One Outside Activity Per Child

For our Family Friday post, I wanted to talk about how we manage to stay connected with busy schedules. As the kids get older, they have more and more homework. In addition, their outside activities take up more and more time. During ball season, between the two kids, we literally have either practice or a game every night of the week. But, we realize that it only lasts a few weeks, and that is the ONLY commitment we make during that time period.

In order to still have time to connect and be together as a family, we can't over-extend ourselves. I see neighbors carting their children to and from so many activities that their children are complaining about how busy they are.

We cherish our times together sitting at the table sharing a meal or playing a game. We love being able to let our children go outside and just play. If we schedule too many things, we lose that time. That is not acceptable for us. Family will always come first.

How do you balance outside activities and free time?

-Julie

Tips for Buying Used Clothes for Kids

Even before my first child was born 2 ½ years ago, I went to a used clothes sale to pick her up a few things. This was hard because we never find out the sex of the baby until the baby is born and the doctor says, “It’s a…girl!” We have 2 girls, 16 months apart. Having children of the same sex has saved us a lot of shopping!

I have shopped at many kid’s used clothes sales and usually find great deals. The last sale I went to I loaded up on smocked dresses for the girls. Smocked dresses can run anywhere from $45 - $75 or maybe more (but we don’t shop in those stores) and are usually church and special occasion dresses, so they are not worn much by the previous children.

I have a few tips for buying used clothes for children.

- Check the clothes over thoroughly for missing buttons, snaps, stains, and broken zippers before purchasing.
- Know the brands and retail prices of the clothes you want to buy. Many times I have seen used clothes sold at retail prices – that is NOT a deal.
- Get to the sale early, before it is picked over, so you can get items you need. If you need strollers….you will have to get there early!
- If you are on the fence about buying an item, put the item back and chance getting it at the ½ price sale on the last day.
- Take a basket on wheels, so that you will have free hands to look through the clothes.
- Try to leave the kids at home, so you can concentrate on getting a deal!

We have found many great deals for our girls at used clothes sales. Many churches and organizations hold sales in the spring and fall. Sales are usually advertised in the paper.

Good luck! I hope you find some good deals!

-Robin

Skinny Dip Candle Review

We recently received some wonderful products from Skinny Dip Candles. Just having the package in my car, I knew I was in for a treat! Even the scent thru the box was heavenly.

I chose the Pamper Pack in the Ambrosia scent. It is wonderful. Included was a full-size tin of their wonderful candle, a packet of their dead sea salts and, my favorite, a fantastic lip balm. I admit that I am addicted to lip balms, and I am a little hard to please with them. This one has become my new favorite. I have carried it in my pocket ever since I received it. Several people have commented on the scent from it, too! The entire package was tied up in a beautiful organza bag. I can imagine so many gift possibilities with this set. And, the Skinny Mini Candles would make such cute little favors at a shower or your next Ladies' Night! You would certainly be the hit of the party!

I am now a true fan of these products and hope that you will take the time to check out their wonderful selection of products!

-Julie

Our "Summer School" Outline

The time has come again for our "Summer School" and I thought I would share what Works For Me.

My children attend public school, but I see many gaps that need to be filled and skills that need to be reinforced. For the past several years, I have worked on those things during the summer. My children call it "Mommy School" and usually want to spend much more time on it than I had planned. I work hard to make the learning fun and it is time that I treasure with the kids.

I have mentioned before that my favorite resource is Home Learning Year By Year. I use that book, The Well-Trained Mind and many other sources to decide where I want to focus.

I break down their needs into the following categories:

- Language Arts

- Math

- History/Geography

- Science

- Art

- Read Aloud

I look at how to reinforce what they covered over the school year, attempt to give them a jump start on the next year and I ask them what they want to cover in each area. I use that and build some basic unit studies. There is so much information on the web and it is fun for all of us to search for information in our chosen subject areas.

I plan to work 2-3 hours per day with them most days, although we are very flexible. We will do many of our lessons out in the grass and lots of neighbors will drop by to join in the fun. For example, to reinforce math skills, we often use "hula hoop math." The kids spin the hoop as many times as they can and add their numbers down the driveway. There are always lots of extra kids joining in when we do this activity. They think we run a summer camp! No matter what we do, it will feel more like fun than work . . . just as it should.

-Julie

Making Time For You

Today, for Talk About It Tuesday, I wanted to discuss staying true to ourselves as women. I recently had the opportunity to take a few days away from home with friends. I am fortunate enough to be able to do this once a year, and it is something I treasure. Although I missed my husband and children dearly, it was a much needed escape from the demands of our busy life and a chance to just be me. I think that we often get caught up in our roles as mothers and wives and forget that we are individuals who need our own time and space. I have tried hard this year to focus on my needs as well as those of my family.

I have made the time to call a friend, just to chat. I have taken late evening walks with neighbors to reconnect or get to know them better. I have sent cards to far away friends and family to let them know that I am thinking of them. And, I take an occasional "mental health day" and get together with other women to laugh.

When you feel your frustration levels rising, or you feel your temper becoming short with your children, look within yourself. Have you had any time alone lately? Are you able to make that time anywhere in your schedule? I know that it renews my energy and makes me anxious to get back into the hustle and bustle again. It calms my heart and opens it up to see all the little celebrations in life. It helps me cherish the everyday and treasure those little quirks that might have annoyed me otherwise.

I hope that you can find the time to reconnect with yourself, have a chat with a friend and spend time doing what you love. Make time for you!

-Julie

Navy Beans

As a little girl, I remember my great aunt saying, “I’m going to throw on a pot of beans.” We had beans frequently and thought they were great. My mom used to make beans and a fresh pan of cornbread. Sometimes, we would eat beans with a tomato and mayonnaise sandwich. Yum!

Now married with kids, I am cooking lots of the same healthy dishes that my mother made. Beans are good for you with lots of fiber and protein and they are cheap. The other day, I bought a bag of dried navy beans for one dollar. We added some ham, a medium onion, and a little salt and pepper. The whole pot cost around $1.50 and we had leftovers!

Beans are easy to make, just use the directions on the bag for soaking and cooking. Our kids love beans and they are good for you. Navy beans are gluten-free.

I encourage you to “throw on a pot of beans” every once in a while.

This post is linked to Menu Plan Monday.

-Robin

Happy Sunday!

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3 KJV