Think It Thursday: Birthdays & Holidays, Oh My!

This is my mantra this time of year. 

November 23rd starts the chaos of celebrations, the hubs birthday. Of course Thanksgiving is next, unless it's the year that it falls on his birthday (he was a turkey baby) & then followed by a nephew's birthday. 

December starts off with my youngest celebrating her birthday on the 9th, then Christmas in the blink of an eye & my youngest nephew celebrating the same milestone birthday as my youngest on the 27th (apparently he liked my due date better & vice versa).

After New Year's Eve & all the confetti comes all the pork & sauerkraut. Then a few days later, my hubs great grandma turns 25 for the millionth time (I've completely lost track of how old she actually is). My brothers birthday is on the 18th, which was my due date for my oldest, but she preferred to come the 24th instead. 

Don't forget to add in a few friends birthdays along with a few friends kids birthdays here & there too.  

Talk about a busy time of year! (Now I know how Santa feels.) 

 

Think It Thursday: What I'm Thankful For

In the matter of a month, we'll be making resolutions of change for the year to come. But for now, we all make it a point to say what we're thankful for in the current year.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Think It Thursday: Pros & Cons of Black Friday Shopping

Let me begin by saying that I have never been shopping on Black Friday before. There's just something about large groups of people going all kinds of crazy for the latest toy that deters me. Not that I changed my mind this year, but I decided to weigh out the pros & cons of Black Friday shopping. 

Pros:

• Sales! Some of the sale prices are insane! I've seen quite a few 50+in. TV's on sale this year for just a couple hundred dollars. 

Cons:

• The same sales sometimes start a day or two before Black Friday anyways, so most of the inventory is already gone. (At least this year a few of them did.)

• There would be no sleeping Thanksgiving night in order to get the early bird deals.

• People can go all crazy like & start fights in the toy department.

• Cyber Monday has great sales too & you don't even need to leave you own house. 

Obviously the cons outweigh the pros for me, which means that I'll stick to my Cyber Monday shopping. 

Do you shop on Black Friday?

Think It Thursday: Family History

Every now & then I go back to working on my family history. I'm not really getting anywhere anymore, but could if I spent some serious time on it. Of course this is just on my Grandpa's side of the family. I never really gave a thought to researching my Grandma's side, until my Aunt posted something about it on facebook. 

It seems that my Uncle had sent her some info on the Stamps Cemetery, also known as "The Witch's Graveyard".

Graves from the 1800's have two giant slabs of rock in a tent formation over the spot where the body is buried. Small triangles of stone prop up the slabs, while a headstone and smaller stone cap off the head and foot of the structure.

John Anderson Stamps & his wife, Sarah Isabelle Roberson Stamps are buried in the family cemetery in Putnam County, Tennessee (near Monterey), which dates back to, well I'm not entirely sure yet. John & Sarah Isabelle were the grandparents of Lawrence Duel Stamps, who married my great grandma, Ruth Ledbetter, who had my beloved grandma, Barbara Anne & my great uncle, Morris Duel. 

I actually remember being down in Tennessee with my grandparents for a huge family reunion, when my great uncle Morris took my cousin Joe & I for a drive in his classic car to the family cemetery. 

Now I'm interested in learning more about the Stamps family, along with all of the stories that go along with the Stamps Cemetery.
 

Think It Thursday: When the School Levy Doesn't Pass

Recently our local school district had a seven year emergency levy on the ballot for $8.9 million, that would generate $1.57 million a year. It was voted against at the polls & for the first time ever, I was furious. 

You seem our district has already cut all the corners that they could. Positions have been eliminated, wages have been froze & programs for the students have been eliminated as well. But thanks to the amazing staff, the students have not suffered. Actually, they're all thriving. 

But what does the failure to pass yet another levy mean? That means that the gap remains from the loss of about $1.2 million in state & federal funding & the loss of tangible personal property tax. That means that the elementary & middle school teachers will continue to integrate art class into the weekly curriculum themselves. That means that varsity soccer will have to wait. That means that schools security is still left to the very small local police department. That means that new technology will most likely depend on fundraisers. That means that "pay to play" is most likely going to happen. That means that busing for grades 7-12 may be eliminated for a district that covers 100 sq. miles. That means that a 47 year old high school will need to forgo maintenance issues. 

All because homeowners don't want to pay an extra $300-$500 in taxes every year. Because that's about what it would amount to for the average $100,000 home. And when you put it that way, it doesn't seem so bad, does it?

Think It Thursday: Why I Love Halloween

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I love Halloween! It is by far my absolute favorite time of year. 

Here's why...

•Pumpkins - Not only can you eat anything & everything pumpkin flavored, but you can carve them, paint them & glitter them. 

•Scary movies - OK, so I may not be able to watch them as much as I want, but I still do get a few good ones in every year. Tonight after the kids go to bed, The Shining! 

•Decorations - There's just something about witches, goblins & vampires that makes me go all giddy. 

•Festive food - I'm talking meatloaf hands, brain cupcakes, spaghetti intestines & worms! 

•Trick or Treat - Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat! I absolutely love taking my kids through the neighborhood to go trick or treating. And I may volunteer to do it for my youngest when she gets too tired to do it herself. 

•Dressing Up - OK, so I may not dress up anymore, but I love getting my kids all ready. Not to mention checking out everyone else's costumes. 

What do you love about Halloween?

Think It Thursday: Fun Fall Activities for Kids

Fall is such a wonderful time of year! (And I'm not just saying that because it's my favorite season.) But what most people fail to realize, is there are a ton of fun activities to do this time of year. especially if you're a kid!

 •Oh sure, the weather is cold & yucky so you're stuck indoors, but with the help of Pinterest, you can find a ton of crafts for your kiddos to make. (And if you're like me, some for mom too.) But there are quite a few days during fall where the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures. Especially for those with asthma. 

•Sure most pumpkin patches close down to visitors after Halloween, but most apple orchards are still open. And there's just something awesome about finding that perfect juicy apple (or perfect pumpkin).

•if you do happen to come across a pumpkin patch that is still open after Halloween, find out if they're still offering trips through the corn maze or hay rides. 

•Some days are perfect weather for a fall hike, which is one of my favorite activities. Especially if you live in a region where the leaves change colors. The views can be breathtaking! 

•Speaking of the colorful leaves, collecting them for a bevy of crafts is always fun. (I even still do it!) And let's not forget how much fun it is to play in them too. 

•don't forget that it's football season too! Whether you go to a game, watch one on TV, or just play in the backyard, it's a great way to stay active. Tailgating is always my favorite part though! 

•Sometimes fall evenings are the perfect weather for a bonfire. But you can't have a bonfire without S'mores! My kids love to call their neighborhood friends over & have a mini S'mores party of sorts. 

•But when it's just too cold & there's nothing to do, the kitchen is the place to be. Fall is the time for comfort foods & to get a head start on all of those holiday cookies. So why not give the kids their own cooking lessons too? You'll be glad you did later. 

What do your kids like to do in the fall?

Think It Thursday: Guilty Pleasures

Guilty pleasures. We all have them. For those of you who think you don't , is there anything that you can't help but indulge in but feel that little pang of guilt afterwards? Yea, I thought so. So while we're all being open here, I think it's sharing time. Don't worry, I'll go first. 

Background image credit: Wonderful Engineering

The Twilight Saga - I just can't help myself on this one. There's action romance & a bit of drama. (Team Edward, by the way.)

Cheeseburgers - My aunt took me to a bar that served food when I was younger (it was attached to the hardware store by my grandparent's house). She ordered us "smooshie" burgers that had all the fixin's. You had to literally smoosh them to be able to eat them. And that's just how I like my cheeseburgers to this day! With bacon, of course!

US Weekly - Yes, I need my weekly magazine on everything Hollywood. OK, and their website too. 

Ice Cream! - I haven't met a flavor that I didn't love. But my all time faves? Rocky Road (with marshmallow creme, not mini marshmallows), Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Red Velvet Cake & Blueberry Cheesecake. 

Keeping Up with the Kardashians - I'm not sure why I like the Kardashian clan (considering my hubs tells me I lose a brain cell every minute I watch their show), but I do. Maybe it's their style, the antics of Lord Disick, Kimye or the ever changing Bruce Jenner.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Think It Thursday: 10 Tips To Cut Back On Heating Costs

With cooler temps starting to settle in, for some of us, it means it's time to turn our furnaces on. And with the added premise of another bitter winter, premature heating costs are the last thing we want. 

Here are ten tips to help you reduce your heating costs. 

1. Replace worn weather stripping. Some weatherstripping needs to be replaced every few years because of wear. 

2. Adjust door thresholds. For exterior doors you can either adjust the height of the threshold (be sure it doesn't interfere with opening & closing the door) or install a sweep. Sweeps are perfect for interior doors as well to help keep the heat in or out of certain rooms. 

3. Plug holes in exterior walls from pipes, gas lines & electrical cables with expanding foam. 

4. Use a portable heater. Turn down the thermostat & use a space heater in the most common room your family gathers, like the living room. The savings from reducing the furnace temperature should offset the cost of using the space heater & for the heater itself.

5. Plastic, plastic, plastic! Using plastic on your windows & patio doors will make a noticeable effect on your heating bill. 

6. Install a programmable thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that you can knock 10% off your yearly heating & cooling expenses by turning the thermostat back 10º-15º for eight hours a day. 

7. Take advantage of the sun. Open blinds & drapes during the day to let the heat of the sun in. At dusk, close them to help trap the heat inside.

8. Keep your furnace in proper working order by keeping furnace filters clean or replacing them as needed (at least once a month during frequent use). Also get your furnace or HVAC system serviced every year prior to using it for the season. 

9. Be efficient with your water. Aside from lowering the temperature of your hot water heater to 120ºF & wrapping the heater itself in jacket insulation, there are other ways to save. Taking shorter showers, using a low flow shower head, washing full loads in the dishwasher & clothes washer, along with using the cold water cycle when possible will all reduce your hot water usage. 

10. Choose ENERGY STAR! Appliances, windows, water heaters, furnaces & even light bulbs can come with the ENERGY STAR seal.

And please remember that you can always contact your natural gas company to find out if there are any current rebates or incentives available. 

Think It Thursday: It's Fall Y'all!

I absolutely adore this time of year! 


•Pumpkins & gourds galore
•The changing of the leaves is so beautiful
•Comfort food to help keep you warm
•Halloween & Trick-or-Treat
•Thanksgiving (complete with pumpkin pie of course)
•Hayrides & corn mazes
•Carving pumpkins & roasting the seeds
•The perfect weather for jeans & a hoodie
•Playing in the leaves
•Haunted houses
•My birthday (even though I usually don't celebrate it)


What do you love about fall?

Think It Thursday: Never Forget

• 8:46 a.m. - American Airlines Flight 11 with 81 passengers & 11 crew members on board, crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

• 9:03 a.m. - United Airlines Flight 175 with 56 passengers & 9 crew members on board, crashes into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

• 9:37 a.m. - American Airlines Flight 77 with 58 passengers & 6 crew members on board, crashes into the Pentagon. 125 personnel were lost.

• 10:03 a.m. - United Airlines Flight 93 with 37 passengers & 7 crew members on board, crashes in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  

Just like everyone else, I remember that day vividly. I was on my way to work from a meeting when news of the first plane hitting the North Tower came over the radio. 

I worked at a kiosk, located in the electronics department of Sears. There was a bunch of us, keeping close to the TV's, so we could find out what the reports were saying, while still looking like we were working. When the second plane came into sight, everyone stopped. We watched it crash into the South Tower on about 50 TV's at once. It made the moment more surreal. 

After the South Tower was struck, it's a bit of a haze as to what happened next. I'm not sure if we were sent home before or after the third plane struck the Pentagon. But since I worked for a cellular company at the time & towers everywhere were being jammed, there was no reason for me to be there. 

When I heard about the fourth plane, I was instantly worried. The reports were just all saying near Johnstown, Pennsylvania & I have family there. Luckily, they weren't harmed.

So many people lost their lives that day, both in the sky & on the ground. They are all strangers to me, but I can promise them this.... I will never forget you! 

Think It Thursday: And The Fundraisers Begin

Guess what the kids brought home from school yesterday.

Yep, we are barely into the school year & the fundraisers have been sent home. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for helping the school raise money. But most of us are still reeling from the cost of school supplies & new school clothes. Let alone, it's always the same things. Magazine sales, been there. Cookie tubs, done that. Although they do have a new photo keepsakes one this year that I may actually look into. Actually I have too since I now have two kids that brought them home & who have their eyes on big prizes. Sorry kids, two a piece so you can get a "mouse racer" (that way you won't feel left out). 

Think It Thursday: Kindergarten Open House

Tonight was an epic night. It was Kindergarten Open House. I swear it feels like I've waited for this moment for forever. OK, at least all summer. 

Damien will have his first official full day of school on the 25th, but tonight's Open House marked the beginning of the transition process with state testing & orientation to follow. 

Damien, checking out his new book, a gift from his teacher.

Of course Damien was super shy & refused any pictures. Until he saw his friend Alex (so glad they're in the same class), then the only pictures I could get were goofy ones. He also found the stash of dinosaurs in his classroom. Getting him & his friend, Max, away from them...well, they were two of the last kids in the room. 

All in all, I think it's going to be a great year! I can't wait to  see how much Damien learns & how he'll grow as a little man. 

Think It Thursday: Back to School Shopping

It's almost time for the kids to go back to school! And although I've looked forward to it since the first day of summer break, it all seems to be moving along so fast now. Of course that could have something to do with my extreme procrastination when it comes to school shopping. Especially now that I have two children to shop for. 

I have to admit something, it's the supplies that really do me in every year. They just seem like so much on paper like that. And what is with some of them being finicky about the brand? I mean, to me, a pencil is a pencil no matter who makes them. But regardless, school supplies are always the last things I buy (in case it wasn't apparent by my total of three things checked off - which are just things leftover from the previous year). I have a hard enough time keeping my kids from wearing their new school clothes before the official start of school (my son wore an entire 5pk of underwear in one day just last week for no apparent reason), but school supplies...they'd be lucky to last an hour! And even that's pushing it. So roughly 2-3 days before the first day, I'll be the mom desperately searching from store to store (& maybe making an Amazon order), just to get what's on the list. To some, that seems just downright idiotic. But, I'd rather do it that way once because I haven't gotten any of it yet, rather than do it that way to replace what my kids have gotten into already. (Makes total sense, right?)

Okay, now for the clothing aspect. Recently, I discovered that my kids tend to have a growth spurt right after the beginning of school. So I don't want to go crazy just to replace it all. The main reason being that that's pointless. But then again, I couldn't afford to do it that way either. Which means that we'll do one full week of outfits, a couple extra shirts, a couple pairs of shoes & then the basics of socks & underwear. That should be good considering the growth spurts, followed by birthdays & Christmas. 

Ugh! Who knew that shopping would make a girl so stressed! 

When do you like to do your back to school shopping? 

Think It Thursday: Planning a Staycation

Have you ever noticed how expensive taking a vacation actually is? Especially for a family of five. And then there's always the fact that you feel like you need a mini vacation to recover from your other vacation. Then there's the actual planning a vacation that can be downright tricky, or make you think you have angina. It's all so overwhelming! Good thing there's a simple solution to all of that.

It's a staycation! 

A staycation is when you stay close to home, but actually feel like you're on vacation. For some, this can be quite difficult to not keep up with the day to day activities. But for others, this is the time to finally check out all of those places that you've been meaning to since you moved into the neighborhood. 

•Be sure to plan ahead, at least a little bit. Make a list of all the nearby places you want to visit & all the things you want to do. From that list, find out dates, hours of operation & other needed details to make sure you get most of your list checked off. 

•Still keep a budget. If you eat out for every meal, visit theme parks, or take a mini shopping spree, you'll go broke - quick! Just remember that you wouldn't spend vicariously if you took a Disney vacation, so don't do it on a staycation.

•Rules on staycation?! For some, the only way to really relax on a staycation, is to completely disconnect. No phone? No email? No internet? Your decision. Just decide ahead of time & be sure that you stick to the rules too. 

•A staycation doesn't mean you have to stay home every day. An overnight stay is completely fine during staycation. After all, you can't always make it through every square inch at the theme park in one day. 

•Make everyone happy! OK, so if you have children, that's not always going to happen. But you can definitely try! The kids want a breakfast of pancakes with ice cream in bed? No problem! The hubs is an avid golfer & is itching to get on the green? Find a place with driving range or putt-putt for the kids too. You have been yearning for a massage? Give the hubs & the kids 60 min. of video game bliss at the arcade down the plaza while you relax. After all, relaxing is what a staycation is all about!

Think It Thursday: What Motivates You?

If someone asked you what motivates you, would you have an answer? It doesn't matter if it's fitness related, work related, or anything else. Would you have an answer? 

This picture says it all. Well, minus the hubs who's not in this shot, but motivates me too. 

My kids motivate me, for more reasons than I can begin to count. They keep me in line without knowing it. They make me strive to be the best. (Same goes for the hubs.)

Then there's my brother. I've never seen someone get so excited to be allowed to workout before swim practice (that way he won't get so tired during meets). And I kinda look at it this way, I can't have my 18 year old brother putting me to shame (even though I only swim if I absolutely have to.)

Of course that LBD hanging in my closet, Brittnae Giesau (Beachbody coach), Vannessa Gutierrez (Kawasaki Disease Foundation board member) & sunny days also motivate me. 

What motivates you?

Think It Thursday: 15 Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy on a Budget this Summer

Keeping your kids busy during summer break can be one of the most difficult things ever. I mean, sure, if you happen to have endless pockets, they can do whatever their little hearts desire (within means of course). But if you're like me, you can only spring for their hearts content once or twice (especially with three kids). But that doesn't mean that there's no fun to be had! There are a gazillion different things your kids can do this summer that won't break your bank. 

•Summer Reading Programs are running rampant at the local libraries. And if by chance your local library doesn't have one, you can always make your own. Just be sure that the reward is suitable, like dinner out or an extra hour of outdoor play. 

•VBS (Vacation Bible School) is a popular activity during the summer months whether you belong to a church or not. They usually last 4 days & have fun filled activities for a couple of hours each day. Like I said, even if you don't belong to the particular church, it's a great way for you & your kids to meet new people & have fun at the same time.

•Summer picnics at the park is technically two things since you have to go to the park first (& play of course!). But for some reason, it's more adventuresome than just picnicking in your backyard. Just be sure to bring everything you need, including a comfy blanket to sit on. 

•There are so many arts & crafts that are perfect for summer! You can make chalk murals on the sidewalks, build birdhouses from popsicle sticks & tons more. Just do a quick Google search, or take a look-see on Pinterest, to find ones that suit your child & budget.

•Movie time! If you have a local drive-in, they usually offer a 2-for-1 showing & are much cheaper than a traditional movie theater. But if you only have a traditional theater, be sure you check out their matinee showings. They're usually less crowded & cost a few bucks less per person. Some may even offer the occasional free showing, you'll just have to check for details on what they have to offer.

•Camp out under the stars! In your backyard if you prefer. That way you won't need much at all. Just a tent, some sleeping bags & a few flashlights. Oh & bug repellent of some kind - never forget the bug repellent. The nice part is that you still have access to running water, a toilet & warm food just a few yards away from your pillow. And if you decide that camping out is just no fun at all, it's no big deal to just go sleep in your bed. 

•Gardening is great for kids. Not only do they learn about how things grow, but they are so proud when they do all the work themselves & see what they end up with. If you don't have much room for a garden, just pick up a decent sized window box for your kids to plant in. This is extra fun since they can get some paints to decorate it too.

•Swimming is just synonymous with summer. It's a great way to stay active, all while cooling down. Of course if you happen to go to a water park daily, it can take a toll on your wallet. If you don't have access to a pool everyday, just bust out the hose & play in the water (it still counts). But if you're really adventurous, check out any local canoe liveries & go canoeing.

•Where I live, there always seems to be an outdoor concert of some kind nearby. The music may not be your style (or even close to it), but if you're the dancing type, it can be a lot of fun. I remember being at a campground with my mom when I was little & they had a bluegrass band. You better believe I hopped right in there & started jumping around & shaking like everyone else! One of my favorite memories ever! 

•My favorite, have a party! You don't need any specific reason to get a bunch of friends over during the summer for a good cookout. And you can even ask them all to bring a covered dish or their own drinks to help keep your cost down. But the main objective is simple, just have fun!  

•My oldest wants to have a lemonade stand so bad this year! And I'm pretty sure that I'll happily oblige. Keeping it simple is easy, a card table, tablecloth, some homemade lemonade & cups. This is also a great lesson for kids to learn about money & the economy. 

•Be one with nature & go on a hike. Even better if there happens to be a fishing hole nearby, or a creek to splash around in.

•It's Christmas...in July! July 25th (or the weekend closest to it) is perfect for Christmas in July. Decorations are easy - keep them patriotic from the 4th. A simple cookout will suffice. & instead of going crazy on gifts, have all of your guests bring a food donation for the local food pantry. Not only is this just a fun excuse to get together, but it teaches kids a valuable lesson about giving to those who need it. 

•Farmer's Markets & roadside produce stands are just about everywhere during the summer. If you happen to have a picky eater, this is great way to get them to try more fruits & vegetables. After all, they helped pick them out. Kids can also learn lessons about money & budgeting, making it more beneficial than they realize. But if you really want more of a hands on approach, look into local berry picking available during the peak seasons. 

•Going on a tour is a really neat way to learn more about something. And most of the time, local companies will gladly oblige - especially the fire stations. You can even check into any local businesses that produce goods, or a local restaurant. You may have to purchase a product, but it will be a far more memorable experience. Especially if you already purchase the products anyways.

 

Think It Thursday: Chasing Your Dreams

I'm guilty of dreaming. Both complete fantasy (I highly doubt I'm ever going to get the chance to hang out with Channing Tatum, star in an episode of Grey's Anatomy or bake French pastries with Blake Lively) & slightly more realistic (I just might start my own business, get the body I want & buy a few pairs of Louboutin's). Of course there's a million reasons as to why my fantasy dreams would never come true (anti-stalking laws for starters), but what's stopping my realistic dreams from coming true? Nothing. 

Photo credit: Learn It Live Blog

With a lot of hard work, precise planning & ambition, realistic dreams could turn into reality. But it's not going to happen overnight & it's not going to present itself to you in a neat little package. You have to make it happen. You have to never give up. You have to chase your dreams.

 

 

Think It Thursday: Kindergarten or Preschool?

It happened. Damien has been registered for kindergarten. But I have to admit that I'm more indecisive as ever.

The cut-off is September 30th, all children need to be 5 by then. Damien turns 5 September 17th. He's currently in the IEP class for some speech issues, but his teacher has said that academically, he's ready. But she also said that there's a maturity issue for boys & she even held her own son back a year before starting kindergarten. So Damien could either go to kindergarten, or have another year of preschool. 

I don't want to decide now, I actually have until about 2 weeks before the start of the new school year. My fear is that if I hold him back like everyone suggests, that he'll get bored with the preschool lessons & focus on the "play" aspect more. But I don't want to push him if he's not entirely ready either.

Of course Damien is a completely different child at school than he is at home, so his maturity may not be an issue as far as schooling goes. After all, I do hate it when kids automatically get categorized (except for two year olds, they really can be terrible). 

What would you do if you were me? I'm open to any thoughts & suggestions. 

 

Think It Thursday: Making Up Calamity Days

Now that the polar cortex of a winter is far behind us...wait, is it? Sure the bitter cold, ice & snow are long gone, but there's still one part of winter hanging around. School calamity days.

Our school had quite a bit of snow days, double the allotted amount I believe. To help make up some of the days, the school issued "blizzard bags", which were assignments for an entire day, that could be accessed on the school website. After three "blizzard bags" & one of the snow days not needing to be made up for some reason or another, the school year was only extended by a day. But since the original last day was on a Thursday, ending on a Friday isn't so bad. Unlike my niece who goes to a different school...their last day was scheduled on a Monday, but after no "blizzard bags", it's now on a Friday. That is practically a whole extra week! So I'm pretty sure my kids are OK with one day after they heard about that. (Parental note: I'm pretty sure the school budget will be much more forgiving with 1 day vs. 1 week.)