Chores, Movies, Snuggles, Trains and Target Practice

With freezing rain falling all day, turning our driveway and grass into a very slippery mess, we stayed indoors all day, except to take the trash can to the curb, and to pick up the mail. Coop thought it meant we could go ice skating. Ha!

Being indoors all day is rare for us. Even yesterday when the wind chill made it feel like low 30s, we were at the park for two hours, and even had a picnic. We were frozen, but enjoyed being out. So today was a bit of a challenge for me with no outside time to entertain Coop and vent some of his energy.

This morning Cooper was upset that Nate had to work, so Nate sat him down and explained responsibilities and how we all have things we have to do, but may not like to do. This also coincided with the moment Coop was whining about having to brush his teeth. Having overheard this little lesson, I explained to Cooper each of our responsibilities as family members: Daddy works to provide for us; Mommy takes care of the children, the house, and the meals, and then I asked Cooper what he thought his responsibilites in our family might be. He thought about it, and said, "Pick up my clothes and my toys, and help Mommy with the house." You better believe I jumped on that opportunity, since today was a heavy cleaning day for me. Coop worked right alongside me all morning, helping me sort laundry and put it in the wash, dust the upstairs furniture, clean both upstairs bathrooms, make beds, and vacuum the rugs downstairs. He had his own cleaning rags, and did pretty well for a 3 year old, I'd say. Every time I vacuum now, I have to let him have a turn first, or a tantrum is guaranteed. He's quite the little helper.

After all those chores it was time for lunch. Then he wanted to snuggle, so we headed upstairs to snuggle with blankets on the couch and finished watching "Mary Poppins." He loves the penguin part, and asked to watch that segment and the carousel horses three times.

After that we made chocolate chip cookies, and he helped me do everything except put them in the oven. After such a domestic day, it was time for some BOY stuff, so we played trains for awhile, then trucks, and then my favorite...target practice with the dart gun and books! I LOVE this activity and find it's a big stress reliever for me, and Coop loves it too. We line up all the paperback books, and see who can shoot down the most. So much fun! Ended up being a great day despite the yucky weather.