Facebook...

I just wanted to let my blog friends know that I am no longer on fb. I may pick back up later, but for now felt that I should drop. I enjoy fb, but blogging is more my style, and I really can't do both right now! Thanks for understanding, and I do hope that more of you will stop by the blog and let me know you're there! :)

It's Monday!

Yay! Is that how you feel? My attitude toward each new week often hinges on the responsibilities that must be fulfilled during that period of time. This one's gonna be a real zinger! I think Thursday night may be my one and only chance for a few hours at home, and that is difficult for me considering the four young kiddos!
I beat myself up a lot when I don't have "at home" time. A messy house drives me crazy, and that's not to say that I never have one...believe me, I have to stay right at it to keep it clean. If I'm away from home too much or we are just quickly in and out during the evening, things really go to pot! So much of my frustration hinges on the fact that too many commitments hinder a successful homemaking endeavor.
When school resumed this January 5th, I determined that there were a few areas of my life that would see a "makeover". Many of my personal battles originate with a lack of self-discipline, and believe me, they have a domino effect. So, I haven't made any rash resolutions, and unreachable goals aren't a part of my plan. I just desire to clean up the "messy" areas of laziness, indifference, and defeat. I'd like to hear about any goals you have for the year. How are you doing? Are you making it happen, or are you discouraged and ready to quit? I'd like to hear from you! :)
Have a great week!

Christmas in Michigan...

Kaitlynn with Grandma and Grandpa...
Kaden and Ryan, probably working on a football move...

Harmony...

Yay! Fishin' stuff!

The girls enjoyed the hot tub at our hotel...

Amanda...

Harmony loves the babies...

Kaitlynn and Kelsey enjoying the snow...

Gene, Tina, Harmony, Amanda, and Kristen...

Yours truly...

Mark, Jana, Khara, Karson, Kelsey, and Kaden..

Lovin' presents...

The weekend of New Year's is traditionally spent with Greg's family in Michigan. Due to limited space and an expanding family we are unable to stay in the same house, but we are able to spend a couple of days playing games, shopping, and having fun. This year there was some snow, so the kids had a great time playing outdoors. The Holiday Inn Express upgraded Greg and I to a king jacuzzi suite for no extra charge. No complaints here! Hope everyone had a great holiday season!

Ideas...

Like most everyone else, a new year has me chomping at the bit to get some things organized! I have a few ideas that I am trying, but I would like some input from my blog buddies. What is your favorite tip for organization? Have you found something that works? I am a "stacker". Bills and other important papers are the worst for me !

A couple of things that I have tried:

For the girls hair things, I have been using a hanging jewelry organzier that I purchased from Avon. It has small compartments which are great for pairing up matching hair bands. Some of the pockets are larger...I use the "necklace" compartment for headbands.

A couple of years ago, I purchased a hanging file tote from Office Depot...nothing too big, just something to organize bills, bank statements, magazines, etc. I have loads of cabinet space in the kitchen, and that is where I usually go through the mail. When the tote gets full, I am SUPPOSED to find a few minutes to unload it to the big file cabinet. That second step always seems to get me, so I have slacked on that organizational method. Hope to revive that one this week because it worked really well!

I have difficulty parting with most of the things the kids bring home from school. I saw an idea that I am going to use. Buy each child a large 3-ring binder with clear protector sleeve sheets. As the kids bring home certificates, grade cards, or special projects, place them into the next available sleeve. When they graduate, they will have a binder full of memories that should end up being in chronological order.

It's time to get ready for church, so I need to wrap this up...Please post your favorite idea(s)! It will help me to know you are alive, if nothing else! :)

Happy New Year!

Well, it is 2009. Unbelievable. I think most of us feel like it was yesterday that we were sitting around waiting for the power to go out at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2000! Almost a decade has passed. For me it is yet another reminder of the brevity of life. 2008 was probably the most contented year I've ever had. Our parents are still with us, our children are happy and healthy, and we live a life of relative ease. One of my favorite songs goes something like this, "These are the days, the sweetest days we'll know..." It's so true, and I cherish every moment. With my oldest child being halfway to 18, and the next one only 14 months behind, I know my time as a constant part of their lives is limited. As a parent, it is important that I get it right. There are no second chances when it comes to raising children. I have to know in my heart that I've done my best. I have no idea why I'm writing all of this...it's not really the point of the post, but at 2:05 a.m., it's on my mind.
I wish all of you a very happy New Year! Although we have no idea what 2009 will bring, we have the knowledge that we are in the shelter of the Almighty who knows the joys and sorrows we must face. Please take a minute to let me know your thoughts this New Year's Day! :)