Cold days

It has been so cold recently. We've been doing a lot of reading and visiting friends and games inside. The boys are playing memory in the picture. Thankfully, the library is not busy when it is cold and we are keeping the library basket well stocked. 

We did venture out to SAMs club to restock the ESL snacks. It is wonderful to have little helpers. They are getting quite good at unloading and putting away the  groceries. 

The boys seem to take joy in helping out and being given tasks to accomplish. Martin has started picking up his toys and vacuuming the living room several times a week. He takes after his Dad and not his Mom. The older two collect the trash, put away the silverware and lower cupboard dishes, and help sort clothes. They love to bake and cook with me. Measuring stuff and counting items is such an easy way to encorporate math into every day living. Even the baby likes to carry in grocery bags (the light ones, like chips and bread that sometimes get smashed, but it is worth it) and help pull clothes out of the dryer. 

They are a fun bunch. I am so thankful for them. And as long as they show interest in helping out I am going to foster that. 

But as an aside, if you have any resources for working with a child who stares right through you when you talk, I am looking for a good book or two with ideas to help him listen and also to encourage him to be inquisitive. Middle children are a bit of a mystery to me. So all parenting book ideas welcomed or tips. :)