Well Planned Day

Are you all ready for Fall to start and ready for everyone to head back to school? Soon will be gone the care free and easy Summer days! I am in no way "ready" but I have been praying and making lists and have my planner ordered and ready.

I know that I have told you before about the planner that I LOVE LOVE LOVE. 

You can preview the planner HERE

I have a confession: I am not a very planned out/organized/secretarial person. AT. ALL. I'm pretty much a hot mess with piles of receipts and pockets full of crunched up dollar bills. But with 5 kids in 4 different levels  and a home and family and......I NEED help keeping it all together.

This is my third year using the Well Planned Day Planner and I have another confession. this planner is so beautiful and so well organized that my first year..now don't laugh..I didn't write in it. I was afraid of interfering with it's organization. How silly is that? The best thing about having a well planned planner is that it is a tool for you to use for YOUR life.

Not being a super organized person I really need the help BUT I dont need the pressure of feeling like I have to conform to being someone I'm not in order to thrive.  I found so much grace in the Well Planned Day planner.

It's helpful assets include:
-Full Year Planner: July 2012 - June 2013
-Home Management Helps with weekly cleaning schedule, monthly projects, greeting card registry, and monthly budgeting.
-Holiday Organization Section: Greeting card registry, activities and event schedules, gift giving, around town shopping, and internet shopping.
-Organization and planning for up to 4 children (I photocopy and add more)
-Four Student Class Plans: Schedule each student's class assignments.
-Four Student Time Schedules: Track each day by the hour.
-Weekly Schedule: Organize your week with class assignments, weekly priorities, prayer requests,  dinner menu, and notes.
-Month at a Glance: Plan field trips, enrichment activities and books to read
-Semester Attendance & Progress Reports
-Perforated Report Cards
-Menu Planning: Plan weekly meals and conveniently shop with perforated shopping lists.
-Family Worship: Read through the Bible in a year.
-Insightful homeschool articles and tips to inspire you throughout the year.

 
I don't use all of those features. Maybe I should but that's another post. I use what I need right now and do what I can do right now. Maybe in July of 2013 I will start using a new feature (like the Bible memory verses) and that would be great but I'm not obligated to. There is so much in there that everyone can find what THEY need help with organizing in one place.

***disclaimer: I was given a planner to review but was in no way influenced on what to say--all opinions are my own and should be considered just that. Links in this post do contain affilaite information and if you choose to buy through those links I will be reimbursed.

Meet my friend Maggie

 I have been meaning to introduce you to a dear friend. I want to show you how she organizes her large family. Share some of her amazing vision. Follow her around and start a whole tutorial series. But that's not going to be the tone today.



Maggie and I are real life friends. I dont just mean that in a "not on the Internet" way. We have lived side by side in the trenches. I can come to her in tears and we can cry together or hold each other up and find a way out. She is how I imagine extended family and having a sister to be.

She has been with me through so much and given he so much of herself. Her hard working husband, who has always worked at least two full time jobs and still managed to be an incredible father to their brood of ten, has lost his job. Actually, he worked for awhile while they didn't pay him. So he worked and worked and his days were taken up and money was spent driving an hour away and back for long long days but there was no money coming in.

You can meet him here: PoserDad.com 

Maggie has started a small blog and today shared her heart and the threat of losing their house very very soon. I know this scare and fear and am once again so impressed at how she handles it and has the strength and courage to share it with others. She writes not in a spirit of fear but knowing that God is in control, has a plan and they are safe in his hands. What a lesson to us all.

Their problems seem so huge right now and ones that only God can turn around...but could you stop over and say "hello" on her blog: Blessingsdythedozen.com? Maybe say a prayer today for these dear friends of mine? I wish I could do something to turn it all around but right now, I just want these dear family ot know that they are NOT alone and there is someone in their corner: routing and praying. That we can do.

Are we that Family?

Have you ever seen two young people in love and thought, "wow they will have gorgeous children." Or saw a church directory and thought: "how in the world did THOSE two people make those beautiful children." Terrible. Horrible Shallow. I know I know.

I dont think I'm all that wonderful but I also dont hide under a paper bag. I think my husband is OK. I'm attracted to him. I think my kids look nice. They are mine and I like them. I dont turn away from framed pictures of them.

Every once in a while a good friend will look me square in the eye and explain that I have really beautiful children. OK. This has happened more than once. Are they surprised? Is this some odd encouraging word of affirmation someone somewhere suggested we say to people?

This weekend my husband and I saw several people that we hadnt seen in YEARS. Some not sicne our wedding. I got this statement a few times again. It wasnt a casual thing it was that look you square in the eye and state a fact that you JUST must hear.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? I'll never know. Now that I've posed the question, you all will be squinting at my family photo and giggling. You'll think you need to say something encouraging or shoot me down in my attempt at getting compliments. I'll never know if we are one of those families.

Jewerly storage and projects in snippets

I long for a awe inspiring before and after to share with you. An amazing makeover or redo that is accomplished in a weekend. My life doesn't work like that. I don't have a weekend to spare. If I dedicated a weekend to redoing and making over: what would we eat? who would counsel crying teens and referee television use? who would change diapers and remind people or bedtime? would we drown in dirty clothes? Often it feels like I don't do anything. I don't feel all that needed. But man, oh man, try to step away it quickly becomes clear what I do all day.

A few of my flaws come into play here. I am sooo bad at doing things "for now." Dresser needs painting? Drawers falling out? Don't put it in the garage! We'll use it "for now." Until we get around to it. Thing is that we don't tend to get around to it. I realize that this isn't the best system. But I also realize that if we didn't use that dresser "for now" the way that it is--there wouldn't be a dresser at all. Sometimes that way it is, is the way it is.

When I had all littles I'd stay up late and make things happen. Then my littles got bigger and bigger. Now they want attention in the wee hours and stay up late doing chores. i once again have littles. Two little ones getting up early with two others staying up late and one in the middle needing guidance. I also work all night two nights a week. My "project time" is just not there.

My projects don't have a dramatic before and after but a slow slow evolution.

Today's project for example. Apparently, I have a lot of necklaces. In a few different drawers all tangled together. I had bought a cork board at GoodWill for 90 cents. It sat on my husband's desk for awhile. I think he hated it. I saw a few different variations of hanging necklaces on cork boards. I searched for material and tacks. I made a list to buy tacks. I gave up on material and hung the cork board. Crooked. Pictures? Well you see, My camera has been MIA since Easter. Seems that a younger sibling was doing something cute and a picture was a good idea. MY camera has been missing ever since  :) I borrowed an IPOD and got this:


You get the idea right?

If you're coming here for the best way to do things..I can POINT you in that direction. If you are coming here for Grace and Acceptance and the encouragement that even you can celebrate and have a great life with what you have. That I can deliver. (and I'll be able to find a cool necklace to wear in the process)

I had a birthday!

 Seems like that post title should hold a slew of giveaways and celebrations. Actually, you're going to hear me whine. I'm going to whine to you because I feel weird calling up a friend and forcing them to hear my whining whereas you can close the page whenever you like and I'll never know the difference. Sounds like a win all around. I'm whining because I'm sick of whining on my birthday and hoping that we can hash this out once and for all so there'll be no more whining.

Birthdays have always been weird for me. I lived with my mom and dad until I was 5 and then my mom until I was 6. My mom was crafty and a great cook and baker and prepared huge elaborate parties and awesome cakes and crafts for everyone. I actually remember them. Before I turned 6,  I went to live with my grandfather's third cousin who was then in her 70's and grumpily set in her ways. When I last saw my grandmother we celebrated my birthday even though it was months away. She knew she wouldn't see me on the actual day. I moved across the country and shortly after she died of cancer in her 40's. My mom died a few years later at 34.

I lived with my dad from 14-college. He was a bachelor and not quite sure what to do. He came in one birthday and asked if I wanted to take a friend to Farrells. Nice thought. Another birthday he bought me a stereo and then through a HUGE 3 hour screaming fit that it took him all day to buy it.

Then I met a wonderful family who treated me like their own (a new concept for me) and we had wonderful wonderful tea parties for my birthday and I felt so special and uncomfortable with all the attention.

Now here I am: the wife and mom. I make celebrations happen. I do all the prep work and planning. So what happens on my birthday? Honestly? My husband waits until the day of and then feels incredibly guilty that he cant do or buy what he thinks he should. I don't even know what that is. And he asks me and asks me, but life doesn't stop and neither do it's pressures.

I got a *new to me* dress/shirt thing at Goodwill. (I cant decide if I lke it and I dont know if I can return it now because the cashier gave me a 24% discount. They like me there, it's like my own little Cheers.)

I woke this morning to a toddler bringing me paper and pens because everyone else was making cards and he didnt want me to be left out :) My husband made a great cup of coffee and an amazing omelet. A friend facebooked me last night asking if she could bring over  a cake.

I dont want anything more but I feel like something is missing. Is it because my well meaning husband keeps asking me what I want to do? Do I expect my Mom to come through the door with a Barbie cake and make everything better? Do I miss my grandma making sure I am taken care of. I dont even know. If so, Id like to get over that now. This is stupid and I dont like whining.

Are birthdays weird for you? Im not all that offended by getting older. Do you plan your birthdays? What do you do? What is your favorite birthday memory?

Toddler Awesome

 
This boy.




He turned four in September.


He REFUSES to wear pajamas. He will not potty train.

He has no volume control and is LOUD LOUD LOUD from 7am--8pm. Just when I am at my wits end with him. he sings this song:






I cannot describe the cuteness. OH my.


Of course, he wont let me video him. I have to "catch him."

I have been chosen for a blog makeover over at Toddler Awesome. Stay tuned!!

Good deals!

Came across two great deal while procastinating cleanign the house and my four year old spreads Play Dough EVERYWHERE:

Panasonic TA-1 Ultrathin HD Pocket Camcorder Enabled with Skype and iFrame (Dark Grey
normally 169.99 now on sale for 69.99.




AND

$20.00 Amazon gift card for $10.00
on LivingSocial.com You can only buy one and only for a limited time.



My 14 year old now has the radio up too loud and is drumming on my counters. Still Play Dough everywhere. My computer surfing time is offically over, this 80 degree weather is throwing me for a HUGE loop.

Fundraiser for our Son

As I continue to talk about,  my 14 year old son

has Scleroderma Coupe de Sabre: Which is incurable and untreatable. He has had two episodes of pain and we are beginning to do some testing.

I have introduced you to my friend Julie before:

She and I attended the same Christian College and now homeschool our kiddos in the same small town. She has amazing talent, creativity and taste and does things WELL.

 She is also the owner of Jules Jewerly and Little Girls Pearls. Julie  has made us a generous and amazing offer. For two weeks: Starting the day after Thanksgiving and going through December 10th, our family will receive 20% of any purchase made at her sites: using the code NATE, to help with medical costs.

WOW

You're gonna LOVE her stuff!!

She has some GORGEOUS hand stamped jewelery including:

Mothers' jewelry including

Family Birth Stone Necklace

Mothers' Love Birthstone Necklace

THEN there is also her Little Girls'  Pearls jewelry line featuring, a lovely selection of sweet and elegant freshwater pearl and sterling silver jewelry. These would be so great for Christmas, or a wedding, any special occasion or church on Sundays.

This line include thee sweetest necklaces, earrings, and bracelets ever!!
Here's a sample:

Another truly amazing friend Kimmie from SugarandDots.com Made a button for me just for this event! She is amazing and talented and such an encouragement to me. She does some amazing button making--you should check her out.

                                                           <a border="0" href="http://www.sugaranddots.com/2010/11/please-give-this-holiday-season-nate.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/g00dy2sh0es/natebutton.jpg" /></a>

We have so much appreciated everyone's prayers for our son and are feeling very blessed. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for a mom, aunt, friend, daughter (or yourself:) and think they would like Julie's amazing jewelry please consider buying from her and using the code: NATE.


Kimmie just notified me that ANYTHING purchased in her shop on Black Friday..she will give 100% to us for Nate's medical needs.

A dear freind has just added Avon to the Christmas shopping to benefit Nate:)
just use code: NATE14 at
http://pbethel.avonrepresentative.com/


We appreciate any help getting the world out about these fundraisers.

God Bless!

First Day of School

We don't start school until after this little lady's birthday:


So on September 7th. The weather went from Summer to Autumn just like that. I was up very very early and made breakfast. If you know me well, you may not believe it. Stayed cozy in my PJs for way too long.

We tried really hard to stick to THIS schedule. Except for losing a few math books:)

We were all cheery and sweet and on task. Seriously!! Everyone was so kind and excited. I fell apart around noon and everyone was kind about that too:)

We did have our share of mishaps like when I yelled "Where is my coffee?" from one side of the house and my two year old find it on the other end of the house and brought it to me. Apparently, he has quite a swagger and I had lost my coffee a lot earlier than I realized (it was cold:)

Our first day of school did go remarkably well. It has been several weeks and I still havent posted this--although it was written in it's entirety that day. Why? because after that first day EVERYTHING fell apart. I have spent my days since then trying to repair and revamp and rebuild. I figure I can get it running smoothly by the Holidays. Then we'll take a nice break and start all over again:)

Oh Christmas Tree!

Are things easier for other people? Am I just a HUGE HUGE whiner?

Saturday my baby came down with a fever. 103-104. I was up all night with him. Sunday my husband "fell" sick. Monday was my husband's birhtday. We did nothing. He heated up the soup I had made the day before. My oldest son became sick and spent the next day and a half in bed. I feel fine but am cranky and impatient. I had plans. I want the tree up. I want Christmas music playing.

A tree is a big deal for us each year. Normally, I am very matter of fact: If we dont have the money for it--we dont need it. My husband is very black and white and thinks that since this applies to everything else in our lives it should apply to Christmas Trees too. Can you believe his logic? There is and should not be anything logical applied to Christmas trees!!!

Last year we were given an artificial Christmas tree. It is beautiful. We acquired a train table this year! We were blessed with new couches this year too. Wow huh? What could I possibly find to complain about? None of these good thigns actually fit in our small living spacce. The challenge: fit ALL in the small living space and leave room for "living." Hmm... add in sick toddlers and babies and whining husbands and bickering sickies. This cranky, impatient Mommy isnt feeling very magical.

I moved and moved furniture, which of course involved more and more cleaning. I pulled on the side of the tain table to move it, which I have told everyone else NOT to do because it will break. It broke. I layed the tree branches out in the sun to dedust. I vaccummed. I ran over a banana peel. I had to clean the carpet and take the vaccumm apart. The WHOLE vaccum apart. AND someone had the nerve to turn off "my" Christmas music in the process!!


Finally everyone else caught my excitement and wanted in on the fun. Babies woke up from naptime. Someone convinced my three year old that he could help. He is now taking ornaments on and off the tree and proclaiming what a good helper he is. At 6 am, he brought my favoriate ornament to me, in bed. The tree topper is also broken and we discovered AFTER putting everything up and decorated that the tree is leaning. Would you like to SEE the tree? Have I told you about my camera breaking at Thanksgiving?

Reformation Day

I really really don't like Halloween. I don't want to celebrate it and I don't want to celebrate in reaction to it. I don't have nay traditions to pass down and havent decided exactly what my ideal is...My husband was able to pick up an "extra" shift which is good but made for an extra long day for me:)

I have NEVER carved a pumpkin. My dear friend, Jane, decided to show us how. She got pumpkins for everyone, tons of supplies and made a HUGE pot of chili (and cornbread and honey/butter)



I was all excited for Gabriel, being his first pumpkin carving and all. Then I relaized, with a little help, that it would be a first for me and ALL five of my children.


Nate wasn't too sure about it all. But had a GREAT time once he let himself:)





Erin blew me out of the park with her carving of something profound..IN JAPANESE!!




Luke discovered that if you stuck your head way down in the "pumpkin guts bucket and screamed that IT ECHOED!!


Here is the conspiring that led to an Awesome "G" pumpkin.







Here are the works of the day...they look good...



AND SOOOO good all lit up. Apparently, pumpkin carving is very forgiving.

Book Case Treasures

First off, we have a few things to get out of the way:

Yes there are a lot of bookcases in here.

We have WAY outgrown our home. We have one room to live in. It has four walls: three have doorways or walkways, one has windows and three have bookcases. Bookcases are our friends.

The bookcases are cheap, dont match, need to be smooshed together in places and there are people everywhere. Even when Im trying to take pictures.

I dust, I decorate, I clean these babies way too often and there are ALWAYS treasures waiting for me, like these today:

WHY? How does it happen? How do things get behind books? On top of books? Where do all the "extra" books come from that appear in stacks?

Does this happen to anyone else?