On the road to independence...

SO...I have this boy named Evan. He is 4 years old...almost 5. He is the sweetest thing that walks this living Earth. He is SO very easy to have at home. All he needs is his imagination, and the kid is stoked. He could stay in his pajamas all day, with one sock on, half of what he has eaten all over his face and shirt, and not even notice. He is very low maintenence...to say the least. BUT...I have learned something about Evan that is worlds apart from Raegan. He is completely dependant on me for everything! Dressing him is like dressing an infant...minus strapping on the diaper. Literally. I cant figure out whether its just a 'boy' thing, or his thing, but my goodness! I recognized one day that I am doing him a great disfavor. He needs to be independent...and I guess I have to teach him. NEVER, I mean NEVER, did I ever have to think about it when this particular issue came to Rae. The girl seriously has been wanting to do e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g on her own since she turned 2. To the point of frustration on my end every now and then:) Oh, how I took advantage!

Anyhow, I came across this show called Supernanny that has changed my life:) She has so many great methods and tricks, that after watching a few episodes, I modified a few of her methods and came up with the 'Evan Method'. A chart of some tasks he needs to master, some stickers, a lot of enthusiasm, instant rewards (stickers) as well as long term rewards (see below). He was flying through the tasks, like he knew how to do them all along. All he needed was me on board. I am now! After getting a certain amount of stickers, he got a BIG reward...

And this was his reward:

After he earned 10 stickers, he got to choose between cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. He chose to help me with a cake. We frosted it and all, and this kid was in complete HEAVEN! It was beautiful. We made it right then and there just so he knew his reward was REAL:) It worked.

I wish I knew a long time ago that all you need is a piece of paper and some stickers to get a kid to do something! I was doubtful, but Evan soaked it up and LOVED it. He kept up the progress and earned 20 stickers. He got to pick out a toy from our "$1.00 family store box". He picked out a little spiderman water bottle for his upcoming soccer season. Then...we started clean again. New chart, new stickers, same ol' trick:) I LOVE IT!

My valentine

Evan surprised us all when he wanted and succeeded in doing his OWN valentines. As in writing each one all on his own! I was all for it. Less work for me:) We thought he only knew how to write his own name! I watched as he concentrated so hard on each card, then crossed the name off and moved on very proudly to the next name. I loved watched those little hands work. So priceless.

One last insignificant note...

Since Shawns post on Kaya was so unbelievable and so heartfelt...I cant even think of anything better to write when it comes to Kaya. All I can say at this point is everytime I look at our blog I get a little pit in my stomach when I see those pictures. That truly was one of the saddest days ever! She was an amazing companion, friend, and protector. Im happy that we can now talk about her without sobbing and remember all of our awesome adventures with her. I love you Kaya. Thank you for making me feel unconditionally loved... and constantly protected. May you do the same work in Heaven:)