Mommy School - Our First Week with a New Schedule

Last week I posted about your new schedule and ideas for Mommy School.  I had one little hiccup to start with and that is the printer.  My printer, despite being a color printer, gets an attitude when asked to print more than one or two pages in color - the pages start to get a really odd discoloration and all kinds of streaks.  I had uploaded them to a zip drive to print at an office store but never made it into town to do so.  I printed the best I could and just did a few at a time :-)

I picked my ideas from over at 1+1+1=1 and started right out with the letter

 This little game was one of Josh's favorite.  I printed two copies of the fruit shapes; one I cut apart and than taped to a piece of white card stock before laminating to make a game board.  The second sheet I laminated, than cut apart for the pieces.  I also put circles of Velcro on the pieces/board so that Josh could stick the pieces on easily.  We played a few different ways - first, I just handed him one piece at a time and he matched them; next, I held up two different pieces and would state the shapes, then ask him to pick a specific shape; finally, I just gave him all the pieces and he played for a good 20 minutes. 

 He's so cute!  He really enjoyed matching the pictures.

 One of the things I mentioned in my first post was focused playtime - here is an example.  We pulled out all of the puzzles; Josh and Nate sat together and worked on putting them together for a long span of time one day.  Nate is getting very good at being able to match the pieces too.  One day, we also practiced cleaning up - we used the dreaded Legos - Josh had already dumped them out once so, we cleaned up; then I let him dump them out again and we sang our clean up song.  We are really working on getting the boys to start cleaning up toys when they are done playing - it is not an easy skill to learn ;-)

 Here we are working on our verse that goes with the letter A.  I didn't get a picture of it but we used little snack puffs on each of the words; than as he would eat a puff, I would try to get him to say the word.  On another day, I used legos and would ask him to pick up the "blue" lego - that way we worked with color and on the words as well.

Another page we did was a coloring page.  I laminated it so we could re-use it but, washable markers don't work well on it.  I may need to get some dry erase markers for him to use on these pages.  I made up all kinds of tunes for "A is for Apple"

So, yes, we had some fun this week. I also enjoyed some play time with the munchkin as well as some book time with Nate.  I really am enjoying this relaxed, yet set schedule and find it easier to get things done.  One other thing I learned - I need to order our library books two weeks in advance, not just one week.  I'm planning on finally getting are "a" books today so we can get busy on reading more books!

The weather didn't cooperate a whole lot so we haven't been outside; Wednesday was really nice but both boys have a pretty nasty cold so I didn't want to take them out in the cool air.  Maybe next week! 

Don't forget to play with your kids today!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving . . . all of my reality shows.  I will admit, when reality TV hit the airwaves like 10 years ago, (or whenever) I wasn't sold on it and even kinda mocked it.  BUT, now, well, I love them :-)  They will come to an end soon - I can catch up on all the "fake" TV this summer in re-runs!

I'm loving . . . walking on the treadmill.  Ok, that is actually a lie but I thought if I typed it, I might actually believe it LOL 

I'm loving . . . the pork won ton tacos from Applebees.  We got them on a whim several weeks ago and now, I kinda crave them!

I'm loving  . . . that neither of my boys are puking this week.  Coughing, yes, puking no.  I'll take coughing any day :-)

I'm loving . . . that my brother, Kel, is back in the states - home from the mission field on furlough.  I'm also so happy that Deb, Micah and Marisa are here too.  Can't wait to see them all in just a few more days!!

I'm loving . . .  that spring is actually attempting to arrive.  Won't be long and the sun might actually shine for more than one afternoon. ha!

So, what are you loving today? 

Parade of Homes Tour

I hadn't originally planned on posting about this but, I think that some of you may enjoy getting a glimpse into some homes for ideas!  I must admit that when I clicked on a few, I was impressed by them but they reminded me of a showroom or a catalog so I didn't go back but, today I clicked on a few out of curiosity and came across some that fit "me" (one even  has a kitchen that is the same colors mine will be and one has the same stove as I do!).  When I saw that, I realized that I just needed to see some that were more my style. 

So, if you like to look inside other people's windows at night when you are out driving (you know you do it too - hope that the curtains are open so you can get a quick glance!!) than this little parade is for you!!

If you click here at A Bowl Full of Lemons, it should take you to the first post.  At the end of each post, there should be a "door" that takes you to the next tour.  I think you should be able to keep clicking all the way through to the last post of the day.  This is going on all week! 

Hope you enjoy the tour!

Too Cute Not To Toot!

So, here's my little confession.  I had picked out 4 crafts to make before Easter for some cute Easter decor.  I bought the stuff and never made a single one!  Really!  I packed the stuff away in my Easter box for now and will get those items made before next year.  I think if I lived closer to a Hobby Lobby, I might actually get more little crafts made but I find that I make a long list of things I want to get, buy it all and than just don't know where to start!! Confession is good for the soul, right? Well, so are crafts so check out what I found this time around!

From a guest post over at Not Just a Housewife, check out this easy tutorial for making hooded towels. 

My oldest loves Trains - so when I saw this idea, I had to save it because it will make a fantastic Birthday Gift (and it gives me plenty of time to make it!)  Check out this idea for making a traveling train play mat from A Mom Not a Professional, Not a Perfectionist.

She also gives instructions on how to make Cascarones - which is an Easter Tradition in Mexico.  I've heard about doing this with the eggs and think it sounds fun.  I'm putting it here so I don't forget about it next year!

Another idea from that same site above is a Chore Chart.  We haven't gotten as far as a chore chart in our house yet but that day is coming so I'm watching for ideas that might work for our family.  I like this idea - plus she also gives some ideas surrounding the whole concept in this post as well.

Last week I shared one May Day idea from Nothing but Country and here is another great idea.  Yes, I realize May Day is already past but this idea would also be cute at a birthday party or even a shower. 

Oopsey-Daisey did a guest post over at Brown Paper Packages and showed how she organized her sons books.  This is one of the things on one of my Simplify Lists that I ended up just saying that I wasn't going to do because I didn't have a good solution.  I think I just came up with one!

Also over at Brown Paper Packages is a great Mother's Day Idea.  It is a stepping stool - but use footprints to make it special.  This would also make an adorable Christmas gift for Grandparents to have in their home - and the kids could use it when they come over :-)

This is the first year that I really struggled trying to find my boys outfits for something - in this case it was Easter.  There were literally 3 things to chose from; two were long sleeves and with summer coming, I didn't want long sleeves!  Luckily the 3rd outfit was something adorable and actually fit what I had in mind but, I'm already thinking ahead and love this tutorial from I Candy Handmade for making ties.  We have at least one wedding in 2012 that my boys will need ties for so I better get practicing :-) 

I Candy Homemade guest posted over at I am Momma Hear Me Roar and shared another quiet book idea.  I've shared fabric quiet idea books in the past but this one uses dry erase crayons and markers along with printables and sheet protectors.  I love the idea and you could morph it to fit your own style - whether it be something for church so you use handouts that fit your church or something fun to take in the car or to have at the doctor's office, hair salon or where ever!

Another idea from over at I am Momma Hear Me Roar is a photo scavenger hunt.  For kids who are starting to be interested in using the camera - this would be a neat teaching idea plus, it would just be fun! 

I'm always looking for great gift ideas for grandparents for Christmas and this is another one from Oopsey-Daisy that fits the bill.  Something so simple yet so classy!

As is the norm, there are a ton of great ideas out there.  This time, I figured if someone had one good idea, they might have two (and I was right!)  I came across several new crafty blogs this week and really liked what I saw (obviously!)  I hope you did too!

Fitblogger Challenge

It is time for another challenge over at Fitblogger.  You can see my first two challenges HERE.

So, on to week three for me - here is what I'm aiming for this week:

1.  Continue with my cut back on Pepsi - I feel like I am continuing with success on this challenge.  This past week, over a course of 7 days, I had two cans of Pepsi and both were thought about and it was something I really wanted.  We had pizza one night and there is nothing better than an Ice Cold Pepsi with pizza and than one night we had Tacos.  Soooo good LOL  I also find that I  have my "splurge" on the weekend, almost like a little reward from not drinking it all week! 

2.  Treadmill - this past week I walked for 3 days on the treadmill.  I ran into a problem and that was on day 4, I could not walk due to horrible blisters on my pinkie toes.  I put shoes and socks on and tried to walk and the pain was horrible so, I had to stop.  I tried again on the 5th day and they weren't healed enough yet.  I took the weekend off and will jump back on the treadmill on Monday.  I had hoped to pick up a better pair of shoes this weekend but we never went into town so hopefully, now that the blisters are healing, they will turn the skin tougher and I'll be ok this coming week.  My goal is to walk 5 days this coming week.

3. Snacking - I struggle with snacking.  It is a habit.  I should say, I struggle with snacking at night.  My goal this coming week is to not snack on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  You might think this odd but, Monday nights I go to the grocery store and, honestly, by the time I get home and unload everything and put it away, I am so ready for something to eat.  I am going to try and avoid the normal Frappe and Fries :-) and maybe pick up something a little healthier!  And Fridays are the first night my husband actually gets to stay up (he gets up at 2:00 am most mornings so he goes to bed well before me) and we enjoy sneaking a treat after the boys go to bed - a lot of times it is a bowl of cereal but more than anything, it's just a fun thing to do. 

As you can see, I like to continue to work on my older goals as well as add something new.  Check out Fitblogger to read all about the challenge.

Simplify Updates

Ahhhh Sweet Peacefulness :-)  Just wanted to update a few Simplify plans from past lists. 

First, I have a few projects on hold.  As many of you know, my husband recently started a new job which is fantastic.  One of the downsides is that for the first 90 days he is on "probation" which mostly means he isn't paid the full amount.  So, with that in play right now we are trying to cut back on any unnecessary spending.  That means we are not painting the outside of the house or doing any major projects outside this spring.  We are hoping that by Labor Day we will be able to paint the house.  I do want to show you these pictures though :

The bushes are gone!!!  Well almost gone, several were taken by friends of ours to burn and the others are in a pile waiting to be burned by them or anyone else that wants them :-) LOL

Second, my kitchen project has slowed down for this same reason.  I do have paint to finish painting the cabinets (and need to finish this up soon!) and have enough handles for all of the doors; just not the drawers.  I am short some hinges so I will either try to save a little to pick those up or I will put the old ones on until I can get the new ones.  The counter top, wall paint, floor, outlets, and back splash will have to wait until the fall, more than likely.  I also have some cabinet organizers I want to get that will be on hold as well.

Third, is my jewelry project!  Last Sunday (Yep, Easter!) I took time to really clean our room and reorganize quite a few things.  Several weeks ago I had purchased a couple of things to organize my jewelry.  Take a look at this :

The white canvas "bag" is holding all of my earrings.  The best part? It is two sided and the back side is completely empty!  I have room to grow!!  The other piece is actually a tie rack!!  I searched and searched for a necklace holder and when I saw this tie rack I knew it was perfect.  So all of my necklaces are hanging up as well. Again, the whole top row of hooks is almost empty so I have room to grow.  We also moved the old radio into our room and I keep the bin with my perfumes/lotions on top along with a couple of candles.  I am so happy with this little area plus it cleaned out a drawer for my husband's dress socks for which he is thankful :-)

That's where I stand right now!  I'll be doing a new Simplify Post (I think we are on #5) soon so look for my latest project list :-)  

Weekly Challenges

Normally on Sundays I like to post about challenges - one blog I follow was doing weekly challenges but I've noticed that the last few weeks she has not posted any.  She had said she would only do them if people were participating so maybe the couple of us weren't enough at this point or maybe she just need a break from planning them!  Her challenges really helped me get some things done which I'm thankful for but hope she does more!

There is another blog I follow, I Heart Organizing that has been doing monthly organizing challenges that I haven't participated in a whole lot because you can only do so many at a time!  I'm looking forward to seeing what her May challenge will be - hopefully it is something I can jump on board with at this point!

I guess for now, I may need to come up with a new theme for my Sunday posts . . . .maybe I'll move my own Simplify posts and my 40 x 40  updates instead.  It may surprise you that I actually do have a theme to what I post daily and plan even a month in advance for certain posts so I have time to get photos and such! 

In case you ever wondered, this is what I aim for each week currently but this will be changing I think due to the challenge change.

Sunday: Challenge updates
Monday: Simplify/40x40 updates; Family related posts - anything from saving money to date ideas to routines; Currently - I try to post the Fitblogger posts on Monday
Tuesday: Too Cute Not To Toot; Crafts; Misc posts about anything
Wednesday: What I'm Loving Wednesday; Devotional Posts
Thursday: Mommy Time Ideas; Educational or Toy ideas
Friday: Recipes
Saturday: Happenings in this House; Creative Memory Spotlight.

As you can see - there are a lot of days that I may put up two posts so make sure and scroll down to see posts! 

So . . this was a random post hahaha  I hope you have a wonderful week!  This is my husband's first week out on his own route each day so things will be a little crazy around here I think :-)