I have eight posts that I have started and have saved in drafts so I didn’t forget to write about them. My memory hasn’t been so good lately due to some medical reasons, which I’m working on. So I decided even if some of them are old I want to finish them, something about accomplishing something you’ve set out to do and the way it makes you feel.

FIRST OF EIGHT:
So in January the topic at Joy School was Goals and goal setting. Chris decided on his own that he wanted to learn my phone number (I gave him several ideas). He has been working on it very hard and is getting it. A little slower than he was suppose to, his goal is suppose to be done, but he’s still working on it and I give him props for that. After all he did pick something challenging and I’m proud of him for that.

Well from this experience we have started Charts for both boys and they are loving it!!..

We started back in November with Chris and having a “good boy” chart. He picked that he wanted to go to Chucke Cheese’s. So he had to get 50 stickers on his chart in order to get his trip and he got to invite 1 friend to go with him, he choose immediately that it would be Jimmy, what great brothers they are!! He couldn’t have any whining or fits, be good at school and primary, and take rest time with out issues. Those were the main criteria that he had to follow to get his stickers. I’m so amazed at how well it worked and seems that it is still having real positive affects for all of us. I’m happy to say he filled his chart!!! On January 24th (a few weeks latter) we made our trip to Chucke Cheese. We had a blast, played and made it all about Chris and his day!!.. we all thanked him for being so good so that we could have a fun day together. He’s like a totally different kid right now.

**ops a totally 80's moment...lol I'm leaving it just for that reason... lol

(you should see how many times I read, re-read, and edit my posts to get them to what I think is right)

Before our trip, but after he had finished his chart, he and I had a really bad breakfast experience. He is a VERY messy eater, and after our fourth clean up in one meal I had had enough!! So I found on one of my sites that I have referred too in the past, a chart maker!!! YEAH FOR THE INTERNET!!! (of course the family friendly kind) His reward was to be able to go get an ice cream with me, just the two of us. He did it!! We went out for our ice cream, and there wasn't even a mess!!! Yeah!!! Meals are SO much better, even enjoyable!!

Well we started something because Jimmy then wanted a chart so he did a reading chart, he’s still working on his. Here are the chart subjects we are now all working on, and they wanted more, I had to draw the line though. They are doing so good at them and so excited to put their stickers up, that they got to pick out themselves.

POSITIVE reinforcement the ONLY way to go!!... ok the best…I’m NOT perfect in anyway!!

1. Jimmy: Reading Chart (still) Chris: Learning Chart 10 min intervals (abc’s, numbers, and phone number)

2. Brushing Teeth for both of them; 3 opportunities a day for 3 weeks. 20 days to establish a habit!! :)
*Reward for these they can pick; go to the Chocolate Store (Sees or something of the sort) and pick out any treat they want, go out for ice cream, or go to the store and pick out a toy (not the dollar store).

3. Chores for both of them: Making their bed, Dirty clothes put away, and Putting all the toys away before bedtime.
*They get an allowance for getting stickers on this one, but they can’t miss more than 5 stickers each week. They can get anything from $0-$2.00 for the week depending on how many they get.

They are SO EXCITED!!! It’s so great to see them working for their stickers. They get something done and then come running to me to let me know and/or inspect (even their teeth).

They make me smile EVERYDAY!!

Any of you that know me, know that I love to cook. I didn’t have time to cook for a long time when I was working so much, but I’ve finally convinced my family (ESPECIALLY CHAD) that I need and want to try new recipes. So I called my friend Jenny to ask her about her "Café’ Rio" style Pork recipe. So many of you have been talking about going and eating there lately. I crave Bajio’s *basically the same type of restaurant but I prefer it- the corn and onions have me*. Since the budget can’t support a trip right now I decided that I wanted to make some of my own. Jenny shared her recipe with me.

Oh my goodness!! It was AMAZING!! I shared dinner with a friend and her family and everyone was VERY pleased with the meal :). I must say that I couldn’t tell the difference between the restaurants salad and mine. I did it as a salad (my favorite) instead of the burrito style. I also took the advise and got the uncooked tortillas from Costco. This was my first time using them (didn’t even know they had them) and I have to say WAY GOOD!!... I don’t know if I can use store “pre-cooked” ones again.
YUM-O as Rachael would say :) My mouth and tummy was in HEAVEN ALL night!!

A new MUST on our MENU!!

p.s. I just found another recipe that is a little different... it looks good I'll have to try it and see how it is.

**not that yours wasn't AMAZING Jenny, I just want to try the rice I think that your pork is much better**