It has been an interesting Christmas season for me this year. In years past I was always quick to get up the many decorations, enjoyed putting up my 20 building Christmas village, loved to bake cookies and breads, etc. However, this year with homeschooling, homeschool co-op, and not really having lots of visitors coming over, I decided to go as simple as possible focusing more on de-cluttering and organizing the house so that the New Year will be a little easier going.
It seemed odd to not pull out the large, 5 tiered, ornament box and go through the years of ornaments contained within. However, the joy of having a nice looking tree and it being decorated in about 18 minutes was delightful. I spent $7.25 and got a box of red balls, 3 spools of red velvet ribbon with gold and green designs on it, and a box of 2 dozen candy canes. The trade off was a free afternoon of making foam oranments that Paul then got to put on the tree and the chance to snuggle up on the sofa and watch Santa Claus is Coming to town.
I've not yet ventured to put up my Christmas Village and it may not get up this year. Instead the time will be used baking with Paul. Teaching him how to roll out dough and watch him have a field day with red & green decorations to go on top of the baked goods.
Despite my heavy desire to go back to PA for part of this Christmas season, we will be spending it here in Colorado. We've enjoyed a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol as well as a Christmas Revels concert. Both were very enjoyable and Paul really loves watching live productions. The face of the child watching his perceived reality is amazing.
Even Paul has managed to keep it simple for us this Christmas. He has only asked Santa for 3 things - all of which are easy to find in the stores and items that don't break the bank. They are already wrapped and ready to go.
The best part of this simplified year has been the time to read many family devotions on Christmas to Paul and to have my own time of reflection on our true reason for the season. The divine birth of Jesus; who had nothing more than a simple Christmas.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Birthday and The High Tech World
I cannot believe our one and only turned 6 yesterday. Growing more into a young man everyday.
We had a break from the Options Homeschooling program because of Election Day, so we had a day out. PW and I headed to Chick Fil A for Lunch. We then headed out to a Western Wear store so he could get a pair of cowboy boots. PW has been taking riding lessons and the boots with a heel on them will help that tiny foot stay in the stirrups better.
After getting a cool pair of boots we headed towards the prime destination of a 6 year old boy - Chuck E. Cheese's. Dad met us there at 4:30 and PW enjoyed a few hours of games. We headed home and PW opened presents. He loved Star Wars Legos sent by one of his Aunt's and was jumping up and down when he opened his walkie talkie watches. He's been talking about these since July.
I quickly had decided they would probably not be on the list of options for his gift as they were a bit pricey. However, DH (Dear husband), technological whiz, thought that they actually would come in handy. PW could go out and ride his bike during homeschool breaks and I could know where he is at the push of the watch button. Plus when we are at the farm in IL they would be great to use as well.
So they were ordered and today they were fully enjoyed. http://www.visionforum.com/boysadventure/productdetail.aspx?productid=61250&categoryid=20
PW went out to the cul-de-sac to ride his bike and after 15 minutes and a push to the wrist I said "PW time to come back for schooling." He was back a few seconds later. He's now out with friends down the street and I'll push that button in a few seconds to have him get cleaned up for dinner. Ah the high tech world.
We had a break from the Options Homeschooling program because of Election Day, so we had a day out. PW and I headed to Chick Fil A for Lunch. We then headed out to a Western Wear store so he could get a pair of cowboy boots. PW has been taking riding lessons and the boots with a heel on them will help that tiny foot stay in the stirrups better.
After getting a cool pair of boots we headed towards the prime destination of a 6 year old boy - Chuck E. Cheese's. Dad met us there at 4:30 and PW enjoyed a few hours of games. We headed home and PW opened presents. He loved Star Wars Legos sent by one of his Aunt's and was jumping up and down when he opened his walkie talkie watches. He's been talking about these since July.
I quickly had decided they would probably not be on the list of options for his gift as they were a bit pricey. However, DH (Dear husband), technological whiz, thought that they actually would come in handy. PW could go out and ride his bike during homeschool breaks and I could know where he is at the push of the watch button. Plus when we are at the farm in IL they would be great to use as well.
So they were ordered and today they were fully enjoyed. http://www.visionforum.com/boysadventure/productdetail.aspx?productid=61250&categoryid=20
PW went out to the cul-de-sac to ride his bike and after 15 minutes and a push to the wrist I said "PW time to come back for schooling." He was back a few seconds later. He's now out with friends down the street and I'll push that button in a few seconds to have him get cleaned up for dinner. Ah the high tech world.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Homeschool Snow Day and Important Decisions In Life
Yesterday was a very unusual October day. As we finished breakfast and looked outside we realized we had almost 5 inches of snow in our yard. We continued to watch some of the snow fall and then I realized it was not goingt to be a very productive school day. So I made it an official snow day.
I started to shovel our drive and realized our snow shovel was not all that great. The blade bending and making it hard to really get a good scoop of snow without leaving a fair amount behind.
PW and I got packed up into the car and headed out to our local hardware store. I'm so grateful it is only 2.5 miles away.
Snow shovels are perfect for where we live. We don't typically get this much snow and our sidewalk and driveway face the south so a snow blower is not an item we'd use a lot. With the southern facing house, our driveway and sidewalks often melt off before I even get dressed to shovel. However, when we do have days like today a good snow shovel helps.
As I started to look at the array of snow shovels I was amazed at the choices. There were ergonomically shaped shovels, collapsable shovels allowing storage on shelves, flat vs. scooped shovels, double wide shovels, and more. As I compared them all I ended up getting two shovels. So the shovel decision may not be a critical, life changing decision, but I did realize after getting to use the shovels the importantance of a good shovel.
The first one is the double wide shovel which is basically a 40-42 inch blade and its handle is more like that of a lawn mower so you push the shovel more like a plow. I got my driveway cleared of 7 inches of snow in 9 1/2 minutes. I am THRILLED with this shovel.
The second shovel works hand-in-hand with the first. I realized quickly how heavy the piles off the big shovel were to move. So with the second shovel, which is the ergonomically shaped one, I moved the big pile of snow, left by double wide shovel, onto the lawn very quickly and less back breaking than any shovel I have ever used.
After the shovelling was complete I quickly threw down some snow melt. This allowed for only one inche of snow accumulating by dinnertime despite the nearly 6 inches that fell throughout the day.
It was a delight to get the shovelling done quickly and less intensive in the labor. I was even able to play in the snow with Paul awhile and enjoy a fun snowball fight.
We came back inside and enjoyed some homemade hot cocoa. I'm thinking I'll have to have some more Wilbur's cocoa brought out by a friend at Thanksgiving.
On a side note, the reason we are using Wilbur's cocoa, besides the fact that it is incredibly delicious, is that we have been boycotting Hershey's. With the decision to move operations/productiont to Mexico, we decided it was not a company we desired to continue to support. The jobs lost are not just those of their factories but the many farmers that grow crops and milk cows for Hershey's. When we found out it was all done for nearly an eight of a cent savings on each candybar we knew that was not worth supporting anymore. Another important decision that has made our family really considered where are values are and when we stop to think about the economy of our country, what are we really doing to support fellow Americans in allowing jobs to be kept here in the USA. Buying made in the USA does allow for more jobs to stay in the USA.
Okay back to the snow day. When the cocoa was complete, we snuggled up by the fireplace and enjoyed a movie. All in all a very nice snow day.
I started to shovel our drive and realized our snow shovel was not all that great. The blade bending and making it hard to really get a good scoop of snow without leaving a fair amount behind.
PW and I got packed up into the car and headed out to our local hardware store. I'm so grateful it is only 2.5 miles away.
Snow shovels are perfect for where we live. We don't typically get this much snow and our sidewalk and driveway face the south so a snow blower is not an item we'd use a lot. With the southern facing house, our driveway and sidewalks often melt off before I even get dressed to shovel. However, when we do have days like today a good snow shovel helps.
As I started to look at the array of snow shovels I was amazed at the choices. There were ergonomically shaped shovels, collapsable shovels allowing storage on shelves, flat vs. scooped shovels, double wide shovels, and more. As I compared them all I ended up getting two shovels. So the shovel decision may not be a critical, life changing decision, but I did realize after getting to use the shovels the importantance of a good shovel.
The first one is the double wide shovel which is basically a 40-42 inch blade and its handle is more like that of a lawn mower so you push the shovel more like a plow. I got my driveway cleared of 7 inches of snow in 9 1/2 minutes. I am THRILLED with this shovel.
The second shovel works hand-in-hand with the first. I realized quickly how heavy the piles off the big shovel were to move. So with the second shovel, which is the ergonomically shaped one, I moved the big pile of snow, left by double wide shovel, onto the lawn very quickly and less back breaking than any shovel I have ever used.
After the shovelling was complete I quickly threw down some snow melt. This allowed for only one inche of snow accumulating by dinnertime despite the nearly 6 inches that fell throughout the day.
It was a delight to get the shovelling done quickly and less intensive in the labor. I was even able to play in the snow with Paul awhile and enjoy a fun snowball fight.
We came back inside and enjoyed some homemade hot cocoa. I'm thinking I'll have to have some more Wilbur's cocoa brought out by a friend at Thanksgiving.
On a side note, the reason we are using Wilbur's cocoa, besides the fact that it is incredibly delicious, is that we have been boycotting Hershey's. With the decision to move operations/productiont to Mexico, we decided it was not a company we desired to continue to support. The jobs lost are not just those of their factories but the many farmers that grow crops and milk cows for Hershey's. When we found out it was all done for nearly an eight of a cent savings on each candybar we knew that was not worth supporting anymore. Another important decision that has made our family really considered where are values are and when we stop to think about the economy of our country, what are we really doing to support fellow Americans in allowing jobs to be kept here in the USA. Buying made in the USA does allow for more jobs to stay in the USA.
Okay back to the snow day. When the cocoa was complete, we snuggled up by the fireplace and enjoyed a movie. All in all a very nice snow day.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Living Well
In light of all the flu symptoms flying around in our house, I began taking a look, once again, at our meals, nutrition, vitamins and all the things that make up our daily routine.
Trying to get back into more of a life allowing us to be living well, I have made changes to our diet recently which hopefully will reap great rewards. We have switched to raw milk and I've started grinding my own wheat and making our own bread. I will be picking up durum flour this week so I will soon be grinding our flour for making pasta as well.
As I empty out my pantry, my desire is to see if filled with more nutrient rich staples in our home and no longer filled with processed foods. I have gotten a few books on making your own mixes at home so no need to by seasoning packs that are filled with high sodium or MSG.
As I implement these changes and am homeschooling PW about nutrition along with the changes, they have been accepted more easily than I thought. I was informed today as I reached for sugar to put in my coffee "Mom wouldn't that agave syrup be better? Remember we talked about the GI Joe Windex." After stopping a moment and realizing he was referring to GI (Glycemic Index), I was quick to put the sugar down and go for the better choice.
Trying to get back into more of a life allowing us to be living well, I have made changes to our diet recently which hopefully will reap great rewards. We have switched to raw milk and I've started grinding my own wheat and making our own bread. I will be picking up durum flour this week so I will soon be grinding our flour for making pasta as well.
As I empty out my pantry, my desire is to see if filled with more nutrient rich staples in our home and no longer filled with processed foods. I have gotten a few books on making your own mixes at home so no need to by seasoning packs that are filled with high sodium or MSG.
As I implement these changes and am homeschooling PW about nutrition along with the changes, they have been accepted more easily than I thought. I was informed today as I reached for sugar to put in my coffee "Mom wouldn't that agave syrup be better? Remember we talked about the GI Joe Windex." After stopping a moment and realizing he was referring to GI (Glycemic Index), I was quick to put the sugar down and go for the better choice.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Incorporating
Incorporate: verb
1. to unite or work into something already existent so as to form an indistinguishable whole; to blend or combine thoroughly.
2. to form or cause to form a united whole or mass; merge or blend
In the balance between schooling at home and teaching a child life and character skills, I have realized the need to incorporate things into our homeschool schedule that will accomplish those items. When looking at the above definintion I am reminded that by incorporating with a sense of purpose we can accomplish lots of things into our day and not be so disjoined in our process.
We have decided that as part of PW's phys. ed. we will incorporate horseback riding lessons. Incorporating these lessons also will instill the life skills of responsibility and discipline. Each week at the lesson we must arrive early so that the horse gets groomed before the lesson, PW learns to hook up all the gear onto the horse in order to ride, and after the lesson he must help unsaddle the horse and get him back to the stable.
As I begin to add things to PW's list I will begin to see the long term benefits and weigh out our activities based on they will fit into the whole.
1. to unite or work into something already existent so as to form an indistinguishable whole; to blend or combine thoroughly.
2. to form or cause to form a united whole or mass; merge or blend
In the balance between schooling at home and teaching a child life and character skills, I have realized the need to incorporate things into our homeschool schedule that will accomplish those items. When looking at the above definintion I am reminded that by incorporating with a sense of purpose we can accomplish lots of things into our day and not be so disjoined in our process.
We have decided that as part of PW's phys. ed. we will incorporate horseback riding lessons. Incorporating these lessons also will instill the life skills of responsibility and discipline. Each week at the lesson we must arrive early so that the horse gets groomed before the lesson, PW learns to hook up all the gear onto the horse in order to ride, and after the lesson he must help unsaddle the horse and get him back to the stable.
As I begin to add things to PW's list I will begin to see the long term benefits and weigh out our activities based on they will fit into the whole.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Fighting the Flu
Well we have been fighting the flu here in our home. However, our symptoms have been mixed and fortunately, our son has been hit the least. The blessing in all of this has been using Shaklee supplements that help boost the immune system instead of lots of OTC medications or antibiotics.
We are also blessed that I am the only one who has used an antibiotic. We are realizing that friends' children are on much higher doses of anitbiotics than kids should be at that age. However we are in such a antiseptic/clean society that the bodies of these children are using immune systems to fight even common germs. The constant use of anti-bacterial gel, soap, wipes etc. have not helped build their immune systems.
Something to be said of those of us who grew up eating dirt and ashed our hands usually only before dinner.
I'll share with you our own Shaklee story. When PW our son was 18 months old he got under our counter and sprayed himself with Clorox Clean up, causing a burn on his chest that was visible for over 6 weeks. At that point a friend approached me asking if I had heard of Shaklee's home care products which were non-toxic and biodegradeable. That was our first part of my conversion - cleaners that work, are easy on my breathing, safe under my sink, and extremely cost effective.
We also started using their hand soap which is NOT anti-bacterial. However the soap cleans well and smells great. It is getting harder and harder to find any liquid soap that is does not contain anti-bacterial products. We still use an anti-bacterial at the onset of a cold in our home but that's it - about 3 weeks a year.
Our son has only once had to be on an anti-biotic and that was prior to our starting him on Shaklee vitamins. When cold & flu season hit we also add in the extra Vitamin C, Nutriferon and Defend and Resist to our regiment but we do not have him on that all year long. We try to let his body do what it is supposed to do, help it where we can, and boost up only when needed.
I'm sure I have shared this before, but each year when my wallet reflects savings on cleaning products, our family is in better health, and our bodies do not need lots of prescriptions to get through things we are always wanting people to know how.
We are also blessed that I am the only one who has used an antibiotic. We are realizing that friends' children are on much higher doses of anitbiotics than kids should be at that age. However we are in such a antiseptic/clean society that the bodies of these children are using immune systems to fight even common germs. The constant use of anti-bacterial gel, soap, wipes etc. have not helped build their immune systems.
Something to be said of those of us who grew up eating dirt and ashed our hands usually only before dinner.
I'll share with you our own Shaklee story. When PW our son was 18 months old he got under our counter and sprayed himself with Clorox Clean up, causing a burn on his chest that was visible for over 6 weeks. At that point a friend approached me asking if I had heard of Shaklee's home care products which were non-toxic and biodegradeable. That was our first part of my conversion - cleaners that work, are easy on my breathing, safe under my sink, and extremely cost effective.
We also started using their hand soap which is NOT anti-bacterial. However the soap cleans well and smells great. It is getting harder and harder to find any liquid soap that is does not contain anti-bacterial products. We still use an anti-bacterial at the onset of a cold in our home but that's it - about 3 weeks a year.
Our son has only once had to be on an anti-biotic and that was prior to our starting him on Shaklee vitamins. When cold & flu season hit we also add in the extra Vitamin C, Nutriferon and Defend and Resist to our regiment but we do not have him on that all year long. We try to let his body do what it is supposed to do, help it where we can, and boost up only when needed.
I'm sure I have shared this before, but each year when my wallet reflects savings on cleaning products, our family is in better health, and our bodies do not need lots of prescriptions to get through things we are always wanting people to know how.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Our First Six Weeks
Well we finished our first 6 weeks of this school year and so far so good. At the end of each week I try to tweek scheduling where necessary and make notes of those subjects that are more challenging that week to anticipate extra time for the next week.
This weekend I decided to come up with 3 schedules for homeschooling. This will allow me to keep on track but on days where we need a change of pace I can pick any of the 3 schedules and still get to all of the items I need to school to stay on track for the week. I also was able to do a 1/2 day homeschool plan for the days we have afternoon events or field trips. This will allow us to do the subjects not easily taken on the road at home while finishing subjects like read alouds in the car.
I am excited that our school year is off to a good start.
This weekend I decided to come up with 3 schedules for homeschooling. This will allow me to keep on track but on days where we need a change of pace I can pick any of the 3 schedules and still get to all of the items I need to school to stay on track for the week. I also was able to do a 1/2 day homeschool plan for the days we have afternoon events or field trips. This will allow us to do the subjects not easily taken on the road at home while finishing subjects like read alouds in the car.
I am excited that our school year is off to a good start.
Great Expectations
PW and I enjoyed an overnight out and field trip day this past Tuesday and Wednesday. My desire to not have to drive through Denver during rush hour, and lose more than an hour in traffic, allowed us to use Sheraton Points and head to a hotel closer to Colorado Springs.
Our jump on traffic allowed us to visit a school supply store first. Then we headed to Focus on the Family where PW was thrilled to FINALLY be tall enough to go down the A Bend A Go Go slide which is 3 stories high. He enjoyed the company of other homeshcooling families at Witt's End and loved making inspection reports to the older homeschooling kids regarding the plane that sits amid the play area.
We enjoyed lunch at the Soda Shop at Witt's End and then headed out towards our marionnette theater destination.
The Simpich Theater was delightful. However, the show itself was just a tad too old for a 5 year old. The show was put on by one man, doing 9 voices/characters. PW, despite the older theme of the play, did very well watching it and was fascinated by the marionettes. At the end of the show he asked the puppeteer "So how is it that you can do all those good - girl voices as well as the boys?"
I'm thinking we will visit again but pick a show more age appropriate for PW. I'm excited to have just found a puppet theater in Denver as well.
Unfortunately we could not take any pictures in the theater. So the Simpich website will have to do for this trip.
Our jump on traffic allowed us to visit a school supply store first. Then we headed to Focus on the Family where PW was thrilled to FINALLY be tall enough to go down the A Bend A Go Go slide which is 3 stories high. He enjoyed the company of other homeshcooling families at Witt's End and loved making inspection reports to the older homeschooling kids regarding the plane that sits amid the play area.
We enjoyed lunch at the Soda Shop at Witt's End and then headed out towards our marionnette theater destination.
The Simpich Theater was delightful. However, the show itself was just a tad too old for a 5 year old. The show was put on by one man, doing 9 voices/characters. PW, despite the older theme of the play, did very well watching it and was fascinated by the marionettes. At the end of the show he asked the puppeteer "So how is it that you can do all those good - girl voices as well as the boys?"
I'm thinking we will visit again but pick a show more age appropriate for PW. I'm excited to have just found a puppet theater in Denver as well.
Unfortunately we could not take any pictures in the theater. So the Simpich website will have to do for this trip.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Colonial Living History Day
Last Friday PW & I spent the afternoon at a Living History Day. The main theme for the day was around the time of the Declaration of Independence. The group who puts this on does a remarkable job.
There were 7 stations that we visited including: candlemaking/beekeeping, games, gunsmithing, music, agriculture, woodworking, and a battle re-enactment.
There were lots of hands on things for us to incorporate into the learning. We will be excited to go in the spring, when we will have had some time to read up on this period of time for PW to truly appreciate the day.
It will also make a wonderful pre-cursor to going back to PA in May or June.
I will post some pictures in a day or tow.
There were 7 stations that we visited including: candlemaking/beekeeping, games, gunsmithing, music, agriculture, woodworking, and a battle re-enactment.
There were lots of hands on things for us to incorporate into the learning. We will be excited to go in the spring, when we will have had some time to read up on this period of time for PW to truly appreciate the day.
It will also make a wonderful pre-cursor to going back to PA in May or June.
I will post some pictures in a day or tow.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Honey Harvesting
One of the joys of homeschooling is the freedom to make a field trip go beyond the trip itself.
Last week we went on a honey harvesting trip. We got to meet with a beekeeper and watch him extract honey from the hives. He had some learning materials available and we had taken a few books out of the library before the trip and read up on bees.
After the trip, we headed back to a family's, in my homeschooling group, to make lip balm with beeswax that was obtained at the beekeepers house. It was a fun project and now each time PW uses his lip balm he talke about bees.
He also talks about the bees whenever we open the honey we purchased as well. PW went from not being fond of bees to yesterday saying "Mom, we should think about having more bees in our yard. It would mean lots of pretty flowers and maybe some honey."
Last week we went on a honey harvesting trip. We got to meet with a beekeeper and watch him extract honey from the hives. He had some learning materials available and we had taken a few books out of the library before the trip and read up on bees.
After the trip, we headed back to a family's, in my homeschooling group, to make lip balm with beeswax that was obtained at the beekeepers house. It was a fun project and now each time PW uses his lip balm he talke about bees.
He also talks about the bees whenever we open the honey we purchased as well. PW went from not being fond of bees to yesterday saying "Mom, we should think about having more bees in our yard. It would mean lots of pretty flowers and maybe some honey."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wellspring School
So I've made our school name - Wellspring School
I used to work at a bookstore called Wellspring, which has since closed but have always taken the verse it was based on to heart.
I started to realize that teaching at home is much about the matters of the heart, not just the feeding of the mind. Thus, Wellspring School seemed very appropriate.
I used to work at a bookstore called Wellspring, which has since closed but have always taken the verse it was based on to heart.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (NIV)
Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life. (KJV)
For from it flow the springs of life. (KJV)
I started to realize that teaching at home is much about the matters of the heart, not just the feeding of the mind. Thus, Wellspring School seemed very appropriate.
As I have been chatting with my neice, who is also homeschooling, I am reminded that this journey of homeschooling is teaching me much more about myself and my own character. Now the challenge for me is what to do with those teachings. In some cases they are very much my character flaws and sometimes there is the blessing of knowing that through the weakness comes blessing.
Well, off to see what my character will reveal today.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Summer Vacation
Though PW & I have been able to get away a few times this summer, hubby, Kevin finally had a 2 week break from school that allowed us to take a family vacation.As seems to be our tradition, Kevin's folks joined us for the trip. We travelled through the SW corner of Colorado and were hoping to complete the San Juan Scenic Byway over the course of the trip. This would include Black Canyon of the Gunnision National Park, Telluride, Mesa Verde National Park, the Anasazi Heritage Center in near Cortez,CO, Durango and the Silverton Railway, Silverton, Ouray and little trips out of Ridgeway CO.
We hit rain and knew it would be around more than a day so after doing the Durango and Silverton Railway, and a side trip to Pagosa Springs, CO. We did not complete the rest of the scheduled trip and instead headed to Moab Utah where we did Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park.
PW did great on this trip. He really enjoys being outside.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Backwards Calendar Planning
So I have started what I call backwards Calendar Planning. So many folks I know plan day to day, or week to week and fill in scheduled dates as they go. When they get to the upcoming week they work everything around all their appointments.
For me, that method always means changing scheuldes, moving something on the calendar, or wondering why I don't have enough time in my day.
As a result, I started to think about what things have to happen in my life for me and my family to function and with it came the realization of needing to look at my calendar from a whole new perspective. I have changed my approach to time management and our calendar planning.
I now look at the big picture and divide it into things like MUSTS, NEED TO, WANT TO.
I look at all the things I MUST do in order to manage my home and our life and take them out of our number of hours in the week.
Total hours in week 168
MUSTS:
I then look at the NEED TO's. NEED To's are events we feel are important enough in our life to say we Need to go to them and don't want to schedule anyting else in their place.
This would bring my weekly available hours down to 36. If divided over each day that is about 5 hours a day remaining for the rest of our events, field trips, errands, etc.
I lump the rest of my things into the WANT TO's. I want deep clean my house more but if I can put quarterly cleaning into my remaining hours that works for me. I want to have a night out; but if that week we have 3 need to social events I can better say no to the WANT To. etc.
This has been a huge help and taken off massive amounts of stress when I know the real time frame I have available.
For me, that method always means changing scheuldes, moving something on the calendar, or wondering why I don't have enough time in my day.
As a result, I started to think about what things have to happen in my life for me and my family to function and with it came the realization of needing to look at my calendar from a whole new perspective. I have changed my approach to time management and our calendar planning.
I now look at the big picture and divide it into things like MUSTS, NEED TO, WANT TO.
I look at all the things I MUST do in order to manage my home and our life and take them out of our number of hours in the week.
Total hours in week 168
MUSTS:
- Sleep 56 hours in week
- Eat (includes cooking time, grocery shopping, food prep & kitchen clean up time) 18 hours
- Laundry 3 hours
- General housecleaning, sweeping vacuuming, bathrooms 3 hours
- Morning/Evening Routines with Paul 6 hours
- Personal Time (workout, quiet time, shower etc.) 7 hours
- Church 3 hours
- Date night 2 hours
- Homeschool 25
- Margin 1.5 (I try to leave 1 1/2 hours each week for unexpected things)
I then look at the NEED TO's. NEED To's are events we feel are important enough in our life to say we Need to go to them and don't want to schedule anyting else in their place.
- Bible Study, Small Group etc.
- Appointments: Doctor, Dentist, Hair, etc.
- Paul's events (any sports, 4H, church activities, music lessons)
This would bring my weekly available hours down to 36. If divided over each day that is about 5 hours a day remaining for the rest of our events, field trips, errands, etc.
I lump the rest of my things into the WANT TO's. I want deep clean my house more but if I can put quarterly cleaning into my remaining hours that works for me. I want to have a night out; but if that week we have 3 need to social events I can better say no to the WANT To. etc.
This has been a huge help and taken off massive amounts of stress when I know the real time frame I have available.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A New Focus for My Home
While on our road trip, which will be blogged about later, I was able to attend the Illinois Christian Home Educator's Annual Conference. I heard some wonderful speakers and affirmed our decisions about homeschooling.
In that process, however, it was made very aware of my role as wife, mother and teacher. How each thing done in my home will be passed onto the next generation. On the flip side of that, how each thing I learned growing up, plays into my being.
I had a great mom who always did things for others, we always had people over to our home, we always helped when there was a need. She started slowing down when I was 13 or 14 due to emphyzema. As a result my sister and I were handed much of the domestic work at home - cooking, cleaning, laundry, food shopping and such. I was never really taught but more expected to figure those things out. I realized how that manifests itself in the ministry of my home. I am not cheerful when it comes to homemaking, I struggle with clean up and organization but am a fairly decent cook. Certain tasks are always a chore instead of done with a joy and an understanding of how it serves my family. I know others too who share similar struggles, when they grew up their responsibility was school and school work and as long as that got done that was their "job." They did not learn many things from a household standpoint but became very academically smart and one friend imparticular really struggled with what some would think of as basics like housecleaning and meals; it took her nearly a year to learn it all but again not without feeling like it was a chore.
The art if discipling our children into their roles for the future so plays into the ministry of our home. If we desire our boys to be hardworking men not just educated men, we must instill that value at home as early as we can. If we desire our son to be diligient in God's word, it must start now. If folks desire their daughters to be keepers of their home in a way that is honoring and pleasing and one that brings delight to the family and to the daugthers, we must our selves be the example and teach the process.
I now need to begin each day with asking God for a renewed vision of a wife, mom, and homeschool teacher allowing that vision to be filled with joy and a heart filled with kindness and compassion; eyes that see the big picture of what we do now matters when our son marries or goes off to college, ears that will be ever listening for God's direction and hearing the needs of my family, hands and feet that will be diligient to work, and a mind that will focus on my home.
In that process, however, it was made very aware of my role as wife, mother and teacher. How each thing done in my home will be passed onto the next generation. On the flip side of that, how each thing I learned growing up, plays into my being.
I had a great mom who always did things for others, we always had people over to our home, we always helped when there was a need. She started slowing down when I was 13 or 14 due to emphyzema. As a result my sister and I were handed much of the domestic work at home - cooking, cleaning, laundry, food shopping and such. I was never really taught but more expected to figure those things out. I realized how that manifests itself in the ministry of my home. I am not cheerful when it comes to homemaking, I struggle with clean up and organization but am a fairly decent cook. Certain tasks are always a chore instead of done with a joy and an understanding of how it serves my family. I know others too who share similar struggles, when they grew up their responsibility was school and school work and as long as that got done that was their "job." They did not learn many things from a household standpoint but became very academically smart and one friend imparticular really struggled with what some would think of as basics like housecleaning and meals; it took her nearly a year to learn it all but again not without feeling like it was a chore.
The art if discipling our children into their roles for the future so plays into the ministry of our home. If we desire our boys to be hardworking men not just educated men, we must instill that value at home as early as we can. If we desire our son to be diligient in God's word, it must start now. If folks desire their daughters to be keepers of their home in a way that is honoring and pleasing and one that brings delight to the family and to the daugthers, we must our selves be the example and teach the process.
I now need to begin each day with asking God for a renewed vision of a wife, mom, and homeschool teacher allowing that vision to be filled with joy and a heart filled with kindness and compassion; eyes that see the big picture of what we do now matters when our son marries or goes off to college, ears that will be ever listening for God's direction and hearing the needs of my family, hands and feet that will be diligient to work, and a mind that will focus on my home.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Almost A year
Well I just returned from Vail where I was able to visit with a cousin visiting from PA and her family. As we were reminicing, it dawned on me that in 10 days it will be one year since my dad passed away. It is amazing how quickly this year has gone. It is also amazing that I have not taken a trip with PW back to PA in that year. I had one quick trip for a wedding but went solo.
I am exicted to go back in May with him. This year we will be able to do things like Sesame Place, Dutch Wonderland, the beach and the boardwalk. We will be driving to that will make for an even more interesting adventure.
It will be fun to see what changes everyone else notices after not seeing him for a year.
Time flies this year had proven that to me.
I am exicted to go back in May with him. This year we will be able to do things like Sesame Place, Dutch Wonderland, the beach and the boardwalk. We will be driving to that will make for an even more interesting adventure.
It will be fun to see what changes everyone else notices after not seeing him for a year.
Time flies this year had proven that to me.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Western Stock Show
We are headed out the door to the National Western Stock Show. Who would have thought that this West Philadelphia born and raised gal, would be going to Rodeos and the like.
For those of you not in Colorado, it is the world's largest stock show by number of animals. The annual National Western Stock Show's goal is "To preserve the western lifestyle by providing a showcase for the agricultural industry through emphasis on education, genetic development, innovative technology and offering the world's largest agricultural marketing opportunities."
The Horse Shows at the annual National Western Stock Show are among the largest in the world with more than 18,000 entries in 2006. Our favorite is the Draft Horse pull.
There is a ton of livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, bison, yak, stock dogs, poultry and rabbits. Sort of like the Superbowl of livestock shows.
Well, I reckon we should get out the door.
For those of you not in Colorado, it is the world's largest stock show by number of animals. The annual National Western Stock Show's goal is "To preserve the western lifestyle by providing a showcase for the agricultural industry through emphasis on education, genetic development, innovative technology and offering the world's largest agricultural marketing opportunities."
The Horse Shows at the annual National Western Stock Show are among the largest in the world with more than 18,000 entries in 2006. Our favorite is the Draft Horse pull.
There is a ton of livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, bison, yak, stock dogs, poultry and rabbits. Sort of like the Superbowl of livestock shows.
Well, I reckon we should get out the door.
PW's Skiing Adventures
PW got to go skiing this year once again; more excited than he has ever been about skiing. His enthusiasm is refreshing.
We spent 6 days in Vail. He did a whole day lesson with kids his own age and loved it. Vail does not use a device to help children keep their skis together, and now, the 5 year old pro, informed us "Guys, no more edgie wedgies; superstars don't need them." I then realized at the end of the day those kids were given Superstar buttons thus the reference to his status!
He then spent a day skiing with Kevin at Ski Cooper. Thrilled that he went down the big hill several times, we're now going to get him out a few more times this season.
I'm hoping my father-in-law took some pictures, and will post them as soon as I get a few.
We spent 6 days in Vail. He did a whole day lesson with kids his own age and loved it. Vail does not use a device to help children keep their skis together, and now, the 5 year old pro, informed us "Guys, no more edgie wedgies; superstars don't need them." I then realized at the end of the day those kids were given Superstar buttons thus the reference to his status!
He then spent a day skiing with Kevin at Ski Cooper. Thrilled that he went down the big hill several times, we're now going to get him out a few more times this season.
I'm hoping my father-in-law took some pictures, and will post them as soon as I get a few.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
So What Will Be Different in the New Year
I'm not very good and setting/meeting goals or resolutions that I set in the New Year. I start out strong and within a few weeks lose momentum.
I've decided this year to set monthly goals with a big picture to them instead of big lofty goals.
I'm excited that we will be joining a local Rec. center that has a wonderful climbing wall. When we lived in PA Kevin & I climbed a good deal and now that Paul is older he will be able to climb with us.
I'm hoping that by Easter to have all of our home decluttered. When we moved from PA to CO we moved from a home that was 5200 square feet into a home that was 3380 square feet. After one year in CO, we moved again into a home that is 2800 square feet. In 5 years I've done 64 weeks of travelling and was not able to get through lots of boxes from our initial move. We have made a huge dent in this process but I'm hoping that by Easter that every dresser, closet, shelf, cabinet and box, inlcuding those in our garage, will have been gone through and anything we don't need will be yard saled or donated to a local thrift store. I will greatly de-stressed when this process is over.
We've gotten rid of cable TV in our home a few weeks ago. So in reality we only watch things on DVD since we don't get any stations without cable. I'm looking forward to having a bit more family time for games and such and the chance to spend a bit more time on things like sewing. Plus I'll be glad to not have our son coming up to me and saying "Mom we need this - the TV said so." or "Mom, we need to call your doctor to find out if Boniva is right for you."
I've been listening a great deal to Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace cd's. It is my desire this year to really focus on how I spend my weekly budget. At the start of 2008 I moved from using credit cards, which we pay off every month, to cash. I didn't think it would make a huge difference in my spending. However, I found that my spending went down 28%. Often I would go to put something on the conveyor belt and realize it was Wednesday and I only had $50 left for the week. I'd put it back and think maybe I'll get it next time. Many times I'd forget about the item I thought I wanted the trip before. So often with credit cards, it is too easy to put that item right in the cart and not worry about the extra $10 or $15. When you have to make the money last until the next trip to the bank, you aren't as quick to impulse buy. Unfortunately I ended up going back to credit cards when I went home for my dad's funeral and didn't get back to the habit.
I'm also hoping to do a lot more bulk cooking. For example today, I was making chili and instead of just making enough for today, I made enough to freeze 3 more meals worth. If I do this 2 times a week for a month it gives me 24 meals ready to go in the freezer. When I'm doing bulk meals I plan my recipes based on the great sales that week at the local market. This will put a huge savings on our food budget as well as free up more time for me with homeschooling.
So they are my hopes for this year - get into better shape - physically, home wise, and financial wise.
I've decided this year to set monthly goals with a big picture to them instead of big lofty goals.
I'm excited that we will be joining a local Rec. center that has a wonderful climbing wall. When we lived in PA Kevin & I climbed a good deal and now that Paul is older he will be able to climb with us.
I'm hoping that by Easter to have all of our home decluttered. When we moved from PA to CO we moved from a home that was 5200 square feet into a home that was 3380 square feet. After one year in CO, we moved again into a home that is 2800 square feet. In 5 years I've done 64 weeks of travelling and was not able to get through lots of boxes from our initial move. We have made a huge dent in this process but I'm hoping that by Easter that every dresser, closet, shelf, cabinet and box, inlcuding those in our garage, will have been gone through and anything we don't need will be yard saled or donated to a local thrift store. I will greatly de-stressed when this process is over.
We've gotten rid of cable TV in our home a few weeks ago. So in reality we only watch things on DVD since we don't get any stations without cable. I'm looking forward to having a bit more family time for games and such and the chance to spend a bit more time on things like sewing. Plus I'll be glad to not have our son coming up to me and saying "Mom we need this - the TV said so." or "Mom, we need to call your doctor to find out if Boniva is right for you."
I've been listening a great deal to Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace cd's. It is my desire this year to really focus on how I spend my weekly budget. At the start of 2008 I moved from using credit cards, which we pay off every month, to cash. I didn't think it would make a huge difference in my spending. However, I found that my spending went down 28%. Often I would go to put something on the conveyor belt and realize it was Wednesday and I only had $50 left for the week. I'd put it back and think maybe I'll get it next time. Many times I'd forget about the item I thought I wanted the trip before. So often with credit cards, it is too easy to put that item right in the cart and not worry about the extra $10 or $15. When you have to make the money last until the next trip to the bank, you aren't as quick to impulse buy. Unfortunately I ended up going back to credit cards when I went home for my dad's funeral and didn't get back to the habit.
I'm also hoping to do a lot more bulk cooking. For example today, I was making chili and instead of just making enough for today, I made enough to freeze 3 more meals worth. If I do this 2 times a week for a month it gives me 24 meals ready to go in the freezer. When I'm doing bulk meals I plan my recipes based on the great sales that week at the local market. This will put a huge savings on our food budget as well as free up more time for me with homeschooling.
So they are my hopes for this year - get into better shape - physically, home wise, and financial wise.
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