52 Fridays: Weekly Update #18

Sorry this is up late and that I missed last weeks report. Life has been a little more than crazy around here!! A few weeks back I began having a Crohn’s flair of major proportions. Or at least for me. Please, don’t write me hate mail, I know I’ve been lucky and many people have it much worse than I. I haven’t been on medication in nearly 11 years, so this is pretty major for me. Anyway…my days have been a little less than productive to say the least. So, please bear with me as I trudge through this sickness.

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: I’ve been doing better at this. Some days I don’t get my emails read, but I have been reading in the Word each day!! It’s been so good and refreshing. I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: This is not going well at all right now. Mainly because I’m some medication to stop the Crohn’s flair-up I’m having. This medication, prednisone, causes you to retain water and therefore gain weight. Bleh! I’m still watching what I eat, so I’m pretty sure I’ll drop some pounds once I am finished with the medication and it’s out of my system. Until then… 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Still working through the pantry. The Hubster has even gotten into the research and is helping by looking for less expensive but healthy options!! We’re ready to eat better and feel better!! 

4. Homeschool Fun: We have been playing some games to reinforce what we’re learning in math, but otherwise he just wants to finish his work “now” and go play!! At least we’re not having meltdowns daily, right?! 

5. Organization: We’re having a garage sale in a couple weeks, so I’ve been going through toys, clothes, misc items in the house. I’m cleaning out more and more and excited to “thin out” what we have. I think this will help me with getting more organized too! 

6. Staying caught up: Even though I’ve been sick most days over the past 2 weeks, I’ve managed to stay relatively caught up. And, since my wrist is acting up again, I’m very thankful to the Hubster for helping with the dishes several days this week. With his help, we’ve had a clean sink this week!! Not to mention the fact that he cleaned off the counter top for me too!! I’m truly blessed!! 

7. Blog changes: I’m so VERY excited to announce that my new site will be up and running this Sunday, May 6^th, 2012!!!!! If you haven’t stopped by the new site, please take a second to do so! Follow me on Linky Followers, Networked Blogs or by email. “Like” my new facebook page! Help me spread the word about my blog!! I’m so excited for this adventure and journey God has placed in front of me. I hope you’ll join me for the ride!!

What have you been up to this week? How do you find time or make time for God’s Word as a busy Mom?

I love your comments!! They help encourage not only me, but others that read this blog. Feel free to leave a comment and/or a link to a post that will encourage others in their Christian walk too!!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Weekly Update #16

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: I have done better this week. Even if I haven’t gotten up early, I’ve still read my emails each day. Oh…maybe I missed a day. Nevertheless I am determined to make this a priority for me! I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: I’m feeling a little discouraged in this area. But, from what I read and hear from people who’ve been down this road…this is par for the course. So I will persevere and push forward. 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: I finished the food pantry sheet this week!!! YAY!!!! Man oh man do I have a LOT of food in there!! Working on meals over the next few weeks that will clear it out. And, when something is gone, we’re replacing it with a healthier option! YAY!!! 

4. Homeschool Fun: This week has been more about getting it done for my son. He’s been feeling that Spring bug and wants to be outside most of the time. So, we’ve been doing our best to get school done early so he can have time outside. 

5. Organization: Not much to report here. I’ve got great ideas, but lack either the funds or the time! Working on new, inexpensive options!! 

6. Staying caught up: Did really well this week! Laundry is almost done for the day/week and my dishes are caught up!! I’ve done really well at keeping up. Now let’s see if we can make it 2 weeks in a row! 

7. Blog changes: Look for the changes coming May 2012!!!! The design is being re-vamped and I’ve got such cute blog buttons to share…I can’t wait!!!! More work to do on it this weekend!!! It’s getting there!

What are your tips for keeping your busy home running smooth throughout the week?  Feel free to share your tips and ideas in a comment or link back to a post!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Week 15 Update

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: Why is it that this is the hardest thing to get done? Am I the only one who feels this way? Making this a first priority is #1 on my list this week. I’ve just got to get up and get it done. Get a new habit going and keep with it – no matter what! I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: I continue to struggle with finding the time to workout. The Hubster has joined the “cause” and is ready to move to real foods with me. Now that I’m not alone in this, I think we’ll really be able to move forward with this!! 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Still working on the  food pantry sheet. We’re in the process of clearing out our pantry to use what we have and transition into “real foods.” I can’t even tell you how excited I am. I’ve heard such great results from those who’ve made the switch. Not only in weight loss, but also in how much better they feel. I can’t wait!!! Real Foods…here I come! 

4. Homeschool Fun: This week has been more organized and therefore, we have more time for FUN!! Read my Homeschool Happenings post today to see more!! 

5. Organization: Not much to report here. I’ve got great ideas, but lack either the funds or the time! Working on new, inexpensive options!! 

6. Staying caught up: This area was not so great this week. I am getting caught back up on laundry, but dishes are another story. In November 2011, I had surgery on my right wrist. All was going well, until this past weekend when it started acting up on me again. At one point I couldn’t even grip a can of pop or door handle. NOT FUN!! So, I’ve had to rely on The Hubster for help. And well…we all know how most men are about dishes or chores in general! LOL But, we’re working on it! 

7. Blog changes: Okay, so things are not going quite as planned. I think I’m going to push this back to May. Look for the changes coming May 2012!!!! The design is being re-vamped and I’ve got such cute blog buttons to share…I can’t wait!!!!

How do you find time to spend with the Lord in prayer?  Feel free to share your tips and ideas in a comment or link back to a post!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Week 14 Update

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: I’ve not been on my computer most days this week. Other than a quick glance here and there. But, I am getting up earlier than I used to and so I plan to use that time to read my daily Bible Study emails in silence…mostly. At least before the day gets crazy out-of-control. I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: I continue to struggle with finding the time to workout. I am still watching my portion controls until we can transition to “real food.” 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Printed the food pantry sheet and have begun an inventory. We’re in the process of clearing out our pantry to use what we have and transition into “real foods.” I can’t even tell you how excited I am. I’ve heard such great results from those who’ve made the switch. Not only in weight loss, but also in how much better they feel. I can’t wait!!! Real Foods…here I come! 

4. Homeschool Fun: This week we did a lot of papers to catch up on a few things. However, as we were running some errands, my son read books in the back seat. We added up the pages he read and it totaled 290!!! Granted these were those easy First Readers, but we were able to really praise him for his accomplishment and good behavior! He did GREAT!!! Then, he spent an afternoon at my grandparents’ house helping with some yard work and learned what it was like to work hard and earn money. He was beyond thrilled! 

5. Organization: Not much to report here. I’ve got great ideas, but lack either the funds or the time! Working on new, inexpensive options!! 

6. Staying caught up: I have done really well this week. The dishes are staying caught up and I’m keeping up with laundry quite well. I’m thrilled with myself in this area. 

7. Blog changes: Okay, so things are not going quite as planned. I think I’m going to push this back to May. If it happens before I’ll be sure to let you know. Otherwise, look for the changes coming May 2012!!!!

What’s your favorite way to “escape” the daily grind? Feel free to share your tips and ideas in a comment or link back to a post!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Weekly Update #13

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: It’s been a whirlwind week. We’ve traveled 3 of the past 4 days. WOW!! I may not have been able to read on my computer daily, but the Hubster and I were able to have some great discussions about Scripture while we drove! What a blessing that was!! Kinda’ makes me wish we could travel all the time. I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: I continue to struggle with finding the time to workout. I am still watching my portion controls until we can transition to “real food.” 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Printed the food pantry sheet and have begun an inventory. Now all I have to do is find recipes that will use up what I have!

My sweet daughter looking over a rail at some fish

4. Homeschool Fun: Two of our travel days were to different Zoo’s. One local and one a couple hours away. We had so much fun seeing the new Sea Lion exhibit at our local zoo (we’re members, so we can go anytime). And the other zoo had quite a few different animals than our zoo has. It was so much fun!! Watch for my Tuesday post about how to make the most of your trip to the zoo!!! (Including free printables!) 

5. Organization: Not much to report here. I’ve got great ideas, but lack either the funds or the time! Working on new, inexpensive options!! 

6. Staying caught up: Well, with our travel days the laundry has suffered. I’m getting caught up as I type though. So hopefully I’ll be back on track tomorrow! On the other hand, the dishes have stayed caught up since we’ve been traveling! 

7. Blog changes: I have run into a few snags, so I think my new look is going to be pushed back a week. I hope to have it up by April 9^th now. I will keep you posted!!!

What is your favorite Scripture? Do you use a Bible Study book or just read from the Word?

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Weekly Update #12

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: This week I’ve not been getting on the computer daily. It’s been a rough week. I’m not sure why this week was worse than any of the past two months, but it was. I know that’s when I need to be in God’s Word even more, but I haven’t. I will do better! I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: Well, I still haven’t figured out when the best time to do the Wii Fit is, but I did get on it the other night and weigh myself. I have lost 1.1 lbs. in the last 13 days. Not much. A little less than I wanted to lose in 2 weeks, but at least it’s a loss and not a gain, right?! I guess cutting back on my portions has helped! 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Printed a food pantry inventory list from here. Plan to work on that today. Here’s to hoping! 

4. Homeschool Fun: We had a rough week in this area. We did find some great online math games to help him. I also bought a math game for him. Saw some great experiments to try, but they didn’t fit our lesson. Hoping to do some of them in the next couple weeks. 

5. Organization: Not much to report here. I’ve got great ideas, but lack either the funds or the time! Working on new, inexpensive options!! 

6. Staying caught up: Kept up pretty good this week. Finishing my laundry today to get caught up again for the weekend. Dishes have been caught up all week!!! YAY!!! 

7. Blog changes: I am still working on the design of my blog and getting things just the way I want them before we go live. But, I hope to have everything up and running for a reveal on April 2^nd!!!! I will give you all fair warning before hand so you can be ready for the launch! I can NOT even tell you how excited I am!

 Are you a homeschooling mom? What are some of your favorite ways to “mix-it-up” a bit during the week to make it more fun and exciting?

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Weekly Update #11

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: I am still striving to read my daily emails every single day. Sometimes I don’t get on my computer and I double up. One thing that amazes me is how timely some of the verses and devotions are. I am encouraged daily and so blessed that I can read the Bible in this way. I get my emails through biblegateway.com and a women’s devotional through Proverbs 31 devotions. Such great tools – be sure to check them out! 

2. Weekly weight loss: Okay…so truthfully I haven’t quite fit the Wii Plus into my daily routine. I don’t get up early enough to get it done before kids are awake. I am usually super busy running around doing chores, finishing up school, cleaning, etc. during naptime (plus my oldest is awake and I am not quite prepared to scar him for life just yet!). And, by the end of the day I am simply worn out! So, hopefully I will do better this week in my quest for a more healthy and fit lifestyle. WOW!!! This is so much harder than I thought! 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Last weeks plan did not come to fruition like I had hoped. So, this week I want to make an inventory list of my pantry and go from there. That way I can see what foods I need to use up and can replace with more healthy options! 

4. Homeschool Fun: Well, I’m not sure we accomplished this or not. Actually…I’m pretty sure we didn’t. I need to do MUCH better at this! 

5. Organization: All the kids’ clothes are hung up in the laundry room/central closet area. I hope this will make our lives just a little easier! I am still no closer to organizing the pantry than I was 3 weeks ago!! But, that is still high on my priority list! 

6. Staying caught up: I might get behind for a day, but I have been really good about picking up where I left off. I’m getting better at this each week. Maybe this week I’ll keep up with everything! HA! 

7. Blog changes: I am still working on the design of my blog and getting things just the way I want them before we go live. But, I hope to have everything up and running for a reveal on April 2^nd!!!! I will give you all fair warning before hand so you can be ready for the launch! I can NOT even tell you how excited I am! 

So, how are you doing in your quest this year? Are you becoming more DISCIPLINED or ORGANIZED? What steps are you taking to be more organized? What tips can you give those who are struggling in this area?

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Week 10 Update

Here goes this week’s report. You can read more about my journey beginning with Week 1. Feel free to join me and Crystal in this journey.

1. DAILY quiet time: I have been reading my daily emails, which I signed up for in January. I signed up at biblegateway.com to help me stay on track. There are several different programs to choose from and I am super excited to get into God’s Word this way!!! I have been enjoying these daily emails as they seem to give me a wonderful, but quick escape to my crazy, busy life with 4 kiddos! 

2. Weekly weight loss: After being sick most of last week, I have managed to keep my portions under control. I find myself not as hungry anymore and find myself not going back for seconds. I am careful not to eat too many sweets (this is my real problem area). This past week we had our semi-annual Just Between Friends sale here and I found a Wii Fit Plus with the balance board for $45!!!! I was beyond thrilled! I have wanted one of these for quite a while now, but just couldn’t bring myself to pay the $100 for it in the store. I’m so glad I waited!!! I’ve set up my profile and done it once (we didn’t even hook it up until Thursday night) and I hope to make time in my day or evening to do this every day! BONUS: My oldest thinks this is just about the coolest “game” ever! 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: Still getting rid of other foods so I can get started with this. It’s going to take quite a bit more planning than I originally thought. So, I hope to sit down this week and plan out some new meals that I think will transition the family smoothly. And with 4 young, picky-eater kiddos that’s no easy task! 

4. Homeschool Fun: We started back up with school this week. It was slow going and a lot of drama, but we made it! We even did a few fun experiments this week. I saw on Facebook where you could get a broom to stand up all by itself because of the Vernal Equinox (First Day of Spring) approaching on March 20^th. So, we thought we’d try it! And…IT WORKED!! Then, we tried the egg trick too. And it worked! Now, to be fair, I looked it up on the internet and it said that it is quite possible these both could be accomplished during other days of the year, so we’ll have to test that theory. Read more about it here. 

5. Organization: I have fallen off the bandwagon in keeping up with my weekly emails from Home Storage Solutions. BUT…the good news is I have been organizing away this week! I have completely gone through all our summer clothes to finish getting them tagged for the next JBF sale I am consigning in. I also went through the winter tubs I had in the garage so they could be moved to the attic. Whew!! What a workout that was! I also completely cleaned out the girls’ closet of all clothing items and have moved all their toys in! Just one step closer to moving out some bigger furniture in their room that I was using for storage! And one step closer to moving in a twin bed for Miss Priss. Ugh!! I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that yet because she’s just growing up so fast! But, alas…it must happen. 

6. Staying caught up: Have I mentioned how much I love my central closet? Oh I do!!! I don’t know what I would do without it!! It really does make laundry go so much smoother! I am not running around the house trying to put things away between nap times and around kids, etc. This week I had some added loads of laundry with the purchases I made at JBF. But…because of my handy-dandy central closet it was really a cinch! I have stayed caught up on laundry and dishes. Not to mention the other housework too!! I am actually impressed with myself! 

7. Blog changes: I am still working on the design of my blog and getting things just the way I want them before we go live. But, I hope to have everything up and running for a reveal on April 2^nd!!!! I will give you all fair warning before hand so you can be ready for the launch! I can NOT even tell you how excited I am!

So, how are you doing in your quest this year? Are you becoming more DISCIPLINED or ORGANIZED? What steps are you taking to be more organized? What tips can you give those who are struggling in this area?

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a blessed weekend!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Weekly Update

Since Sunday night I have been battling an intestinal virus only compounded by my Crohn’s. I am so glad that today (Thursday) was a MUCH better day!!!! I have done what I could this week between an ALL DAY trip to the ER Monday and the weakness and tiredness that goes along with a virus. So, here’s my weekly update for what it’s worth.

1. DAILY quiet time: I have not been keeping up very well this week. Spending most of my time either in bed or in the restroom proved more tiring than I thought. Starting fresh again Friday morning!!! NOTE: I’m so thankful we serve a merciful and gracious God. We may falter and fail at times, but when we can call on His name and pick right back up where we were. And…it’s like we’ve never left. Praise the Lord! 

2. Weekly weight loss: I’m not sure this week is a good judge! Haha Although, I’ve probably lost some weight, I know it’s not due to healthy eating…but lack of eating all together! So…we’ll keep moving forward with this once I’m back to a more normal eating program. 

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: The next few weeks are being spent cleaning/clearing out the pantry and using up foods we have already purchased. Then, I hope to replace those foods with more “real” foods and healthier choices. 

4. Homeschool Fun: Again…not much schooling going on with Momma down and out. We did have several teaching opportunities though that we seized the moment with. Right now those seem to have escaped my mind…ugh…I dislike getting old!! 

5. Organization: I’m working on my pantry. It’s proving to be a bigger project than I thought, but I’m so happy to get it going!!!! I’ve got a vision and I can’t wait to make it work! 

6. Staying caught up: Even though I was sick the better part of the week, I have remained quite caught up on laundry. I only have 2 loads to do tomorrow, which is right on track! YAY!!!! And, I’m pleased to say the dishes are caught up following dinner Thursday night! Double YAY!!!!! 

7. Blog changes: I am still working on getting everything in place. But, hopefully in the next 2 weeks I’ll be rolling out the red-carpet to my new website!!!! I am so excited!!!! 

What are some of your favorite “Real” or “Whole” food recipes? I need some GREAT inspiration to get me motivated!!!

Blessings,

Annette

Linking up:

Created For Home

52 Fridays: Weeks 6-8 Catching Up!!

In case you didn’t notice, I’ve missed a few weeks of our 52 Friday’s posts. I am so very sorry for dropping the ball here. My life changed over the past few weeks.

Just to give you the synopsis, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer (after 5 days in the hospital) on January 28^th. He went home that day and waited for his follow-up appointment with his doc on February 3^rd. He was sent from his appointment to the hospital again, with the threat of both lungs collapsing (the left lung collapse landed him in the hospital the first time). That was the last time my Dad would see the outside of a hospital. We spent the next week and a half visiting him in the hospital and preparing for the worst, all the while hoping and praying for a miracle. God had other plans and took my Daddy HOME early in the morning on February 14^th, 2012.

So, it’s been a whirlwind of diagnosis’, doctors, medication, tests, tearful visits and our Last Good-bye (read more here).

But, I am getting back on track here at home and I finally decided that I should put together a form I can just fill out each week. DUH!! This will make it so much easier to update my progress for our 52 week journey!

So, even though this may not be the best update of the year, I’m chronicling my progress anyway. These go in order of what I wrote about in Week 1.

1. DAILY quiet time: I have been reading my daily emails, which I signed up for in January. I signed up at biblegateway.com to help me stay on track. There are several different programs to choose from and I am super excited to get into God’s Word this way!!!

2. Weekly weight loss: Okay, so this has not gone so well. Especially with all the wonderful food provided to us last week after my Dad’s passing. But, I am back to portion control and eating better. I’m looking at a few new approaches and what will work best for me and my family. Because as we all know, if we don’t get our families involved, we’ll just give up. It’s so difficult to make yourself something healthy to eat, when your family is eating your favorite meal.

3. Vintage Remedies 8 weeks to Real Foods: I did not do so well with this, so I’m starting over!!! I have all the emails and what I’m to do. So, with a little more planning and ingenuity on my part I think we can make this work!

4. Homeschool Fun: Well…to be honest, we haven’t had school in the past few weeks with everything going on. But, I did come across some GREAT websites today, which I found on pinterest, of course. Follow my Homeschool boards to keep up with new finds!

5. Organization: I am surprised at how much I’ve been able to accomplish so far. I am still working on getting our kitchen organized just the way I want, but otherwise I am doing pretty well. I am really working on planning things out before I just go changing them around. I found when I changed things in haste, just to have them done, it didn’t always work out so well. So, I may be a little slower on some things than others, but it’s simply because I want to do it ONCE!

6. Staying caught up: I am getting caught back up on laundry after being out-of-pocket most of last week. But, with my central closet in place (mostly anyway), things move so much faster and easier! Dishes are caught up now, which makes me feel better. Have some major cleaning to do this weekend to get back on track, but that’s just what it takes sometimes. Now…if I could just find that motivation again! haha

7. Blog changes: I was finally able to purchase my new domain name last night. I will be working on more changes and updates throughout the weekend. I am so excited to get my new site up and running!!!! I CAN NOT wait to reveal it to you all!!!

So, how are you doing in your quest this year? Are you becoming more DISCIPLINED or ORGANIZED? While you’re here, please share some tips!

Blessings,

Annette


Join us:

52 Fridays: Week 5 (update)

So, this week I have actually been working towards more organization. I know I should've started this long ago, but...leave me alone…It’s only week 5 of the new year! haha  I have my recipes gathered and ready to sort, organize, hole punch and place in a binder tonight and tomorrow. I have bins of clothes that I have sorted through and continue to sort through.

Some of my bins that I've been sorting through

More bins!!!

Okay, so I realized this past week that my kids have waaaaay too many clothes!!! Let me take a minute to talk about this. First, I’m not sure how it got this out of hand, but it has! (Maybe it stems from the fact that we, as adults, feel the need for tons of choices!)  My oldest daughter has 35-40 dresses in her closet!!! And that doesn’t include her skirts/shirts! OH.MY.WORD!! If you’re like me (and most mom’s are), you have your favorites on your kids and they tend to cycle through maybe 10-15 outfits total! I noticed this was the case with my girls’ too. So, why in the world does my daughter need 40 dresses? UGH!! This was not on the “docket” for this week, but we realized she was getting too tall for the size she was wearing…as in her tushy (albeit cute) was showing! Yes, she is still in diapers, but we are instilling modesty in our children from the time they are young. Not to mention the fact that she does have two older brothers who can see her tushy too! So, we felt it was time to move her up a size. What better time to sort through the clothes in her closet as well as the ones I have already purchased for her in the new size!!

What did I tell you? This is ONLY my older daughter's side! CRAZY!!!

This process is also coming at a great time because the Semi-Annual Just Between Friends sales are coming up in my area! I try to sell our gently used clothes, toys, games, etc. for reasonable prices at these sales. They have been a wonderful source of clothing items for us over the past few years. BUT…whatever I do not sell, I will donate to a church closet. I do not need them back!! It has been GREAT to see these boxes of clothes diminish. I have such a great sense of accomplishment! Now, if I could just finish them (going through clothes & bins for 4 kids takes a bit of time) and get them stored away I would feel even better!

Okay, so back to my 52 week goals…

I am doing better with my daily quiet time. It’s not always super quiet (since my kiddos get up at 6:30am most mornings), but at least I am able to read God’s Word (most days). I still struggle with getting it done everyday, but I’m getting there.

I am staying on top of dishes for the most part anyway. Sometimes I end up a half-day behind, but I’ve been able to catch back up and get back on track easily.

Laundry got piled up this week more than I like. But, today I’ve been able to catch back up (almost completely)!! And that includes sorting, folding and putting it away!!! (More on how I do this coming in Monday’s post!)

I have kept to our meal plan really well this week. I love it when that happens!

I feel more in control of my home (chores, meals, etc.) since I have become more intentional in its organization! It’s amazing how free you feel when you’re not stressed about what’s for lunch or dinner…or the HUGE pile of laundry in front of you…or the fact that you’re not sure what you’re going to eat on tonight because the dishes are stacked so high! This has allowed me more time to write posts, play with my kids, share with the Hubster (we have to be a little more than creative to get time alone between his schedule and our kiddos). It has been GREAT!!!

I can not wait to see what the Lord has in store for the rest of this year!!

Blessings,

Annette

52 Fridays: Week 4

It is true that if you’re pursuing a godly life and a right relationship with Him, the evil one will come in and do anything and everything in his power to distract you; to turn your focus away from Him. Well, this week was one of those weeks.

My children are finally over the RSV (Praise the Lord!!), but now it’s my dad. Last week he went in for some pain and a cough. He came out with an antibiotic and some cough medicine. No biggie. He was doing really well through the weekend and then Monday the cough came back. And Tuesday, the pain had moved to his other side and up (around his heart). So, that night he ended up in the ER having a battery of tests run. Those tests showed he had a 30% collapsed lung and some nodules in his lung too. They admitted him to the hospital for observation. The next day he had some more tests run and awaited the doctor…we waited too. Thursday he underwent a biopsy and now we’re left waiting again. These are ALL tactics the evil one uses to his advantage. Or at least he tries! But, my dad is probably one of the most prayed over people!! He’s had 8 ordained ministers pray over him and with him, small groups, 3 different churches, numerous prayer groups, friends and family. It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of love from so many people – God’s people!

On Wednesday evening, another tragedy struck. A young lady who attends our church was tragically killed in a car crash. I was just walking out of our Women’s study when I saw the 2 OHP standing in the foyer with a set of parents. They were there to inform them of her death. Being married to an ordained minister, I know this will not be the last time I deal with death. But, as a mother, my heart broke in that instant as I watched the devastation sweep over her parents. I remember her smiling face and her sweet disposition. We sat next to each other for the past 3 years on the front row at Music Camp. She was our lead choreography teacher at Music Camp and the youngest sister of a friend from high school. She will be deeply missed.

Even though these two events have disrupted my calm, peaceful life I WILL NOT let the evil one win. He has been conquered by my Lord and Savior once and he WILL BE conquered again! Death has been overcome and I know that sweet Miranda is living out her eternal reward!! I am saddened as a mother for her parents, as a sister for her own sisters and as a friend, but I am so thankful that I will one day see her again!! Praise be to God!!! And for my dad…the nurses have noticed a difference when they walk in his room. There is peace. There is hope. There is LOVE!!

So, maybe I didn’t get to my kitchen this week. Maybe I didn’t keep up with the laundry as well as I would’ve liked. And maybe, just maybe there’s a pile of dishes in my sink. SO.WHAT?! They will be there tomorrow. (Or later today, since they are kinda driving me nuts already. lol) The point is…Live your FAITH out daily!!!! Share your love of Jesus with anyone and EVERYONE you meet! You never know what today may bring and tomorrow might be too late.

Blessings,

Annette

   “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

   “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”    

-Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)




Linking to: 

52 Fridays: My Home Management Binder: My Lifeline

These are the tab dividers I used for my binder. I then have a Table of Contents in the front.
(I already had the binder and dividers so the cost for my project was FREE!!)

Week 3

This week we’re going to discuss how to create your own Home Management Binder. But, first, here's my WHY?! Why do you even need a Home Management Binder? I think through my story and the explanation of categories, you'll see why this is SO vital to a home! Especially one with children.

In preparing for my last three deliveries, I found myself taking time to type up daily routines, meal plans, doctors information for the kid(s), snack choices, medication dosages, daily medications, and the list goes on and on. When our 2^nd child was born it wasn’t that much work. Planning for one child (3.5y at the time) was simple. Even planning for two was easy. BUT…when I delivered our last child back in August, I found myself typing up so many new lists, routines and SO.MUCH.INFORMATION. Now, I can be guilty of over-doing it a bit, but wouldn’t you rather have too much information for those caring for your children rather than not enough? Yes, the Hubster was on vacation for a week, but I was in the hospital for 4 days – FOUR DAYS!!!! If I had not put together a meal plan for that week (and freezer meals for the 2 weeks following) my children would likely have eaten fruit gummies, cheese crackers, chicken nuggets and french fries for days on end. So, after typing for days and weeks I realized there must be a MUCH simpler way to do this! So I began researching how I could better organize everything in our home. Bills, Meal Planning, Daily Routines, Doctors info, etc.  I found this wonderfully helpful site on Pinterest (where else?) and made my own binder. You can see how she makes hers and how I make mine, but you will essentially want to tweak it to what fits your family. (Check out this site for some other ideas on building your own Home Management Binder.)

And, don’t be afraid to change it up from year-to-year. Our family changes and grows, so why wouldn’t your Home Management Binder?

The categories that apply to my household are:

Calendar                     Schedules

Cleaning                      Menu Planning

Finances                     To Do

School                        Medical

Contacts                    Blogging

1) "Calendar" - I fill this out (or update it) every Sunday evening.  I created my monthly pages in a Word doc and print them from my computer. You can also do weekly pages and use these Week-at-a-glance pages from  Mommytrackd (they’re FREE!!!) or create your own!

2) "SCHEDULES" - This is where you would place all of the kids’ & family schedules (dance, basketball, lunch menus, soccer, baseball, cheerleading, boy scouts, church, etc... and my schedules for church, doc appts, etc...). It’s a never ending list. I hole punch everything and throw it out when it no longer applies.

        *NOTE: Since my children do not participate in organized sports (another topic for another post) I put a few different schedules here: my laundry schedule and the Baby’s Schedule and Party Planning sheets from mommytrackd here.  (Are you sensing a pattern?) I also have a rough “draft” if you will, of our daily routine so that when I need to be away for the day my children are still in their routine – somewhat.

3) "CLEANING" - This is a fun one for me (cleaning is not necessarily fun, but the section in my binder is!). I printed out this Fall cleaning printable (again, at mommytrackd.com) and follow along with the cleaning schedule. You can purchase the Cleaning Kit printables from Clean Mama's etsy shop or follow her Kitchen Deep Clean printable or Quick Clean Ups in her FREE printables section, These are great so you don't forget anything! I also have a Chore Chart for my son in here that I print out weekly for him to put his completion stickers on. The printed copy goes on the refrigerator. I also have a Daily-Weekly-Monthly Cleaning/Chore Chart for us to follow. Feel free to download it here and change it to work for your family.

4) "MENU PLANNING" - Some great sets of printables for this section is at Faithful Provisions (they offer other printables too – ALL FREE!!!) or mommytracked (also free)! I use this monthly meal plan & a weekly meal plan with shopping list (I found on Pinterest). I've also created this Snack Options chart for those who come into my home to care for my kids.  The key is to use what works for you & your family. This binder is about making your life simpler, not more difficult or stressful. You can also check out my customizable printables here. 

           A) Daily shopping list by meal
           B) Weekly shopping list by category

           C) Weekly Meal plan (horizontal)

           D) Weekly Meal plan (vertical)


UPDATE: I just got an email with a WONDERFUL resource. Organic Grocery Deals has put together a list of produce monthly. They tell you in detail what is HOT, ripe and going to be gone quickly! They have it by month on their forum, but I've put it all together here in one document. Print it out and post it in your pantry (or in this section of your binder) to help you maximize your meal planning (and money saving) efforts!

5) "FINANCES" - I LOVE this section. I use it D-A-I-L-Y.  It’s my "financial brain" and without it I'd be lost. Even though the Hubster does all the bill paying, I like to know when things are due and how much we owe for what, etc. We do all of the bill tracking & budgeting here. We’re a very strict budget family and this allows us to keep track of everything in one place! In this section I also keep bill acct. numbers, phone numbers (mortgage co., banks, etc.) and online bill-pay sites, passwords, log-ins, etc. on a list. (Obviously I’m not going to post this, but its simply typed up in an Excel spreadsheet and printed.. Easy-peasy!) So if I have to make a phone call to a creditor, I don't have to look the numbers up every time and they’re all in ONE PLACE!!!

6) "TO DO" - Pretty self explanatory. I use the Clean Mama & mommytrackd printables. (see, I really do love them!)

7) "SCHOOL" - This section can hold each child’s absence excuse forms, teacher welcome letters, phone numbers, school calendars, etc. Anything pertaining to "school" goes here. It's been very convenient to have all of these papers in one place. We homeschool, so I put my weekly plans, monthly “plans” & my yearly goals and our school schedule in this section. I do; however, have a separate folder which holds all of his papers and tests and my record keeping is done online.

8) "MEDICAL" - All medical & health insurance information goes here. Phone numbers, copies of insurance cards, immunization records (copies) & physical records (copies) are kept here. You can use Clean Mama printables for this section or make your own. (I made my own.) I also have a mommytrackd (yep...I'm officially obsessed!!!) Babysitter sheet here and our kids medication dosages on a chart (daily medications as well as Tylenol, Motrin and allergy meds). Again, the medication chart is just typed up in a Word document.

9) "CONTACTS" 

The list of contacts you should have in your binder are:

Family                        Friends

Neighbors                    Doctors

Dentist                      Vet

Insurance                    Schools

Take-out                    Work

Local Businesses           Coaches

Kids "friends" Parents     Gas, Electric, Water, Cable, Cell, Mortgage

*I created a spread sheet in Word and typed up all of the names & numbers. Be sure to include the relationship they are to you (i.e. neighbor 3 doors north, Mom’s best friend, Jacob’s mom, etc.).

10) "BLOGGING" - I try to schedule my days well in advance so I know what I need to prepare for. However, these past few weeks have been a little crazy and I’ve been writing as I go. Maybe it has something to do with 3 kids having RSV and breathing treatments every 4 hours, 3 ear infections (2 on the same child – poor baby)m one set of ear tubes and numerous doctor’s appointments to take care of the aforementioned issues…maybe?! (I realize this tab might not apply to everyone, so just make a tab that you think is necessary for your home to run smoothly when/if you're away.) 

Well, I hope that helps you get started on your own Home Management Binder!!! Let me know how it goes and what other tabs/sections you think of for your binder! I might just need them for mine! Happy Friday to you!!!

Blessings,

Annette