

...Alyssa shines up
like a new penny!

In February we learned...

...Dental Hygiene should not take priority
 over hair maintenance.

...Double is Trouble!

In March we learned...

...All girls are princesses.
 (Even 2 year olds nuggets.)

..."No shoes, no shirt,
but we still get service!"
(I work out.)

...Baby Fiona Violet Marshall
 is a BLESSING to us all.

In April we learned...

...Families can be
together forever!

...Christian should go to Vegas.
(Christian-Double Digits)

In May we learned... 

...Forks are optional! (Tyler-6yrs)

...Dad's hate pictures. 

In June we learned...

...Mom can't read too good.

In July we learned...

...Dads still hate pictures,
but love goosies.

...Middle schoolers can be beaten into submission!

In August we learned...

...Universal is WAY more fun than Disney.

...you can rise above anything with Boppa!

...School rules!

 In September we learned...

...The Todd girls know how to partay!
(Zumba style...)

In October we learned... 

...In a battle-brides will lose to Zumba zombies.

...Joker will succumb to Batpower.

...Mrs. Incredible and Catwoman
will be destroyed by Phoenix.

...And tough love conquers ALL!

In November we learned...

...to fear the day she turns 16.
(Alyssa-9yrs)

...To be grateful when the family
photo shoot is over.

 In December we learned...

...You're a Mean one Mrs. Grinch.

...Jackie Chan has a crime fighting
cousin, Charlie.

...Anyone can change! (Seriously.)

...It's not about the size of the present,
but the size of your HEART.

2012: Startin' off with a BANG!  



New Year, New Resolutions, New Life Lessons...

My parents troubled relationship
(with diapers)
is OVER...I am TRAINED people!

January 2012

In 2010 we started the "White Board Challenge".  Every month, we picked a theme/quote/personal goal (Nov-Gratitude, etc.).  Over dinner, we discuss progress.  We have done it every month for over a year and it has revolutionized our family!  I have quit gambling, Reagan has shut down her Meth lab, and Tyler has been sober for 25 months.

January's board: Start the New Year off with a BANG!
We have lit a firecracker for every day we complete our goals and in a few days we will go to Dave and Busters as a reward for diligence! (Sorry neighbors). (Sorry neighbor's dogs).  

Clint: RESOLUTION-WEEKDAY WORKOUTS AND PRAY MORE.
He hasn't skipped a beat all month.  What an example!  Though family fun was in large supply, he found the quiet of January to be just what the doctor ordered...along with playing with his remote control helicopter, XBOX, and Nerf Rifle.  You know what they say about boys and toys. (Needless to say, Mom cannot compete with the fun master).

Wendy: RESOLUTION-PRAY MORE, BUDGET WEEKLY. 
I am a solid 90%. Baby steps.  I am so glad to start a new year.  Budgeting is hard, spending is easy.  But I am finding more peace and contentment through sacrifice- funny how that works.

Christian: SERVE TYLER 1 A DAY.
Christian is at 95%. Christian is amazing...at school, making friends, chores, hugs, art, and teasing Tyler.  The teasing was negatively affecting their relationship.  Christian has given tons of hugs, playtime hours, chore swapping, and sleepover time to Tyler.  It has been VERY encouraging to see what a little service can do for a relationship. 

Alyssa: PRAY IN THE MORNINGS.
Alyssa is at 95%.  Alyssa is sweet and kind and angelic.  However, I finding that in January she is more grateful and helps without asking a good deal more.  Oh the power of prayer.

Tyler: DO WHAT JESUS WOULD DO.  
Tyler is at 90%.  He will give hugs, help his teacher, do secret service, ask for more chores.  Yesterday he vacummed the downstairs for the first time and decided he wants to do all the vacumming from now on.  (Fine!...if you must.) 

P.S. Tyler also asked yesterday if the Missionaries are homeless.  

Reagan: SOFFFFFFT.

Reagan is at 85%. Which is minimum compliance to acheive Dave & Busters.  Reagan also went through potty training boot camp a few weeks ago.  As a family, we fasted and prayed that she would be humble and teachable.  As soon as we finished our prayer she said, "I need to go potty".  In 3 days, she was trained through the night and in 1 week she was fully trained.  Miracles come in all packages.

P.S.- Now we need to train her not to say "DADDY I WENT POO POO!"

...at church.

Well that's all from the So-Sos! 

And if the voices in your head tell you that "YOU CAN'T"- Don't give in. Just remember all that you have overcome and keep trying.