Embracing Life

Do you ever notice the white crosses on the side of the road? The ones that stand in memory of someone who lost his or her life due to a car accident?  I see one every day on my way to work.  As I stop at the red light, it's right there....  outside my window.  I vaguely remember hearing of an accident at this intersection...  it was years ago.... motorcycle vs. car..... The cross blends into the field now; my eyes so accustomed to it that I pay no mind and barely give it a passing glance.  Over the years, it's become faded and worn from the elements, with small cracks forming in the wood.  It sits as a reminder, but does anyone really notice?  Recently I glanced that way, waiting for my turn to continue through the intersection,  a million items running through my head on my never-ending to do list when something caught my eye:  I LOVE YOU DAD The words penned across the top of the cross. His son sign...

As much as technology has made my life easier, I am still a paper and pen sort of girl.  I love notebooks, journals, colored pens, etc.  And I really love my Erin Condren planner!   I will admit, they are pricey.  But I've tried to go cheap. I bought a really nice Target planner. And was left unimpressed. So I broke down and made the 18-month commitment to Erin Condren. ;)  My package arrived last Thursday, and it was super hard not to skip supper with the family to start filling it in: They wrapped it for me! It's like Christmas in August! The planner came with a coupon, as well as some stickers. The front This is in the back. They have now included a perpetual calendar to list birthdays/anniversaries so that you don't need to write them down year after year. I love love love a 2 page monthly spread to see all our big events. I use the 2 page weekly view to write down work meetings, kids' stuff, my to do list, etc. ...

Well today was the day.... the kids headed back to school.   We've got the morning routine down  (although Keith was training and missed all the fun). ;) This year, with Boy being in third grade, there will be a considerable amount of homework coming home (my niece is a year ahead of him, so I got to see firsthand what she was bringing home!).  The twins will also have a little more homework than they were used to in kindergarten.  To make afternoons/evenings a little smoother, I'm trying out an after-school routine chart (thanks Pinterest!)  The idea is that they can check off the items on the to-do list, and if they succeed each day, there will be a reward or treat on the weekend. I haven't quite worked out all the details, but will keep you posted!   Here is the sheet - each child has their own sheet.  It's in a plexiglass holder so they can use a dry-erase marker to check off each item,  and then cross off the day of...

T-minus 8 days until the start of school! And to get back in the routine of school, homework, and just the general busyness of life, I thought I'd post about some things we are doing at home to help make the transition from summer to school a little easier this year: Prepare the night before: Lunches and backpacks are ready to go.  Clothes are set out for children and mom!  Set the timer on the coffee maker.  Double check your cal endar to make sure you aren't forgetting a treat or permission slip.    Here is a picture of the wall/counter right by our back door.   Under the counter , Keith built cubbies for coa ts/back packs.   We use the old shutter for bills/ permission slips/important papers. Hover over this picture to see the "Pin it" button! Hug I t O ut: I've read this in numerous parenting mags, so it must be true... right? Sometimes kids are especially needy in the morning because they've been away from ph...