Time To Get Organized

If you have looked at a calendar lately, then you know that school starts again all too soon. As a home school family, we aren't always tied to the same start date, but I am guessing that time is rapidly approaching for you as well. If you are distracted enjoying that delicious river called "Denial" make sure you don't loose track of time at the big bend up ahead called " Last Minute Loop" If you create your supply list now for the upcoming year it will really end up saving quite a bit with all the back to school sales, not to mention all the time you will save during the year by having things purchased and planned out now.

Another thing I like to get done now for the fall is make sure all of my textbooks, tests and answer keys, science lab supplies, daily necessities, art supplies, and musical instruments are ready to go. Once all of these things are here, I can really get a good idea of what our school year will look like, or at least develop a plan for it and then be flexible when needed. There is something about having that plan in place that makes it so much easier to detour from it when that unexpected friend comes for a visit from Sacramento or your sister surprises you with a visit from Ketchikan. You can fill in where needed, drop what is unnecessary, and improvise when possible.

One of the things we have discovered to be an absolute for our kids grade 6-7 and below is what we fondly call "the box". This is a simple little school box that has all of the tools they would typically need during a given day. Our box list includes crayons, markers, 1 glue stick, about 5 sharpened pencils, erasers, scissors, a pen, a calculator, and possibly a highlighter pen. This box fits perfectly in their back packs and can be hauled anywhere we may race off to at a moments notice. This helps eliminate any excuses for being with out their supplies and puts the responsibility on them for keeping their boxes filled and ready to use.

Two additional necessities for my students are their lesson planners and their binders. Check back in next time to see how we use these two must haves. I will also offer suggestions on how to plan out your year or at least your first semester.

I know you may not want to but get off that river and start planning. It can actually be a lot of fun. Then you will be able to enjoy your last few weeks of summer without that looming over your head.

Carmel Corn Party Favors!

Ahh, birthdays. Don't we all just secretly love em? Special phone calls and cards, an extra shot in your coffee, flowers with your pedicure, and dinner out. For kids its the party with cake and ice cream, friends over and games, streamers and balloons, and goodie bags. What's not to love? Wait, did someone say "Goodie Bags?"

Yes! We have become a generation of moms plagued with the ever troublesome, ever growing expectation of "the goodie bag." Really, I could do with out this silly little extra, but the kids anxiously anticipate giving out these special thank you treats. This year the arrival of Payton's birthday and party came shortly after the arrival of the unexpected layoff notice.

Hummm. I can do this! But how do I do this economically and still create a fun and special treat?

I sat with my cup of orange spice tea and pondered my dilemma for a while. I riffled through the craft drawers to see what hidden treasures lay waiting to be discovered. Stamps, stickers, glitter, beads, ribbons, lots of cellophane bags...... and then out of know where, the idea just popped into my head. Carmel Corn! Who doesn't love Carmel corn? I have a fabulously easy to make recipe that also happens to be a very inexpensive treat. This was the perfect solution for my little girls Teddy Bear Picnic birthday party. This recipe can easily be made in about 15 mins. and for roughly a dollar a batch. You just can't beat that, even at the dollar stores.

Follow these simple steps to a successful and delicious crowd pleaser.

1. Begin with 20 cups of air popped popcorn

2. In a microwave safe bowl combine 1/2 c. butter, 1/4 c. corn syrup, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 c. brown sugar

3. Microwave on high for 2 mins. then stir.

Microwave again on high for 2 more mins. and stir well.

4. Add in 1 tsp vanilla and

1/2 tsp baking soda and

stir well till thick and foamy

5. Pour hot mixture over popcorn in the bag and shake well.

Microwave 1 minute and then shake well

Microwave for another minute and shake well again.

Microwave 30 seconds, shake well

Microwave 30 more seconds and shake well.

6. Spread out over cookie sheets to cool. Then break apart and put into baggies or 1 big airtight container.

The result is amazing and you will be shocked to discover how easy it really is. Go ahead and try it! No birthday party in the near future? Lucky you! Not really but still, no problem. Plan a game night or have a special movie night at home with your family. Or better yet, make it for the next summer night bonfire or camp out. Watch out! It is fairly addictive.