Harriet The Spy

Movie Night

Tonight's Movie: Harriet The Spy. I can say this has been my least favorite movie so far. The movie is not bad it just wasn't age appropriate for our family movie night (I didn't do my homework) and it was a little slow at times.The movie is about an eleven year old girl who writes secretes down in her notebook and all kinds of trouble takes place when her classmates find and read her notebook. My son wanted nothing to do with the movie and went to bed before it was half way through. My little Five Year old (we had a BIG birthday this week!) watched the whole movie and we even talked about some of the mean behaviors we watched in the movie. The language was not okay for my house but wasn't bad. The movie itself is good just not what we are ready for.

Harriet The Spy: 1996, Family, Comedy
Rated: PG

Director: Bronwen Hughes 

Based on a book by Greg Taylor 

Girl: "I don't like when they are mean to each other, but the movie has funny parts."

Boy: no quote other than, "Me want to go to sleep!" 

Work in progress

I may be in trouble! I am so excited about organizing things that I can hardly decide what to do next. Day four of our morning check off list and I'm wondering why it took me this long to figure this out. I know it's only day four and tomorrow may be a nightmare but these past four mornings have been wonderful!

So, I'm researching into different ways to organize myself and my family/home life and I think I need to get myself in order before moving on to another family routine. I am starting a  notebook with to do lists and other lists that will help me. I am a visual person and I have so much running through my mind all day that having a place to keep all my lists, papers, and forms will be a big help. I'm researching and looking into what other people are doing that works for them...once my notebook is complete I will post a picture along with descriptions of what is in the notebook.

I found a way to keep up with a changing list of goals from a wonderful blog called Cornflower Blue Studio. I made a goal list from her example and put it in my notebook. I use post it notes with my goals written on them. I post the notes to the paper and remove when my goal is complete. This helps me stay moving towards my goals and I like having them in my new Handy Dandy Notebook.

What I'm working on now: summer plan, summer menu, and chore list!

How do you stay organized?

Organization Here We Come

Okay, so I am quickly learning that the key to my family's calmness is organization! We have been on and off    routines...when we are on life is so much more calm than when off. So, to help my family bring calm for good (or at least more consistently) I am trying to become more organized. Now I am a person that likes to jump in the deep end of the pool and try to do everything at once so for this goal I am going to break down our life into categories and focus on one category at a time. To start this process I am creating a list of areas that need routine and more organization.
I will add to this list as needed!

1) Morning Routine
2) Car routines
3) Meal time routines
4) Night-Night routines
5) House work/chores
6) Meals/nutrition
7) Family Activities/ weekly schedule

The first thing we will tackle is the Morning Routine...that will help me start the day on a good note.
First, I made a list of all the things I thought we should do on an average morning, things we might need to do, and things I don't want to happen. Then from that list I made simple steps for all three of us (Yes, I even made a list for myself). Here is what those lists look like:

1) bathroom to potty
2) make bed
3) breakfast (if up early read in bed/play quietly)
4) clean table
5) bathroom -face, teeth, hair
6) get Dressed
7) Grab items needed for day
8) Once bell rings go to door and wait

I didn't want their list to be too detailed or too long so I combined a few things. I made a picture chart and printed on colorful paper and had laminated at our local teachers' supply store. Now, since this is the first project (of many) I have not come up with a plan on how to store these "to do" list but I am researching and we will try one soon! For now, I place their list on their clipboards and give them a dry erase marker...after they complete an item they check it off. If everything is checked off before the timer rings they can either watch a cartoon, or play a game on the computer (more rewards to come once I see what works and doesn't work).

We are working on a morning family Bible study and I am thinking of adding this to our breakfast time...right now I am usually getting me ready, taking care of a pet, or packing lunches but as we become more organized this will change.

So, we are going to try this for a week or so and see what changes we may need to make. If you would like to see what our good morning routine looks like on paper click here. I will keep you updated on our progress!

What ways do you make your mornings run smoothly?

The good and the bad...

I have to be honest...I am stressed out! I have been going through some difficult things and I'm feeling anxious, tired, worried, and at times hopeless. To make things worse, I have been feeling alone. I am trying to lean on God and at times knowing I am His brings me peace but for right now I am struggling to find patience and peace. I know I am in His hands...I want things to be better now!

Do you ever feel this way? Do you ever feel as if the load is too much to bear and something has to change right now or you just won't be okay? I feel overwhelmed and alone and this is not a good feeling. I have to trust that God is taking care of me. God is in control and I need to breathe, pray, meditate, read my Bible and be patient! God will strengthen me, support me, and restore me.

On this spring Sunday I pray for a quiet mind, a peaceful heart, and a patient spirit and I have faith that God will make me strong enough to handle my current situation.

Scripture
1 Peter 5:10
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

End of Year Teacher gifts

Okay, since Friday is the last day of preschool I wanted to share our Teacher gifts. I had all types of ideas and plans but due to lack of funds and stressful times we are going with simple gifts. My son's teacher once stated that she loves sugar cookies...so cute little "thanks for making me a smart cookie" note + a bag of home made sugar cookies = simple, but thoughtful end of year gift.

There are many templates on the internet to use or you can hand write, or print up one of your own. I use one I had found a while back (I love downloading for future use, then I don't have to search for something I remember seeing). If you want to use the one I used you can download from Sweet Metal Moments' Blog.

For my little girl's teacher the class parents went in on a bracelet. This is the last year of preschool for these students and the parents wanted to get together for a nice end of year gift. My daughter made a card for her and wrote reasons why she loves her teacher.

You know I really wanted to spoil my teachers and give grand end of year gifts but this ending to this tough year is not allowing for elaborate gifts. I think our teachers will be okay with our simple gifts and will understand that it is the thought that counts. We love our teachers and will try to show them...how will you show your end of year love?

End Of Year Goodie

The end of our preschool year is this week...Friday my little girl graduates preschool and my little boy is no longer in the two year old class. Oh boy! I have been tearing up all week. I have such mixed emotions. I like more independence from them but they are growing too fast.

When they get home Friday I have  goodies for each of them. I haven't done this before because they have been so young and this is the first year both of mine have gone to preschool but I'm excited to start an end of year gift and a back to school gift for each year.

To keep things simple and "even" they are both getting basically the exact same things. I hit up the Dollar Store and created a summer bucket for each.

Here is what each gift consists of:
Blue Sand Bucket for him
Bubble Bath
Flip Flops
Blue Water Bottle
"Fancy" miniature Coke drinking glass (2 for a dollar)
Bubble Gum (3 packs for a dollar)

Pink Sand Bucket for her
Princess bubbles
Flip Flops
Pink/Purple Water Bottle
"Fancy" miniature Coke drinking glass
Bubble Gum

Each bucket will also have a little note from Mommie, a book purchased from Scholastic, and a food item (they both love food!). Including books both gifts were under $20. And all things will be useful for summer fun.

I will have to buy a box of tissues for my end of year gift...my Babies are growing way too fast!!

Questionnaire

Hello world! My personal goal is to gain five followers (even if they are all related) by the end of spring...so I want to make my blog "follow worthy." To do this I need some help.

Please help me better my blog by filling out this simple and short questionnaire 

Thanks! And follow me...

Validation

Bible Study

I can easily get caught up in what I believe the world wants from me. Being a single parent can often leave me feeling as if I am not as worthy as a mom who is married and seemingly has it all together. I often feel ashamed to go into a place and have to answer that I am not married. The look on peoples' faces makes me feel as if they are judging me and as if I am not worthy. 

Worthy of what? I think no matter who you are,what your background is, or how people perceive you it is important to focus on trying to please God and not trying to earn validation from others. I often find myself trying to define my worth by my achievements and this is not an example I want to show my children. I want my little ones to learn that they are not measured by what they do, what they wear, or how people perceive them. We all need to place our trust in Christ and not in the opinions of others. 

My goal for this week is to stop aiming for worldly validation and become more aware of Who it is I am trying to please!

Scripture: Galatians 1:10

"Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant."

Summer Reading

Reading has always been a huge part of my life. My mother is an avid reader and during my childhood summers my mom and I read a lot together and alone. During the school year it can be easy to have daily reading but during the busy summer days it may not always be easy to keep little ones eager to read. 

I want both of my children to keep their love for books and reading and summer reading programs are a great way to help them keep that love over the summer. There are many ways to help children read over the summer. 

Barns and Nobles has a reading program


Their summer program is simple:
1) Read and track 8 books on their down loadable journal.
2) Take the completed journal to a Barnes and Nobles book store.
3) Chose a free book from their selection of books.

Easy right! and who doesn't want a free book?

Scholastic is one of my favorite places to purchase books, not only does my family get great books their classroom also receives books. Their summer program is about tracking minutes and trying to beat the previous years record. You log on, register, and then log your reading minutes.


Sylvan sponsors a free website called Bookit Adventure. This website allows K-8 grade students to create an account and then take quizzes based on the books they read. Children pick their book choice, read it, and then log in to take a quiz. Kids can earn prizes based on their reading progress.



When I was a kid I participated in Pizza Hut's summer reading program. You logged all your books and you turned in your log for a free personal size pizza. Pizza Hut does Book It programs through out the school year but some Pizza Huts still offer summer reading programs. Check with your local Pizza Hut to see what they offer.

One of my favorite places to go to for summer reading programs is your local library. Libraries usually host a summer reading program or challenge and is a great way to keep the love for books going through the summer. We participated last year and for every 10 books you read you got a prize. The program was a lot of fun for my little ones especially the kick off party the library had at the start of the program.

If you want to do your own reading program during the summer there are many ways to do that as well. Create charts and award prizes. Turn books into to "cash" and allow children to visit places during the summer with their book cash. Compete with another family member, or another family all together and the winner gets to pick a play date location and time. 

There are many ways to enjoy reading through out the summer. What ever you chose just make sure you make reading an important part of your life even through the busy days of summer.

Repeat

Last Friday we had a repeat Movie, Rise of the Guardians...we watched it twice. To night the choice was Nemo. I'm okay with repeats and don't mind the two choices they made. I really like both movies. Nemo is one of my favorties and we own it so no need to rent a movie. Next week I think we will try one of the old DVDs...a movie from my childhood. I'm not sure they will vote for that but one can always hope.

What is your favorite childhood movie? Do you think your children will enjoy?

A not so good day...

On a good day my family is somewhat "normal". We go through ups and downs in attitude, behavior, and all that childhood encounters. Today...was not a good day. On a "bad" day any  number of things can take place but for now I will share what today looked like.

My little boy woke me up with a hug and a kiss and a big jump on my head...alarm clock was not set to go off for another 30 minutes...Good morning day! We played in my bed for a minute or two and then he was ready to eat-eat. On the way to the kitchen I peak in and my little princess is arousing so I sweetly say, "good-morning" and head on into the kitchen. She follows with a grumpy face and an attitude that I thought only 13 year old could have. First, i did not say good morning sweetie and that apparently is a horrible thing. Then I offered yogurt and cereal instead of yogurt and granola and I'm so stupid to get that wrong. Then just when I thought things were going to turn around for the better I was blamed for not making it Friday...she wanted to do the things we were to do Friday and since I had the nerve to make it another day of the week she was not going to be agreeable with this day's plans.

Okay, so Monster Mommie would not allow cartoons and then picked out the wrong outfit, (who knew orange shirts were for boys only) and then I had the nerve to ask her not to wear her rain boots on a beautiful spring day. All this and it is not even 9:00 am. The car ride was much like the morning and then off to school with an attitude until Mommie reached the door...
"I love you Mommie, hope you have a good day!"
 "You too sweetie"
 "Ugh, Mommie don't call me sweetie at school!"
Cue my exit

My day at work was not one I wish to share because it was more frustrating than my morning. When I get my little girl from carpool she is smiling and playing with a friend. As soon as she gets in the car the morning tude is back. Okay, so this day continued to follow this pattern until night time...which is where we are now. I am writing this my little boy is fast asleep in his zipped up jamies and my little girl...is trying to drive me crazy. She stays in bed for a moment and then has to potty. Then back and bed but oops forgot to give Mommie a kiss, then the cat and dog need a kiss then she has a question and you get the idea.

How can one four year old have so much power? How can I stay calm when as a single mother I cannot tag my partner and send him into the ring for a while. How can I get this little Angel to sleep with out loosing the little sanity I have left. Well, why you think of some answers or advice for me I am heading off to lay down with her.... I'm out of options and am too tired to do anything else. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

Patience

Bible Study

This week I am struggling with patience. I want things to be better, to be different, to change now! I am having a hard time waiting for what God has in store for me. I don't know what tomorrow may hold and that is driving me crazy. I am trying to stay calm and pray for patience.

In my life many things are up in the air. I don't know where I will be living in a few months, I'm not sure where I will be working in a few months, and I'm not sure if certain personal things will be any better (or heaven forbid any worse). I am wanting to know what tomorrow holds and wanting to know that everything will be okay.

Well, I know things will be okay because I am in God's hands and He will take care of me and make sure I have all I need. And even if I had a rode map of my life in front of me I still would not be 100 percent sure of what tomorrow may bring. For this week I will pray for patience in my waiting to find out.

1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Mommie Day Out

I often hear parents refer to date night with a smile and a sigh of relief. I so understand the sigh! What parent doesn't need time away from the kids? And a date night is helpful for the whole family. Well, being a single parent I don't have date nights. My Friday Nights are Movie nights, our new Game night is Saturday, and school nights are never good for going out. This being said, I have to remember the importance of a Mommie day out. When I have a moment to just be me and think without interruption I feel refreshed. I need time away from the little ones, away from the house, away from work...I need time to just be.

Single parents may not always have the options to get out and take time for themselves but if the opportunity arises please, take it. If we take care of ourselves we can better take care of those we love most!

This week try to schedule a Mommie Day Out and enjoy something you really like doing without kids!

Too much of a Good Thing...

Bible Study

I struggle with moderation. This word moderation is one of my daughter's favorite words and it is a concept I am trying to teach my children. Most things in moderation are not harmful to our relationship with God.

That being said, at this point in my life even a little of a good thing is too much. I found myself rushing through bedtime routines so I wouldn't miss American Idol. I would find myself absently telling a story at nap time while thinking about The Talk. The moment that woke me up to my TV addition was when Bethany Frankel formally a star on Real House Wives of New York, called it off with Husband Jason Hoppy. I was crushed and couldn't stop thinking about the couple and how much I wanted them to work it out. Okay, wake up call on many levels but mostly how much weight I was putting into my television watching and programs.

Watching television is not bad and I'm not saying Christians shouldn't watch. I am saying if TV or some other thing, is coming before your relationship with God, it may be time to take a step back, place God first, and then put into place healthy dose of moderation.

2 Corinthians 7:1 "Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit and let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God."



Monsters, Inc

Movie Night

I watched Monsters, Inc. during my babysitting days but had not watched it in a while. My daughter loves all things scary so the idea of a movie all about monsters excited her. Both of my little ones stayed quiet through the whole movie and my daughter wanted to watch it again.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman

The movie mostly takes place in a factory located in Monstropolis. The main goal of the factory is to capture screams of children in order to power the city. The top scarer is Sulley and he finds a human in the factory and this turns his world upside down.

Our Family Score: 10
Baby Boy Quote: “Me wanna watch Nemo. Me like Boo, funny!"
Baby Girl Quote: “I love the part where Boo stands in the chair and says, ‘Boo’ and all the monsters run and are scared. That is a funny part. And I like the lady that takes the reports and slams the window and the little green one's hands. Funny!"