Friday Things #556

1. Last weekend, we took a trip to a local model train museum that we always try to visit over the holidays, but hadn’t gotten there over break. They hand out a booklet with a scavenger hunt to look for different details throughout and the kids had so much fun trying to find everything.
2. We finished the puzzle that Joseph got me for Christmas! It was so pretty 😍

3. Isabelle has been begging to do jobs around the house, especially washing dishes. A couple of weeks ago, I taught her the basics, she grabbed a step stool and got right to it, and asks to do them every time she seems some in the sink. One night this week, Dominic came in while she was washing and asked to do some, then Joseph wanted to finish up the last one. There is an account I follow on Instagram (@_thefamilytable) and she often shares stories and reels about how to let kids help when they ask because that’s how we actually raise helpers and gosh, it struck me as so true, and me realize that I don’t always do a great job of allowing it at the time; I’m working on recognizing it and letting them in to help and try to do new things when they’re eager.

4. Dominic made his First Reconciliation this week! He was so excited to “dress fancy” 😍

5. I have LOVED our January weather so far! It’s made me feel like a kid again… when it would snow a bit, but always be cold enough that it didn’t melt, then it would snow a little more, stay cold, snow a little more, etc. It’s been exactly like that the last couple of weeks; it’s beautiful to look out and see snow sitting on tree branches, I’m loving this season!
6. Joseph’s birthday is on Sunday, which means he gets to celebrate with his classmates today :) He requested my all-time favorite chewy chocolate chip cookies (Dominic asked to take the same ones to school on HIS birthday back in October – a favorite around here!).
7. Love these little nuggets >> How to Actually Create Meaningful Life Changes This Year
8. The national championship game is Monday night! Who are you rooting for? We’re all in on Notre Dame here!
9. What are you watching? We are caught up on Landman and finished White Lies!
10. TGIF! Judith has officially commandeered the mermaid blanket that Isabelle got for Christmas 🩷
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Hi Michelle
I have been a huge fan for a very long time. I look forward to “Friday Things.” Thank you for all your insights, recipes, and family story sharing.
O-H- ;-)!
I love reading everything about your family and trying some of your recipes! Thank you!
How lucky that your kid’s school still allows birthday treats!
Good for you for nurturing the help, I wish I had found/developed that trait more when my boys were younger.
Love your Friday Things!
An Islander shirt? Makes my Ling Island heart happy!
Ha! He’s a Penguins fan, but is also a big fan of a number of individual players, Mathew Barzal being one of them :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH!!! Your kids are getting so big. I remember when each of them was born. How old is he – 8?
We got about a foot of snow almost two weeks ago & it’s still on the ground. The schools were out 4 days last week due to the cold. Brrrrr!
Thanks Martha! He’s 9, about to turn 10!! Can’t believe it!
Your comment on snow made me laugh. I live in St. Louis and just remarked to a colleague how irritated I am that you look outside, and it’s still white outside. I’d live up North or in Colorado if I wanted that topography in the Winter time : ) (It’s been on the ground for almost two weeks now, which is unheard of here!)
Michelle ~
I enjoy reading “Friday Things” and getting updates on recipes, activities, and your beautiful family! The puzzle is amazing! So sweet to hear that your children are enjoying helping out – sweet picture of Isabelle! Congratulations to Dominic on his First Reconciliation! So happy to see him looking well. Enjoy this beautiful weather but stay warm! And…..Go Irish!!
So cute how Judith loves Isabelle’s new blanket! It’s sweet seeing her snuggling into it like that. I got a big plush blanket for Christmas too and my big Maine Coon kitty Gizmo adores it – hopped right up and cuddled into it and began purring and “making biscuits” (as we cat lovers say) right away! Congrats on Dominic’s First Reconciliation – he looks so very proud! Special day.
You’re a great Mom Michelle! Your children are delightful!💎
Michelle,
Thank you so much for sharing all your fabulous recipes and pictures of your Beautiful Family! It’s been so much fun to watch your children grow! I check in weekly to check on your son’s progress! He’s doing so great and enjoying life again.
I am a dedicated follower and appreciate all that you do!
Your photos are just fabulous!!! Are you a professional photographer, also?
What a wonderful start to the year! Congratulations to Dominic. I love that the children offer to help- that is a big step and nice you accepted the help- doing dishes is always “fun” as a child! Plus they get to spend time with Mom! 😉
Happy Weekend!
I always love seeing these posts in my mailbox on Friday. Your kids are absolutely adorable, you are raising them well!! Dominic looks so proud in his new outfit and Isabel washing dishes is absolutely precious. Have a great weekend.
Happy Friday Michelle! The kiddo’s look so cute! I love that they all want to help out with dishes! I have given my 2 grandchildren allowance for several years, I always have them go over some of the things they did that week to earn their allowance. Sometimes they make a list to show me! Of course we teach them they don’t have to be paid for everything they do, some things should be done out of the goodness of their heart, so I think it rounds things out nicely that way.
Joseph gave you a beautiful puzzle!
I really have been liking this weather too, we have snow on the ground and just had more snow flurries last night.
Enjoy your long weekend!
Lucy