How to F.O.C.U.S.

Forget trying to get the kids to focus, I'm the one having problems concentrating! So, here are a few tips to help moms (or anyone else) focus on the task at hand, which will enable you to finish sooner.

F - FACEBOOK (Twitter, blogs, email, etc.) = NOT! Turn it off for a while!

O - ONE thing at a time. Even for multitasking mom mavens, it's best to concentrate on doing one thing WELL at a time. You'll find that you're really more efficient in the long run.

C - CONCENTRATE on whatever is in front of you. Don't be distracted by the T.V., kids jumping on the trampoline, or the cats chasing each other. Bonus: CAFFEINE helps--sometimes. You know yourself; if it helps, have some. If not, don't.

U - UNDERSTAND that you will have interruptions no matter how good your intentions (and/or instructions) are. Sometimes your own thoughts will interrupt you with other things you have to do; write down whatever pops into your mind so you can get it out of your head and focus on what you're supposed to be doing.

S - STAY on task for a specified length of time or until you meet a certain goal. Make short goals (to write 1,000 words, to clean 1 kitchen cabinet, to make 1 project, or whatever), meet each goal, then take a short break. Bonus: SLEEP. It's a good thing. Get some.

Today's confession: I scribbled the outline for this post while I was trying to focus on another writing project!

Q4U: What are your best tips for focusing on the task at hand?

Recharge Your Batteries

Let’s face it: homeschool moms expend a lot of energy. We’re not only the chief cooks and bottle washers, but we’re also the main teachers and guidance counselors for our children. And then, our hubbies like for us to reserve a little energy for them, too. Not to mention the fact that many homeschool moms also work-at-home (or even away from home) and volunteer at churches and other organizations. No wonder we often feel as if our batteries are dead! We’re expected to act and last like the Energizer Bunny on a dollar store charge.

So, what do we do about it? When, in our insanely overcrowded schedules and commitments, can we find time to recharge our batteries? Summer is the perfect time for homeschool moms to recoup. Some of us completely shut down our homeschools for the season (except for that field trip disguised as a vacation and the occasional worksheet or required book), while some of us keep going with the core subjects. Whatever schedule we follow, summer still tends to have slower, lighter expectations. Here are some ideas to get us started recharging our batteries:

·         Float in a pool

·         Catch fireflies in a jar with your kids

·         Pack a picnic lunch and relax near a playground while your kids do the monkey bars

·         Spend time at your favorite destination (beach, lake, mountains, state park, etc.)

·         Sleep in late a few times

·         Rent your favorite adult movie (And I don’t mean R-rated! I mean non-Sesame Street.)

·         Read your favorite book again

·         Journal about homeschooling highlights

·         Brainstorm with your hubby or other homeschooling friends how to improve this coming year, even if you had a good year

·         Sign your kids up for the free activities at your local library and spend that time browsing for new books

·         Set aside some girlfriend time and leave the kids home with your hubby or a responsible teenager (your own or a babysitter)

·         Soak up some sun (properly sunblocked and hatted, of course)

·         Soak up some Son—spend extra time reading Scriptures, praying, praising, and listening for God’s encouragement and direction           

I don’t know about you, but I’m solar powered. Sunshine makes me happy and energized! SON time is even more important. Add in a few of the ideas listed above to some quality solar time (both kinds) and your inner Energizer Bunny will be ready for the new school year come September.

What's Next?

What should I do next? That question has often left me in a tizzy trying to figure out which item on my very-important-to-do-right-now list ought to be the next thing to receive my attention. Yes, I’ve read the books on prioritizing. Yes, I usually make a physical, written list of all that needs to be accomplished in a day. But, my lists always seem to have the word urgent beside each item. How do I choose what to do next?

A few months ago as I was cleaning out some files, I can across a copy of a page out of an old devotional book that was sent to me by my mother years ago. It contains an ancient poem that sums up what one must do on those occasions when it seems impossible to do anything. It simply says to do the next thing. I’m going to take the liberty of quoting the poem in its entirety here. The original author is anonymous.

          Doe the Nexte Thynge

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
It’s quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DOE THE NEXTE THYNGE.”
 Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, doe the nexte thynge.
 Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ’neath His wing,
Leave all resulting, doe the nexte thynge.
 Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be they demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as he beckons thee, doe the nexte thynge.

Did you have plans that got shot out of the water before 9 a.m. today? Me too. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Is your hand empty? “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13). Still not sure where to turn next? Isaiah 30:21 makes it clear that God will show you which direction to go—if you listen to him. “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’”

So, what’s next? Is the baby’s diaper emanating a stench? Change it. Is your fifth grader stuck on the mysteries of making equivalent fractions? Teach her how. Will your husband be home for dinner in an hour? Put supper in the oven. Find the next thing to do, and then do it. The longer you spend agonizing over what to do, the more time you waste. Just do the next thing. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to all who have served and given their lives so that this flag can fly freely today.

Amy Bayliss on Pursuit of Proverbs 31

We women thrive on and love to multitask. There is definitely a time and place for multitasking, but somethings are better left to focus on by itself. Creating a home or revamping a system is one of them. Read all of Ecclesiastes 3. God created seasons so that the earth could function in such a way that it totally and completely sustained life. This same principle can be applied to managing your home. You don't need to mow the grass in winter and you don't need to shovel snow in the spring so your ways of managing the home should change accordingly. Your plans should also change according to your seasons of life. A couple with no children would have different tasks from a family of six. This is why it is so important that you do not compare yourself to others. I love how in Ecclesiastes 3 it is said that there is a time to dance, there is a time to cry, there is a time to plant, and a time to harvest. There is a time for everything. Vital to our life and home is our dependence on God to help us determine what time it is. Focus on the things you need to do now and let other, unnecessary things go. If you've ever wanted to tear the 31st chapter of Proverbs out of your bible this book is for you. She is a wife, mom, business owner, seamstress, she serves the needy, speaks life and wisdom, and seems to be quite the major overachiever, perfectionist type. Except that...she's not. Come along and journey with Amy and take a look at the real woman of Proverbs 31. She isn't as perfect as she seems. In fact, I think she is a lot like you and me. If you want the Kindle version, get it here: Pursuit of Proverbs 31 for Kindle. You can also download the free Kindle app on your PC, iPad, iPhone, or many other devices. For the downloadable, printable PDF version, get it here: Pursuit of Proverbs 31  

Amy Bayliss Amy is a small town Cajun girl living life in the big city. She and her husband Ryan have four children, all boys, ranging in age from toddler to teen! Amy is a full-time blogger and WP designer at My Southern Media. You can visit her at her personal blog, Cajun Joie de Vivre or you can follow her ramblings on Twitter and keep up with her mischief on Facebook.

 Thanks, Amy!

October Baby (review)

What happens when a 19-year-old college student named Hannah finds out that she was not only adopted, but also the product of a failed abortion attempt? She has to find out all the details. She has to figure out for herself whether the truth really will set her free. Things get messy, especially on the spring break road trip, but forgiveness and healing prevail.

Is there life after abortion? Yes! The actress who played the birth mother talks about her own personal experience with abortion in a special vignette that follows the actual movie. Abortion is a controversial and serious topic, yet the screenwriters handle it with sensitivity. The movie is rated PG-13 because of the abortion material, so use caution when thinking about taking your kids to see this unapologetically pro-life movie.

Want to go see October Baby? Visit the October Baby website and tap in your zip code to find a theater near you. Thanks to the Benham Group in Concord and Cities 4 Life in Charlotte for sponsoring the special preview and the Q & A with one of the men who helped in the creation of the movie.

Help keep October Baby in theaters by making it a blockbuster this weekend!

Dealing with Chronic Illnesses, Part 5: Organization Helps

I'm over at Heart of the Matter Online today. Hop on over and check out our other fabulous posts by our very talented writers.

Before y’all glare at me for suggesting more work for we who can barely manage the basics most of the time, let me assure you that being organized can help us. I promise. The end result of becoming and staying organized outweighs the effort and the time. I understand the overwhelming fatigue that comes with a chronic illness, especially if the one who’s sick is mom. However, having one or more children who have chronic illnesses is enough to sap the energy out of even the most energetic of us.

Benefits

When you feel well, take advantage of it, but try not to overdo it! When you don’t feel well, you’ve got routines, plans, and procedures in place that can just work themselves out. Obviously, the toddler is not going to feed himself breakfast, although he may try, but I’m more focused on school work and perhaps a little necessary housework.

What to organize

The question really should be, “What shouldn’t be organized?” Academics, routines, and appointments can be written down and displayed prominently for all family members to access easily. School supplies, art supplies, and toys can be in labeled containers. For those with nonreaders in the house, try using pictures instead of words, both for putting away toys and for routines.

How to keep it working

Don’t expect everything to get and stay organized with just a snap of the fingers a la Mary Poppins. Start slowly when you feel up to it. Gradually work your way towards a more organized home and a more organized routine. A little at a time, train kids to put stuff back, look at charts, and groove to routines.

Attitudes are everything

The right attitudes can go a long way towards making everyone feel more positively about homeschooling, organization, and chronic illnesses. The book of Proverbs reminds us that “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken,” and “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (15:13; 17:22 NKJV). Let’s write these encouragements out and post them on the refrigerator beside the chore charts and schedules.

Learning Styles: Resources (Part 6)

Our discussion the past few weeks barely scratches the surface of learning styles, but they give you a starting point. I don’t pretend to be an expert on learning styles, so instead I’ll recommend some resources below. In addition, merely Googling “learning styles” nets a plethora of definitions, quizzes, and websites. 

The Way They Learn, Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

Every Child Can Succeed, Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

Carol Barnier, author and speaker, http://www.carolbarnier.com/

Personalized homeschool curricula advice online by Cathy Duffy, http://homeedexpert.com/nav.aspx

Assessment: Find Your Strengths

What's Your Learning Style?

Learning Styles: Orderliness (Part 5)

So, what does orderliness have to do with learning styles? Quite a bit, actually! For instance, I personally can't focus on learning anything if my environment is a mess. What about you? What about your kids?

We all know about the messies and the neatniks, but let’s put these into an academic context. On the one hand, we have the sequential/concrete learners (mostly the neatniks). On the other hand, we have the global/random learners (usually the messies). Sequential learners need to learn things one at a time in an orderly fashion. They’re building their foundations one brick at a time. The concrete part means that they need to see, hear, feel, or touch it. Abstract concepts are usually difficult for the concrete learner to grasp.

            Global learners prefer to see/know the whole picture all at once. While they may still get from point A to point B, they usually don’t take the most conventional route. Their minds jump randomly from one thought to another. Abstract concepts are much more easily grasped for this type of learner.

Pursuit of Proverbs 31 (book review)

 I don't know about you, but most of the time I feel like I could never possibly live up to the ideal wife/mother/business owner portrayed in Proverbs 31. Fortunately, we don't have to. Amy Bayliss, author of the brand new Pursuit of Proverbs 31 e-book, shares from her heart how to let go of unrealistic expectations.

First, Amy shatter the myth of the unattainable superwoman. Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem filled with principles, not an impossible list of achievements. Phew! Then, she focuses on several principles found here that should be the desires of our hearts: a relationship with God, being a godly wife, being a godly mother, being a good manager of our households, being resourceful, and being transformed by God.

The only fault I could find within the pages of Pursuit of Proverbs 31 is that the leap from the poem in Proverbs 31 to the list of principles it holds was not clear. Of course, Amy does reinforce throughout the book that we are to study the Scriptures for ourselves (and the first chapter includes specific how-tos and resources); if we do that, then it's not much of a leap from the impossible to a poem to the principles.

Each chapter gives very practical suggestions for how to apply the poem's principles to our daily lives. The chapter titles are as follows:

• Shattering the Myths
• The Real Woman of Proverbs
• Living In Relationship with God
• Be His Wife, His Helpmate
• Create a Biblical Marriage
• Being a Mother
• Home and Family Management
• Pocket Full of Resources
• A Woman of Ministry
• Matters of the Soul

Lest we get hung up on the idea that Amy writes from a lofty position of having arrived already, she shares honestly and openly about her own struggles. She makes me feel life if she can pursue the ideals in Proverbs 31 without losing her sanctification, then I surely can, too.

Ready to be released from the seemingly impossible to-do list in Proverbs 31? Visit the Pursuit of Proverbs 31 website to purchase it for Kindle or as a PDF for only $4.99.

I highly recommend Pursuit of Proverbs 31 for any Christian woman/teen who wants to be a godly woman, but who feels too intimidated to open that chapter in her Bible.

Disclaimer: The author provided me with a fee PDF of this book in exchange for a review; however, the opinions expressed are my own.

Learning Styles: Setting (Part 4)

Are your children loners or groupies? The setting can make all the difference. Some kids need to absorb the energy of a group and need to bounce their ideas off others in order to learn. Unless you live in Timbuktu, co-ops, library groups, scouts, church groups, and other opportunities abound. The more your little groupies are involved, the better.

            Other kids are too distracted in a group setting and prefer to process information on their own (or with just you). They prefer to compare their new experiences with their own prior knowledge and perceptions. While a few social gatherings are a good thing for your loners, don’t expect them to be enthusiastic with a different co-op meeting every day.

Learning Styles: Output (Part 3)

What about output? Most output is either oral or written, but movement output can’t be discounted. Oral learners hate written tests and essays with a passion. They do, however, usually perform much better by answering questions out loud, or by talking through their paragraphs or essays while someone else types them. Learning how to use a computer can be a big help to oral learners, but they may still need to be encouraged to practice out loud before typing it. Discussions are the way to go for this type of learner; forget about workbooks with many empty lines. Of course, oral learners will have to be taught gradually how to write effectively as they get older. Standardized college entrance tests can’t be done orally, neither can the boss’s written report.

            Learners who prefer to write will thrive with those empty workbook pages and essays. If you ask for a paragraph, you’re likely to get several. Discussions and speeches are much harder for this type of learner, but should still be encouraged.

            The wigglers will still have to give some answers verbally (orally or written), but should also be allowed to act out scenes from books and move while reciting, as appropriate.

Learning Styles: Intake (Part 2)

How do our children intake and process information most effectively? That's how we want to teach them!

Auditorily, visually, and kinesthetically are the three main ways in which to intake information. Auditory learners prefer to be read to, to read aloud and to repeat information over and over again. Auditory learners will learn best with audio books, singing math and geography songs, and reciting verses out loud. As much as possible, aim to provide books on tape (CDs, MP3s, etc.) and to encourage verbal repetition.

            Visual learners need to see it to understand it. They usually love reading, and understand more easily with graphs, charts, and pictures. Provide lots of quality reading material and don’t be frustrated if this child doesn’t want to be read to as much after she learns how to read herself. This is the easiest style to accommodate, because much curricula is visually oriented.

            The little wigglers really can’t help themselves; they’re most likely kinesthetic learners. They may be required to sit still in Mrs. Smith’s first grade classroom, but in our homeschools, let them wiggle. I have found that to require absolute stillness from kinesthetic learners is a recipe for disaster. Sure, they may sit perfectly still for five minutes, but they won’t be able to concentrate on anything else; all of their energy will be directed towards not fidgeting. By allowing some movement, we free up their minds to intake academic information. Some not-too-intrusive ideas are allowing a little squishy ball to hold and squeeze, standing for a while, sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair, and allowing movements (such as making up a cheer for a Bible verse). Their concrete nature means that they’ll need manipulatives for math. Most children start off being kinesthetic learners, but many outgrow the need to touch and/or move in order to learn as they get older.

Learning Styles Introduction (Part 1)

          How do you retain new information best? Chances are, at least one of your children does not learn the same way that you do. My older daughter does learn the same way that I do, so I was in for a shock when I tried the same style and activities with my younger daughter. It should be no surprise that not everyone learns best with the same style of teaching. That’s why so many people do not have good memories of their school years; they just weren’t taught in a way that engaged them. The beauty of homeschooling is that we can discover our children’s learning styles and teach them in a way that they will enjoy and retain information. Learning styles are similar to personality traits. Every book I’ve read, and every person I’ve heard speak on the subject gave different titles to different traits and styles. For the next several posts, I’ve lumped the different styles into four categories: intake, output, setting, and orderliness.

Dealing with Chronic Illnesses, Part 4: Taking Care of the Kids

Let’s face it: a household need a certain number of things done daily in order to run smoothly (or at least stumble along). And moms with chronic illnesses don’t always have the energy to do them. That means we often have to ask our kids (and hubbies) to step up to the plate. But what’s a mom to do when the kids resent being asked to do extra chore or being told mom can’t do something for/with them?

One of the biggest advocates for Mom’s health and kids doing chores is Dad. A father sets the tone for the whole house. If Dad plops on the sofa every night after work and asks about dinner and clean clothes when Mom is clearly not up to either, he sets up false expectations for the kiddos. On the other hand, if he willingly pitches in and encourages the children to help as well, he’s not only blessing his wife, he’s also exemplifying an attitude of servanthood.

What happens if a chronically ill mom is all your kids have ever known? That’s okay! They’ll learn how to do household chores early on. They’ll learn to be independent (in a good way). Hopefully, your kids will have extra compassion towards those who are physically weaker.

What happens if a chronically ill mom is suddenly sprung on our kids, especially if they have previously not had to do many chores? They’re in for a surprise. It’s all about expectations. In general, change leads to frustration. When a major life change like this occurs, it’s best to sit the family down and address these issues at the current level of expectation. It may be a bumpy adjustment, but don’t back down when the kids start whining about never having to do their own laundry before. They’ll adjust eventually. Promise.

Here’s what one friend had to say, “If Dad is frustrated and complaining, the children will follow suit. My husband never hesitated to clean do dishes, scrub floors, do laundry, etc., when I was down with pain. He encouraged our daughters to serve similarly. There were times when my girls were frustrated (junior high/high school), but they eventually grew to appreciate all I was able to do despite my pain. Also, I feel that my chronic pain was a plus in homeschooling. I was physically unable to hover over them or spoon-feed information. They were on their own. I wrote the lesson plans, and they carried out their work without me. They learned to dig for answers and be resourceful. Community college professors said they had incredible study skills—but that’s because they had no choice but to develop those skills. It’s all good.”

It may take a few years—or more—for our children to appreciate hard work, responsibility, and serving, but it will probably happen. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

How can we try to keep our children’s attitudes in check?

·         Model servitude

·         Model a good attitude

·         Don’t ask them to perform extra chores when we’re able to do them ourselves

·         Study together biblical examples of people serving others

·         Be patient when they are frustrated and unhappy, but don’t feed into it

·         Encourage them to snuggle in bed with you to talk

·         Let them express their frustrations in an appropriate way

How can we make sure our kids know that we appreciate them and the sacrifices they’re making on our behalf (at least in their minds)?

·         Say thank you. A lot

·         Spend time with them on their terms when we’re able

·         Say yes when possible

·         Take them on special outings when possible

·         Give them little, unexpected treats just because

·         Make an effort to ask someone else to take the teens on field trips and other outings

·         Give hugs and kisses

·         Write them thank you notes for special (or even regular) acts of service

·         Let them hear you praising their actions to others

Of course, kids and teens will be frustrated from time to time, but aren’t we all? It’s that root of bitterness that we have to watch out for. Ephesians 4:31 admonishes, “Let all bitterness . . . be put away from you.”

Bottom line: there’s no guarantee that our kids won’t spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours stretched out on a therapist’s couch whining about their forced slavery. But there’s also no guarantee that kids who have been raised in church won’t forsake it, either. While we have no control over how our children choose to feel, I believe our number one defense against the root of bitterness in our children, especially as it concerns how our physical limitations affect them, is prayer. 

This post also appears over at Heart of the Matter today. Go check out the other fabulous contributors!

A Fresh Start in the Middle of the Year

For those who homeschool on a more traditional schedule, January is the middle of the school year. And no matter what the calendar says, I’m convinced that February is the longest month of the year. Nevertheless, we can take steps towards a fresh start even at this juncture. Now is a great time to refocus on our objectives—while our minds are all ready focused on losing the same ten pounds we lose every January, and we’re in the starting-over mindset. Let’s take a look at three areas in which we can reestablish our beginning-of-the-school-year goals: curricula, clutter, and character.

Let’s tackle curricula first. Yes, I mean the new math program we were sure would turn our little darlings into Albert Einstein miniatures. Is that new math program really working or would it be better to pull out the good old standby that has a proven track record? While it may not be the easiest time of year to try to sell used curricula, it is the right time of year to start a to-sell bin. If it didn’t work this year, chances are that it won’t work next year.

What about all those cool extras that we were sure we would be able to squeeze into our already-overcrowded academic days? If it’s still collecting dust on the top shelf, put it in that to-sell bin. Don’t think of it as wasting money, think of it as seed money (after you sell it, anyway) for next year’s curricula list.

Next we’re ready for my favorite category to organize: clutter. Some people have every stray Christmas hand towel and ornament tucked away in matching red Rubbermaid bins by New Year’s Day. Others of us are still finding turkey fridge magnets and glittery bows as we get out the Valentine’s Day decorations—not to mention must-have toys that turned out to be not all that.

The perfect time to declutter our seasonal decorations is when we’re boxing up our them up. Trash the broken ornaments, the ugly centerpieces, and the faded wreaths. This time of year is the most cost-effective time to invest in new storage, if need be. Mass retailers currently have season-specific storage solutions on, which is the only reason that my Christmas decorations are all stored in red and/or green plastic containers. As a side note, color coding makes it easier to figure out which bins need to come down from the attic for each season. When you’re shopping for storage, though, don’t give in to the urge to purchase all new decorations just because they’re on sale. That defeats the purpose of decluttering!

“Out with the old, in with the new,” goes the old saying. If your kids’ grandparents are anything like mine (my in-laws at least), then you know that Christmases and birthdays bring in a plethora of new toys, games, and DVDs. While some of the new items lose their appeal the day after the wrapping paper has been ripped off, some of them really do earn a spot in the limelight. Now, while our kids’ attention is on their new stuff, is the time to weed through their old toys and games. Start a yard sale bin for things in good condition, a give-away box for items that can go to the less fortunate, and a BIG trash bag for toys that are broken, games with missing pieces, and videos that got eaten by the VCR.

While we’re in the decluttering mode, let’s go through our papers, too. First the obvious: trash old invitations, expired coupons, and finished magazines. Next the less obvious: academic papers that multiply like dust bunnies. Remember those portfolios that we were going to set up in September for samples of our children’s school work? Now’s the time to start them for real. Can’t remember the details? Review my column in the July/August 2011 Home School Enrichment magazine. The basics are to just keep a few of each subject, to sort them by child and by topic, and to file them in a binder every few weeks.

Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about making a fresh start with our character development. Like Paul in Philippians 3, I do not count myself as having arrived. I start each new school year with good intentions of being more patient, more flexible, and more godly as a homeschool mom. About this time every year, though, I find myself exhausted and ready for June. The problem is that June is still six months away. Instead of letting this area slide—again—let’s regroup and start over. It’s the perfect time of year to take a deep breath, say yes to an unscheduled field trip, and to start each school day with devotions—again. Let’s say with Paul, “I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12, NKJV). We need to practice what we preach to our kids in this department. I don’t know about you, but I’m guilty of holding my kids to a higher standard than I want to impose on myself. We just need to remember that good character traits are caught more than they are taught.

A New Way to Use To-Do Lists

If you've been around my blog for a while, you know how much I love my to-do lists! And all of my other lists. I have yet, however, to find the perfect to-do app that will sync with my android phone and my Google calendar. I've tried a few that were supposed to sync between the two, but didn't work properly. I finally settled on one called "Out of Milk," a free android app (found in their market). It doesn't sync with my Google tasks, but I found I was rarely looking at my task list there anyway. It will sync with the cloud if you're a pro member (I'm not), but it should be okay just stored locally on my phone.

Anyway, it supports three categories of lists: to do, shopping, and pantry. I'm not using the pantry lists (maybe I'll work myself up to that level of kitchen organization someday), but I am using the other two categories. Notice I said categories; that means that I can have multiple lists in each category. I can separate my shopping lists by store (very handy). And, I can have more than one to-do list--woohoo!!

So here's what my second to-do list is: my ongoing prayer list. I already write in a journal (when I have time), but my phone is always with me and makes it so much easier to access my prayer list when I have just a few moments throughout the day. It keeps those requests in the forefront of my mind. Plus, I can't wait for God to cross off an item!

I'm sure I'll be adding different types of lists to my "Out of Milk" app as needed. The app really is very easy and intuitive to use. I didn't think I'd like re-entering my grocery list, but it doesn't take much time and I can reorder the items according to my path around the store.

Take a look at the free market for whatever type of phone you have and see if you can find a to-do list app that will work for you. I'd love to hear what you're using and how you're using it!

Disclaimer: I am NOT receiving any compensation for this post or endorsement.

Good Enough

For a perfectionist, the words "good enough" make us cringe. But in my recent reflections, I've come to the conclusion that sometimes good enough really is good enough. On the radio the other day (local K-Love), the DJs were saying something about realizing that sometimes a good enough marriage is good enough. We're not cut out to be perfect mates, so why should we expect that our marriage be perfect? Homeschooling moms don't live in a sterile environment, so why should we expect that our houses always look perfect?

Much to my great surprise, I'm not the only one on this wavelength. My daughter posted a new poem on her blog today entitled "Good Enough for Me." Her way with words puts a different spin on this idea.

Let's decide together that this year, our homeschools ARE good enough, our houses ARE clean enough, and we ARE organized enough. For right now. I don't want to preclude working towards truly needed improvements; I just want to erase the inadequate feelings of not good enough.

Are you in?

New Year's Resolutions

If you're anything like me, you've made resolutions to lose weight, do devotions daily, be nicer to your family, and have a home-cooked meal on the table every night by 5:30. While there's nothing wrong with those resolutions, if you're anything like me, you've already broken at least one of them--and it's only two days into the new year.

Instead, let's resolve this year to let go of the mom/wife/friend guilt we carry around. Just think how much lighter we'd be without all of that extra baggage! When our resolutions go out the window with the leftover Christmas fudge, resolve to be make more healthy choices the next time. When we hit the snooze alarm one too many times to complete our devotions before the kids clamor for breakfast, resolve to sneak in a little quiet time later in the day instead of giving up. Let's resolve that the occasional drive-through meal doesn't mean the end of our home dinners resolutions.

Deal? I'm in for less personal guilt, how 'bout you?

P.S. - If one of your New Year's resolutions is to be more organized, stick around.  :-)

Thank You Notes are Always in Style

  Is it just me, or are thank you notes (the paper kind you hold in your hand) becoming obsolete? Are they following the dwindling number of friendly letters and Christmas letters and cards that used to stuff our mailboxes? Well, my mum (she’s Canadian, but I thought the southern phrase more apropos for the title) taught me to acknowledge every gift with a handwritten thank you note. If your techno-kids balk, here are some inspirations to help reinstate the good old-fashioned thank you note.

1. Don’t restrict Thanksgiving to a single day or month. On the contrary, the fact that Thanksgiving comes exactly a month before the day when kids get overloaded with new toys, books, and electronic gadgets should prime them for even more thankfulness.

2. Someone—grandparent, aunt, sibling, parent—took the time to pick out a special gift for each child in your home. The least a child can do in return is to take the time to handwrite note acknowledging appreciation for the gift and for the thought that went into its purchase.

3. Yes, grandparents know that little Jimmy just loved the Tonka truck, but writing a thank you note is kind of like saying “I love you.” You know it, but it’s still nice to hear frequently.

4. The Bible leads the way in encouraging thankful attitudes. “Offer to God thanksgiving” (Psalm 50:14a NJKV). “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4, NKJV). “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV).

5. You can count writing thank you notes as a school project! Just look at all the subjects you’ll cover: grammar (proper letter forms and written grammar), handwriting, art (if they design their own), spelling, and etiquette (it is good manners to write thank you notes).

6. Let’s face it: the kids will be looking for something to do in between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The novelty of the new toys will wear off about two days after they’re opened and writing thank you notes can help fill in the time gap before you’re ready to jump back into formal lessons in January.

7. Many children enjoy designing their own cards or drawing pictures. The recipients will enjoy seeing those pictures and cards on their refrigerators. This works especially well with children who are too young to write complete sentences; they can draw pictures of themselves playing with their new toys.

How many ways can you say thank you? Shukran Gazillan, Thoinks, Moite! Wado, Xie_Xie, Merci, Danke sehr, Mahalo, Köszönöm, Grazie, Cheers, Salamat, Spasiba, Tapadh Leat, Gracias a todos, Tesekkurler, Thanks y'all! (Other languages courtesy of e-Tailers Digest.)


(It's a repost because I have to remind my own kids to write Christmas thank you notes every year, and I'm sure you do, too!)