If  you remember the early travails of our school year (they're fresh on MY mind.....not yours?), we had some difficulty getting past some particular sibling dissension.  But we're persevering (what else to do?), and have had some rewarding days to keep me from throwing in the towel and letting Calgon take me away...............to the funny farm.

We're marching through the book of Matthew slowly, just reading a few verses a day and discussing how we might apply them to our lives.  When we got to the 6th chapter, we discussed giving to the poor and needy and not making a big "show" of it.  I told some examples of how Mr. Sockmonkey and I have done this anonymously for people from time to time, and how much fun it was. 

Now the application:  We decided to find ways between the 3 of us to secretly 'bless' the others in some way.  Gameboy and Barngirl were INTO IT! 

So later while I was working with Barngirl on her math in the living room, Gameboy was in the kitchen doing his math.  I got Barngirl started on a problem and ran into Gameboy's room and made his bed.  Back in 3 minutes; mission accomplished. 

A while later I was walking through my room and saw that MY bed was made (not particularly well, but my bed is hard to make, I admit).  Brought such a smile to my face!

Still later when we were getting ready to watch our IEW dvd, Barngirl said our portable dvd player (the only one we have) was up on her loft bed.  She asked Gameboy to get it; he balked.  Then he said she should get it because she had it last.  She was unmoved.

Then my lightbulb moment:  I got up and RAN to her room so that I could get it.  Not exactly a "secret" blessing, but still. 

Later that evening we discussed our little game with Mr. Sockmonkey and the kids wanted to "reveal" what they had done.  Gameboy admitted to making my bed, and at the moment I can't remember what he did for Barngirl.  But Barngirl revealed that she had  "fixed" the job Gameboy did on my bed!  LOL!  She also put some of Gameboy's toys away for him.

Less bickering that day....I think this is a good lesson to carry on.  They still need practice blessing EACH OTHER.  Stay tuned....