One Month

Well it has been one month of my "new uniform".  I have to say I did deviate I think two or maybe three times.  One time we were going to the fair in the heat of the day and I really didn't want to wear black, standing on pavement, in the sun for hours, while the kids rode the rides.

It has been much easier to keep up with my laundry at least.  Limiting myself and only wearing from those few items, it is easy to see when you need to do the wash. Also I can do everything of mine in one load.  That is awesome.  If I could get the kids to follow suit.  That is another post.

 This is more clothing that I have stuffed everywhere on shelves.  Need to clean it out and put it away.

 Picture of some of the ribbons the kids earned at the fair this year and in years past.

 Even Maggie's little bunny is into the black look!

 Sometimes at my house you never know what you are going to find when you come down the stairs.

 Doug and the kids playing dungeons and dragons.  Lots of Laughing around here.  I am not sure D&D is suppose to be comical. 

"Uniform" one month.  Time spent standing in front of closet trying to figure out what to wear. 0 minutes. I love that!

Minimalist Wardrobe

I have never been a fashionista, not even close.  Last time I really cared about clothes was in high school.  That is when neon shirts, mini skirts, stirrup pants, parachute pants and china flats were in style.  Oh and don't forget the huge earrings.

Those days are long past for this chick.  I stopped wearing earrings when I taught at Head Start.  I stopped buying expensive clothes when babies came into our family.  I think everything I wore for 10 years had a spit up stain or worse on its shoulder.  Couple that with being a stay at home mom with one income and the days of mall shopping were over.

Enter in Minimalism...I have been chucking stuff my whole life, but with a family things get messy.  You hate to throw stuff away that belongs to someone else.  How long do you wait for someone to pick up their "junk" even when you have asked time and time and time again?  Well...fed up mom.  I just started chucking stuff that obviously they didn't care about.  No complaints yet.  Amazing.

We have cleaned out closets, drawers, bathroom supplies...almost everything has had a round of tossing. It is amazing, but believe it or not...the house is still a mess.  I removed furniture, simplified the kitchen, organized the cupboards...it all needs another round of decluttering.

 I think it was last year I quietly did the 33 items of clothing challenge.  No one noticed. Not one person.  I wore things for three months from a closet full of only 33 items.

Anyway.  Add some extra stress, new demanding church calling, homeschooling, football, piano, flute, and a million other things I have to accomplish each week and I decided spending time peering into my closet to figure out what to wear was a huge waste of time.

So I found some pants and shirts I like. They are comfy.  Oprah would have a fit.  I am not the stylish "yuppy mom" oh well.  I am sure she would deem me worthy of a makeover.   I bought 4 black shirts, 4 black pants, added them to the other black items in my wardrobe.  I am done.  Finished.  My new "uniform" has emerged.  If I want color, I can add a scarf.  I can add accessories, change shoes etc.

Here is my new "uniform"  I of course am the one in the black.  I will see how long I can hold out with wearing the same thing day in and day out.  So far I like it.

It is only the beginning of August, but it is time to start getting our classroom ready for the new year.  We have 24 days and counting until our first day with OHVA aka Ohio Virtual Academy.  It will be our 3rd year.  This year Jacob will be in 11th grade, Maggie in 7th and Curtis in 4th.  Doug is starting high school at Bio Med Science Academy, so he won't be home with us.    Here are some pictures of the classroom so far.  I still have a long way to go.

I think I saw this idea on Pinterest.  It is a shoe holder that I got cheap at a store called Marc's. I used paperclips and note cards to label each section.  It holds lots of little things that get scattered around the house.  Hopefully this will save us time finding supplies for a project or lesson.

It is doing double duty. It is hiding this shelf from my view.  I just see the organized beauty from the front.  On the side you can see all the "extras" that I have waiting to use throughout the school year.  Such as, notebooks, loose leaf paper, composition notebooks, folders, and file folders.

I found these at Marc's also.  They were $1.49 for 100 file folders. I thought I would have the kids use them to make lap books to go along with lessons.  I think I saw a box of these at Staples for about $30.  So that is a huge savings!  

Books and Supplies.

Curtis's Books from OHVA.  I have found keeping all the books in one location helps to keep things organized. I also put all the 2nd semester things away for the time being.  Otherwise it looks very overwhelming.

These are the teacher manuals for Maggie and Curtis.  I also need them in one spot.  Then when I need to refer to something, they are easily accessible.  

Maggie's books for the year.

This is something new I am working on for this year.  Writing anything in our house is equal to torture!   Since Doug is at school this year, I am taking over his space to create a writing center.  It will get them away from the computer when they have to write.  

I am finding things on the internet to put on the board.  For example:  words to use instead of bad, good, happy, sad, asked, and very.  Hopefully this will lead to more interesting and  creative writing.

This is more for Curt.  Some of those words that can be confusing to use. 

Commonly misspelled words and some spelling rules.  

Hopefully the writing center will help.  I am sure it will not take away the torture, but it might help.  I hope it helps.    Cross your fingers!

Well this is it so far.  I still have to deep clean.  Get rid of tons of boxes and junk.  Hang a bulletin board and clean the carpet.  Oh and try and keep it clean...  Wish me luck.

What I've been up to...

I have been so busy this year with schooling the kids at OHVA.  It has taken oodles of time and energy.  I have been also busy cleaning house!  By that I mean that I am simplifying, minimizing, and generally getting rid of STUFF!

When my mom was in town we were going great guns.  I think we made 15 trips to the goodwill, with a full car load.  Here is some of the things we accomplished.

1. Went through all the clothes in the house.  Each kid tried on and kept 10 shirts and 5 pants.  Some of them ended up not having 5 pair that fit them.  Steve and I went through our closets and organized and got rid of tons. (well that was me...Steve hardly has any stuff)

2. We cleaned out and hauled out the linen closet.  We got rid of torn pillowcases, ripped blankets, and thread bare sheets.

3. Cleaned out the kitchen cupboards.  Mom couldn't stand my series of mismatched dishes gathered from the goodwill a bit at a time.  She especially disliked all the chipped and cracked plates.  So we chucked the bad ones, donated the "good" ones and she was so generous to by us new for Christmas.   We also reorganized things and labeled the inside of cabinets (just to drive Steve nutso :) )  We put things that never get used in a holding area...we will see if they ever get used. I doubt it.  Also we cleaned the pantry and got rid of the expired stuff.

4. We went through the dreaded coat closet with a fine tooth comb.  We boxed things we weren't currently using but may someday use.  I have in the past just left them in there since there was room but the kids would just paw through it all and make a huge mess.

5. We bleached all the boys white "church" shirts.  Some still didn't make it, but they look better.

6.We went from room to room and got rid of things that make things feel cluttered.

7. We painted Maggie's room, moved Doug's room and finished Curt's room.  We also finished and decorated the master bed room.

This house is going minimalist.  I have been reading lots of blogs about living a minimalist lifestyle.  The house feels better, I feel like I can breathe.  Laundry is in the manageable zone.  There is certainly more I can get rid of.  Maggie is helping me clean out the junk dresser.  On the list to tackle...the hall closet, bathroom closet and classroom.

I will take pictures soon.

Sometimes it is Boring...

Sometimes waiting at church for all the boys to be done with scouts is very boring!

January

I have been waiting to have something spectacular to write.  Still waiting. :)  In January we have been really hitting the homeschooling hard.  Maggie finished up her vocabulary and spelling units for the year.  Now we are concentrating on harder subjects.  Jacob is doing mid term tests this week.  He has his spanish today...say a prayer...

Steve is doing great with his weight loss plans and has lost over 40 pounds to date.  I am very proud of his efforts.  I on the other hand...lose 2 gain 3 lose 3 gain 1...etc.  I am not getting anywhere.  Trying would probably help my situation? 

Doug and Curt are still determined to stay in "regular" school.  We tease them and try to entice them, but its a no go.  

I am worried about grades for both of them.  I think things get glossed over and once you miss something you are out of luck, unless you figure it out yourself.  Meanwhile, it effects your grades until you figure it out...if you ever do.

Schooling has been fun but does seem to take over life at home quite a bit. 

I have to download a bunch of pictures soon and post them.  Like I said before, schooling is taking up most of my time. 

Have a great day.  I have to go grade Maggie's Literature Semester Assessment.

Slightly more craziness...

Well since my last post, Maggie has come home to school at home with OHVA too.  So it has been busy around here. We set up a classroom and got all the supplies and we are off and running!  It has been lots of fun so far.  Luckily we enjoy each others company.  We are together A LOT.  The two other boys said NO WAY!  That is ok because I think I would freak out with two more kids to school.  I would probably just handle it but it is nice to start slowly. 

Jacob is doing great in his classes so far.  Straight A's with the exception of Spanish.  I hope he doesn't have my language gene...hopefully he has Steve's.  One semester of Latin was more than I could handle. 

Doug finished up his Cross Country season. He did well.  He seemed to really like it and he wants to do it again.  I hope he runs track this spring.

Curtis is Curtis. Pretty happy go lucky.  He is playing soccer this year, but is considering football next fall...he should he is about 2 inches and 10 pounds heavier than the bigger kids in his class.  He is SOLID!  As Steve says..."ya can't teach them to be big"

Maggie is playing soccer too.  She wants to start flute lessons.  Hopefully we can make that happen too. 

One more week and soccer will be over...yeah!  Hip Hip Hurray! 

The best part is that I am going to the temple on Sat.  I haven't been in a long time.  So I am looking forward to the peace that is found within the walls.  I am driving so I hope we don't get lost!  I also hope it is easy and I can feel more comfortable making the trip. 

I was really hoping for a temple announcement in Kirtland, or at the John Johnson farm...two church sites that are close.  I am greedy I admit it.  I can't even imagine living in Utah where there are temples less than a half hour apart.  That would be awesome.  It would be like zipping out to the store...as opposed to 2 weeks of rearranging schedules, dealing with kids, finding time to be gone all day.  Plus gas money to travel. 

Oh well..I will stop whinning about it...

That is all for now.  I think Maggie is about ready to get started on a new lesson.

A Day in the Life....

Well I inspired myself...to document a day...in the life of me...cause I am sure I will block it all out...much like childbirth. :)

Here goes.

On the way to Seminary.  Dark.  Oh and Mr. Opposom...that we see each morning...was dead on the road...and he wasn't playin' possom either.

kiddos in the car...blurry like my eyes.

Doug and Maggie munchin' on breakfast.

Don't judge me...poptarts are the breakfast of champions...right? 

Munching over...time to rest again.  I love Curts hair. 

A Little Scripture reading.  I skipped over some...so and so begat so and so...and also the "he took her" "he layed with her" and harlot stuff.  The old Testament is kinda racey.

Back home. Only went 70mph on the highway to make it in time...Time to brush teeth in the dark.  While we wait for the bus.

Lucy patiently waiting to go out when I get back in the house.

Loggin in to find out Jacob's school work for the day.

Jacob at "school"

Laundry Mountain...Put in a load.

Sweet husband making me some breakfast.

Breakfast.  We are trying a low carb diet...Did you know everything that I love...is a carb.

Going to Kohl's, Walmart, Marc's, and the Goodwill...

On the road again. About 9:30 I suppose.

Cute driver.

Riding in the car...

Found this at walmart.  I saw some people reading it in bloggy land.  So I got it...and read about half so far.

3:30  Cross Country Meet.  Doug's home meet. 

Starting line.

Muddy mess.  He came in 8th.  That was good.  I can see him pushing harder with each race.

Dinner made by Steve.  I was STARVING!

Before dinner.

Found maggie a sweater at goodwill for a buck. 

Nagging kids to do their piano practice.  Got one.  She looks happy doesn't she?

Homework.  Why does the little one always have more than anyone else? 

Had to help Jacob fulfill his Physical Ed requirement.  So we chose yoga.  Deep breathing and stretching puts me to sleep.

Got the kids to bed.  Its time for me to call it a night.  Laundry is still drying.  Got to check email and of course facebook.  Then lights out.

Tired, worn out, and did I say tired?

It has been a long time between posts.  I guess I have blogger fatigue.  My life just doesn't even seem interesting to me let alone to other people.  I am running most days now from 5 am to 8 at night.  I have been tired, grouchy, and worn out.  I see no end in sight and there isn't much I can do about it. 

So that is why I haven't been blogging.  Life has been moving too fast for my liking and when I get a break...I take a nap.

So unless you want to see a pic of me sleeping...you won't see many of me.

Maybe if I have the energy and want sympathy I will show you my day.  Hmmmmm.

Thanks for listening,

Julie

Seminary Begins Next Week

Probably the one thing I have been stressing about for the last year or so...Seminary.  Seminary is a program at our church where youth ages 14 and up go in the early morning to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They have fun and socialize also.  It is every school day morning starting at 6 am.

I have been stressing because Steve has a hospital work schedule...so you never know when he will be home.  Usually he is either already gone for the am or he isn't home yet.  Sooooo.....this leaves the seminary to me.  The bigger "problem" is that Jacob is the oldest.  Sooooo.....I have three younger ones at home.  I can't leave them here to fend for themselves.  I just don't feel they are ready for that much responsiblity yet.  That would be even more stress on me...wondering what was happening, and if they were ok.  Soooooo......

THE PLAN....

It probably isn't a good one...but  here it is. We all go.  Yup.  Everyone gets up and gets into their school clothes, and jumps in the car.  Now when Jacob is at seminary...the older two have to be getting completely ready because as soon as we get home the bus comes...Like within 5 min of getting home. (if my timing is right)

Sooooo.....today I am going to buy some bins.  Each kid gets their own bin.  I am going to load it with....a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, barettes for Maggie, nail clippers and what ever else I think might come up in the morning. Also I am going to keep on hand extra school supplies. For example, paper, pencils, pens and clipboards.  Just in case someone forgot to do some homework.  I am going to make a bin of "breakfast" foods. Granola bars, crackers, juice boxes etc.  Then take some fruit each day.  I also plan on a bin of small blankets for staying warm or napping.  Now while we wait the kids can have breakfast and we can have our family scripture time.  I will have a captive audience. :)  That van is going to get alot of living this year.

That is the plan.  I really don't know how else to pull it all off.  Not going is not an option.  I have seen and worked with youth who attend seminary and they grow by leaps and bounds spiritually.  I have also seen those who don't attend not do as well.  There are exceptions to everything of course, but for us seminary is mandatory. 

Let's see what you think.  Am I crazy? or the Most Awesome Mom ever? or Both?

First Day Of School

Today is the first day of school.  3 of the kids are off on the bus and starting their year.  Jacob is home doing internet school through Ohio Virtual Academy. Steve is out working on the playhouse.  I have finished up the laundry (that I know about), cleaned the kitchen and dining room, tidied the living room, at lunch and took a nap.  I love the last part...took a nap.  I think I will say it again...I took a nap! 

Now I am blogging because I said I would get back into the swing of things again.  I am also trying to work up the energy to jump in the shower and look presentable for the 2nd half of the day. Kids home at 4.  Doug home at 5:30.  Soccer practice starts at 6 and ends about 8:30.  Home and showers and then we wake up and do it all over again.  I am not sure where dinner fits in there yet?  Hmmmmm????  Minor detail. 

We are down to 9 chickens.  Yesterday we found one dead in the yard.  We also are not getting many eggs lately.  I think they are starting to molt, and I also think we have an egg eater in the bunch.

Maggie wants to join a dog 4-h group and work with Lucy. Curt wants to do rabbits, " but just for a pet mom...not to eat!"  we will see.  I guess they start meeting in January sometime.  I will see if the enthusiasm lasts a few weeks past the fair.

Sorry I have been missing in action most of the summer.  It has been very busy!  My computer has been very busy with 4 kids at home. 

This summer had lots of camps, fairs, family time and vacations.  This summer had some heartbreak too.  We lost my father to cancer this summer.  It is still surreal and I didn't really think it would happen at some level.  It was still a shock.

So as we are trying to recover as a family, we came home to a week of county fair obligations, and now school begins today for Jacob and tomorrow for the rest of the kids.

Did I mention Jacob starts seminary this year?  He will attend a church class for teens from 6 am to 6:40 am each weekday morning before school.  That starts next week.  Doug is running cross country this year. His practices will be after school.  Maggie and Doug are in band and Maggie is in choir too.  When Curt turns 8 he will be in the Cubs.  The schedules are getting more complicated as years go by.  I just hope the van holds up to all this ramming around back and forth.

I think bedtime will be about 7:30.   (I wish)

Jacob is going to attend Ohio Virtual Academy this year for  9th grade.  It was decided after many prayers.  Today is the first day.  He is excited and seems to like the idea of it.  We have met some families at functions that have made the choice too. The staff was awesome and very helpful.   I am hoping for a good year.

Today is open house for the rest of the kids.  We get Doug's schedule and we find out who Maggie and Curt have for teachers.  We also get to haul the 30 pound back packs to school with all the supplies in them and empty them out so they don't have to take them on the bus. 

My to do list seems 1000 miles long.  I am trying not to be overwhelmed by it all.  One day and one hour at a time. That is my motto for this year so far.  Once the schedule gets rolling I think I will be more at ease.  I am sure things will be running like clockwork by May. :)

Anxiety, Laundry, and Messes

I am up tonight at about 4am...why? Because of anxiety, laundry and messes!  I am prone to anxiety...but what does not help in the least...is piles of laundry out of control and messes all over the house.  The last two days or so I have gone into hiding mode.  Which never gets me anywhere, but sometimes I just can't deal with the clutter.  It makes me insane and I just want to pull the covers over my head and pretend like it doesn't exist.  So I do.

Now I am up and more ready to take on the world today.  I did one load of laundry and now my washer isn't working.  My beautiful 4 year old front loading washer...it won't turn on.  Yes I checked the plug.

Now what...oh Steve is going to be upset and I really don't want to deal with that today.  I really don't want to have to wait for a repair man to come look at it, and I really don't need a repair bill.

The kids are officially out of school.   Yeah!  Now comes the hard part...keeping them from the computer games all day, every day...I have tried lots of tactics...open to ideas.  We have timers with codes etc.  They either disregard the code or they team up and stay on all day long. 

I hate being a mean mom.  Why don't they just listen and obey?  Wouldn't life be much easier?

I am going to have to be mean I guess.  They don't pick up their stuff unless asked 10 times.  They leave crap everywhere.  I have systems, they know them...there is a place for everything...they just don't care...or they wait for me to do it.  I can't do it all.  I get overwhelmed by all the stuff.  Why is it hard to hang a coat and bookbag on a hook?  Why can't you put your shoes where they belong?  If you want to keep something...put it in your room, not on the dining room table right before dinner.

I just want to have a fun and happy life for my family.  If things were picked up around here, we could be more free to do other things.  Why do I have to threaten and yell?  Well, ok I don't have to yell but I do...they don't hear me or acknowledge me otherwise.

Why do I have to be in a bad mood because I have to be mean to get things done around here.  I am growing resentful and ticked off in general. 

I know I am telling you all and I should be telling them...I have and I will continue, but I don't think it is sinking in...or ever will.


I can't believe my washer is not working...I am going to cry...I am not kidding. I feel sick to my stomach. 

I would love to leave you with optimism...and how today will get better...but it just isn't in me...I am going back to bed...so much for getting a jump on the laundry mess.  Well at least sorting is done...for all the good that does. 

Pray for my washer...I hope it heals itself.

More Saving Money Tips!

Here are a few more ways that we try and save some money.  Most save little bits at a time, but things do add up.  Every little bit helps.

• Use your public library.  Don't buy books, unless you hit a great sale!  The library can supply you with more than enough reading material.  They usually get new selections and you can request books from other libraries, if they don't have what you are looking for. You can also sign out movies, books on cd or tape, magazines, and a host of other things.  One library we used to go to, you could even sign out art for a month. 
• Check at Goodwill or Salvation Army first.  If you are in need of something check these places first.  Alot of times you don't find what you are looking for but SOMETIMES you get lucky. We have purchased two perfect suits for the boys for church for about $5 each. You can't beat that!
• Limit your wardrobe.  Buy used stuff from the goodwill.  The less clothing you have the easier it is to maintain and keep up with the laundry.

• Make your hobbies useful skills.  My children are learning to sew.  They like it.  It will come in handy and they will have something useful to show for all their effort.
• Limit Toys.  Too many toys can cost a fortune, not to mention all that cleaning up.  I have found too many toys give my children toy/choice overload.  They end up dumping everything and not playing with anything.
• Wait 24 hours before jumping in on big purchases.  This is hard.  Really hard.  But if you do sometimes you change your mind or think of a better way.  Give yourself time to reflect.
• Sometimes...maybe once a week or so... turn off the lights.  Use candles and/or oil lamps in one room of the house.  It will be amazing to watch everyone gravitate together towards the light.  It is fun sitting around telling stories and reading together.  Remember to watch the kiddo's around open flames.

• Use coupons.  This can be a whole post in itself.  Needless to say you can learn to coupon.  Try it out.  My husband is very successful at it.  He has been saving about half off our groceries consistantly.  That adds up!  We have been using our whole budget and getting extra for food storage.
• Make your own cleaning supplies.  There are millions of posts about making your own dish washer detergent or laundry soap.  Try them out.  They literally cost pennies.  Most stuff you can make with baking soda and vinegar. 
• Bake your own bread.  This saves some money...it however has not helped our waist line.  We tend to devour homemade bread.  Learning to do this can help you in a pinch with your budget.  If you are out of money budgeted for groceries but now need bread, you can make some yourself and not have to go to the store.

• Plant a garden.  We do have lots of garden.  You don't have to have a big garden.  Start out small.  Plant things you will eat.  If you have enough room plant some extra to can or put up for the winter.
• Repurpose things.  Use your noggin' before you go shoppin'.  Is there a way you can fill the need you have by using something you already own? 
• If you have the need to buy some decorative item for your house...stop and just rearrange the furniture.  I love to rearrange!  People pick on me because the house is never the same way when they come back.  It makes me happy and it is a new way of looking at the things you have and love.

• Plant some berry bushes if you have the room.  We save so much money on fruit by having our own bushes.  We get tons and we can freeze or can the extra to last us all year. 
• Drink water. It's free.

Do the work yourself. Don't automatically go and hire someone to do something. Go to the library if you need help learning a new skill. Read about it and then try it yourself. Steve is great at this one. He has built decks, club houses, kitchen cabinets, refinished floors, tiled, painted, built furniture etc. If we had to hire someone for all those things we would be broke in no time.

• The hardest one for last...Try and stay organized.  When things get disorganized we forget what we have or where it is, we end up spending money on the same things that we already own.  Keep track of your stuff.

Well I hope this post helps someone, or helps you think about some ways you can save money.  Try some new ideas.  Also, help me out...if you have any new ideas let me know.  We can save together!