Organized Christmas....It's Not A Sugarplum Dream!

Okay. I know there are some women out there that are totally organized. They have lists posted on their kitchen wall (or iPad), their kids are always well-dressed and well-behaved, and their homes look like Better Homes and Gardens just did a photo shoot. That's not me!

I do TRY to be that totally organized woman, but (like most Mom's I know), life happens. However, I have discovered this wonderful website that has helped me stay "on-track" during the holidays for the last 2 years. It is "Organized Christmas", and I've added their button to my blog. The site provides a free 6-week Christmas Countdown that begins Oct. 23, and has FREE printable sheets to help you with everything from cleaning the house and planning your menu, to buying and organizing your gift buying. There are even sheets for homemade gift ideas (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas)! The goal of the plan is to help you complete your holiday preparations by the first week of December so you can relax and enjoy time with your family (and focus on what's really important!). I love the fact you can have the reminders e-mailed to you, and can follow them on Facebook. If you follow my blog, you know I love freebies and can't wait to share my best finds!

In addition to "Organized Christmas", this site is part of the overall "Organized Home" site that has sheets for menu planning, home organization, cutting clutter, and seasonal tune-up tips.  You can find it at: www.organizedhome.com. I started my Household Planner last year, and am still "finding my way" with it (the move did not help with our "organization"). But I find that I love having my "go to" notebook even in this era of modern electronics. It's nice to have a planner at your fingertips.

As I posted last time, my Homeschool Planner has been a blessing to us in keeping our school year on track. I believe the "Organized Home" and "Christmas Planner" sites can also help those of you who, like me, are occasionally organizationally challenged.

Take care,
Susan

Autumn Adjustments

Fun with Pluto on Main Street USA!

Where does the time fly? In the past few months we ordered (and received) our curriculum, put our house on the market, packed up and moved to Tennessee, and took a side trip to Florida for our son's "1st Trip" to Disneyworld! It's been a few months packed full of activities!

Before the packers arrived, I dutifully worked out our first 8 weeks  homeschool schedule. What's that saying about the "best laid schemes of mice and men?" You get the idea...we are a little behind, but not as badly as we might have been if I hadn't pre-planned. Have you haven't tried using a Homeschool Planner?  I definitely recommend trying one. There are several available on-line (both free and for purchase), but this year I purchased "The Old Schoolhouse Planner". I was totally amazed by the amount of information included in the planner, and the way the pages can easily be adapted for families with one or several children. You can learn more about this planner at: www.theoldschoolhousestore.com.

Moving from one state to another, and one home school group to another, has been an adjustment for us. I was a little nervous at first, but the homeschool representative with our local school system was very helpful and the transition was easy. Our new homeschool group is going to be visiting a pumpkin patch next week, so we are excited to participate in that field trip! 


Change can bring growth and new opportunities, and we are looking forward to both in our new home!


Susan