We put each of our names on a little slip of paper and every night we'd each pick one. That was our person to serve the next day. Some nice pictures were drawn. Kind notes, emails and letters were given. Big kids played nicely with little kids. Beds were made. By evening the kids couldn't keep the secret and the "who did my laundry?" would be answered by "me!". Then we'd pick new names and get excited about the next day. The kids were so taken with the whole process that I didn't have to nag them to do anything. They remembered their person, picked a service and did it - all without being reminded. And in a kismet kind of way, it often happened that a certain person would keep picking a certain other person. It was only time there was anything like a complaint (a quiet "ah, not again") to which I'd respond "I guess that must mean something". Focusing on doing nice things for each other every day really did change the feel of the house for that week. In fact, it was so good, that I tried to keep it going for a second week. **Note to self** quit while you're ahead and don't try to replicate the perfect week. I couldn't keep the momentum going. Everyone (including me) had a hard time even remembering to pick new names and several days were missed. And when we did manage to pick names, doing service was hit and miss. Maybe it was because the novelty wore off. Maybe it was because some people were focused on the upcoming birthday (and party). Maybe it was because we just had more things going on this week. Maybe it was because my normal borrowed baby schedule was OFF this week. Who knows... hopefully a few months down the road we can try it again... for just a week.
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