Motivation

Yesterday I made new sticker and reward charts for the kids. I printed some Halloween design ones for obedience and doing chores and I also printed one for showing love and kindness. They were so happy to see their charts and really liked the designs. When I woke up this morning, Ethan walked into my room with a huge grin in his face and a sparkle in his eyes. His hair was all wet and neatly combed and he was already changed and ready for school. He said, “good morning mom! Guess what? I got all ready for school, I made my bed, cleaned up my room, washed my face, combed my hair, set the table, put breakfast out, and even made a decoration for the center of the table and I even got the vitamins out for dad to give them out! Do I get a sticker for doing all that without being asked?
Needles to say, I was dumbfounded! Dave and I just looked at each other surprised and not really knowing what to say.
Of course he got his stickers, I gave him three for showing great initiative. When I went down stairs everything was just as he had said. It was awesome and so helpful because I was not rushed to get everything ready. His dad reminded him he still needed his socks and shoes on so he quickly put them on and then ran out to get the paper for us.
Wow! Was this for real? What a little motivation can do for a child! But that is not all.
Later in the day I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Gavin unloaded all the bags by himself, he could hardly walk when bringing into the house the gallons of milk. He asked for help and then continued unloading the car. He too got a sticker for being so helpful without being asked.
I took the kids to the library for a signing class for Kailey and we then went to the book area so the kids could pick some books and movies to take home. Heidi told me that since Ethan was not there to pick his own she had picked a book and a movie so he would not be sad. She too got a sticker later on in the day for her kindness towards Ethan.
When I asked Heidi and Gavin to do their chores they quickly did them. So they received a lot of praise.
Although there were a couple of quarrels amongst them I can say it was a great day at our house. On days like this I realize that heaven on earth is definitely possible....within our homes.