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Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget

08/27/2012 by Leave a Comment
bathroom remodeling on a budget

We have not one, but two bathrooms that need a remodel. Yikes! So, I thought I'd share a little about our project and how we're saving money along the way... Our shower floor cracked. The "all the way across and someone will fall through any day now" kind of cracked. This shower bathroom (master bathroom) has been remodeled twice already in the 8 years that we have lived here, so we know that this particular bathroom is never easy. Nothing will go as planned and it will probably take twice as long to complete. Yeah, it's one of "those" remodels. In an effort to simplify our lives, Mike and I decided to add a shower to our other bathroom (the kids' bathroom), which currently has a tub … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Money Saving Tips, My Projects

Our 2012 Summer To-Do List

07/26/2012 by 3 Comments
2012 summer to-do list

I don't know about other places, but where we live summer break lasts about 3 1/2 months. I love my kids dearly. I do. But, when it's over 100 degrees every single day for weeks on end, I start wishing school was back in session. Because when we're stuck in a house all day, trying to beat the heat, we tend go stir-crazy after awhile. Anyway, I came across this post from Wendolonia recently and it got me thinking about how much I need to make summertime as fun as possible for my kids. So, the kids and I sat down and brainstormed about things that we would love to do this summer - crafts, cooking, places to go - and came up with our own "Summer To-Do List". There are so many activities … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts & DIY, Kids Projects, My Projects, Random Stuff

Chore Chart Jars

06/19/2012 by 3 Comments
chore jars 03

If you're a parent, you have probably struggled - at one time or another - with trying to find a chore system that works. I have tried lots of different versions of chore charts over the years. You know, the kind where you write everything down, then mark chores off as they are completed. This never really seemed to work for us. It always seemed like more work for my husband and I than for the kids. Then, something wonderful happened. I came across this awesome chore chart jar tutorial from Creations By Kara. I knew that this was our answer! This system is so low-maintenance. The kids choose a wooden craft stick (with the task and allowance amount written on it) from the chore jar, do … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts & DIY, My Projects

Easy Canvas Art Project For Kids

05/25/2012 by Leave a Comment
canvas art for kids

So, I told you earlier about these canvases that I purchased today. I purchased some of these a few years ago and we used them for art projects for our kids, so when I saw these today I knew that I had to buy some. I purchased these at Big Lots, but I'm sure that you could find these fairly cheap at Walmart or any craft store (Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc.). They come in all sorts of sizes, too. Here is one my oldest daughter did in 2008 (she was 6 at the time): This is an excellent way for children - of any age - to utilize those wonderful imaginations that they have. I let my kids create whatever they want on these and we hang them in their rooms. This is also a great … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Kids Projects, My Projects

The Memorial Quilts {In Honor of Shenai}

02/13/2012 by 1 Comment
IMG_0098

Love this picture, with the huge bag of Easter candy. :D I had no idea how emotional this post would be for me, until I sat down to write it. I miss my friend. That being said, I am really happy to share this post with you! Shenai was a dear friend of mine, who found her way up to Heaven in August 2010. She will forever live in the hearts of everyone whose life she touched. These quilts are pieced together with Shenai's clothing. I wanted her kiddos to have something that belonged to her. Something that they could curl up with and feel close to "Mommy", anytime that they want. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts & DIY

Homemade Valentine Ideas For Kids {Or adults. I like these too!}

02/10/2012 by Leave a Comment
valentinequote

I love the idea of making homemade Valentines for my kids to pass out at school. I also do not have a creative bone in my body. So I did a little bit of looking online and there are so many creative ideas out there - that don't involve a lot of time, supplies and money. I have outlined a few of my favorites here and hopefully this will inspire you to get creative and think outside the box. Literally. Outside of those little pre-made boxes of cards. ;) My children's school does not allow outside treats, due to common allergies, so I will include a few that don't involve candy. (Which is fine with me, since I think that kids get too much candy on Valentine's Day!). This is a super … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts & DIY

More FREE Printables For Staying Organized

01/08/2012 by Leave a Comment
organized

As promised, here are some other free printables for you all. (If you missed my earlier post (with free printable calendar pages), you can read that here). You will notice that I have included weekly agendas for Mon-Sun as well as Sun-Sat. I'm sure this stems from when I worked outside of the home, but I consider Monday the start of my week. 2012_Monthly_2PAGE_Calender (My every day planner. I will use this for home organization - keeping track of doctor appointments, sporting events, birthday and Christmas parties, etc. ) 2012_Weekly Agenda_Mon-Sun_1 (Weekly planning pages. This one includes some colorful additions (haha) as well as a place to keep track of water intake and a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Free Printables, Organization

My New Planner {Plus FREE Printables}

01/08/2012 by 1 Comment
stace planner 2012

I don't know about you all, but I have been feeling very unorganized lately. I'm not sure if it's because of the holidays or because life is just busy right now. Regardless, I have decided that I need to get organized. I didn't want to go spend money on expensive, pre-printed forms, when I can just print them from home. So, I have spent the past few days creating some forms (printable monthly calendars, weekly agendas, etc.) that I believe will help me keep organized and stay on track. I have mentioned this before, but I am very much a "list person". I love having a list in front of me that I can see when I need it and mark things off as I go. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Free Printables, Organization

The Dreaded New Year’s Resolutions…

01/01/2012 by Leave a Comment
2012

I've been thinking a lot about 2012 and all of the things that I want to learn, to succeed at and to overcome. I believe that goal setting is an important key to achieving these things. For me, this means setting realistic goals, broken down by week, month, etc. I came across this worksheet online this morning and had to share it. It's the "Surviving the Vicious Cycle of Making & Breaking New Year's Resolutions Worksheet", and it really hit home with me. I used to be one of those people that would get up on Jan. 1st and write down all of these fantastic goals, but with no plan set in place. You know, like "I am going to lose XX amount of pounds this year", but with no plan to back … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Organization, Random Stuff

Setting Goals for 2012 {Happy New Year!}

12/30/2011 by 1 Comment
2012 goals

If I'm being honest, 2011 was one of the most trying years for me. As a mother, as a wife and as a child of God. I had a little bit of a rough start this year, but I can honestly say that I am the happiest that I have ever been. I am at a point in my life where I feel more and more blessed every day. The good Lord works in mysterious ways, but in the end, my faith is stronger than it has ever been. To have the husband and kids that I have - all wonderful and healthy (even my silly little eczema/allergy/asthma ridden son - who is SO much better than he was a couple of years ago!) - is a huge blessing for me. One of the things I am choosing to do differently, going into this new year … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Organization
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