Chore Chart Blessings

I bought this blue chart over 5 years ago with this grand idea to make it into a chore chart.  It's actually a calendar chart that I did use with baby school when Mikey was little.  I'd pull it out to make my chore chart over the years but it was going to be a lot of work so I would just put it back.  Well during the holidays and after, with our family having no schedule, the house became an absolute wreck, homework wasn't getting done, instruments not practiced and no one was being responsible and Neil and I weren't consistent and things were going down hill.  I just couldn't take it anymore.  Neil and I talked and I told him I've had this idea for years but it was a lot of work to put together and it seemed overwhelming to me and I just had not done it.  We decided we'd try it if I ever got it made.  Days went by and this idea kept nagging at me.  I needed to do it.  On Mondays, we have a family council before FHE and it's where we'll usually present any family business so I knew I needed to get it done by Monday afternoon.  I was so tired that day but instead of taking a nap with the girls I spent the later half of the afternoon making the chore cards.  One side has the chore and on the back are the instructions and expectations for that job.  Everything has to be completed to be passed off. There would no longer be an excuse for mediocre work because they now knew what was expected.  Once everything is completed, Neil or I check them off and then they are able to have their reward:  play with friends, screen time, etc.  The kids liked the idea and were happy to give it a go.

We've been using it for 3 1/2 months and it is still working pretty good.  It's been a huge blessing but the greatest probably for Conner.  A few weeks after starting the chart we were sitting around talking and for some reason we asked the kids how has the Lord answered their prayers lately or how do they know God is aware of them.  Conner had really been struggling with homework.  He would be up late, not able to focus or forgetting to do things.  He never practiced piano and had not advanced all year because of it.  I just felt like I was throwing money down the drain.  He took on violin as well and so needed to practice it as well.  Well Conner had fasted for help getting his homework done and being able to manage his time wisely.  The next day after he fasted, I presented the chore chart and he has ever since been motivated to get to work and get everything done.  He often will practice his instruments in the morning before school.  He said the chore chart was an answer to his prayers.  I can't tell you how happy I was when I heard this; that I did not ignore that prompting to make this chart.  Little did I know that I would be an answer to my son's prayer.  I love the Lord.  I love that he is patient with us.  Several testimonies have been strengthened over this chore chart.