If it bothers you...get rid of it!

I learned an important lesson this weekend. It was one of those "ah-ha!" moments where you think, "Why did it take me so long to figure this out?"

 

I was cleaning the little boy's room. We clean it every. single. day. And every single day I have do certain things that drive me batty.

 

1. Their dust ruffles on their beds are ALWAYS messed up. They get bunched up under the mattress, they get pulled to one side more than the other, they make it difficult for the boys to tuck their sheets when they make their beds. I hate messing with and fixing those dust ruffles!

 

2. They have a rug in their room, one of those rugs with roads and signs and buildings that they can drive their Hot Wheels all over. They love that thing. But it will NOT stay put! It is always pushed up against the wall or folded over or pushed under the bed. If my baby girl gets a hold of it, it can even end up in the hallway. I am forever fixing that thing!

 

3. The baby loves to go into the boys' room, open their lower drawers and pull out every single piece of clothing inside. Seriously...almost every day I have to fold and re-organize their drawers. Then she proceeds into the toy closet (with their help, I'm sure) and gets out every single toy in there...just to see the pieces all mingling together like a chaotic little toy party...ugh.

 

Any other moms feel my pain here?

 

Now, I know kids will make messes. I actually revel in their creative play. But doing the same thing over and over and over...don't they say that's the definition of insanity? I get the same results every time...nothing stays in place or clean for very long and then it just has to be done again.

 

My "ah-ha" moment came when I was fixing the dust ruffles for the second time in one day.

 

Why do little boys need dust ruffles? It's not like they're made of steel to keep them from pushing toys under the bed? Can't I just take these things off?

 

Lightbulb moment!!!

 

Just because the stupid dust ruffles came with the bedding set, doesn't mean this mama has to mess them with every. single. day.

 

Bye-bye dust ruffles. Boy, that feels good! Their beds look so much better and they can make them by themselves because I don't have to hold the ruffle in place while they tuck their sheets.

 

By the way, I found solutions for the rug and the mess, too. My hubby brought his nail gun in and permanently stuck that rug into the floor. (Don't worry, the nails are in so snug, they won't hurt little feet...we made sure!) It's not going anywhere now! And we put baby proof door knob covers on the bedroom doors...now the baby can't get in unless we want her to.

 

Lesson learned: There is always a solution. If it doesn't work for you or causes you stress, don't continue to live with it! Get rid of it or figure out a solution to make it work!

 

I've decided to do this in every one of the rooms in my house; take stock of what is not working and find a solution. I just know that my days will be go so much smoother once I get my whole house "annoyance-free". And then I'll start to look in other areas of my life where I can apply this lesson...

 

Life is too short to spend so much time doing the same annoying things over and over. Fix it!

 

So...what annoying thing will you find a solution for today?

$5 Table Makeover

Sanctuary Arts at Home, one of my new favorite "project" blogs, is hosting a make-over open house. I'm entering this fun, simple little $5 table makeover. Head over there and check out the other submissions!

If you've been reading my blog this week, you'll remember that Ashley makes me want to paint all of my furniture black. While that might be an overstatement, I have definitely pegged a few items that I want to immediately makeover. First on my list was this:

It is an antique "table" that was left here by the previous owner of the house. It was being used for extra storage in the kitchen area. As you can see, it is actually one side of what used-to-be some sort of a vanity, evident by the marking on the side where the rest of it was, at one time, attached.

We have been using it as a bedside table. I'm tired of looking at it in it's worn, scratched state (honestly, most people would have thrown it away long ago!), so I decided to make it my first furniture project. I bought a $5 can of flat black, fast-drying Rustoleum spray paint at Home Depot last night.

In a very short time, my yucky table became this bedside beauty:

I sanded the rough spots, cleaned it, and painted it ~ all in only 15 minutes! Within 2 hours, it was dry enough to move inside. I'll wait a couple of days to put anything on it, but I just had to share it with all of you.

Now, I can't wait to paint my headboard to match!

Blessings!
Brandi

Me? Crafty? Who woulda thunk it!?

I don't know what's gotten into me! I have been gettin' my craft on lately! I can't stop making stuff...and the more I do, the more I wanna do! It started with the little sundress I made Addy:

However, not being real creative or crafty by nature, I've had to do some searching on the web. Here's some great blogs I've found, complete with tutorials for future projects I wanna try!

Today, I'll be cutting out pieces to start this quilt. Granted, I've never made a quilt before, but it's too cute to not at least give it a try! Our little one is due in 5 months...think I can finish before then? My goal is to do one square a day so that the top piece will be finished in a little more than a month. Thanks, Jennifer, for the great tutorial!

I'm also going shopping for the fabric to make these faux roman shades for my kitchen and bathroom. So easy! I can't wait to see how they turn out! Check out the rest of Thrifty Decor Chick's blog for so many great ideas for decorating on the cheap. She has some awesome thrift store furniture that she has refinished...she makes me want to spray paint all of my furniture black!

Cluck Cluck Sew has made some adorable quilts and has other cute crafty ideas on her blog...like these vintage-style earrings I want to make for Addy. Aren't they adorable?

I'm going to look at Home Goods today for some towels to use with this tutorial, created by Ashley over at Lil Blue Boo. I'm going to make a dog bed, 2 floor pillows for the kids' reading corner, and a few big pillows for the couches. Ashley is also doing a giveaway right now on her blog, so head over and check it out!

I recently recovered my dining room chairs. They were suffering terribly from a lot of spilled juice and spaghetti sauce stains. They went quickly from this (I know, gross!):

To this:

An immediate improvement, complete with plastic covers. I know...a little "grandmother-ish", but hey, MUCH easier to keep clean!

Now I'm thinking of painting the chairs and table to cover the scratches and wear. I also have a matching sideboard that would need new drawer pulls. They were pretty at one time, but they are 12 years old and showing their age! The trouble? My hubby loves the knotty pine...everything in our home is knotty pine...I'm ready for the change, he doesn't like change so much. So, a little convincing is in order, but I think I'll win in the end!

I'm also going to re-purpose this boring contraption:

I'm going to paint the metal frame and then sew a cute applique on the front of each canvas "basket". Right now, I keep extra sheet sets in it (storage is at a premium in this house!), but I want to use it for the nursery to keep baby socks, onesies, diapers, toiletries, etc.

Now, if you're still reading, I need your opinion on something. A friend gave us a matching set of these antique chairs:

Some days I like them "as is", but other days, they're just a little too "yellow"! So, what do you think? Are they chic and vintage? Or do they desperately need an update?

So many ideas, so little time...what's a girl to do?

Blessings!

Brandi

For some reason, I couldn't get into my Blogger account yesterday so I wasn't able to post my Anti-Procrastination Week update. I was able to complete a good majority of the things that I really needed to get done downstairs and I got some important errands accomplished. You can look at this past week's posts to see my progress...I completed the items in red.

I've been able to maintain the things I did this week, too. My kitchen and school bookshelf have stayed clean all week. It's a lot easier when things have an established place! And how nice to come down to a clean, organized space each morning...it makes me happy!

I'm going to take this week "off" and have a normal routine, but I still have a lot to do upstairs and some smaller things to do downstairs. I think I'll set some goals for next week to do those things. So you'll be hearing more about my progress!

Later today (or maybe tomorrow, depending on how long it takes to load pictures), I want to show you a BIG project my hubby is working on and a smaller one that I am in the middle of. It's always fun to be working on new things! And maybe I'll show you the plans we have for a master bedroom addition off the back of the house. We really need some more space, the kids are driving each other crazy!

I woke up to a couple inches of fresh snow this morning, so I'll be spending the day stocking the inside wood ring, filling bird feeders, and cleaning out the henhouse and the doghouse and putting in fresh straw. I like to know they have a warm, clean, dry place to cozy up on days like this! We're supposed to get snow for the next couple of days.

Enjoy this beautiful January day!

Blessings!
Brandi

My Morning Routine

I've decided to join Crystal for her "Getting Back on Track" Challenge. I am struggling with getting some structure in my day. I have recently starting working out again and I need about 1 1/2 to 2 hours each day for my workouts, so that throws an already full day into a tailspin. I know I need to be getting up earlier, preferably before the kids, in order to get more out of my day, but it's hard to get out of bed early during the cold winter months. I just want to stay snuggled up for as long as possible!

So, I think establishing a morning routine is a great way to get started. I used to have a morning routine that worked very well and I followed it to the "T" for a couple of years. Those were productive years! But since my 2 little ones came along, I've had trouble re-establishing it. So, here's my plan for a new morning routine:

1. Get up by 6:00 am.

2. Put wood in the woodstove; start the coffee and water for hot tea

3. Bible reading/prayer

4. Unload dishwasher, wipe down bathroom, make beds, start a load of laundry

5. Make and eat breakfast, switch laundry, start school/preschool by 9:00

6. Exercise during Jack's nap at 10:30

This would be a great first half of the day. My plan is to start tomorrow, so wish me luck!

And if you need to get "back on track", consider joining us over at the Biblical Womanhood blog!

Blessings!

Brandi

A finished project

Okay, I admit...I wasn't the one who finished them. I just couldn't quite find the time to get them done, so my wonderful MIL stepped in and finished them for me. I chose the fabrics, cut and arranged the squares, and sewed up one of the panels...she did the rest...so really, this was her project, not mine! It's just too hard with so many little ones around to do things like this! I just don't know how some of you do it!

I have 2 of these sets of French doors across the front of my house, so there are a total of 4 panels. They really soften up the front of the house and give it a real cozy feeling. Didn't they turn out pretty?

Blessings!
Brandi

My crazy trip to the laundromat...

In an effort to conserve water until our supply is back to normal, I decided to make a trip to the laundromat this morning.

Now in the past, an occasional necessary trip to the laundromat proved to be productive and, if I may say, quite relaxing! I mean, really...where else can I go sit for 2 hours, no children in tow, books and magazines in hand, and accomplish 8 hours of housework in a fourth of the time? Sure, there's a whole lot of folding all at once, and it's some extra cash out of my pocket, but how great to get home and put away all those clothes and know I'm finished...just like that!

This morning, however, was a different story. Apparently, everyone in town goes to the laundromat at the same time and it just happens to be 10:15 am...the exact time I walked through the door, huffing and puffing, trying to balance 5 loads of laundry in 3 baskets and a clothing bag.

By no less power than divine intervention, I was able to find 3 washers all in a row and quickly piled my loads on top of them, effectively "marking my territory". I had exactly 1 hour and 45 minutes to get all 5 loads washed, dried, folded and lugged back to my car before I had to get back home so Ryan could go to work. I wasted no time starting the first 3 loads. Once they were going, I waded through a sea of people trying to find a place to sit, anxious to cash in on some much needed free time for reading.

Hmmm...easier said than done...back to my washers.

I don't know if it's allowed, but I hopped up on top of one of the machines, determined I was going to get some reading in. I effectively drowned out the noise for about 15 minutes when the washer suddenly stopped spinning...wow, those things are fast...and I suddenly realized I was going to have to find some dryers.

At that very moment, every washer in the whole place must have finished its cycle at the same time, because everyone started racing for carts and throwing wet clothes left and right...it would have been quite comedic if I'd had time to stop and watch...but no, I was right there with them! I bypassed the cart and quickly dumped the first load into my one empty laundry basket. I set off for an empty dryer, but realized that if I left my washer, someone would take it, and I still had 2 more loads to wash!

I quickly threw another $1.50 into the washer and started it. That would buy me a minute...off to the dryers! Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a lady heading toward "my" machines ~ the only set of top/bottom dryers that were not occupied yet. I swiftly slid my basket across the floor ahead of me, cutting her off at the pass, and threw open the top and bottom doors. With both hands, I started throwing clothes into the two dryers at the same time until my basket was empty. Victory!

Shaking off a couple of dirty looks (hey, it's every man for himself when it comes to clean laundry!), I made my way back to my washers. The second I emptied the third machine, someone else jumped in my place. Seriously, folks...this was war!

After adding those clothes to the "claimed" dryers, I tried to sit down to read again, but it was just not going to happen. Did you know that a quarter only gets you like 6 minutes of drying time now? And the instant the dryer would start to slow down, someone was hovering next to it like they would just as soon throw your clothes on the floor than wait for another to open up. I had to "shoo" away a few overly anxious old ladies who just didn't care if my clothes were dry or not!

Finally, with tons of semi-dry clothes piled into a rolling cart that I confiscated from some poor, unsuspecting old man after he pulled his last pair of socks out of it, I found a half-empty folding table. I had exactly 7 minutes to fold it all and get it to my car.

Then, halfway through the folding marathon, the funniest thing happened. A little old lady came over and dropped a pair of leopard-print undies in my cart and gave me a "knowing" wink.

"Those aren't mine" I said, ever so politely.

She smiled and walked away. Now what? They really weren't mine! I looked up and realized that every eye in the place was looking at me! And it dawned on me that I was the only one there that was under the age of 60. No wonder she thought they were mine! You can bet that none of them were claiming them!

All of a sudden, I got really cracked up. You know when you just start laughing and you can't stop? I'm sure they all thought I was quite the whack job, standing there laughing like that, but I just couldn't help myself.

I'm sure they all had a funny story to tell their families tonight about the crazy woman at the laundromat...so I decided to tell my version of it to you! Hope it gave you a chuckle...

I'll never take my washer and dryer for granted again!

(..and I just can't help but wonder which little old lady those leopard undies belonged to!)

Blessings,

Brandi

My Quilts

Since everyone else is posting such wonderful pictures of their quilts for the book giveaway this week, I figured I better hop on the bandwagon and post mine!

When I was little, we lived in PA and used to go to Lancaster every summer for a few days. Those are some of my favorite memories from growing up. This is an Amish wedding ring quilt that my mom bought and it was hanging in our hallway until they sold that house and moved to Florida. Of all the these in that house, this is the one thing that I wanted for myself...and she made sure I got it! It is not in very good shape after years of wear and tear, but it's my favorite!

I've been told that this is an Amish "buggy quilt" that they use in their carriages when it's cold outside. It's not as big as a bed quilt. I found it packed up in some of my mom's things that they had left in storage. Quite a find, huh?

This is a store bought quilt that my mom bought me when I moved into my first apartment in college. Now it covers my daughter's bed.

This is also a store bought quilt that we got for Benjamin when he moved into his "big boy" bed for the first time. I can't believe that was 6 years ago! And it still covers his bed today.

This is my latest project ~ curtains for my French doors. This is really my first quilting project, so it's very simple squares. And since they're curtains, they're not getting any padding in the middle. My mother-in-law is helping me with these, but this last panel I have done completely on my own. I'll post a picture when they're finished and hung.

And these are the leftover squares from my curtain project that the winner of the quilt book giveaway will be receiving.

And I thought I'd include a picture of my patchwork teddy bear ~ I got it from my mom's things, too. Isn't he great?

Last but not least, if you didn't read my post about my heirloom quilt that my mother-in-law made me, check it out here.

Good luck to all of you who entered the quilt book giveaway! And thanks so much for posting your picture, I've really enjoyed seeing them. If you haven't entered yet, there's still time! I'm extending the deadline until Saturday 8/23 at midnight!

See my next post for details...

'Til then...

Brandi

Melt In Your Mouth Fruit Crisp

I just had to share this oh-so-easy and delectable recipe with you! I officially have a NEW favorite dessert...and it doesn't even have CHOCOLATE in it!

Melt In Your Mouth Fruit Crisp

Ingredients

1 c. shortening

1-1/2 c. brown sugar

2 t. cinnamon

1-1/2 c. oatmeal

1 c. flour

3-4 c. fruit

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Wash, peel and cut up fruit into bite-size pieces. Place in a buttered 9X13 baking dish.

Cream shortening. Mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, oatmeal, and flour. Pour over the fruit.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Don't cover.

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. ENJOY!

My mother-in-law gave me a ton of peaches and blueberries, so I used those last night. It turned out delicious! She usually makes it with apples. Simple and delicious ~ and a big hit with my family! That makes it a winner in my book!

'Til next time...

Brandi

Heirloom Quilt

About 3 years ago, my mother-in-law came across a quilt pattern online. Each of the 12 blocks had a house decorated to represent one of the months. She said she was going to make it for me and I was so excited! It took her 2 1/2 years! She moved a couple of times which held her up a little. A lot of the stitching is by hand and she came up with a lot of the details herself. Amazingly, this was the first quilt she'd ever done! She didn't start with an easy one, that's for sure!

Here's the finished work of art:

Isn't it amazing? I have to say, though, that the photo does not do it justice.

I have it hanging beside my TV cabinet, so I look at it all the time. It's one of those things that you can look at a hundred times and still see details you hadn't seen before. The July block even has our last name stitched onto the mailbox!

This will be an heirloom that I pass down to my children and will hopefully remain in our family for generations to come!

'Til next time...

Brandi

Frugal Friday

All Things Laundry

This is an unscheduled post, but I thought I'd do a quick Frugal Friday about how I save money doing laundry......lots and lots and lots of laundry!

These ideas are probably not new to most of you...especially those with much larger families than my own...but I thought I would share anyway, just in case some of you need some tips! I did laundry "un-frugally" (I know, not a word!) for years until I figured out there was a better way!

Load Size

I only do "extra large" loads. In my washer, this uses less water and detergent than 2 "medium" size loads. This may not be true for your washer, but I think they're all pretty standard. The only thing I do in a small load is the dog blankets!

Clothing Types

I don't purchase or own anything "delicate" or "dry clean only". These "specialty" items add expense and hassle to laundry day! All of my "pretty" underthings are bought very cheap, so I just wash them like normal. When they wear out, I get more (again, cheap!). No big loss!

Detergent

I love Tide, but usually I just can't afford it. I tried homemade detergent, but it didn't get my clothes clean (maybe I should try again?). I tried Purex...hated it!

So, I've settled on ALL Small and Mighty. I love it! It cleans my clothes well, makes them smell good, takes up no space on my shelf, and they have a "Free Clear" version for the babies clothes. ALL frequently goes on sale B1G1 at CVS. When it does, I usually get 2 or 4 bottles, using $1 - $2 off coupons that come out each month in the inserts. This allows me to get a great brand-name detergent for very cheap or even free!

Click here for a printable $1.00 coupon for ALL Small and Mighty!

Also, double check how much detergent you're using. I was in the habit of filling the dispenser cup clear to the rim! You DON'T need that much! In fact, you probably need a lot less than you think. Check your washer manual and your detergent bottle for instructions.

Drying

Of course the most frugal way to dry your laundry is to hang it! If you don't have a very big yard, you could get a collapsible gadget like the one Susan posted about here.

I, personally, hang my laundry and then throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes with a dryer sheet to soften up. I hate the stiffness from the line! But, I figure 15 minutes per load saves a ton of electricity compared to over an hour per load (my dryer takes forever!)

Amy Dacyczyn, author of The Complete Tightwad Gazette, says in her book that your electric dryer costs 44 cents per hour to operate. That means I'm probably saving myself close to $20 per month, or $240 per year, by drying my clothes on a line! That's worth it!

Also, make sure your lent trap is cleaned out frequently. I do mine every other load and I vacuum it once a week. Your dryer will work much more efficiently.

Dryer Sheets

I love Bounce dryer sheets, but they're expensive! So, I buy them with a coupon and then I cut them into fourths! Seriously, they work just was well this way and one box last FOREVER!

So, what are your tips for a frugal laundry day? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear them!

'Til next time

Brandi

Beatitudes For Homemakers

I don't remember where I found this, but I know it was published in an Amish cookbook. I wrote it in my journal and I read it now and then. I thought some of you might enjoy it, too!

Beatitudes For Homemakers

by Ella May Miller

Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a work of love; for her willing hands and happy heart transform duty into joyous service to all her family and God.

Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and well-loved friends; for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love.

Blessed is she who mends both stockings and broken toys and broken hearts; for her understanding is a balm to her husband and children.

Blessed is she who scours and scrubs; for well she knows that cleanliness is one expression of godliness.

Blessed is she whom children love; for the love of a child is of greater value than fortune or fame.

Blessed is she who sings in her work; for music lightens the heaviest load and brightens the dullest chore.

Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear and sweeps all the cobwebs of confusion; for her faith will triumph over all adversity.

Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal; for her cheerfulness is an aid to mental and physical digestion.

Blessed is she who introduces Jesus Christ to her children; for Godly sons and daughters shall be her reward.

Blessed is she who preserves the sacredness of the Christian home; for hers is a divine trust that crowns her with dignity.

Have a Blessed Day!

'Til next time...

Brandi

Lessons in Grocery Shopping

Today I went grocery shopping. What a task! I try to go on a big trip about every 3 weeks, and then half way in between I go on a smaller trip to get produce and milk. Today was my big trip and I am so exhausted! Thank goodness for my husband who took the kids to KMart while I shopped!

I got some great deals. Kroger was having their Buy 10, Save $5 deal, so I did 4 groups of 10 items and also got some other items I needed. I had to do it in two separate transactions. The first one, I spent $34.xx and saved 58%!!! The second one, I spent $95.xx and saved 35%. I usually save at least 50% on each trip, and I'm only spending between $150-$200 per month on groceries for my family of 5, including all toiletries, diapers, and pet food!

If you'd like to learn more about couponing, and get great tips for shopping at stores like CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walgreen's and more, visit Money Saving Mom.

Here are some great ways to make grocery shopping educational!  The kids learn some great lessons while you run your errands!

1. Teach them how to get the best price per unit by comparing shelf tags.

2. Compare brand name items that are on sale with generics. Most of the time, generics are just as good or better than brand name and cheaper!  But sometimes, you can get the brand name for less.

3. Show them how to figure out the percentage saved at the end of each trip.

4. Read nutritional labels.

5. Enlist your kids to help you plan balanced meals for the month based on what you bring home from your bargain shopping!

6. Fine motor skills are exercised when kids cut out the coupons.

7. Sorting and categorizing are practiced when they organize the coupons into piles.

8. Social skills are practiced at the store. Kids love to interact with all of the employees!

9. Kids get practical life skills by loading the belt with the groceries and by paying with cash. They can figure out how much to give the cashier and how much change they will get back.

10. Let your kids keep a tally on the calculator while you're shopping to make sure you don't go over your budget!

Engaging your kids in your shopping will keep them occupied in the store.  You will have less behavioral issues and the trip will go more smoothly!

'Til next time...

Brandi

What a Day Looks Like

I will attempt in this post to give you an idea of how a typical day might look in our home. Notice I said "might". Not all days are the same, but I do strive to stick to somewhat of the same schedule each day, Lord willing. My son thrives on consistency and routine...I'm a bit more relaxed. Okay, I admit...I'm naturally A LOT more relaxed, so I've had to learn to be a lot more disciplined for his sake!

5:00 am: Mom gets up, nurses Jack, coffee, bible reading and prayer
6:00 am: Dad gets up, Mom and Dad eat breakfast, Mom makes lunch for Dad
6:30 am: Dad goes to work, Mom unloads dishwasher, starts laundry
7:00 am: Addison gets up and eats breakfast, Mom exercises and showers
7:30 am: Benjamin gets up and does chores, eats breakfast, Mom switches/hangs laundry
8:00 am: Read from children's Bible, Bible teaching and activities
9:00 am: Free Time
9:15 am: English
10:00 am: Math
10:45 am: Free Time, Snack
11:00 am: Social Studies/History
11:45 am: Science
12:30 pm: Clean Up, Lunch
1:00 pm: Free Time
1:30 pm: Free Time, Mom's preschool time with Addison (reading, playing, puzzles, songs, etc.)
2:00 pm: Addison and Jack nap, project time for Benjamin and Mom (work on current projects such as sewing, art, music practice, writing, etc.)
3:00 pm: Typing/Computer Skills
3:30: Art/Music
4:00: Clean up, Free Time, Mom journals about the day for her records
4:30: Afternoon chores (Fold/put away laundry, vacuum, clean bathroom, trash, general cleaning)
5:00: Free Time, Mom starts dinner
6:00: Dinner
6:30: Dinner Clean-Up, Kids' time with Dad (usually helping with outside projects)
7:00: Jack's bath and dinner
7:30: Jack's bedtime, Free time for Mom (I usually blog, clip coupons, read, do meal plans, take care of errand preparations, etc.)
8:15: Addison and Benjamin's bedtime routine (showers, brush teeth, read from chapter book, read from Bible, prayers, lights out)
9:00: Ahhh...Mom and Dad time

I try to have the main subjects done before lunch, then the afternoon can be relaxed and fun. I do my major cleaning on the weekend, but our house is pretty simple so one good hour is usually enough! We run errands and visit the library one day a week, usually Tuesday or Wednesday...this saves on gas and helps us to be efficient with our time and money!

Of course, I can plan and plan...but it's all subject to God's plan for our day! I begin in the morning by asking Him to guide me and my family throughout our day. My desire is to do His will first...all else can wait! Also, if my husband asks me to do something for him, I make it a priority during my free time.

Although we pretty much school year round, our first official day of school will be August 25th this year, Lord willing. Wow, I can't believe that's a month away!

'Til next time...
Brandi