Monday, July 16, 2012
Good-Bye
It has probably been a long time coming, but I feel like I am done with blogging for the time being. I began this blog with great intentions about 4 years ago when we were going through a lot of changes with adding a third child and then moving to a new city and starting over. As soon as we moved, I ended up getting an amazing teaching job that I love, but our lives were drastically changed when I went back to full time work. I just don't have the time to add pictures and blog on a regular basis right now. As a stay-at-home mom, it was a good outlet socially, but now I find that those needs are met with my friends at work, so I don't have the same need to be in the blogging world. I am still active with Facebook because it only requires a one sentence commitment, and I can easily upload photos from my iPhone directly into Facebook with a couple of clicks. If you want to stay in touch with me, please become my Facebook friend if you aren't already and send me a friend request. Maybe I will return to blogging at some point, so I am not going to delete the blog entirely. However, I just don't have the motivation right now to sit down and write. I want to spend the limited time I have doing things that I love, and this just isn't one of them anymore. I hope to stay in touch with those of you who read the blog, so if you are my real-life friend, you should have my email or phone number, and feel free to contact me anytime!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
National Boards Are Over!
National Board work is done. Completely. I mailed the big box with my 4 portfolio entries last week at the beginning of my spring break. I kept it in my closet for weeks before finally mailing it, as I was nervous to let it go. I kept worrying that I would pack it incorrectly, forget something important, etc. Finally, I set it free. I felt a lot better when I got a letter from National Board confirming its arrival, and I could check online and see on my screen, in real print, the words "accepted" next to each scanned entry, so I knew my babies had arrived safely.
This morning I concluded my journey with 4 hours of assessment center exercises in Fort Smith, AR, at a testing center. That was the closest location to where I live, so I traveled down there yesterday and took the day off school to focus on testing preparation. I did everything humanly possible to eliminate stress, relax, and review my notes before the "big day." I had a nice hotel room which they upgraded to a king suite. I got take out from a nearby restaurant and tried to relax. I reviewed film clips on the computer, reviewed note cards, and finally went to bed at 10 p.m. Thankfully, the hotel was quiet with no wild party next door (like on the night before my wedding!), and even though I slept a bit fitfully, I woke up feeling good. I had prayed that I would not have a migraine today, as I have had more than usual in the past month, and I had brought all my medications for any possible malady.
The tests were amazingly smooth. Thank goodness for the two nice, kind grandmother-ish ladies who were the testing administrators. They smiled, asked about my kids, talked to me about my hometown, etc. and they put me right at ease. That was good because while they were doing this, I also had to remove all traces of watches or electronics, get palm vein scanned, get my picture taken, and be padded down and pockets checked. So, it could have been really nerve wracking if the administrator had acted like a jail warden or something. The grandmas were so nice, that I almost forgot my palms were being scanned.
The tests were about what I had expected. No huge surprises. I felt prepared, and I had studied a sufficient amount. Overall, I think I did really well. I feel like I did better on a few tests than I expected, but the test that asked me to use a non-print item and connect it to a piece of prose was a bit harder than I had hoped. I nailed the explanation of the piece and actually really liked the story, but the theme was really random and specific. It was hard to think of a piece of art or song off the top of my head that fit that particular selection. So, I sat for awhile as I watched the racing clock timer on my computer screen counting down to zero (we begin with 30 minutes). After answering everything else that I could in those prompts, I had to pick something. I picked a song that I use with my 7th graders. It generally fit the theme of the written selection, but the tone wasn't exactly right. It bothered my perfectionist nature that I couldn't find "the PERFECT" song that would wow the graders. Oh well. It was good enough to pass, I think.
I found myself writing a lot about the same theme in various ways, as 3 of my 6 tests had reading or written passages that were about different texts but slightly changed versions of the same theme. So, I felt as if I were in Groundhog's Day where I kept saying the same thing over and over. I found myself using the word "metaphorically" a lot. I was able to work in my favorite word, too. Anaphora. So, that made me happy.
When the last test was over, I was typing the last letter to my last word right as the timer counted down "4, 3, 2, 1, 0" -- the screen turned blank as my finger hit the last letter. I didn't even get my period in. I think I had a couple typos in that last paragraph since I didn't have time to proofread. Oh well, I don't think they count typos, and my content felt good.
I'm not sure if I feel relief yet. It will probably take a couple of weeks. I have lived with this in my mind for 12 solid months now. It will take a bit of time not to automatically think about national boards. So, the waiting begins. November seems like a long time from now, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it.
I am praying I get to see the word "Congratulations . . . " on my computer screen on that day!
This morning I concluded my journey with 4 hours of assessment center exercises in Fort Smith, AR, at a testing center. That was the closest location to where I live, so I traveled down there yesterday and took the day off school to focus on testing preparation. I did everything humanly possible to eliminate stress, relax, and review my notes before the "big day." I had a nice hotel room which they upgraded to a king suite. I got take out from a nearby restaurant and tried to relax. I reviewed film clips on the computer, reviewed note cards, and finally went to bed at 10 p.m. Thankfully, the hotel was quiet with no wild party next door (like on the night before my wedding!), and even though I slept a bit fitfully, I woke up feeling good. I had prayed that I would not have a migraine today, as I have had more than usual in the past month, and I had brought all my medications for any possible malady.
The tests were amazingly smooth. Thank goodness for the two nice, kind grandmother-ish ladies who were the testing administrators. They smiled, asked about my kids, talked to me about my hometown, etc. and they put me right at ease. That was good because while they were doing this, I also had to remove all traces of watches or electronics, get palm vein scanned, get my picture taken, and be padded down and pockets checked. So, it could have been really nerve wracking if the administrator had acted like a jail warden or something. The grandmas were so nice, that I almost forgot my palms were being scanned.
The tests were about what I had expected. No huge surprises. I felt prepared, and I had studied a sufficient amount. Overall, I think I did really well. I feel like I did better on a few tests than I expected, but the test that asked me to use a non-print item and connect it to a piece of prose was a bit harder than I had hoped. I nailed the explanation of the piece and actually really liked the story, but the theme was really random and specific. It was hard to think of a piece of art or song off the top of my head that fit that particular selection. So, I sat for awhile as I watched the racing clock timer on my computer screen counting down to zero (we begin with 30 minutes). After answering everything else that I could in those prompts, I had to pick something. I picked a song that I use with my 7th graders. It generally fit the theme of the written selection, but the tone wasn't exactly right. It bothered my perfectionist nature that I couldn't find "the PERFECT" song that would wow the graders. Oh well. It was good enough to pass, I think.
I found myself writing a lot about the same theme in various ways, as 3 of my 6 tests had reading or written passages that were about different texts but slightly changed versions of the same theme. So, I felt as if I were in Groundhog's Day where I kept saying the same thing over and over. I found myself using the word "metaphorically" a lot. I was able to work in my favorite word, too. Anaphora. So, that made me happy.
When the last test was over, I was typing the last letter to my last word right as the timer counted down "4, 3, 2, 1, 0" -- the screen turned blank as my finger hit the last letter. I didn't even get my period in. I think I had a couple typos in that last paragraph since I didn't have time to proofread. Oh well, I don't think they count typos, and my content felt good.
I'm not sure if I feel relief yet. It will probably take a couple of weeks. I have lived with this in my mind for 12 solid months now. It will take a bit of time not to automatically think about national boards. So, the waiting begins. November seems like a long time from now, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it.
I am praying I get to see the word "Congratulations . . . " on my computer screen on that day!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Highlights of 2011
We had a good 2011! Here are some highlights from the year (though I am sure I forgot some things that happened in my old age! ha):
1. Owen played tackle football for the first time. He love it, but the practice schedule about killed out family life from August through October! Luckily, we get a break until next fall!
2. Arden started pre-K and changed buildings. She has a certified teacher this year and is learning a lot!
3. Owen began middle school with 5th grade and also changed buildings. He now has 4 teachers for his core subjects and loves it.
4. I began the process of working toward National Board Teacher Certification in March 2011 and will complete the entries and tests on March 31, 2012. I will find out in November 2012 if I passed in the first year. This gives me a national teacher's license plus higher salary in Arkansas once I pass for the life of the ten year license. So far,I have logged in over 225 hours of work on it.
5. We took our first BIG family vacation across the country (by car for 20 hours) to Washington D.C. and were gone ten days. It was an amazing adventure, and we all loved D.C. We saw the 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall.
6. Stuart traveled to Seattle for a work conference and got to see the home of Starbucks! He also went to the Catalyst conference in Atlanta in October with one of his best friends.
7. I got my own permanent classroom at my school for the first time this year! Yea! No more floating with a cart into various classrooms up and down the hall. It is such a luxury!
8. I attended my first Beth Moore conference live in Little Rock with my mom. It was a fun girls' weekend!
9. We completed the hardwood installation in our house this year with flooring installed in the living room, hallway, dining room, and office. I love it!
10. Stuart has gotten to go on some photography adventures and practice with his new SLR camera. He is getting really good!
11. Arden got her long hair cut off into an adorable angled bob hairstyle in August. I love it, and it is so much easier to maintain. However, it really made her look much more grown up, and we realize that she is not a toddler anymore.
12. Hudson has had a great year with his first male teacher in 2nd grade this year. He has gotten an award almost weekly for most helpful, most responsible, etc. He has been voted student of the week the most times of any student in his class, and was a Kiwanis Terrific Kid in September! He has really developed his love (obsession) for math this year and asked for a calculator for Christmas!
13. The boys and I attended several performances at the Rogers Little Theater this year (which we didn't know about last year). We have seen "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "The Sound of Music," and "Christmas Story" in 2011. Owen loved Joseph best!
14. We enjoyed touring the new Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville which opened in November 2011. It is beautiful and amazing; it even impressed a ten year old boy who doesn't really like art!
We hope your family had a happy and healthy 2011. May 2012 bring us even closer to the ones we love. May God grant us all peace and favor in His eyes this coming year.
1. Owen played tackle football for the first time. He love it, but the practice schedule about killed out family life from August through October! Luckily, we get a break until next fall!
2. Arden started pre-K and changed buildings. She has a certified teacher this year and is learning a lot!
3. Owen began middle school with 5th grade and also changed buildings. He now has 4 teachers for his core subjects and loves it.
4. I began the process of working toward National Board Teacher Certification in March 2011 and will complete the entries and tests on March 31, 2012. I will find out in November 2012 if I passed in the first year. This gives me a national teacher's license plus higher salary in Arkansas once I pass for the life of the ten year license. So far,I have logged in over 225 hours of work on it.
5. We took our first BIG family vacation across the country (by car for 20 hours) to Washington D.C. and were gone ten days. It was an amazing adventure, and we all loved D.C. We saw the 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall.
6. Stuart traveled to Seattle for a work conference and got to see the home of Starbucks! He also went to the Catalyst conference in Atlanta in October with one of his best friends.
7. I got my own permanent classroom at my school for the first time this year! Yea! No more floating with a cart into various classrooms up and down the hall. It is such a luxury!
8. I attended my first Beth Moore conference live in Little Rock with my mom. It was a fun girls' weekend!
9. We completed the hardwood installation in our house this year with flooring installed in the living room, hallway, dining room, and office. I love it!
10. Stuart has gotten to go on some photography adventures and practice with his new SLR camera. He is getting really good!
11. Arden got her long hair cut off into an adorable angled bob hairstyle in August. I love it, and it is so much easier to maintain. However, it really made her look much more grown up, and we realize that she is not a toddler anymore.
12. Hudson has had a great year with his first male teacher in 2nd grade this year. He has gotten an award almost weekly for most helpful, most responsible, etc. He has been voted student of the week the most times of any student in his class, and was a Kiwanis Terrific Kid in September! He has really developed his love (obsession) for math this year and asked for a calculator for Christmas!
13. The boys and I attended several performances at the Rogers Little Theater this year (which we didn't know about last year). We have seen "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "The Sound of Music," and "Christmas Story" in 2011. Owen loved Joseph best!
14. We enjoyed touring the new Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville which opened in November 2011. It is beautiful and amazing; it even impressed a ten year old boy who doesn't really like art!
We hope your family had a happy and healthy 2011. May 2012 bring us even closer to the ones we love. May God grant us all peace and favor in His eyes this coming year.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Merry Christmas!
We have had a fun month of December, even though it seems like it has flown by faster than ever! I took Owen to see "A Christmas Story" play at the Rogers Little Theater, we toured Crystal Bridges museum which opened recently, and we saw Santa in our neighborhood. My mom came for a weekend visit where we drove to Branson and saw the great light display at Silver Dollar City. It really makes you feel like Christmas when you are walking around at night in a lit village atmosphere, listening to Christmas carols and sipping hot chocolate!
We went to school longer this year than ever before due to the calendar changes for our district, and we did not get out until December 21. We left the next morning to drive to Camden to see Stuart's mom and sister's family until the 24th. The kids had fun playing with their five cousins from Ohio, and the highlight was playing nighttime flashlight tag outside! I was worried that someone was going to trip and break an ankle, but the kids loved it.
We returned home on the night of the 24th to finish the remaining tasks to get ready for Santa to arrive! Arden has been such a fun age this year since she sincerely believes everything is real, and she is so animated about talking about Santa, Rudolph, and Jesus. We put out reindeer food for Santa's sleigh, and the kids actually slept in until almost 7:30 on Christmas morning before wandering in to find presents.
Favorite gifts from us or relatives include:
Owen: ipod shuffle, Vikings jersey, Connect 4 Launchers
Hudson: Pokemon playset, Bey blades triple battle set, Angry Birds game, calculator
Arden: American Girl bitty baby, Fur-Real barking/moving dog, doll clothes, pet shop set, and a kids' digital camera
Stuart: Starbucks gift card, monogrammed shaving kit, new snow boots
Michelle: red Tom's shoes, silver earrings, lots of great gift cards from students, a fleece jacket, and a lava lamp (from Owen :)
Arden turns 4 tomorrow! Where has the time gone? So, we will be wrapping birthday gifts today in Tinkerbell paper and trying to find a store to make a cookie cake for her since that is what she wants. I think we will eat at Chili's and use one of my gift cards for a fun celebration dinner for her tomorrow night!
It was a great Christmas, and we are glad to have some family time to relax and stay indoors. We hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family.
We went to school longer this year than ever before due to the calendar changes for our district, and we did not get out until December 21. We left the next morning to drive to Camden to see Stuart's mom and sister's family until the 24th. The kids had fun playing with their five cousins from Ohio, and the highlight was playing nighttime flashlight tag outside! I was worried that someone was going to trip and break an ankle, but the kids loved it.
We returned home on the night of the 24th to finish the remaining tasks to get ready for Santa to arrive! Arden has been such a fun age this year since she sincerely believes everything is real, and she is so animated about talking about Santa, Rudolph, and Jesus. We put out reindeer food for Santa's sleigh, and the kids actually slept in until almost 7:30 on Christmas morning before wandering in to find presents.
Favorite gifts from us or relatives include:
Owen: ipod shuffle, Vikings jersey, Connect 4 Launchers
Hudson: Pokemon playset, Bey blades triple battle set, Angry Birds game, calculator
Arden: American Girl bitty baby, Fur-Real barking/moving dog, doll clothes, pet shop set, and a kids' digital camera
Stuart: Starbucks gift card, monogrammed shaving kit, new snow boots
Michelle: red Tom's shoes, silver earrings, lots of great gift cards from students, a fleece jacket, and a lava lamp (from Owen :)
Arden turns 4 tomorrow! Where has the time gone? So, we will be wrapping birthday gifts today in Tinkerbell paper and trying to find a store to make a cookie cake for her since that is what she wants. I think we will eat at Chili's and use one of my gift cards for a fun celebration dinner for her tomorrow night!
It was a great Christmas, and we are glad to have some family time to relax and stay indoors. We hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Holiday Do's and Won'ts
Today is Thanksgiving, and in all honesty it hasn't been the best one we've ever had. Thankfully, we know we have plenty to be thankful about, and it isn't all about this one day. We are still home in Bentonville and did not travel to be with Stuart's family today because Arden is sick. She got a cold this week, and it got progressively worse yesterday with more coughing and a high fever. She woke up in the middle of the night burning up, so we all stayed here today to see if she improves. So, it has been a bit of a let-down. The boys were upset that they didn't get to eat Thanksgiving with their grandmother, and I had most of the food here since I was going to transport it five hours to my in-law's. So, my mother-in-law had no meal today. I did prepare the ham and side dishes for us to eat, but it just didn't really feel like Thanksgiving. Arden's fever was gone this morning, but now that it is almost early evening, she is looking flushed again, and sure enough, she is running a temp. Sigh. So, it might be that she has to go to the pediatrician tomorrow while Stuart and the boys go to visit his mom.
I can't believe that we are already in the holiday season, and in reality, I am having to make some changes this year because I just feel a bit overwhelmed. I am really busy at school, and my free planning time is being taken up with National Board revisions, copying student work, and planning lessons that I can use to fit National Board entries. I will be done by early April, but this is getting to be peak time in this process. I did order quite a few Christmas gifts online in order to get ahead on the game, and that has helped tremendously. It is very relaxing to have Amazon deliver large boxes right to my front door!
So, this season, I have decided that there will have to be some do's and some won'ts. I can't do it all; I do not want to feel rushed and stressed throughout the entire holiday season and miss the reflection on our Savior's birth and enjoying quality time with my kids. So, this year there will not be any Christmas cards going out. I will not be dressing up my kids in matching outfits and trying to get the perfect photo to send out on Christmas cards to friends. I figure everyone can remember what we looked like from last year, and then I will try again next year. In fact, I think I may permanently do Christmas cards on a bi-yearly schedule. I will not dress up the kids in matching pajamas when they have plenty of pairs that will do, and I will not put out all the extra Christmas decorations this year. I think just the mantle, stockings, and tree will do me in! I won't attend work parties that I really don't want to go to, and I won't wrap all my gifts in matching, themed Christmas paper. I shortened the Christmas list, and the kids will get less presents this year in order to save both time and money. Every year it seems that they are finished with most of the toys by New Years anyway! I won't mail packages at the post office, so any gift out of my area will have to be a gift card or shipped by a merchant directly.
However, I will decorate our tree with 41 years of my own ornaments and ones for each of my kids' years since birth. We will shop with each child for their perfect ornament to symbolize 2011. We will decorate a gingerbread house and put way too much candy on it, so that the candies on the roof begin to slide off. I will take Owen to see a Christmas holiday theater production, and we will all trek up to Branson to enjoy the Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City. My mom and I will go to see Crystal Bridges museum, and I will take the kids to ice skate outdoors at our local ice skating rink. We will watch The Grinch, The Sound of Music, and The Charlie Brown Christmas special. Stuart will pop popcorn the old-fashioned way on the stove, and we will eat lots of candy canes. I will attempt the advent readings that I try to do each year but usually only make to day 10. We will enjoy Christmas specials on tv and read our collection of Christmas books to the children out loud each night. My classes will collect presents for 3 needy children, and I will deliver them to a collection site. I will give my kids money to put in the red pot for Salvation Army each time we go to Walmart. We will drink a lot of egg nog. We will play Uno, Life, and Connect Four. We will sing Christmas carols at church, and the kids will play with the Little People nativity set.
I will try to look at the season through the eyes of a child and enjoy the wonder. We will make reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve, and the kids will play football outside with their cousins.
My "to do's" need to have more meaning and be less about impressing people or living up to expectations. I am sorry if you will miss our Christmas card this year,and I hope you understand; however, you are more than welcome to come and decorate our gingerbread house, go ice skating, or play board games with us!
I can't believe that we are already in the holiday season, and in reality, I am having to make some changes this year because I just feel a bit overwhelmed. I am really busy at school, and my free planning time is being taken up with National Board revisions, copying student work, and planning lessons that I can use to fit National Board entries. I will be done by early April, but this is getting to be peak time in this process. I did order quite a few Christmas gifts online in order to get ahead on the game, and that has helped tremendously. It is very relaxing to have Amazon deliver large boxes right to my front door!
So, this season, I have decided that there will have to be some do's and some won'ts. I can't do it all; I do not want to feel rushed and stressed throughout the entire holiday season and miss the reflection on our Savior's birth and enjoying quality time with my kids. So, this year there will not be any Christmas cards going out. I will not be dressing up my kids in matching outfits and trying to get the perfect photo to send out on Christmas cards to friends. I figure everyone can remember what we looked like from last year, and then I will try again next year. In fact, I think I may permanently do Christmas cards on a bi-yearly schedule. I will not dress up the kids in matching pajamas when they have plenty of pairs that will do, and I will not put out all the extra Christmas decorations this year. I think just the mantle, stockings, and tree will do me in! I won't attend work parties that I really don't want to go to, and I won't wrap all my gifts in matching, themed Christmas paper. I shortened the Christmas list, and the kids will get less presents this year in order to save both time and money. Every year it seems that they are finished with most of the toys by New Years anyway! I won't mail packages at the post office, so any gift out of my area will have to be a gift card or shipped by a merchant directly.
However, I will decorate our tree with 41 years of my own ornaments and ones for each of my kids' years since birth. We will shop with each child for their perfect ornament to symbolize 2011. We will decorate a gingerbread house and put way too much candy on it, so that the candies on the roof begin to slide off. I will take Owen to see a Christmas holiday theater production, and we will all trek up to Branson to enjoy the Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City. My mom and I will go to see Crystal Bridges museum, and I will take the kids to ice skate outdoors at our local ice skating rink. We will watch The Grinch, The Sound of Music, and The Charlie Brown Christmas special. Stuart will pop popcorn the old-fashioned way on the stove, and we will eat lots of candy canes. I will attempt the advent readings that I try to do each year but usually only make to day 10. We will enjoy Christmas specials on tv and read our collection of Christmas books to the children out loud each night. My classes will collect presents for 3 needy children, and I will deliver them to a collection site. I will give my kids money to put in the red pot for Salvation Army each time we go to Walmart. We will drink a lot of egg nog. We will play Uno, Life, and Connect Four. We will sing Christmas carols at church, and the kids will play with the Little People nativity set.
I will try to look at the season through the eyes of a child and enjoy the wonder. We will make reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve, and the kids will play football outside with their cousins.
My "to do's" need to have more meaning and be less about impressing people or living up to expectations. I am sorry if you will miss our Christmas card this year,and I hope you understand; however, you are more than welcome to come and decorate our gingerbread house, go ice skating, or play board games with us!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Fall has Flown
Football finally ended last week! Owen shed some tears when his team lost early in the playoffs, but it is so nice not to be tied down to a nightly practice most days of the week! I am glad he enjoyed it,but we are taking a break from any competitive sports for the next few months. I am looking forward to eating dinner together and having everyone home together in the evenings.
Halloween parties were on Friday, and I took a half day personal day to go to Hudson's school and see his costume parade and attend his class party. Then, I went to Arden's party at her pre-K at 3:00. Hudson dressed up like Hulk, and Arden was a Razorback cheerleader.
Hudson also came down with his first fall/winter illness of the season. He got a respiratory bug this week that did not keep him home from school, but he was coughing and dragging with it. On Thursday night, he woke up crying and said his left ear hurt. Now, we know what that means . . . ear infection! Stuart took him to the pediatrician on Friday afternoon after his party at school ended, and he did have an ear infection. Thankfully, he did not run fever, so he was able to attend his party! He is now on antibiotics and feeling much better.
Whooping cough broke out in Owen's homeroom at his middle school which resulted in six kids getting sick. So, the AR Dept of Health contacted me and said that he needed to begin antibiotics to prevent illness. Shortly after we began his Z-pack, the school called me and said he now needs a booster of the pertussis vaccine which they will provide at a shot clinic at the school this week. Thankfully, Owen has not gotten sick, but it has been a lot of phone calls and medication due to this outbreak.
We are trying to get a head start on Christmas shopping, as I have done NONE. I just didn't have the time to do anything this summer with working on National Board entries for several weeks, and it has been so hectic since school resumed. I am going to take the boys to Walmart to pick out things to put on their list, so we can start shopping before too much longer. Also, I think I am going to take a year off from sending Christmas cards this year, then I will try to get a new photo taken and a card out next year! It is so expensive and time consuming to address all those cards, and I am so busy with working on National Board writing that is due in March. I am trying to cut out all non-essential things this year, so that I don't get too stressed out, or time isn't taken away from my kids or family. I want to enjoy the reason for the season and not feel like I am always behind!
I did finally break down and hire a cleaning company to clean my house every other week which has been a real blessing! It is much cleaner than it's been in a while, and I don't have to spend my weekend doing it since I have very little free time right now. Now, if I could just find someone to come and do all my laundry . . .
Halloween parties were on Friday, and I took a half day personal day to go to Hudson's school and see his costume parade and attend his class party. Then, I went to Arden's party at her pre-K at 3:00. Hudson dressed up like Hulk, and Arden was a Razorback cheerleader.
Hudson also came down with his first fall/winter illness of the season. He got a respiratory bug this week that did not keep him home from school, but he was coughing and dragging with it. On Thursday night, he woke up crying and said his left ear hurt. Now, we know what that means . . . ear infection! Stuart took him to the pediatrician on Friday afternoon after his party at school ended, and he did have an ear infection. Thankfully, he did not run fever, so he was able to attend his party! He is now on antibiotics and feeling much better.
Whooping cough broke out in Owen's homeroom at his middle school which resulted in six kids getting sick. So, the AR Dept of Health contacted me and said that he needed to begin antibiotics to prevent illness. Shortly after we began his Z-pack, the school called me and said he now needs a booster of the pertussis vaccine which they will provide at a shot clinic at the school this week. Thankfully, Owen has not gotten sick, but it has been a lot of phone calls and medication due to this outbreak.
We are trying to get a head start on Christmas shopping, as I have done NONE. I just didn't have the time to do anything this summer with working on National Board entries for several weeks, and it has been so hectic since school resumed. I am going to take the boys to Walmart to pick out things to put on their list, so we can start shopping before too much longer. Also, I think I am going to take a year off from sending Christmas cards this year, then I will try to get a new photo taken and a card out next year! It is so expensive and time consuming to address all those cards, and I am so busy with working on National Board writing that is due in March. I am trying to cut out all non-essential things this year, so that I don't get too stressed out, or time isn't taken away from my kids or family. I want to enjoy the reason for the season and not feel like I am always behind!
I did finally break down and hire a cleaning company to clean my house every other week which has been a real blessing! It is much cleaner than it's been in a while, and I don't have to spend my weekend doing it since I have very little free time right now. Now, if I could just find someone to come and do all my laundry . . .
Monday, September 5, 2011
Frugal vs. Splurges
I buy a lot of things used; my friends usually tease me if they know me well and ask if any new purchase came from "the thrift store"! All of Arden's shoes, pajamas, clothing, winter coat, etc. just came from a children's consignment sale. I just bought three twin sheet sets from garage sales ($3, $7, and $6 per set for super cute children's sheets). One was Ralph Lauren! I have bought used shoes for myself and the kids, if the brand is good, and they are in good condition.
However, I do splurge on items and buy some things new. I like name-brands, and I am not one of those people who wears clothing that is styled from the 1970's just because the whole outfit cost $3 at Goodwill. So, here are a few of my tips:
1. shop consignment and thrift stores regularly. The merchandise changes all the time. I find super cute home accessories from time to time. I always find good books for me and the kids (or my classroom) for .25 cents to a dollar for a hardcover. My favorite ones are Goodwill, The Salvation Army store on Walnut, and Helping Hands on 28th.
2. Consign and shop in large children's consignment sales like Rhea Lana to purchase a large amount of items for young children (and girls will have more in larger sizes than boys)
3. Ebay. This is where I go first when I want some particular brand or a particular shoe size. The per item price will be higher than consignment or thrift stores, but you can get a specific item. For example, I will do a search for "stride rite 10.5" to look for used shoes for Arden. With boys, I will typically have to buy new shoes at their ages now, but I can sometimes find NIB pairs on Ebay cheaper than the same item in the stores. Sheet sets are sold on Ebay for great prices (both new and used). Boutique brands like Matilda Jane, for example, resell well on Ebay, if you are willing to splurge for a special outfit for a photograph session, but it will still be about half of the new retail price. Every time I want to purchase a clothing/shoe/accessory item new, I search for it on Ebay first to see if it is available for less. I even order my salon hair products I love on Ebay for about 1/2 off, and they are new and sealed. I even bought my Delta kitchen faucet fixures from Ebay (new in box) for half of retail!
4. Discount Vouchers/websites: I get regular/daily emails to a variety of discount programs and buy vouchers for items that I would use, usually at 50% off retail. These sites are places like Groupon, Living Social, or NWA Piggy Deal. They have really good discounts on restaurants and services. Also, I shop at www.onekingslane.com for similar discounts. They hold sales each week that highlight certain high end brands, and you can find good deals on brands like Peacock Alley sheets etc. I have bought 6 items there in the past year at One Kings Lane, and I usually buy at least one voucher monthly for some service/restaurant from the other daily deal sites.
5. Stores that have good sales: I have to shop quickly and on sale when I do buy myself clothing. I like Belk a lot because it is smaller than a Dillards. I also love Ann Taylor Loft. They have wonderful promotions and sales. With the store credit card, I get extra promotions/discounts plus a teacher's discount, even on sale items. I always get everything there over half off the retail price. Since it is a small store, I can get in and out quickly, and I know what size I wear. They can order me sizes they don't have and get them shipped to my house for free! I also stay out of clothing stores, in general,unless I have a specific item that I am really needing to purchase. I don't have time to browse malls now that I am teaching full-time, but I also find that it stops me from making a lot of impulse purchases.
6. Coupon codes: before I order from any online retailer, I always do a search for valid coupon codes for that business. Routinely, I can find codes that get me 10-20% off at checkout or give me free shipping. I recently found a valid coupon code for $25 off at www.erincondren.com and purchased the popular life planner for half price by using the code.
7. Outlets: These are probably my least favorite because they really aren't any cheaper than regular stores with sales. However, I do love upscale handbag outlets like Coach because department stores won't have these bags on sale very often. I purchased two Coach purses last fall for only 1/3 each of the retail cost. The quality of the leather is worth the cost, and I got them for only a little more than leather purses from Target by going to the outlet. The closest outlet to me is in Branson, MO.
8. Friends: See if you can find a friend who has children older than yours in the same gender, then you can get free (or cheap) hand-me-downs. I have been blessed to have a friend who gives Arden a lot of her daughter's outgrown clothing. I know of other times I have "shopped" from friend's clothing, and they have let friends know they were selling clothing privately before they sent it to a consignment sale. They would price it more cheaply, and friends got the first picks of the nicer items.
My goal is always to decorate well, look nice, and find a bargain. I can't enjoy my home or my kids' clothing if I am worried about how much money I spent on them. Try a few tips, and see how it goes. Once you see the savings, you will be addicted!
However, I do splurge on items and buy some things new. I like name-brands, and I am not one of those people who wears clothing that is styled from the 1970's just because the whole outfit cost $3 at Goodwill. So, here are a few of my tips:
1. shop consignment and thrift stores regularly. The merchandise changes all the time. I find super cute home accessories from time to time. I always find good books for me and the kids (or my classroom) for .25 cents to a dollar for a hardcover. My favorite ones are Goodwill, The Salvation Army store on Walnut, and Helping Hands on 28th.
2. Consign and shop in large children's consignment sales like Rhea Lana to purchase a large amount of items for young children (and girls will have more in larger sizes than boys)
3. Ebay. This is where I go first when I want some particular brand or a particular shoe size. The per item price will be higher than consignment or thrift stores, but you can get a specific item. For example, I will do a search for "stride rite 10.5" to look for used shoes for Arden. With boys, I will typically have to buy new shoes at their ages now, but I can sometimes find NIB pairs on Ebay cheaper than the same item in the stores. Sheet sets are sold on Ebay for great prices (both new and used). Boutique brands like Matilda Jane, for example, resell well on Ebay, if you are willing to splurge for a special outfit for a photograph session, but it will still be about half of the new retail price. Every time I want to purchase a clothing/shoe/accessory item new, I search for it on Ebay first to see if it is available for less. I even order my salon hair products I love on Ebay for about 1/2 off, and they are new and sealed. I even bought my Delta kitchen faucet fixures from Ebay (new in box) for half of retail!
4. Discount Vouchers/websites: I get regular/daily emails to a variety of discount programs and buy vouchers for items that I would use, usually at 50% off retail. These sites are places like Groupon, Living Social, or NWA Piggy Deal. They have really good discounts on restaurants and services. Also, I shop at www.onekingslane.com for similar discounts. They hold sales each week that highlight certain high end brands, and you can find good deals on brands like Peacock Alley sheets etc. I have bought 6 items there in the past year at One Kings Lane, and I usually buy at least one voucher monthly for some service/restaurant from the other daily deal sites.
5. Stores that have good sales: I have to shop quickly and on sale when I do buy myself clothing. I like Belk a lot because it is smaller than a Dillards. I also love Ann Taylor Loft. They have wonderful promotions and sales. With the store credit card, I get extra promotions/discounts plus a teacher's discount, even on sale items. I always get everything there over half off the retail price. Since it is a small store, I can get in and out quickly, and I know what size I wear. They can order me sizes they don't have and get them shipped to my house for free! I also stay out of clothing stores, in general,unless I have a specific item that I am really needing to purchase. I don't have time to browse malls now that I am teaching full-time, but I also find that it stops me from making a lot of impulse purchases.
6. Coupon codes: before I order from any online retailer, I always do a search for valid coupon codes for that business. Routinely, I can find codes that get me 10-20% off at checkout or give me free shipping. I recently found a valid coupon code for $25 off at www.erincondren.com and purchased the popular life planner for half price by using the code.
7. Outlets: These are probably my least favorite because they really aren't any cheaper than regular stores with sales. However, I do love upscale handbag outlets like Coach because department stores won't have these bags on sale very often. I purchased two Coach purses last fall for only 1/3 each of the retail cost. The quality of the leather is worth the cost, and I got them for only a little more than leather purses from Target by going to the outlet. The closest outlet to me is in Branson, MO.
8. Friends: See if you can find a friend who has children older than yours in the same gender, then you can get free (or cheap) hand-me-downs. I have been blessed to have a friend who gives Arden a lot of her daughter's outgrown clothing. I know of other times I have "shopped" from friend's clothing, and they have let friends know they were selling clothing privately before they sent it to a consignment sale. They would price it more cheaply, and friends got the first picks of the nicer items.
My goal is always to decorate well, look nice, and find a bargain. I can't enjoy my home or my kids' clothing if I am worried about how much money I spent on them. Try a few tips, and see how it goes. Once you see the savings, you will be addicted!
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