Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
There are many items we’d like to update/change in our new house. The to-do list is growing longer and longer. Many projects are minor, but some are larger projects that we’ve never tackled before.

The first project I’m working on is removing wallpaper. Thankfully, my mother-in-law was nice enough to show me the proper steps of removal while she was visiting last week. I really appreciated her help. The process, though tedious, turned out to be easier than I expected.

Jack and Tate are big helpers when they want to be. They seemed interested in the project. I asked if they would like to help me finish a section of a wall and, sure enough, they were up to the task. Cleaning the paste off the wall is the hardest part. The boys had fun soaking the walls with a solution so I could remove the wallpaper paste. It was a messy job, but boys love a mess. They thought it was hilarious to spray the walls.

Jack and Tate’s helping hands lasted longer than I expected. I think they loved doing something they normally wouldn’t dare do. Getting the boys involved is a win-win situation. They’re helping me save time, and learning something new. I also didn’t hear the words “I’m bored” for several hours in a row. I’m making a mental note of including the boys help in other home projects, especially if it’s a messy one.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Being a military wife can be tough, but I do love the support offered by our squadron spouses club.  The spouses lean on each other and help each other out whenever possible.  I do my absolute best to lend a hand because I know how much support I’ve received over the years.

I recently became a spouse club board member.  I accepted the hospitality position and am excited to help out my fellow spouses.  One of my duties includes organizing and scheduling meals for new moms.  Most of my fellow spouses live thousands of miles from their extended family.  Any help we can provide for each other really makes a difference.  I know because my husband and I received countless meals after each of our children were born.

This week, I made a meal for a family that just moved here with a new baby.  I wanted to involve Jack and Tate in the preparation. They both helped me cook a pot of white chicken chili along with some sides.  I emphasized to them how much I appreciated the extra effort and help we received when they were born. A simple gesture helping a friend can go a long way, which is something I want the boys to remember forever.  Jack and Tate were happy to deliver the meal with me and enjoyed meeting the baby’s big brother.

I was happy to get to hold an infant and help out a family like ours. My boys are learning the value of volunteering and community. I am learning new recipes. It’s a win-win for everybody.