I was looking for a little motivation getting the kids to help out around the homestead. I wanted something a little more lasting and fulfilling that a chore chart. This is where my idea was born. Certification. Besides it being fun to hear the three year old say, it's worked.
Sometimes I found myself asking the kids to do something they really had no idea how to. Hence, the certifying. I take time to explain and demonstrate how I expect a certain task to be performed. After proving their proficiency and willingness to perform the task, they are deemed 'certified' and earn a certificate.
{To help them understand a little more about certification, I showed them my CPR certificate and talked about what I had to do to earn it. Additionally, I explained that since I'm certified I have promised to help others if or when then need my assistance. If I fail to help others, I could lose my certificate. . . in a nutshell}At first I wanted to design some cute printable certificates, because everything better when it's cute, right? But after realizing the diversity and scope of certification, we opted on hand drawn ones. I cut cardstock to fit in the pockets of a baseball card page. My five year old couldn't be happier drawing and writing his own certificate.
They can certify in anything. Trust me, they'll get creative:
teeth brushing
peacemaking
saran wrapping
hypothesis making
Chances are they'll even start making up chores. I like that the certification program is 100% customizable to meet the needs of your individual family.
I hope you're still with me because here's the best part: they're actually building their resume. That's right a resume, you're never too young to have one. What kid doesn't like to feel qualified, contributing, and successful? You can have fun with raises, promotions, and perks too.
Now instead of rows filled with shiny gold stars, they've got a visible reminder of their capabilities right at their fingertips. A record of their responsibility, not to mention bragging rights at show and tell for sure. Sure, it doesn't make kids perfect but it makes chores funner.
I resisted the urge to paint it pink or red and went with the standard blue. 
I added a handle and a lock to up the interactive appeal. It sure has worked. The kids love unlocking the box to see the day's deposits and distribute the mail. 
Of course, the whole system wasn't complete until I made these individual "mailboxes." There have been all sorts of love letters flying around now thanks to our "free shipping" policy.
We livened things up by making a golf course inside. (Got my idea from Family Fun, the only magazine I ever read cover to cover.) It' s super easy, I whipped out my circle cutter and made a hole in some paper plates and flags from pipe cleaners. We had a nine hole course, but the kids are equally entertained with a few. 
We added some obstacles like the block and the box with the archway.
Here's the pro showing his sister how it's done. Oh, and before we acquired the putters we had fun with wooden spoons and other kitchen utensils.
We were especially lucky to watch a birth. There's just something about the miracle of birth that demands reverence. Hudson could recognize how special it was, Dalanie on the other hand just saw it at face value- gross.
There is just something about maternal instincts and motherhood that deserve respect in the animal kingdom and human race. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk with the kids about our Heavenly Father and his creations. I remember being pregnant with my first child during calving season some six years ago. Anticipating his upcoming birth, I was sensitive to the struggles of those "first time calvers." Now I'm more seasoned, but the miracle of it all leaves me in awe and humbled.
First blue skies in quite awhile.
Ruby entertained from atop the counter. What a ham.
Dalanie's favorite part of the day was eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate by the fire.
Hudson suffered his first sledding injury, a bloody nose.
They love and adore each other . . . most of the time.
A beautiful place to live and raise a family. Where there is plenty of room to roam, teach values, and grow dreams.
Yes! There is so much for me to see.
My dad and nephews were recipients of some fun face plates. I followed this tutorial and they worked up pretty fast. My dad received a set of four Papa Plates so the grandkids can use them when they visit.
In other news, our Christmas cactus bloomed this year. We were given a start as a little neighbor gift two years ago. It goes on my list as "best gift" for sure. 
I'm still having a hard time convincing myself that it's time to take down my Christmas card display. It's got to be one of my favorite "decorations."
We spent the remainder of the holiday week up in Island Park with Brent's side of the family. Fifteen new inches of snow fell the day we got there. With the snow and it being dark, getting to the cabin was a little interesting but we finally made it. Once we were there, there was plenty of time for having fun.
Here are a few things we learned along the way:
Our magic camera caught Santa putting presents under the tree. Most of our wishes came true.
I spent rest of the morning sewing up doll clothes for her naked baby. Her new eyeshadow helped camouflage the black eye she got earlier in the week from falling out of a shopping cart.
Hudson was excited for everyone and very happy and content with his remote control helicopter and Legos.
Ruby couldn't have asked for a better Christmas. She had her bottle and the rocking chair all to herself.
Our house is full of believers. There is something magical about kid's wishes and and dreams of Christmas. Little ones' faith conveyed with wide-eyed excitement as they share their secret desires with Santa. The hushed reverence when they stop to get you to listen for the tinkling of a bell. Their reasoning behind a haphazardly place elf and blinking red light in the sky. Oh, kids make Christmas fun!
