Instagram Roundup

A recap of everything happening over on the @kristenhowerton Instagram page this week….

#TBT to when this one didn’t yet live with us and a new photo from the orphanage felt like Christmas day. ?: @bethmchoul

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 8, 2016 at 1:44pm PST

At what point do I need to make the neighbor kids sign a waiver before they come over?

A video posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 7, 2016 at 4:13pm PST

A video posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 7, 2016 at 11:59am PST

New album cover.

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 7, 2016 at 10:11am PST

I know you’ve all been waiting with baited breath to see which pool tile I chose. I went with the darker blue 2×1 and I love it. (Seriously, though, thanks for all the feedback. You swayed me in the right direction.)

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 6, 2016 at 8:17am PST

Trying to find the best YouTube djeme lessons. First one was too hard. Second one was too easy.

A video posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 5, 2016 at 6:38pm PST

I posted an essay prompt a few days ago, that we used for one of our kids who broke a rule. Here is one that will be waiting for a certain kid when s/he comes home from school, because I found a personal video game device hidden in their bed. (A big no-no in our house.) A lot of you had questions about these writing prompts. I really just make them up as I go. I usually type them up on my phone in notes and then print it and hand it over. I know some English teachers are cringing at using writing as a consequence, and believe me -a a former professor and a writer, I want my kids to love writing. These prompts are always presented as a way OUT of a consequence. For example, “you can be grounded or you can earn your way out with an essay.” The writing is ALWAYS more effective than being grounded and the kids ALWAYS pick to write, so it works for us. And their answers are usually pretty amazing. I think it’s a great way to get kids thinking critically about their own behavior. #meanmom

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 5, 2016 at 3:23pm PST

Sure do love singing with this crazy little band family. #beerandhymnsoc

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 5, 2016 at 9:04am PST

We got drink tickets and carols and we’re ready to do this. #beerandcarols @joyoladokun

A video posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 4, 2016 at 5:47pm PST

Blue, blue Christmas

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 4, 2016 at 11:23am PST

With my older kids I’ve found that few consequences work better than making them write essays. Today’s morning essay for one kid who got in trouble last night . . . #meanmom #willnotraiseassholes

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 4, 2016 at 9:21am PST

Good times in LA at Beer and Carols. See you all tonight at @wayfarercm! Photo credit @revsarahheath

A photo posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 4, 2016 at 9:16am PST

My daughter and I are taking a puberty class with Birds and Bees Connection this morning. Such a great way to download all the information girls need to walk into adolescents with confidence. If you are local to Orange County I can’t recommend them enough. They have classes for all ages and genders, including a series on sex.

A video posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 3, 2016 at 12:35pm PST

When you challenge @trippfuller to do Deck The Halls in the style of Green Day and he nails it. #beerandcarols

A video posted by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Dec 3, 2016 at 8:26am PST