Free Academic School Year Printables

As the school year approaches (we start August 4!!), I am attempting to start off and stay organized.  This year instead of buying a calendar that never really fits my needs, I made my own.  I plan on keeping all of the following pages in a 3-ring binder.

I haven't created a cute front cover yet, but I may not because I like the design of the binder.

My first is my Monthly Calendar: 

August 2014-July 2015

Then I have my weekly calendar:

This is two pages with spaces for each family member

Next I have my Birthdays & Anniversaries

I use this instead of taking up space on the calendar

Follows is my To Do List

I can just "x" the task once I am done.

I am also including My Faith Page

I want to try to focus my thoughts on my blessings and to remember those who need prayer

Last, I have my Weight Loss Goals

This will hopefully encourage me to focus on overall health instead of just numbers.

Whatcha think?

My New Cleaning Schedule

I hate to clean. It's true. I would definitely characterize myself as a little on the lazy side.  I would much rather watch television, Netflix, or Hulu, than clean my house. However, I hate my house to be messy. It has become quite a problem.  I can't afford for anyone else to clean it, and I don't think anyone will do it for free. So I just have to hunker down and get it done.

I have discovered I love lists. I could lose all day making lists. I like making lists of the lists I am going to make. It's a problem. Nonetheless, I made a check-off list for cleaning.  I call it my Completely Possible Cleaning Schedule.  It has my daily chores and my weekly responsibilities. The best part is it shouldn't take very long to do it, so I can spend the rest of my time doing those things I enjoy: binge-watching, crafting, getting a pedicure, volunteering at my kids' school, grocery shopping (yup, I enjoy shopping for groceries).

Anyway, hope you enjoy the list. I put it in a plastic page protector and make off my squares with a dry-erase marker. Then, wipe it off at the end of the week, and start again.

Carol

Freebies for Good Report Cards: Macon Edition

Nearing the end of the year, as we anticipate report cards, be sure to celebrate those A's and B's.

Here are some Macon area places that reward good grades:

Chuck E. Cheese  - Take in your most recent report card and receive FREE tokens for good grades.

Krispy Kreme  – Take home a free original glazed donut for each A (up to 6 A’s). Simply show your report card and receive your warm, delicious doughnuts!. What could be better?

Hello There, Cupcake - Offers one free cupcake for all As for any report card, any grade level. Simply show your report card.

Now there are more nationwide programs that offer good grades, but I have not verified them in Macon. As I verify more, I will include them.

New Beginnings

What is it about January that makes people feel rejuvenated and inspired to make grand resolutions and  aspirations. I get the whole "It's a brand new year with no mistakes in it." But why do we only have this feeling in January? Are there mistakes in the latter part of the year?   By February or March, after we have broken most or all of our resolutions, we often feel defeated,  and our pumped up, eager, get-it-done attitude is no where to be found.

I can easily put myself in this category. I sometimes find things easier to begin, if I begin in January. I think it is the same concept as starting that diet on Monday. Why do January and Monday have that magic?

I hope this year, I can find excitement in every month like I do in January and set goals to reach every day like Monday. I want to remember that every day has no mistakes. Every day is an opportunity to change my life, my future, my health, my relationships and that mistake are only speed bumps not road blocks.

I hope to find the continued strength for each day. And I wish that for you, too. 

Just One or Two of Those Months

I know you have had a bad day, but have you ever had a bad two months?  I am so glad March & April  are over.  We have had sickness, and more sickness, ickiness, and just blah-ness.  The best thing is we did get to go to Disney World for a few days in March, but even that seemed rushed.  I absolutely wore out my kids which probably didn't help with the sickness.  Pollen  attacked with a vengeance, and we needed a Spring Break from our Spring Break. April just brought more pollen, but at least things calmed down before May and all the end-of-the-year festivities

I have been in such a funk.  I have been so self-absorbed lately.  Wallowing in my own self-pity about this, that, and the other.  I totally feel as though Murphy's law has taken residence at my house. The sad thing is, I just don't know if the upcoming months are going to be any better.

I am just so frustrated. My plan for my life and God's plan for my life are not on the same page right now.  I don't even think we are in the same book. It is really hard to release my control (or at least my idea of control since it is clear I have control over nothing) and have faith that God's plan is so much better than anything I could imagine. I am just having a hard time seeing the whole picture  Boy, oh boy, is my faith shaky.  I haven't lost it, but it is not on solid ground at the moment.

Then, I  start feeling guilty for even wavering or feeling sorry for myself, because I know I have it a lot better than some others out there. Still, my problems are still problems that I would like to see go away.

DO YOU SEE MY INNER CONFLICT? I feel like I am in a bitter battle between what I want, and what I need, and whether either of those two things are anywhere close to what God has planned.

Maybe I should pray for some clarity.