We have three children who share the same birthday month, which happens to be this month (October). Two are sons and one is our only daughter. When they were younger and we lived in North Carolina still, we would rent the local rollerskating rink and have a huge party. The nice thing about that was we could invite a lot of people without it costing a lot of money - beyond renting the rink, getting the cake and things.
Now they are older (my youngest just turned 12) and we live about 12 hours away from our immediate family. So we have to try different things. This year we will be attending church this morning as we always do. Then we will be having friends over for dinner. To me there is nothing like spending a Sunday afternoon with family and/or friends.
I really enjoy cooking, so this gives me a chance to do this for more than just my own immediate family. Today we are having Bar-b-Que Pork that I am fixing in my Ninja cooking system (I love this machine). Plus we are going to have ribs cooked on the grill. We will have a salad, vegetables and some type of potatoes. Actually I think I am going to have my oldest son and his father make their special oven baked bacon cheesy potatoes. This is their new creation and it is fantastic!
So what are you doing special today? What are you having for dinner? I look forward to reading what you share!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Pens, Pens and More Pens - I love office supplies Part 2
So as I shared yesterday, I love Planners. I love everything to do with keeping my family's schedule. I recently learned about the world of decorating planner pages. And the possibilities are endless. But today, I want to concentrate on one of the most important parts of a planner - what to use to write in it.
You study stores with great enthusiasm either online or in person. You study every planner you see (be it one that belongs to a friend or a stranger). Then you find the perfect one and you buy it. You get it home or to your office/place of employment and you open it up. You are ready to input your life into this wonderful purchase. But what to use? You must use the right pen or you will wind up with bleed mark through the pages or smears, or other tragedies from using the wrong writing tool.
Just like I love planners, I also LOVE pens! I am a pen collector. When I get a good one, I tend to become very possessive. The one person who may get me to part with a favorite one is either my mom or my husband. Although I typically keep mine and just buy them one of their own. So right now I have some really favorite ones (some are thanks to some wonderful people I have never met other than online). But their recommendations have been fantastic.
1) Many years ago, I ran across Pilot Frixion pens and highlighters. I sort of walked away from them because the original ones seemed to leave something to be desired. However, after reading so many people talking about how wonderful these pens are, I decided to buy some and try them for myself. So far I have to say I love them. One of the things I love the most is that they are erasable, which gains high praise from me. After all who wants a bunch of scribbles or white out in their planner.
2) Pilot Precise grip pens are another one of my favorites. They write smoothly. the colors are vibrant. All in all I have to give them high marks.
3) Pilot G2 pens are another one I really like. These pens have bright colors and a lot of choices. They are ones I have used for a number of years.
4) Papermate Inkjoy pens are one of my newer favorites. These pens write really well, don't bleed and just look good.
5) One of my new favorites that I found thanks to some awesome fellow Online Bible Studies ladies are the Foray brand pens from Office Depot. Now I am not sure I ended up with exactly the ones they meant, but I still love them. I got two different sets: one are the rollerball pens (I do have one complaint about these - the red one in the particular set I got has a lid that will not stay on - so that does not really make me too happy. After all who wants a pen that has a cap that randomly shoots off the pen like a projectile). But I have to say I love the color choices and the way they write.
The second set I got are the Advanced Ink ballpoint pens. These are one of my "go-to" pens now. There is an awesome color selection in the set I got. They have a rather fine point so they are perfect for writing things in small places (Like a planner can have at times). The ink seems to be really vibrant.
So these are my five favorite types of pens. What is your favorite type of pen? Also what is your favorite Office/School supply? Share with me!
You study stores with great enthusiasm either online or in person. You study every planner you see (be it one that belongs to a friend or a stranger). Then you find the perfect one and you buy it. You get it home or to your office/place of employment and you open it up. You are ready to input your life into this wonderful purchase. But what to use? You must use the right pen or you will wind up with bleed mark through the pages or smears, or other tragedies from using the wrong writing tool.
Just like I love planners, I also LOVE pens! I am a pen collector. When I get a good one, I tend to become very possessive. The one person who may get me to part with a favorite one is either my mom or my husband. Although I typically keep mine and just buy them one of their own. So right now I have some really favorite ones (some are thanks to some wonderful people I have never met other than online). But their recommendations have been fantastic.
1) Many years ago, I ran across Pilot Frixion pens and highlighters. I sort of walked away from them because the original ones seemed to leave something to be desired. However, after reading so many people talking about how wonderful these pens are, I decided to buy some and try them for myself. So far I have to say I love them. One of the things I love the most is that they are erasable, which gains high praise from me. After all who wants a bunch of scribbles or white out in their planner.
2) Pilot Precise grip pens are another one of my favorites. They write smoothly. the colors are vibrant. All in all I have to give them high marks.
3) Pilot G2 pens are another one I really like. These pens have bright colors and a lot of choices. They are ones I have used for a number of years.
4) Papermate Inkjoy pens are one of my newer favorites. These pens write really well, don't bleed and just look good.
5) One of my new favorites that I found thanks to some awesome fellow Online Bible Studies ladies are the Foray brand pens from Office Depot. Now I am not sure I ended up with exactly the ones they meant, but I still love them. I got two different sets: one are the rollerball pens (I do have one complaint about these - the red one in the particular set I got has a lid that will not stay on - so that does not really make me too happy. After all who wants a pen that has a cap that randomly shoots off the pen like a projectile). But I have to say I love the color choices and the way they write.
The second set I got are the Advanced Ink ballpoint pens. These are one of my "go-to" pens now. There is an awesome color selection in the set I got. They have a rather fine point so they are perfect for writing things in small places (Like a planner can have at times). The ink seems to be really vibrant.
So these are my five favorite types of pens. What is your favorite type of pen? Also what is your favorite Office/School supply? Share with me!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Planners, Planners, Planners oh my!
I admit it. I love planners, stationary, school supplies and all things associated with them. Ever since I began college, I have used some type of planner. Typically I just got a cheap one - either from Wal-Mart, Target, a bookstore or such. Then I was introduced to MomAgenda. While I liked the format and idea of the planner, the hardcover didn't lay flat enough for me or seem to want to stay open.
So I began using Day-runners, Day-timers and Franklin Covey binder types that I got at local stores. These just didn't seem to fit our family needs. After all I am the official "Keeper of the Calendar". As I tell my children - if it is not on my calendar, it will not happen. This way they make sure to tell me every time they want to do something. Plus when they ask, I can easily check to see if there is already something going on.
I am part of an Online Bible Study community by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Before our most recent study began, we got into a discussion about planners. Two different ones were mentioned: The Erin Condren Life Planner and the Plum Paper planner. I had to immediately attempt to find out all I could about these two planners. I joined some Facebook groups to see what I could find out. I also studied their webpages for information.
In my family there are 7 individuals: my husband (with his Army schedule and such), myself (and all my Army and Church commitments), our three sons (ages 18, almost 16 and almost 14) and our daughter who just turned 12. Plus my mother lives in our home. So there is a lot of to keep up with.
so I want a planner that can handle all of that. Plus I want it to help with my "to-do lists", errands we need to complete, and so forth. It needs to have space to write in and places for me to make notes.
As I entered into this process, I assumed that a planner was meant for just that: writing down plans, events, shopping lists and other such things. I never realized it was an artistic and creative outlet.
Planners these days get personalized in all kinds of way. Some use washi tape to add color, texture and dimension to their planners. Stickers add a wonderful touch. Many use scrapbooking ideas to give their planner that just so touch.
Having the correct type of pen is an absolute must. After all no one wants to have their pens bleed through other pages. Also, there is a need for post-it notes, something called a dashboard, and more. There is a whole wonderful world of opportunity to make these planners an amazing creative expression of who someone is; whom or what they love; and what is important to them. It is completely phenomenal to me.
So in the coming weeks, I will be sharing more with you about: which one I decided on; how I am using it, and how I am decorating it. #blogboost
So I began using Day-runners, Day-timers and Franklin Covey binder types that I got at local stores. These just didn't seem to fit our family needs. After all I am the official "Keeper of the Calendar". As I tell my children - if it is not on my calendar, it will not happen. This way they make sure to tell me every time they want to do something. Plus when they ask, I can easily check to see if there is already something going on.
I am part of an Online Bible Study community by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Before our most recent study began, we got into a discussion about planners. Two different ones were mentioned: The Erin Condren Life Planner and the Plum Paper planner. I had to immediately attempt to find out all I could about these two planners. I joined some Facebook groups to see what I could find out. I also studied their webpages for information.
In my family there are 7 individuals: my husband (with his Army schedule and such), myself (and all my Army and Church commitments), our three sons (ages 18, almost 16 and almost 14) and our daughter who just turned 12. Plus my mother lives in our home. So there is a lot of to keep up with.
so I want a planner that can handle all of that. Plus I want it to help with my "to-do lists", errands we need to complete, and so forth. It needs to have space to write in and places for me to make notes.
As I entered into this process, I assumed that a planner was meant for just that: writing down plans, events, shopping lists and other such things. I never realized it was an artistic and creative outlet.
Planners these days get personalized in all kinds of way. Some use washi tape to add color, texture and dimension to their planners. Stickers add a wonderful touch. Many use scrapbooking ideas to give their planner that just so touch.
Having the correct type of pen is an absolute must. After all no one wants to have their pens bleed through other pages. Also, there is a need for post-it notes, something called a dashboard, and more. There is a whole wonderful world of opportunity to make these planners an amazing creative expression of who someone is; whom or what they love; and what is important to them. It is completely phenomenal to me.
So in the coming weeks, I will be sharing more with you about: which one I decided on; how I am using it, and how I am decorating it. #blogboost
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Today Is Dictionary Day
So today is Dictionary Day in honor of Noah Webster's birthday. He was born October 16, 1758 and is considered the Father of the American Dictionary. We happen to have the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary in our home for our homeschool. I love this dictionary. It has a beautiful cover. I love words and love to read them in books. I want my children to develop a love of words.
Words have a tremendous amount of power and can be such wonderful ways to communicate both ideas and beauty. In our homeschool, I try to develop a genuine love and appreciation for learning. Words play a big part in that for our family. The bigger and richer someone's vocabulary is, the better they will be able to communicate. I know regardless of what my children choose to do in the future, they will need to use and understand words. I love to see them learn more words and use them in their vocabulary.
Several years ago, we were attending a special Christmas church service at the Jeanette Assembly of God Church in Jeanette, PA. As part of the service, the pastor handed out verses to various members of the congregation to read. My older two were given verses. My second son came to me because he was unsure of a word. The word was "zealous". So we had a discussion about what the word meant. He then owned the word and he used it with great enthusiasm. The following year when the pastor passed out the verses, you can believe my second son made sure he got the verse with zealous in it.
He can be quite zealous about things that interest him. He puts his whole heart into things that fascinate him. But like all of us, when it is something he does not care for or want to do, there is no zeal to be found.
Each one of my children are unique. Each one of them has gifts and talents that God gave them. I expect them to use our dictionary to enrich their vocabulary, which in turn enriches their speech and their writing. So happy dictionary day to you all!
Words have a tremendous amount of power and can be such wonderful ways to communicate both ideas and beauty. In our homeschool, I try to develop a genuine love and appreciation for learning. Words play a big part in that for our family. The bigger and richer someone's vocabulary is, the better they will be able to communicate. I know regardless of what my children choose to do in the future, they will need to use and understand words. I love to see them learn more words and use them in their vocabulary.
Several years ago, we were attending a special Christmas church service at the Jeanette Assembly of God Church in Jeanette, PA. As part of the service, the pastor handed out verses to various members of the congregation to read. My older two were given verses. My second son came to me because he was unsure of a word. The word was "zealous". So we had a discussion about what the word meant. He then owned the word and he used it with great enthusiasm. The following year when the pastor passed out the verses, you can believe my second son made sure he got the verse with zealous in it.
He can be quite zealous about things that interest him. He puts his whole heart into things that fascinate him. But like all of us, when it is something he does not care for or want to do, there is no zeal to be found.
Each one of my children are unique. Each one of them has gifts and talents that God gave them. I expect them to use our dictionary to enrich their vocabulary, which in turn enriches their speech and their writing. So happy dictionary day to you all!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Scheduling Chores, Activities and Routines
Having just moved into our current home gives us opportunity to re-evaluate our daily schedule and routines. We homeschool, so that means I have my children home all day every day. So every meal we typically eat at home (especially since our oldest is lactose-intolerant). So we expect our children to help fix meals and clean up after the meals. Also we expect our children to do their laundry and clean their rooms.
So scheduling chores, activities and routines become a natural part of life. Through the years I have had numerous books and methods shared for scheduling chores. Two of my favorite ones are "Managers of their Home" by the Maxwell family and "Large Family Logistics" by Kim Brenneman. Both of these methods have their benefits. It really depends on your personal preference.
"Managers of their Homes" uses a very detailed approach. Literally, you break down every minute of every day for everyone in the household and every single thing you all need to accomplish each day. Once you do this, then you assign tasks to specific time slots. Each person/activity is color coded. Once you complete the initial chart, you fill out a large chart that can be put up on a wall where everyone can see it. This way everyone can see what is going on when.
Another option for scheduling activities is "Large Family Logistics", which breaks things down into routines. So there would be a morning routine, meal routines, Afternoon Routines, Evening Routines and so forth. The routines would be specific to your family and your family's needs. There are also specific days assigned to things like running errands (Town Day), Laundry Day, Kitchen Day, Office Day and so forth.
It really depends on your own preferences or tastes. I love both. For someone just looking to begin organizing their day, take time to look at both and decide what works best for your family and the season of life you are in. Then investigate what is out there. Regardless of what you decide, I have to say having a written plan is a necessary part of organizing your day. What methods do you like for organizing your day? #blogboost
So scheduling chores, activities and routines become a natural part of life. Through the years I have had numerous books and methods shared for scheduling chores. Two of my favorite ones are "Managers of their Home" by the Maxwell family and "Large Family Logistics" by Kim Brenneman. Both of these methods have their benefits. It really depends on your personal preference.
"Managers of their Homes" uses a very detailed approach. Literally, you break down every minute of every day for everyone in the household and every single thing you all need to accomplish each day. Once you do this, then you assign tasks to specific time slots. Each person/activity is color coded. Once you complete the initial chart, you fill out a large chart that can be put up on a wall where everyone can see it. This way everyone can see what is going on when.
Another option for scheduling activities is "Large Family Logistics", which breaks things down into routines. So there would be a morning routine, meal routines, Afternoon Routines, Evening Routines and so forth. The routines would be specific to your family and your family's needs. There are also specific days assigned to things like running errands (Town Day), Laundry Day, Kitchen Day, Office Day and so forth.
It really depends on your own preferences or tastes. I love both. For someone just looking to begin organizing their day, take time to look at both and decide what works best for your family and the season of life you are in. Then investigate what is out there. Regardless of what you decide, I have to say having a written plan is a necessary part of organizing your day. What methods do you like for organizing your day? #blogboost
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Our Lovely Daughter
So today we are celebrating our first birthday of the month. Twelve years ago today, we welcomed our first daughter into our family. She was my easiest labor and delivery. I basically rocked her into the world in a rocking chair. She has been the joy of my life.
She came into this world following her three brothers. Following those brothers is exactly what she has not been satisfied to do. Early on she decided that anything her brothers did, She could do better. With homeschooling, she was constantly striving to move ahead. She approached school with a thirst for learning.
Her brothers got involved in Scouts, which meant she spent lots and lots of time around boys. Considering both her dad and I were leaders for our pack and then troop, she attended numerous scout meetings. She could hold her own around boys. Nothing really scared her.
She has an tremendous amount of determination. At the same time, she shows her love for her family. She thinks the world of her brothers. Yet she also does not take anything from them.
She is the joy of my world. She is my little princess. I love her dearly. We were truly blessed the day she joined our family.
She came into this world following her three brothers. Following those brothers is exactly what she has not been satisfied to do. Early on she decided that anything her brothers did, She could do better. With homeschooling, she was constantly striving to move ahead. She approached school with a thirst for learning.
Her brothers got involved in Scouts, which meant she spent lots and lots of time around boys. Considering both her dad and I were leaders for our pack and then troop, she attended numerous scout meetings. She could hold her own around boys. Nothing really scared her.
She has an tremendous amount of determination. At the same time, she shows her love for her family. She thinks the world of her brothers. Yet she also does not take anything from them.
She is the joy of my world. She is my little princess. I love her dearly. We were truly blessed the day she joined our family.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Cleaning and Organizing After Moving
One of the fun things about moving is getting to organize everything. Also, it is an opportunity to clean everything and figure out what to keep and what to get rid of. So back during the summer, we moved into our current home. Now this was a local move for us. We moved from one house to another about 10 miles away. Due to circumstances, it has taken us a while to get around to working on unpacking and organizing everything.
With my husband being military, he gets all the federal holidays off. So he has off today for Columbus Day. We are taking advantage of the day off to work on unpacking and organizing. As a homeschooling family, we have a lot of books (and I do mean a lot). Which means we have to have lots of shelves to put them on. So we are working to get them straightened up. As our children grow up. some books just need to pass from our hands into other hands. As much as I would love to be able to keep all the books we have, it is not practical. So we are in a season of passing things on to others. My daughter is now considered middle school/junior high, so the elementary books need to go. How about you, do you have things that you need to either clean, organize or perhaps purge? If so, I would love to hear from you. #blogboost
With my husband being military, he gets all the federal holidays off. So he has off today for Columbus Day. We are taking advantage of the day off to work on unpacking and organizing. As a homeschooling family, we have a lot of books (and I do mean a lot). Which means we have to have lots of shelves to put them on. So we are working to get them straightened up. As our children grow up. some books just need to pass from our hands into other hands. As much as I would love to be able to keep all the books we have, it is not practical. So we are in a season of passing things on to others. My daughter is now considered middle school/junior high, so the elementary books need to go. How about you, do you have things that you need to either clean, organize or perhaps purge? If so, I would love to hear from you. #blogboost
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