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Christmas Plans

The anticipation of Christmas is the most fun!  Going along with my “list making and idea planning” in my 101 in 1001 days.  I am going to write out a list of all the things I would like to do this Christmas season.  Starting November 30 – Jan 6.  This list is in random order.

1.  Put the Christmas lights on the tree before we decorate it together!

2 Put Christmas lights up outside.

3. Wrap all the Christmas books up and let the girls open one everyday to read before Christmas.

4. Have a Christmas color day where everything is Red and Green. 

5. Make granola gospels.

6. Throw a “Happy Birthday Jesus” party.

7. Memorize Luke 2: 1-14.

8. Read through Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader.

9. Send Christmas Cards with Christmas picture.

10. Feed the birds…Make bird food….string cranberries and popcorn and hang outside on trees.  Read Eve Bunting’s The Night Tree.

11. Take husband out to dinner and to Laminaria Event at Botanical Gardens.

12. Make Friendship tea mix.  What could use instead of Tang?  Let me check at Whole Foods for some alternative! ;)

13. Decorate Gingerbread House.

14. Make reindeer food to spread on lawn.

15. Study six names of Jesus.

16. Take someone a “meal in a basket”.

17. Operation Christmas Child

18.  Read Bartholomew’s Passage

19. bake cookies and ice with confectioners sugar icing.

20. Go to Night in Bethlehem at a church.

21. Go to Candle light Handel’s Messiah at Phoenix Symphony.

22. Go to Christmas lights walk through neighborhood.

23. Do family service project.

24. Get a picture with Santa…

25. Go on hotel date with hubby…

26. Ride around and look at Christmas lights

27. Have a hot chocolate night and watch Christmas movie..

28. Make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars.

29. Listen to Christmas music..Add Christmas music to playlist

30. Attend Christmas Eve service.

31. Zoo lights

32. Go to the movies (Christmas Carol)

33. Go to the town Christmas parade.

34. Go to Hometown Christmas at library.

35. Make Hershey Kiss advent calendar.

36.  Kiss hubby underneath the mistletoe! ;)

37.  Make and take gifts to neighbors.  Maybe the Friendship tea this year or Hot Chocolate mix.

38. Plan and buy the Christmas outfits.

39. Grow an Amaryllis. (force bulb)

40. Put out the Nativity and the lumanaries Christmas Eve.

Today I am thankful for the Thanksgiving holiday!  A day of good food and rest and family.  My little one was sick today so we sent our food off to grandma’s and grandpa’s with the rest of the family and we just stayed here together and watched movies.  I am so sorry my sweet little girl is sick but she was able to rest all day with popsicles and Gatorade!  We watched the old Freaky Friday, Secret Garden, and Sleeping Beauty!  Hopefully, she will be feeling better tomorrow!

I just enjoyed the most wonderful dessert with some good Starbucks Thanksgiving coffee.  It was pumpkin bread pudding with a caramel bourbon sauce ….yummy!  It definitely is worth a try if you like bread pudding.

I am very thankful for the trees and for nature!  I love the world God has designed for us!

Isaiah 61:3-4

They will be called oaks of righteousness, trees planted by the Lord to reveal his splendor…

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

Please visit Karla:

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Well, I am going to go along with the holiday theme and blog about our favorite Thanksgiving/Christmas recipes on What’s for dinner Wednesday for a while….

This is a favorite that my grandmother used to make….it is great for Christmas or Thanksgiving and we like it served hot.  It is so good with the ham and turkey.  I found this recipe online that is very similar to hers and is what I am using.

I love traditions….new and old….my mom and I are were just talking today how things were “different” but that is okay…times change…new ideas emerge….different circumstances….really all we can do is be thankful for wherever we are and whatever we are doing…..here are some great traditions I found recently.  I am going to try the random acts of kindness one with our family.

Baked Fruit Compote Recipe

From Woman’s Day | November 15, 2005

INGREDIENTS

  • 1⁄2 cup brown sugar (I use about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup wine (any decent kind)
  • 16 oz (21⁄2 cups) dried apricots
  • 1 cup pitted prunes (I use the kind infused with orange or lemon)
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, not drained (I use unsweetend)
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

* I also add one can of mandrian oranges.

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Have ready a 2- to 21⁄2-qt shallow baking dish .2. Dissolve sugar in wine. Put dried and canned fruits in baking dish, add wine mixture and stir to mix. Cover with foil.3. Bake 1 hour, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Uncover, cool and transfer to serving dish; cover and refrigerate overnight.4. Serve cold or at room temperature.Planning Tip: Can be made up to 1 week ahead. Refrigerate covered.

*We love this hot from the oven.

Related Recipes: Desserts, Side Dishes/Vegetables, Fruits, Bake, American, Christmas, Thanksgiving Christmas, Thanksgiving

 

I am so thankful for my nieces.   This is a picture of a horse back ride through the mountains.  It was a great time!  My oldest niece loves horses and when she came out to visit we planned this trip.  It was a great trail ride through the desert!  Very fun.  I am also thankful for my baby niece!  Someday she will be old enough to take a horse back ride with!  I am thankful for trips like these that bind our family closer together! :)   My Dad funded this trip….I am thankful for that too….with 4 girls these kind of trips are really pricey!  Thanks Dad!:)  I really appreciate these trips you provide for us!

What are you thankful for today?

Please visit Karla:

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101 in 1001 Days

I have been looking over my list lately and deciding what I need to work on next.  I am not a “list” person but do like to set goals.  Here is a short clip of how to set “SMART” goals.  Even though it is designed for the office setting the principles work very well personally or with your children.  Please click  here to watch the movie instruction.  If you scroll down some more there are some other good clips for leadership.  I like building leadership skills in my children.  Again, even those clips are designed for work/office you can use them in your homeschool as you lead your children in their education.  I like the “bathtub model”.  It is a good way to tell your children who are old enought to work independently and understand what your role is their project…say a science fair project, paper, etc…

I am also going to be using some ideas from the website “Never Just a House Wife” to help me with my Home Management Notebook goal and my Holiday Notebook.  Please visit her for “Managing the Mayhem Monday” from some great ideas!

Important upcoming goals are: scheduling a photographer for the “Christmas picture” and getting the Christmas cards out Christmas.  I also see a couple of things on my list that look like good Christmas presents!  Fish aquarium and metronome (my girls want the manual kind not the digital)!  The Elsie Dinsmore Old Fashioned Christmas party is also a possibility for this year.

Go ahead and make your self a SMART goal for today…… and let me know how you did! :)

I am having no problems coming up with thirty days of Thanksgiving.  The Lord has so richly and abundantly blessed me over my life.  Today, I am thankful for church.  Not just my own church, which I am very thankful for,  but the whole body of Christ or the “church”..

I remember one time when one of my daughters learned that the “church” meant not the building but the people themselves.  I love old country churches.  Of course, this is not my church but I have been in old country churches like this at times over my life and I just love the way they look and smell.  I love the thought of all the ones that have gone before me sitting in that pew….worshipping God….asking for mercy and forgiveness of their sins.  I am thankful for the church….for God’s people….for memories…..for legacys…..for commitments…for promises…..

Matthew 18:20

For where there are two or three gathered together…to my name, I am there in their midst…..

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside everything that hinders us and especially the sin tat so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us….

What are you thankful for today?

Please visit Karla:

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Thanksgiving Day 21

I am so thankful that we have plenty of good food to eat.  I am thankful that we have grocery stores and we are able to shop and buy good foods.  I love to garden  and grow lots of fruits and vegetables.  I am so thankful that my children do not go to bed hungry at night but they have had healthy foods to eat throughout the day and do not lie in their bed hungry.

Matthew 6: 9 -13

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us of our debts

as we forgive our debtors,

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever,

Amen

Please visit Karla:

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I am thankful for the mountains and the rock formations that are seen out in the west in the US.  My husband and I are sometimes able to drive and just enjoy these views!  They are truly magnificent and your soul can really say nothing other than “How Great Thou Art”.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Please visit Karla:

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I saw this on Amy Blayliss’ blog.   I have been wanting to come up with my list for a couple of months now! 

The following are the guidelines which I got from her site.  Please visit her at her blog.  She has a lot of interesting info and insight.

Creating your own 1001 Day Project
I started this list on August 24, 2008.  Here is what I have done so far….
The Mission:

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as new year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

MY LIST:

1. Organize and use a Home Management Notebook.

2. Make and use weekly menu plans.

3. Ask husband “What can I do to help you today?”….everyday.(getting better….work in progress W.I.P)

4. Help husband get his blog designed and going for his new business.

5. Plan date nights with husband which includes obtaining babysitters etc..(have planned and implemented several…W.I.P)Took Hubby to Vegas to Phantom of Opera on a surprise date weekend!

6. Get personal trainer certification.(enrolled in classes both at community college and online test preps)

7. Save money needed for daughter’s dental procedure due in January 2009 – $1800.

8. Look into dental insurance – calculate the costs.

9. Learn to use folders on the computer.

10. Make back up pictures on computer(had someone do it for me on old computer now need to back up new computer and can check this off my list)

11. Get a “My husband rocks…t-shirt”  www.frommetees.com (wear it all the time!!!)

12. Put girls recitals on YouTube so family can join in the fun.

13. Put shelf liners in the pantry.

14. Catalog all books and curriculum using Google spreadsheet .

15. Plant garden.

16. Plant an herb garden.

17. Plant a gardenia on east side of house.

18. Paint Living Room.

19. Wallpaper guest bathroom.(or paint)

20. Paint girls rooms.

21. Get a new bedspread for master bedroom.

22. Frame and hang all pictures starting with master bedroom.

23. Paint master bathroom.

24. Organize shelf in master bathroom.

25. Buy a new mattress and bed frame for master bedroom.(bought bed frame not mattress yet)

26. Renew BLS.

27. Finish ECCO online class.

28. Get important papers off office bullentein boards and into files.

29. Schedule for Christmas card picture in October.

30. Get all Christmas cards mailed BEFORE Christmas – Hire a photographer to take pictures at the annual Christmas concert at the Princess to use in the Christmas card.

31. Make a Holiday planning notebook.

32. Have an Elsie Dinsmore Christmas tea.

33. Make learning posters for pre-k.

34. Take all unused clothes to Salvation Army or Goodwill 3X per year.

35. Give baby items to neighbor who needs them.

36. Write Thank You notes.

37. Take girls each month out on their “birthday” date .

38. Have weekly schedule posted on large white board.

39. Re-organize and use devotional basket.

40. Complete at least 5 hours exercise each week.

41. Lose 10 pounds.

42. Log exercise and turn it into ECHO program at hospital for credit.

43. Organize bookshelves with books into categories .

44. Take pictures of girls projects.

45. Go on at least one nature walk per week with girls.

46. Keep prayer obligations.

47. Make a prayer guide using Lisa Wechel’s Guide to Prayer for Busy Woman and have in Home Management.

48. Make a list of family reading books for this year.

49. Make a list of family devotional reading for this year.

50. Make and enforce a reading pathway list with prize at end.

51. Run Lemonade Stand at least 2 more times for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

52. Place bins in van for each girls “things” and one for mom too!

53. Keep a record of all books listened to on tape/dvd.

54. Utlize the 6 basket system in laundry room (buy 2 more baskets).

55. Clean those two boxes out over washing machine.

56. Keep a list of what is in the freezer.

57. Fertilze trees and plants.  Research proper care of citrus trees.

58. Reseed lawn for winter grass.

59. Take girls to an opera. (Phantom of the Opera)

60. Take girls to symphony. (Handel’s Messiah)

61. Take girls to a ballet. (Nutcracker)

62. Have piano tuned.

63. Do something with courtyard in front of house (pavers?) (patio furniture)?.

64. Clean off back porch – move rocking chairs downstairs and get some patio furniture so we can do some school outside.  

65. Hang a porch swing.

 66. Create a t-shirt for our homeschool, purchase and wear.

67. Get a fish aquarium.

68. Tile kitchen and and living room and hall.(scored concrete flooring)

69. Celebrate grandparents day (September 7th).

70. Have a cultural dinner one night per month and invite quests.

78. Get all books on a bookshelf and off the floor.

79. Organize school room desk and files.

80. Have all old photos put on disc slide show.

81. Join DAR.

82. Join girls in CAR (Children of the American Revolution)

83. Finish baby books.

84. Take a meal to a family in need at least once per month.

85. Read the entire Bible using The New Inductive Study Bible.

86. Go on camping trip.

87. Clean and organize dresser in master bedroom.

88. Find a Naturpath MD that I trust.

89. Change primary care Doctor.

90. Obtain medical records and keep in a file.

 91. Purchase Rosetta Stone French Homeschool Program.

92. Clean off top shelf of master closet.

93. Clean out and organize storage closet under stairs.

94. Have school pictures done through EVCHE.

95.  Implement the reward system using the “poker” chips

96. Get all CD’s together in one book.

97. Put all DVD’s in one book type holder.

98. Organize all movies and have them labeled and put out of sight.

99. Participate in a science fair with girls.

100. Participate in a history fair.

101. Make copies and organize “important paper file”.

102. Hang other upper case living sayings already purchased.

103. Keep a log of movies watched.

104. Schedule annual womens exam…mamagram…etc…

105. Utilize CE Direct and take at least 10 continuing ed online classes per year.

106. Go to one nursing live seminar per year.  If possible, exercise related or something husband could attend and benefit from as well.

107. Get a screen door for front door.(Have someone coming out for measurments)

108. Keep a record of unit studies and resources taught in co-op in co-op folder and blog.

109. Administer the Stanford Achievement to girls.

110. Label all cords to what they belong to with a stickey.(they are all in one box!)

111. Pack and keep swim bag in car for last minute swimming at gym.  This includes CLEAN swimsuits and towels, swim toys etc…(W.I.P.)….it has been there most of the time.

112. Always keep “picnic” basket stocked in car….forks, spoons, paper plates, bowls. cups, napkins, and wipes…for lunches on go from the grocery store.

113. Keep picnic blanket in car for spur of moments picnics to park.

114. Buy some cracked wheat and keep in car to feed ducks at park.  They don’t allow to feed bread.

115. Plan romantic picnic just for husband.

116. Set up “quiet time” areas for the girls with bean bags.

117. Learn how to use digital camera more effeciently…download all pictures to disks and computer and put into files.

118. Get all Flat Stanley projects back within 4-6 weeks depending upon agreement.

119. Have photographer do some shots just of husband and I at a different time family Christmas pictures are done.

120. Have Christmas presents purchased for MS family members before leaving for trip in Nov.

121. Learn to use the scanner.

122. Send cards to nieces for all holidays.

123. Do something about the “important memory drawer” in dresser.  Maybe a trunk? Not one more thing can be stuffed in there.

124. Complete the timeline book with Mystery of History as we go through the book.

125. Go on a family hike. (Hubby has taken the girls twice while I was working)

126. Take in-laws at least one meal per week.

127. Keep the gospel granolas or something similar in the car at all times. 

128. Buy a new metronome … not the digital kind.

129. Pre-plan Easter study by Feb and have all supplies gathered and ready.

130. Have a pencil sharpener mounted to wall in laundry room?

131. Keep well stocked pencils and school supplies in boxes in the girls desk at all times which are only allowed to play during school time.

132. Keep a box of pencils, colors, markers, paints, arts and crafts to be used during free time or whenever they want to create.  (In kitchen cabniet).

133. Participate in Christmas Around the World and have the girls prepare their speeches.

134. Have new “calling cards” made for the girls.

135. Find ballet class for M.L.

136. Hang quilts on walls.

137. Put in flower bed at front door.

138. Put in square foot garden spaces in back.

139. Make individual folder for homeschool, ideas, home mgmt, field trips, classes, etc…

140. paint bookself and dresser in master bedroom

141. paint knobs for girls pink dresser in gingham.

142. paint unfinished dresser in girls rooms.

143. go on week vacation to Floridia with hubby and girls…

144. Have dining room table chairs re-covered

145. Finish painting blackboard wall.  One more coat!

146. Finish painting kitchen.

147. Take old VHS to recycle.

148. Set up workboxes for girls.

149.  Read and update list every month

oops…I think  I went over 101 … now how could that happen….I always did have a hard time following directions! ;)

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