Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sensitive Emmaleigh! Today, she turns 15 and is looking forward to driver's ed (me, not so much!). She loves to bake and to help people.

How to Prettify Plain, Cardboard Magazine Holders

I'm cheap. (Really, Mum, even though I know you don't believe it!) So when I needed magazine holders, I went to Ikea and bought the 5-pack of cheap, flat (to assemble), white, cardboard file holders. Sorry I can't remember how much they cost, but 5 were way cheaper than 1 of the expensive, brand-name ones at an office supply store. 

But plain, white cardboard is so boring. So, I took some contact paper, cut it a few inches wider than the  width of the holder, and voila: a prettified magazine holder! Then I printed labels for the contents onto my pretty Martha Stewart labels so I can tell at a glance what's in each holder.

Above, you can see what several of them look like next to each other on my bookshelf. Below you can see how I wrapped the contact paper around the edges of the back so as to prevent it from peeling off.

I saved money and completed a DIY project. What could be better?

My Daughter, the Writer

I am proud to announce that my daughter, Mercia Dragonslayer (no, that's not what her birth certificate says!), is a guest blogger over at Write It Sideways! Please check out her wonderful tips for NaNoWriMo, 5 Ways to Avoid One-Month Insanity. I'm so proud of her!! Check out her blog, Slaying Dragons, for all sorts of fun and crazy writing and drawing ideas.

Punctuation Matters!

I'd give proper credit, but I swiped these off Facebook :-)

What I Did Yesterday Instead of Writing Blog Posts

I rearranged the furniture--again! A few months ago, I had moved my office stuff into the guest room so that I could close the door on the TV, warring radio stations, and door slammings. Well, I realized that just was not going to work too well for school (which starts today), so now Emily has a school desk in my office/guest room. Don't worry, Mum and Dad, there's still plenty of room for when you come to visit us!

The Graduate

Two weeks ago, my oldest daughter graduated from our homeschool. Yay!! I shared a little bit about persevering through all the hard times. Now, I'd like to share a little bit about my special girl through the years. I'm joining up with the Heart of the Matter Online homeschool high school graduate celebration blog hop today, so be sure to congratulate all of our graduates (and their moms!). Congratulations to Meghan, who graduated at age 16!

We had a private graduation with just her, mostly because none of her close friends were graduating this year (especially since she jammed 2 years into 1 this year). Over 40 friends—and a few family members—came out to help us celebrate. The ceremony itself lasted just about half an hour and was rather nontraditional. My father, a pastor, was the MC and also gave a short charge to her, as did her own father. No Pomp and Circumstance. No 2-hour PowerPoint of 20 kids we barely knew. But, Meghan did read her favorite Scripture passage and we listened to one of her favorite Christian songs. Her sister read our original homeschool vision/goals that I composed in 1999, and I awarded her a lovely diploma, obtained from and printed by HSLDA (also the source of the cap and gown). Since I taught her everything she knows from reading to bike riding, from basic math to driving, I figured it was my right and my pleasure to do the actual presentation. After that, we partied!

Future plans include attending a local community college for the next year (or 2?), then moving onto Columbia International University, where she will study communications. She feels as if God has called her to the mission field, but doesn’t have any more specifics than that. She’ll also be getting a real, paying, part-time job when she returns from working at summer camp.

The Graduate 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Moms & Grandmas

I pray each of you had a very blessed Mother's Day yesterday. Well, on my nifty writing/blog planner, I had written "Ode to Moms" for today. But, I couldn't find the time to write it ahead of time (it's now Sunday night). So instead, y'all can catch a glimpse of my real-life mom (you don't mind, right Mum?) and my grandmothers. After all, I wouldn't be here today without their influences. Enjoy!

 Annie Cecelia Jarre Cramer (great-great grandmother)

 John Hillard & Pearl Constance Cramer La Shell (great-grandparents)

 Jack Hillard & Anne Elizabeth Crook La Shell (grandparents)

 James Matthew & Margaret Elvira Lamb Crook (great-grandparents)

 Aunt Janet Elizabeth, Grandmother Janet Elizabeth & Mother Heather Margaret McGee

Incidentally, today (May 9, 2011) would have been my grandmother's 98th birthday if she were still living.

my parents on their wedding day, John Kenneth & Heather Margaret McGee La Shell

my dad's parents on the left, Jack & Anne La Shell

my mom's parents on the right, Janet & Jim McGee

You Might be an Obsessive Organizer If . . .

1. You thought of the post-it flag pen first.
2. Your calendar consults you.

3. You label your labels.

4. Your closet is so clean, the skeletons have disappeared.

5. You hold the world record for never losing a sock's mate in the dryer.

6. You make lists of your lists.


7. You wander into office supply stores to window shop.

Of course, if you're totally unorganized, here is your list of ideals to which you need to aspire.


Number six is my glaringly obvious hint that I'm a little obsessive about organization. What's your biggest clue that you're totally organized?

This is a repost; I admit it! But, it's from almost 2 years ago & I have so many new readers that I wanted to share it with you :-). Plus, this is what the very organized homeschool mom does when she's also writing a research paper for her grad school class. This list was snagged from a recent (2009) First for Women magazine. 

DIY Designer Bulletin Board

Y'all have already seen my fabulous new desk, bookshelf, and accessories, right? If not, be sure to take a look. Well, I had this old, boring bulletin board hanging around, and I decided I wanted to snazz it up some to match the rest of my (non) office (aka the school room).

I stapled quilt batting to the cork board, bought some really cool black & white fabric (about 1/2 a yard, with a smidgen left over - be sure to measure how much you need first!). Then I cut the fabric to the size of the frame (about 1/2 inch bigger on all sides than the actual cork). Then I folded under each edge and hot glued it to the inside edge of the frame. No sewing required!

Here's before: 

 

Here's the process: 

Here's after:

Here it is with my stuff on it. I think I need non-pink sticky notes & 3x5 cards. 

Q4U: Ever done anything like this before? Inspired to try something new? Let me know!

Or Else!

Thanks to my dad for sharing today's little bit of humor!

Traditions!

Y'all know how much I love lists, but there is one thing for which I don't need a list: our Christmas morning traditions. It's been pretty much the same since I was a kid. My own kids have taken over waking up their parents way too early.

Christmas stockings are placed by the side of the beds before Santa (aka Mom) goes to bed on Christmas Eve. When I was a kid, we were allowed to open our stockings whenever we woke up--even if it was 3 a.m.! Our kids usually wait until 7 or so and bounce on our bed with their stockings. We groggily open them together, then read/recite the Christmas story from Luke 2. The recitation usually comes from the KJV because that's the way I memorized it years ago.

After reliving the REAL reason for the season, we troop (or race, depending on the age!) to the tree. Instead of a free for all, the dad (my hubby or my dad, if we're together) hand out presents a few at a time. That way we can enjoy the opening process and see what each other received. That's also a good way to stretch out the presents.

As we open our gifts, I make a list of who received what from whom so proper thank you notes can be written. We also munch on the Chex mix and other goodies that were in our stockings. That's usually our breakfast (hey, it's just cereal minus the milk!).

Then we laze around and I work on a nice dinner. We usually call the family members who aren't with us and try to Skype my brother and his family, who live overseas.

Q4U: What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

The 12 Days of Homeschooling

The Twelve Days of Homeschooling

On the first day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me a calendar filled with dates.

On the second day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me two timers.

On the third day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me a three-hole punch.

On the fourth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me four binders.

On the fifth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me five red pens.

On the sixth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me six bookshelves.

On the seventh day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me seven pretty baskets.

On the eighth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me eight letter stacking trays.

On the ninth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me nine lesson plans.

On the tenth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me ten lengthy lists.

On the eleventh day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me eleven paper clips.

On the twelfth day of homeschooling, my mother gave to me twelve new books.

What's That Again?

Or, why the way things are worded matters. Enjoy!


In a laundromat:
Automatic washing machines: please remove all your clothes when the light goes out


In a London department store:
Bargain basement upstairs


In an office:
After tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board


Outside a secondhand shop:
We exchange anything--bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?


In a restroom:
Toilet out of order. Please use floor below.


 Notice in a health food store window:
Closed due to illness


Spotted in a safari park (Adding a comma really isn't hard, folks!):
Elephants please stay in your car


Seen during a conference:
For anyone who has children and doesn't know it, there is a day care on the 1st floor


Notice in a farmer's field:
The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges


Message on a leaflet:
If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons


On a repair shop door:
We can repair anything (please knock hard on the door--the bell doesn't work)

Thanks, Uncle Jerry, for forwarding this email!

Buckets-O-Fun

 When we received the “It can’t get any Yuckier!” and “Sticky Yuck!” packets from Buckets-O-Fun in the mail, my kids could not wait to try them out. They even agreed to work together on the projects! “Sticky Yuck!” contained one small packet of granules and directions on the card to which it was stapled (only required water and a bowl to make). The “It can’t get any Yuckier!” packet contained 3 small packets of granules—Chunky, Snowy, and Saucy—complete with fun project ideas attached. My package also contained 2 pages of fun games, FAQ, and a science fact/project flier.

So, what is Yuck? You guessed it: slime! My teenage girls were fascinated by it, so I’m guessing it would be a huge hit with grade school boys (or kids of all ages). These hands-on projects can be used for fun, to reinforce a science concept, or to entertain kids at parties, camps, or other events. This is not just a homeschool product; it’s for everyone who doesn’t mind a little mess to have a lot of fun.

"Eeeeewwww!! This is soooo cool!" The tiny packets actually made quite a bit of yuck, except for the Chunky Yuck, which didn't fluff up a whole lot for some reason. As you can see from our pictures, we added food coloring, which made it a whole lot more fun--especially adding green to the Sticky Yuck. The favorite Yuck product was the Sticky Yuck because it felt like snot, as proclaimed on the pamphlet. Comment overheard: "So, they (the makers) must pick their noses a lot if they know what snot feels like!" Overall, the Yuck products were a huge hit with my girls and their friends.

Check out Buckets-O-Fun’s complete line of products on their website, including the X-Force Eliminator, Finger Rockets, Inflatable Fun, and Yuck accessories. You can also access their Safety Data Sheet. Prices vary on the amount you order (1, 5, or 50 pounds). A free sample is available from their website just for the asking.

For more opinions and reviews, check out the official TOS Review Crew blog @ http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It's a Mouse Pad, It's a Calendar, It's a To-Do List, It's . . .

A three-in-one wonder! This is my latest organization tool and I LOVE it. I ordered a pad (each one has over 100 sheets) from Current.com. I needed a mouse pad because my mouse doesn't work on my glass desktop (or wood, or plastic, or many other surfaces). Check. I needed a scribble pad for all the little notes I write when I'm on the phone, checking emails, or whatever instead of using a ton of sticky notes. Check. Even though I live by my Blackberry/Google calendar, I like having a little calendar right at my fingertips that I can make extra notations on as needed. Check.

This is a totally non-solicited review. It's just a nifty organizing tool that I thought I'd share with my readers.

Q4U: What's your favorite, simple organizing tool?

Coming Soon . . .

When I think of fall, I think of fresh starts: school, organizing, decorating, cleaning, upcoming holidays, and more. CSN Stores (online) has over 200 different stores with a wide variety of offerings. If you're thinking about cozy, modern bedding for the cooler months, look no further. 

My laundry room needs a complete overhaul. Everyone seems to think he (or she!) can just toss dirty clothes on top of my dryer instead of using designated hampers. I'm thinking that a triple laundry sorter would be just the thing. 

And, maybe I'll need one of these ironing board holders with a basket to make room in my cramped laundry room for that sorter. I can't wait to receive my free products from CSN Stores to organize my laundry room and to review! 

And, here's the fun part, later on, I'm doing a GIVEAWAY for y'all!!!! So, you might want to start making your lists now, because there are a ton of selections.

100 = A Giveaway!

Woohoo! I've reached 100 followers! To celebrate, I'm giving away a book from my personal collection, The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized, by Karen Ehman of Proverbs 31 Ministries. I only have one copy, so if you don't win, click on the above link to purchase your own.

I'm also giving away a paper copy of my e-book compilation, Confessions of an Organized Homeschool Mom. It contains "Organize Your Homeschool," "Demystifying Homeschool Portfolios," and "Taming the Paper Monster." If you don't win, pretty please click on over to my website and order an e-book download of one of these e-books. Remember, I also have my latest e-book, "Pre-Plan for Your Best Homeschool Year Ever" up on my website. In addition, if you're a writer or a wanna be writer, check out "From the Editor's Desk."

Rules:
1. You must be a follower to enter (new or current).
2. Leave a comment here on my blog stating which book you would like to win and why.
3. Leave a way for me to contact you privately, especially if your blog profile is private (type your email address as follows for privacy from lurkers and robots: first name space last name space at space carrier space dot com).
4. I will choose 2 separate, random names on MONDAY, Sept. 13 before noon (EST). The winners will be notified privately; after confirming, I will post the winners (first names or blog name only) as a separate blog post.
5. I can only mail to US (or military) addresses - sorry!
6. Just in case you're wondering, I did not receive Karen's book for free to review. I just thought it had lots of good stuff in it and I wanted to pass it along to you, my faithful readers.

Good luck!

Field Trips

I'm going to be totally honest and say upfront that I'm not a huge fan of field trips during the school year. Ouch! Let me clarify that a bit for those of you who are ready to quit reading already. I don't like taking my two, well behaved children to boring, unrelated places that are overrun with noisy public school kids just for the sake of going. I love going to historic sites and places related to what we're currently studying, but I prefer to go during the summer (usually these trips are disguised as vacations!), or during off-peak times. It's so hard to narrow down my favorites, but I would have to say the Outer Banks (you can learn a lot at the ranger talks) and Niagra Falls. Of course, historic Philadelphia is right at the top of the list, too, along with Washington, DC. Oh, I can't forget Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. See, I knew I couldn't narrow it down to just one!

If you're looking for a few ideas, check out this list of “50 Fun Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers” by Online College.


Q4U: What's your all-time favorite place for a field trip?