Hi friends,
I have changed to a different blog name. If you would like to come visit I am over at http://jens-busy-days.blogspot.com/. Some old posts from here may get a bit of spit and polish and be reposted over there but I am also hoping to post fairly regularly this year as a journal. I find looking back over my past is a great way to improve my future.
Best wishes
Jen
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Here's the latest!
So for all of those you who know me or have been following for a while you would know we have been trying to find a new home for a while. About 3 weeks ago, after over 6 months of looking, we got to the stage of deciding that maybe where we are isn't so bad. It does have wonky floors, the hallway slopes, the old horsehair plaster walls are falling apart but we fit here, the yard is great and I love this suburb. And as a side bonus the rent is about $100/week cheaper than anywhere else that might sort of suit us.
After making the big decision we then did a big clean out of all that excess furniture we were carrying in case it suited the next house (a big thing when renting all the time) and decluttered all sorts of other stuff. Three big trailer loads later the house is looking a lot tidier. We bought a couple of pieces of furniture and a couple of window air conditioners so that this house will be comfortable for quite some time.
I even braved the garage over 2 weekends and cleared it out. I know have somewhere to store outgrown clothing, our Christmas stuff and hubby's brews.
So for those of you who know where I live, I am still here! Come visit!
Best wishes
Jen
After making the big decision we then did a big clean out of all that excess furniture we were carrying in case it suited the next house (a big thing when renting all the time) and decluttered all sorts of other stuff. Three big trailer loads later the house is looking a lot tidier. We bought a couple of pieces of furniture and a couple of window air conditioners so that this house will be comfortable for quite some time.
I even braved the garage over 2 weekends and cleared it out. I know have somewhere to store outgrown clothing, our Christmas stuff and hubby's brews.
So for those of you who know where I live, I am still here! Come visit!
Best wishes
Jen
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Teaching or Learning?
And here we come to one of the really damaging myths of education, namely, that learning is the result of teaching; that the progress of the child bears a direct relation to methods of instruction and internal relationships of curriculum. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
From "THE LIVES OF CHILDREN
The Story of the First Street School
By George Dennison"
This quote is so true. As I "teach" my children and really begin to understand how they learn I have found that most of their learning is not due to my teaching but despite it. As a mother and a homeschool teacher my ego would like me to think that I am Very Important in the process of my children learning but I have learnt that I am here to facilitate, encourage, guide and love only, not to teach. What teaches my children is not inside me but is inately within them. Their strengths, their interests, their view of the world!! All this is a much bigger part of what they learn and how, than what I am as a teacher or the curriculum I use.
Best wishes
Jen
Monday, November 8, 2010
Technical Drawing
This is a particular passion of mine. All my boys will be doing at least level one outlined below. I think these skills are just so necessary to be able to communicate to someone what you want or need from an item in three dimensions.
My opinion of what needs to be covered:
First level (and almost essential IMO)
- plane geometry (possibly covered elsewhere if you have a good maths program), things like dividing a line of unknown length in to 5 even segments, or dividing an unknown angle evenly in half, proportionals, polygons, tangents, little tricks for doing things like drawing a line parallel a certain distance from a line you already know
- involutes, archimedian spirals, cycloids, epicycloids, hypocycloids (at least an understanding if not necessarily a strong knowledge)
- orthographic projection - at least first angle, ie plans, elevations, sections and an understanding of the different line styles used to represent hidden parts etc
- understanding of scales, tolerances and fits
- basic architectural drawing (just in case they ever choose to build or extend their home)
- basic isometric drawing (horizontal lines represented as 30 deg to right and left to show a 3D image)
- how to create either orthographic projections from isometric drawings and vice versa
- basic perspective drawing with only straight lines
Second level and beyond
- any of the above that will require circles and curves, could be hard for a fine motor skills challenged kid
- more complex orthographic projections of two solids intersecting and being able to show the shape of the cut into one to fit the other, think gutters intersecting and knowing the shape of the "hole" if the main shape is rolled out flat
- true shapes of truncated simple solids
I am currently looking into what text to use. This may take some research but I will get back to you on this.
Best wishes
Jen
PS Aha, found the text I used in a slighter younger version. Check out this one available through Booktopia in Australia.
My opinion of what needs to be covered:
First level (and almost essential IMO)
- plane geometry (possibly covered elsewhere if you have a good maths program), things like dividing a line of unknown length in to 5 even segments, or dividing an unknown angle evenly in half, proportionals, polygons, tangents, little tricks for doing things like drawing a line parallel a certain distance from a line you already know
- involutes, archimedian spirals, cycloids, epicycloids, hypocycloids (at least an understanding if not necessarily a strong knowledge)
- orthographic projection - at least first angle, ie plans, elevations, sections and an understanding of the different line styles used to represent hidden parts etc
- understanding of scales, tolerances and fits
- basic architectural drawing (just in case they ever choose to build or extend their home)
- basic isometric drawing (horizontal lines represented as 30 deg to right and left to show a 3D image)
- how to create either orthographic projections from isometric drawings and vice versa
- basic perspective drawing with only straight lines
Second level and beyond
- any of the above that will require circles and curves, could be hard for a fine motor skills challenged kid
- more complex orthographic projections of two solids intersecting and being able to show the shape of the cut into one to fit the other, think gutters intersecting and knowing the shape of the "hole" if the main shape is rolled out flat
- true shapes of truncated simple solids
I am currently looking into what text to use. This may take some research but I will get back to you on this.
Best wishes
Jen
PS Aha, found the text I used in a slighter younger version. Check out this one available through Booktopia in Australia.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Project List
I recently updated my list of projects. I use the basic system outlined by Mark in this post.
I realised that it wasn't working as effectively as I would have liked. The main problem was flicking through nine pages of writing to find the odd things still needing work. I did what I call a restart and rewrote all the things still needing work onto fresh pages. I managed to shrink 9 pages down to 2.
This system is working for me again.
I find that is the way with most organisational methods I come across. If it works for me at first then when it stops working it is most likely "I" have created the problem, not the system. Sometimes it takes a restart and a return to the basics of the system for it to flow effectively again.
Best wishes
Jen
I realised that it wasn't working as effectively as I would have liked. The main problem was flicking through nine pages of writing to find the odd things still needing work. I did what I call a restart and rewrote all the things still needing work onto fresh pages. I managed to shrink 9 pages down to 2.
This system is working for me again.
I find that is the way with most organisational methods I come across. If it works for me at first then when it stops working it is most likely "I" have created the problem, not the system. Sometimes it takes a restart and a return to the basics of the system for it to flow effectively again.
Best wishes
Jen
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Homeschool Tip for This Week
If you are having trouble keeping up with all the things you need to read out to your kids because it ties up time you need for dishes or folding washing consider using a recipe book stand to put the text on and sit it on the window sill in front of you while you do dishes or beside you as you fold washing.
I use a perspex one so that the book stays protected from splashes.
Best wishes
Jen
I use a perspex one so that the book stays protected from splashes.
Best wishes
Jen
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bathroom safety tips!
* never store plugs on the bench or where anyone under the age of 4 can reach (ask how I know not to do this! lol)
* store only bath mats, hand towels and face washers under your sink, avoid nasty and dangerous chemicals down low
* keep all razors up high above the height even an 8 year old can reach (my 8yo has no eyebrows thanks to mum's razor!)
* spread the shower curtain out when finished, don't leave clumped at one side of the shower
* use a small coloured plastic basket per child for their toothbrush, a cup and any other little personal cleaning items; place each on the tiled shelf usually at the end of the bath or next to the shower
* never put fancy soap beside the basin, and definitely not soap with a plunger
* keep benches as clear of clutter as possible as it makes it easier to clean up the inevitable puddles
Best wishes
Jen
* store only bath mats, hand towels and face washers under your sink, avoid nasty and dangerous chemicals down low
* keep all razors up high above the height even an 8 year old can reach (my 8yo has no eyebrows thanks to mum's razor!)
* spread the shower curtain out when finished, don't leave clumped at one side of the shower
* use a small coloured plastic basket per child for their toothbrush, a cup and any other little personal cleaning items; place each on the tiled shelf usually at the end of the bath or next to the shower
* never put fancy soap beside the basin, and definitely not soap with a plunger
* keep benches as clear of clutter as possible as it makes it easier to clean up the inevitable puddles
Best wishes
Jen
Menu planning made easy!
Well, easier for me anyway!
I use binders, one for each of 4 weeks. In the front of each I put the weekly menu plan, hopefully including baking and snacks, and in behind it I put the shopping list for that week's plan. In the subsequent sleeves I place a copy of all the recipes I will be using.
I take the whole binder with me to the shop as it is only a very slender one and if I see a bargain I can quickly check which recipe I will skip that week and not get the ingredients for it. It has also helped when an ingredient has not been available and I have been able to ask the butcher or deli assistant for a substitute.
It is suggested here that you both keep your old plans and post the current one in a public spot. I agree with these ideas, especially if you have remembered to date the menu plan so you can remember the time of year that plan was for and the types of meals suitable for the season.
In the last few weeks I have started to get a regular set up for breakfasts and lunches. They don't vary much, but just enough to keep things interesting but memorable. For instance every Monday morning I know I need to cook Apple Muffins and Fridays are Banana or Date muffins depending on how many bananas are left in the fruit bowl and their condition.
Lunches are wraps with meat, sliced or cold chicken, with salad bits. I use tortilla wraps as they last in my bread box much longer than bread and I am trying to keep our simple carbs to a minimum.
Dinners are all over the place although over the 4 weeks I do repeat some family favourites such as spaghetti, beef and pumpkin risotto and creamy chicken.
Best wishes
Jen
I use binders, one for each of 4 weeks. In the front of each I put the weekly menu plan, hopefully including baking and snacks, and in behind it I put the shopping list for that week's plan. In the subsequent sleeves I place a copy of all the recipes I will be using.
I take the whole binder with me to the shop as it is only a very slender one and if I see a bargain I can quickly check which recipe I will skip that week and not get the ingredients for it. It has also helped when an ingredient has not been available and I have been able to ask the butcher or deli assistant for a substitute.
It is suggested here that you both keep your old plans and post the current one in a public spot. I agree with these ideas, especially if you have remembered to date the menu plan so you can remember the time of year that plan was for and the types of meals suitable for the season.
In the last few weeks I have started to get a regular set up for breakfasts and lunches. They don't vary much, but just enough to keep things interesting but memorable. For instance every Monday morning I know I need to cook Apple Muffins and Fridays are Banana or Date muffins depending on how many bananas are left in the fruit bowl and their condition.
Lunches are wraps with meat, sliced or cold chicken, with salad bits. I use tortilla wraps as they last in my bread box much longer than bread and I am trying to keep our simple carbs to a minimum.
Dinners are all over the place although over the 4 weeks I do repeat some family favourites such as spaghetti, beef and pumpkin risotto and creamy chicken.
Best wishes
Jen
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Lots of Laundry
With 6 people in the house there is almost certainly a lot of laundry to do each week. Here is how I do it.
There are washing hampers in both my and dh's bedroom and the boys' bedroom. My 8.5yo boy collects them and any stray items left under desk chairs, near the lounge (dh's socks!!) and the kitchen towels. He dumps it all on the floor of the bathroom/laundry.
I sort the dirty washing into 3 washing hampers along the wall and a basin on the floor. My baskets are darks (navy, lots of it, black and red); lights (green, white and grey, bright and pale blues); hand washing; and the basin is for linens and wet clothes from messes or playing under the hose.
In the morning I put in a light load from the basket. When it comes out it gets either hung out or put in the dryer depending on the weather, my mood and how busy the day will be. Next to go in is a dark load. And it comes out around lunch time to be either hung out or dryed.
Each afternoon the washing is folded from the basket near the dryer, which also happens to be next to the back door, where the big boys put it if they had to bring in washing off the line. I sort the washing into a trug per person, and then 2 extra trugs for kitchen linen and baby linen vs bathroom and bedroom linen. Some days I fold all the trugs, sometimes one or two, and honestly some days none, but at least the kids are only looking thru their own trug for clothes if the cupboards are bare.
In the evening just before going to bed I put a load of linen in. I try to get the kitchen towels in but I sometimes forget. I put them on a long hot cycle so all the nasties are gone. All my linen is dried in the dryer. I just like them soft and fluffy.
Now I can get fussy. I do not put either reds or greens into any other load. They are kept separate. I will mix greys, white and pale blues. I will mix navy and black. I don't like putting a dark load in after the linen as left over lint in the machine may transfer to the darker items.
I wash all of dh's work clothes on one day of the weekend. The lighter work shirts in the morning and his dark shirt, socks and boxers in the afternoon. His shirts are all hung on the shower rail to dry and in the morning he grabs one to iron as he leaves the bathroom. I Do Not Iron. Well, maybe, but not every week, maybe not even every month but certainly not every day.
I have been inspired to share how I do my laundry after reading items here and here.
Best wishes,
Jen
There are washing hampers in both my and dh's bedroom and the boys' bedroom. My 8.5yo boy collects them and any stray items left under desk chairs, near the lounge (dh's socks!!) and the kitchen towels. He dumps it all on the floor of the bathroom/laundry.
I sort the dirty washing into 3 washing hampers along the wall and a basin on the floor. My baskets are darks (navy, lots of it, black and red); lights (green, white and grey, bright and pale blues); hand washing; and the basin is for linens and wet clothes from messes or playing under the hose.
In the morning I put in a light load from the basket. When it comes out it gets either hung out or put in the dryer depending on the weather, my mood and how busy the day will be. Next to go in is a dark load. And it comes out around lunch time to be either hung out or dryed.
Each afternoon the washing is folded from the basket near the dryer, which also happens to be next to the back door, where the big boys put it if they had to bring in washing off the line. I sort the washing into a trug per person, and then 2 extra trugs for kitchen linen and baby linen vs bathroom and bedroom linen. Some days I fold all the trugs, sometimes one or two, and honestly some days none, but at least the kids are only looking thru their own trug for clothes if the cupboards are bare.
In the evening just before going to bed I put a load of linen in. I try to get the kitchen towels in but I sometimes forget. I put them on a long hot cycle so all the nasties are gone. All my linen is dried in the dryer. I just like them soft and fluffy.
Now I can get fussy. I do not put either reds or greens into any other load. They are kept separate. I will mix greys, white and pale blues. I will mix navy and black. I don't like putting a dark load in after the linen as left over lint in the machine may transfer to the darker items.
I wash all of dh's work clothes on one day of the weekend. The lighter work shirts in the morning and his dark shirt, socks and boxers in the afternoon. His shirts are all hung on the shower rail to dry and in the morning he grabs one to iron as he leaves the bathroom. I Do Not Iron. Well, maybe, but not every week, maybe not even every month but certainly not every day.
I have been inspired to share how I do my laundry after reading items here and here.
Best wishes,
Jen
How has my week been?
So we started back with school last week. The "new" routine is working much better. I do have a straggler kid and he is finding himself "behind" quite a bit. He has spent a big chunk of the weekend getting all this school work for this week finished. I bet there will be tears tomorrow when it all starts again.
I think G-d has been giving me a hit up the side of the head recently. I have had several people and my own ponderings lead me to the same conclusion, I need to be tougher with my kids, not meaner, just stronger and more immovable once I make a decision on how things are going to happen. It sure is nice to know He knows I need some guidance and sends it to me in various forms.
On the househunting side of things (which we have been doing for well over 6 months) we have decided to stay here although this house is wonky (literally falling apart and sloping/bouncing floors in places). The rent is great and will allow us to clear some debts and even create some savings.
Well, baby wants mama to sit lounge. Off to spend some time with my beloved and a baby.
Best wishes
Jen
I think G-d has been giving me a hit up the side of the head recently. I have had several people and my own ponderings lead me to the same conclusion, I need to be tougher with my kids, not meaner, just stronger and more immovable once I make a decision on how things are going to happen. It sure is nice to know He knows I need some guidance and sends it to me in various forms.
On the househunting side of things (which we have been doing for well over 6 months) we have decided to stay here although this house is wonky (literally falling apart and sloping/bouncing floors in places). The rent is great and will allow us to clear some debts and even create some savings.
Well, baby wants mama to sit lounge. Off to spend some time with my beloved and a baby.
Best wishes
Jen
Friday, October 15, 2010
"Hedge trimming" your children
I have been walking each morning for the last 2 days. I live in an area that has some beautiful manicured gardens and some not quite so manicured yet still beautiful gardens.
I was looking at some hedges around the area and realised something that relates to my calling as mama. The hedges that looked the best were compact and no big gaps in the greenery. Others were shaped but had obviously been left for quite a while before being trimmed back, probably with a trimmer in a "hacking" manner. The end result was that the shape was good in a superficial way but it didn't have a good "body" to it.
Training my kids works in a similar way. If I leave teaching and guiding them until they are "scraggly" and overgrown with bad habits I can "train" them back to the right shape, usually with a bit of "hacking" but they aren't whole with good "body". There will be gaps in our relationship where I have to prune roughly just to get the shape to look right. If I instead prune gently and pay attention to when a "branch" or habit is starting that could lead to a really straggly shape/character, then my "hedge" will have better shape and will look good with strong structure/character under the good looks.
When I have let some bad habits creep in I need to remember to gently prune them away, bit by bit, consistently. If I try to "hack" my kids into shape when I have let things get out of hand I will damage the end result, ending up with a character that is hole-y and not as strong as it could be, even though the shape looks good and our relationship will suffer.
Now to figure out how to stop one child from being bossy and another being a complainer. Ah, the joys of motherhood, one of the hardest jobs on earth, but the rewards are immense.
I was looking at some hedges around the area and realised something that relates to my calling as mama. The hedges that looked the best were compact and no big gaps in the greenery. Others were shaped but had obviously been left for quite a while before being trimmed back, probably with a trimmer in a "hacking" manner. The end result was that the shape was good in a superficial way but it didn't have a good "body" to it.
Training my kids works in a similar way. If I leave teaching and guiding them until they are "scraggly" and overgrown with bad habits I can "train" them back to the right shape, usually with a bit of "hacking" but they aren't whole with good "body". There will be gaps in our relationship where I have to prune roughly just to get the shape to look right. If I instead prune gently and pay attention to when a "branch" or habit is starting that could lead to a really straggly shape/character, then my "hedge" will have better shape and will look good with strong structure/character under the good looks.
When I have let some bad habits creep in I need to remember to gently prune them away, bit by bit, consistently. If I try to "hack" my kids into shape when I have let things get out of hand I will damage the end result, ending up with a character that is hole-y and not as strong as it could be, even though the shape looks good and our relationship will suffer.
Now to figure out how to stop one child from being bossy and another being a complainer. Ah, the joys of motherhood, one of the hardest jobs on earth, but the rewards are immense.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Changing routines
I have usually schooled my 2 oldest boys one at a time. I would work with ds1 on a topic then send him away to work on his own while I worked with ds2 on some of his work and so on and so forth all day long. And it was long, and my ds3, 5.5yo, was not getting any real time for school. I didn't think he needs it.
But then kids have a way of changing our plans, don't they? Ds3 is zooming along with his letter recognition and his maths skills are improving along with his handwriting. It is time to include him in school.
This requires a change in routines. I am going to be doing one-room school house teaching. In other words all the boys will sit around the table for Language Arts first. I will guide each one on their work at once, going back and forth guiding each student. There will be less "losing" students to the backyard to play and we will work together. After a break we will then move on to Maths, break, Science and History, break and then Music or Art.
It does mean I need to get some more activities to occupy them at the table. I had never been a fan of workbooks, saw them as "busywork" with little value. This old theory of mine seemed to work for my older pencil phobic boys but I am realising that their skills are not as strong due to lack of repetition. Sure, filling in worksheet after worksheet can seem boring and just work to keep them busy but worksheets also fill the purpose of consolidating skills, of practicing and really getting that knowledge to sink in due to repetition. Looks like more than just my routines are needing to change, my attitude too?!
So, here I go, off to our local school supplier to look for workbooks for littles and bigs. And I will search the internet too. I have found some great sites over time. Just where did I put them though?!?
Best wishes
Jen in NSW
But then kids have a way of changing our plans, don't they? Ds3 is zooming along with his letter recognition and his maths skills are improving along with his handwriting. It is time to include him in school.
This requires a change in routines. I am going to be doing one-room school house teaching. In other words all the boys will sit around the table for Language Arts first. I will guide each one on their work at once, going back and forth guiding each student. There will be less "losing" students to the backyard to play and we will work together. After a break we will then move on to Maths, break, Science and History, break and then Music or Art.
It does mean I need to get some more activities to occupy them at the table. I had never been a fan of workbooks, saw them as "busywork" with little value. This old theory of mine seemed to work for my older pencil phobic boys but I am realising that their skills are not as strong due to lack of repetition. Sure, filling in worksheet after worksheet can seem boring and just work to keep them busy but worksheets also fill the purpose of consolidating skills, of practicing and really getting that knowledge to sink in due to repetition. Looks like more than just my routines are needing to change, my attitude too?!
So, here I go, off to our local school supplier to look for workbooks for littles and bigs. And I will search the internet too. I have found some great sites over time. Just where did I put them though?!?
Best wishes
Jen in NSW
Friday, September 3, 2010
Project Progress is being made
I have gotten a few more things done over the last month. Maybe September will be the month I knock a few more off the list.
* less than 10 minutes, $ need to buy something, K can be totally delegated to kids, - will need help to get done
GLUE BOUGHT FINALLY 1. $ * cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
2. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
3. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
4. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
5. - clean front fence
6. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
DONE 7. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
8. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
9. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
DONE 10. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
11. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
JUNE FOCUS PROJECT
DONE 1. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
DONE 2. * take baby clothes to friend in need
DONE 3. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
* less than 10 minutes, $ need to buy something, K can be totally delegated to kids, - will need help to get done
GLUE BOUGHT FINALLY 1. $ * cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
2. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
3. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
4. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
5. - clean front fence
6. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
DONE 7. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
8. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
9. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
DONE 10. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
11. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
JUNE FOCUS PROJECT
DONE 1. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
DONE 2. * take baby clothes to friend in need
DONE 3. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Science for homeschooling
http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/Curriculum/Science/Science.htm
A science curriculum I intend to check out for boys for fun learning.
Best wishes
Jen in Oz
A science curriculum I intend to check out for boys for fun learning.
Best wishes
Jen in Oz
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Just One Thing last list
I had a few slower patches during this challenge but overall I did manage to clear out some tolerances and get a chance to reassess what else I need to do. I was impressed.
There is still another week to go before the end of June so I hope to still get more cleared off the list.
* less than 10 minutes, $ need to buy something, K can be totally delegated to kids, - will need help to get done
1. $ IN PROGRESS 13 JUNE* cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
2. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
3. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
4. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
5. - clean front fence
6. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
7. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
8. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
9. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
10. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
11. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
JUNE FOCUS PROJECT
1. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
2. * take baby clothes to friend in need
3. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
There is still another week to go before the end of June so I hope to still get more cleared off the list.
* less than 10 minutes, $ need to buy something, K can be totally delegated to kids, - will need help to get done
1. $ IN PROGRESS 13 JUNE* cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
2. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
3. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
4. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
5. - clean front fence
6. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
7. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
8. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
9. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
10. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
11. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
JUNE FOCUS PROJECT
1. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
2. * take baby clothes to friend in need
3. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Updated Just One Thing list
* less than 10 minutes, $ need to buy something, K can be totally delegated to kids, - will need help to get done, __ need to be done this month
1. clean roll around in prep for painting
2. * cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
3. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
4. $ buy a tide book for 2010 and write dates in diary suitable for fishing
5. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
6. DONE 6 JUNE create chore chart that is more visual for my littler ones
7. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
8. - clean front fence
9. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
10. blog post – menu folders
11. blog post – cleaning schedule
12. filing backlog – blue box
13. filing backlog – pink box
14. filing backlog – cardboard box
15. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
16. create lesson plan in HST for SL Science 5
17. create lesson plan in HST for SL Core 6
18. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
19. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
20. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
21. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
PROJECT LIST
1. separate recipes into types eg breakfast, lunch/small meals, dinner, snacks, treats, baking
2. cull recipes once sorted
3. store recipes in a binder/s
4. $ make an island of fabric for boys so they can play with their pirate ship
5. work on meal plans for whole days (healthy lunches and snacks are hit and miss here)
6. create dividers for Christmas binder and add project pages
7. print pages to fill out BOS folder
8. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
9. * take baby clothes to friend in need
10. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
DONE
1. DONE 3 JUNE* contact cover pages for memory activity
2. DONE 4 JUNE create a family tried and true recipe folder for recipes already used and liked
3. DONE 4 JUNE K * reset alarm clock in boys’ bedroom
4. DONE 4 JUNE * re-print monthly chore chart for my binder
5. DONE 5 JUNE - put garden edging along inside of front fence
1. clean roll around in prep for painting
2. * cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
3. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
4. $ buy a tide book for 2010 and write dates in diary suitable for fishing
5. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
6. DONE 6 JUNE create chore chart that is more visual for my littler ones
7. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
8. - clean front fence
9. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
10. blog post – menu folders
11. blog post – cleaning schedule
12. filing backlog – blue box
13. filing backlog – pink box
14. filing backlog – cardboard box
15. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
16. create lesson plan in HST for SL Science 5
17. create lesson plan in HST for SL Core 6
18. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
19. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
20. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
21. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
PROJECT LIST
1. separate recipes into types eg breakfast, lunch/small meals, dinner, snacks, treats, baking
2. cull recipes once sorted
3. store recipes in a binder/s
4. $ make an island of fabric for boys so they can play with their pirate ship
5. work on meal plans for whole days (healthy lunches and snacks are hit and miss here)
6. create dividers for Christmas binder and add project pages
7. print pages to fill out BOS folder
8. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
9. * take baby clothes to friend in need
10. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
DONE
1. DONE 3 JUNE* contact cover pages for memory activity
2. DONE 4 JUNE create a family tried and true recipe folder for recipes already used and liked
3. DONE 4 JUNE K * reset alarm clock in boys’ bedroom
4. DONE 4 JUNE * re-print monthly chore chart for my binder
5. DONE 5 JUNE - put garden edging along inside of front fence
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Just One Thing list after Jenn's ideas for week 1
* less than 10 minutes, $ need to buy something, K can be totally delegated to kids, - will need help to get done
1. DONE 3 JUNE* contact cover pages for memory activity
2. clean roll around in prep for painting
3. create a family tried and true recipe folder for recipes already used and liked
4. * cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
5. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
6. $ buy a tide book for 2010 and write dates in diary suitable for fishing
7. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
8. create chore chart that is more visual for my littler ones
9. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
10. - clean front fence
11. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
12. blog post – menu folders
13. blog post – cleaning schedule
14. filing backlog – blue box
15. filing backlog – pink box
16. filing backlog – cardboard box
17. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
18. create lesson plan in HST for SL Science 5
19. create lesson plan in HST for SL Core 6
20. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
21. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
22. DONE 4 JUNE K * reset alarm clock in boys’ bedroom
23. - put garden edging along inside of front fence
24. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
25. * re-print monthly chore chart for my binder
26. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
PROJECT LIST
1. separate recipes into types eg breakfast, lunch/small meals, dinner, snacks, treats, baking
2. cull recipes once sorted
3. store recipes in a binder/s
4. $ make an island of fabric for boys so they can play with their pirate ship
5. work on meal plans for whole days (healthy lunches and snacks are hit and miss here)
6. create dividers for Christmas binder and add project pages
7. print pages to fill out BOS folder
8. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
9. * take baby clothes to friend in need
10. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
This sure made it look a lot smaller and able to be completed.
Best wishes
Jen
1. DONE 3 JUNE* contact cover pages for memory activity
2. clean roll around in prep for painting
3. create a family tried and true recipe folder for recipes already used and liked
4. * cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
5. * assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
6. $ buy a tide book for 2010 and write dates in diary suitable for fishing
7. * rewrite contact details onto new pages
8. create chore chart that is more visual for my littler ones
9. K * wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
10. - clean front fence
11. $ * buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
12. blog post – menu folders
13. blog post – cleaning schedule
14. filing backlog – blue box
15. filing backlog – pink box
16. filing backlog – cardboard box
17. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
18. create lesson plan in HST for SL Science 5
19. create lesson plan in HST for SL Core 6
20. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
21. $ * pay library fines so we can use the library again
22. DONE 4 JUNE K * reset alarm clock in boys’ bedroom
23. - put garden edging along inside of front fence
24. K * check and toss pens and crayons that are no longer useable
25. * re-print monthly chore chart for my binder
26. * price vacuum filters and purchase if possible
PROJECT LIST
1. separate recipes into types eg breakfast, lunch/small meals, dinner, snacks, treats, baking
2. cull recipes once sorted
3. store recipes in a binder/s
4. $ make an island of fabric for boys so they can play with their pirate ship
5. work on meal plans for whole days (healthy lunches and snacks are hit and miss here)
6. create dividers for Christmas binder and add project pages
7. print pages to fill out BOS folder
8. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
9. * take baby clothes to friend in need
10. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
This sure made it look a lot smaller and able to be completed.
Best wishes
Jen
Salad dressing inspired by Ranch Dressing
This is my own mixed up version of a creamy dressing that both dh and I like, although it is yet to grow on the kids.
1 ctn sour cream (300ml)
1/2 cup Delikatess Mayo
1/4 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsly
Mix together, put in a clean jar and refrigerate for flavours to develop.
Best wishes
Jen
1 ctn sour cream (300ml)
1/2 cup Delikatess Mayo
1/4 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsly
Mix together, put in a clean jar and refrigerate for flavours to develop.
Best wishes
Jen
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
My Just One Thing list so far
My starter list for the Just One Thing challenge being run by Jenn of Mom's No Chaos Zone.
1. contact cover pages for memory activity
2. clean roll around in prep for painting
3. separate recipes into types eg breakfast, lunch/small meals, dinner, snacks, treats, baking
4. cull recipes once sorted
5. store recipes in a binder/s
6. create a family tried and true recipe folder for recipes already used and liked
7. make an island of fabric for boys so they can play with their pirate ship
8. cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
9. assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
10. buy a tide book for 2010 and write dates in diary suitable for fishing
11. rewrite contact details onto new pages
12. create chore chart that is more visual for my littler ones
13. work on meal plans for whole days (healthy lunches and snacks are hit and miss here)
14. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
15. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
16. take baby clothes to friend in need
17. wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
18. create dividers for Christmas binder and add project pages
19. clean front fence
20. buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
21. blog post – menu folders
22. blog post – cleaning schedule
23. filing backlog – blue box
24. filing backlog – pink box
25. filing backlog – cardboard box
26. print pages to fill out BOS folder
27. create lesson plan in HST for HSIE for 3 books DONE 1ST JUNE U.S. TIME
28. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
29. create lesson plan in HST for SL Science 5
30. create lesson plan in HST for SL Core 6
31. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
32. pay library fines so we can use the library again
1. contact cover pages for memory activity
2. clean roll around in prep for painting
3. separate recipes into types eg breakfast, lunch/small meals, dinner, snacks, treats, baking
4. cull recipes once sorted
5. store recipes in a binder/s
6. create a family tried and true recipe folder for recipes already used and liked
7. make an island of fabric for boys so they can play with their pirate ship
8. cover boys’ school binders with fabric and plastic
9. assess what is needed to complete each Christmas stocking
10. buy a tide book for 2010 and write dates in diary suitable for fishing
11. rewrite contact details onto new pages
12. create chore chart that is more visual for my littler ones
13. work on meal plans for whole days (healthy lunches and snacks are hit and miss here)
14. tidy current clothing sizes for boys, put away outgrown clothing and cull current selection down to 4 sets of play clothes and 2 sets of going out clothes
15. sort out outgrown clothing pile in my bedroom
16. take baby clothes to friend in need
17. wash air mattress with soapy water, dry then put away
18. create dividers for Christmas binder and add project pages
19. clean front fence
20. buy timber plank to use as height marker for boys (we rent so can’t mark a door frame)
21. blog post – menu folders
22. blog post – cleaning schedule
23. filing backlog – blue box
24. filing backlog – pink box
25. filing backlog – cardboard box
26. print pages to fill out BOS folder
27. create lesson plan in HST for HSIE for 3 books DONE 1ST JUNE U.S. TIME
28. create lesson plan in HST for SL PreK
29. create lesson plan in HST for SL Science 5
30. create lesson plan in HST for SL Core 6
31. enter more into lesson plan in HST for Story of the World 1
32. pay library fines so we can use the library again
My version of Pork Chow Mein
I put 2 packets of 2 minutes noodles in a bowl and covered with boiled water. I then cut up 1/2 capsicum, 4 mushrooms and 2 shallots. In the wok I heated up some oil, fried the noodles after draining off the water. I put the noodles aside, cooked 3 eggs in the wok, sort of lightly scrambled. Put them aside too. Put a little more oil in the wok, added 500g pork mince, 2 teaspoons of ginger from a jar and cooked it until almost all done then added in vegetables, a good slosh of soy sauce and the two packets of seasoning from the noodles. I cooked this until it seemed nicely mixed. Added in the egg, about a 1/4 of cabbage sliced up thinly and chopped into 2 inch lengths, and then a good handful of cashews.
Now, I have never had Pork Chow Mein as far as I remember, so this was just a mix up of recipes using what I had on hand. Dh and the kids liked it enough that I will be repeating it exactly as I did it this time. Sorry to anyone who has googled a recipe and thought they would be getting a genuine one.
Best wishes
Jen
Now, I have never had Pork Chow Mein as far as I remember, so this was just a mix up of recipes using what I had on hand. Dh and the kids liked it enough that I will be repeating it exactly as I did it this time. Sorry to anyone who has googled a recipe and thought they would be getting a genuine one.
Best wishes
Jen
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