Prepare Your Heart and Mind for the Holidays.....November Newsletter Article

There are so many events, tasks, and meals that need planning for the upcoming holidays. Planning now definitely helps, but don't forget to also prepare your mind and spirit.

Many times we feel like we have to recreate something right out of a home magazine. That just isn't realistic. We end up being so busy trying to make everything just right, we miss out on what is going on around us. There are so many "should do's" and obligations floating around in our heads.

Here's a great tip: You don't HAVE to do it all! Make time for those things that are most important to you and your family and cut the rest out!

I have challenge for you.

What if you could go into the holiday season with your heart, spirit, and mind with a new focus - one that wasn't focused on the stress, to-do lists, and busyness? What would that look like to you?

1. Answer the question: What does my calm and spirit focused holiday season look like? Yep, that means writing or typing it. What are those things that cause you stress - can you cut those out?
   
2. What are 3 ways (your action steps) you can make that happen? Write those down, too! They don't have to be big ones. For example, "I will only put up those decorations that I really love", "We will go to 2 holiday gatherings", or "I will let go of perfection."
   
3. Share your actions steps or comments with me other moms!

Click Here to find out how you can get more strategies, tools, and actions plans to help busy moms like you make the most of their time and take back control from the busyness.

For more Works-for-Me Ideas, visit We Are THAT Family.

Back to School: Registration, Forms, and Schedules

Planning ahead helps me get the new school year off to a great start. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you make that school year transition.

Registration

You got the school registration date on your calendar, right? Do you have the countless forms you have to fill out? (OK, I know the picture to the right is a little bit of an exaggeration, but I think it conveys the feeling well).

If possible, get your hands on all the forms you will need to complete ahead of time. This gives your ample time for fact finding that you may need to do.

Get the forms filled out and then make copies! Now, almost definitely you won't be able to use these copies in the future, but you can file them and have them on hand to make next year's registration that much quicker.

Immunization Records

Not sure on your children's immunization records? Call your children's physician's office or check your state website for a immunization records database.

Click here if you live in Wisconsin: Wisconsin Immunization Records

Calendars and Schedules

Take the time now to get the school calendar dates on your calendar. Do the same with the kids' various activities, practice schedules, games, performances, etc. Are you planning to take any vacations during school breaks? I like to keep my calendar clear of extra appointments before and after family trips to keep the stress of family vacations to a minium.

For more Works For Me Ideas, visit We Are THAT Family.

P.S. I'm hosting a free teleclass on Thursday, September 3rd called Prepared, Organized and Focused: 7 Great Back-to-School Tips for Moms to Start the Year Off Right! It's free, you just have to register!

Camping and Organizing

We took the kids camping this weekend. I like camping, but one weekend a year is just right for me.

I remember as a kid setting up the tent in our backyard. I loved getting everything just right. Not much as changed and I'm now in charge of packing everything up for the weekend-what a surprise, right? In fact, my husband now knows that’s my job and ‘lets’ me do it.

When we get to the site, he sets up the tent and I unpack the rest and get stuff set up. My 7 year old daughter loves to help me. Half way through the weekend, I do a “reorganizing of the site” and my husband just rolls his eyes at me (I can’t help it!). I’ve also learned to let a lot go and just enjoy the time with my family. The kids are going to remember the fun stuff, not the tidy campsite.

A Quick List for the 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! Thank you to all who work and fight for the freedoms I enjoy!

Our family headed out to watch some fireworks last night. I thought I would quickly list what I brought along in the hopes it might help one mom avoid that "I wish I would have brought......."

1. Bug spray!


2. Blanket and chairs
   
3. Snacks and beverages
   
4. Long pants and jackets, just in case


5. Plastic bag for garbage


6. Camera
   
7. Glow sticks - 12 for $1 at target!
   
8. Lots of friends!

Here's my "I wish I would have brought" items: balls and Frisbees of some sort. The kids ended up improvising with a stuffed toy. Just goes to show you that you should never underestimate your kids' imagination for self entertainment.

Family Vacations: Sressful?

What stresses you out the most about family vacations?

Is it the packing?

What about the traveling?

Is it the retuning home part?

Maybe it's just the family?

Do you take vacations on a regular basis?

I'm putting together my next newsletter article and want to know what areas you could use some organizational tips to help reduce some of the vacation stress. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, right?!