Planning And Playing

 

What's Inside My December Folder

December. What??? Ok friends, this one wraps up an entire year of reading about my monthly folders. Bet you are glad that's over, right? : )  Anyway, here is my December folder...

And here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the December poem

Christmas Poem by Carice Williams

Each Christmas I remember
The ones of long ago;
I see our mantelpiece adorned
With stockings in a row.

Each Christmas finds me dreaming
Of days that used to be,
When we hid presents here and there,
For all the family.

Each Christmas I remember
The fragrance in the air,
Of roasting turkey and mince pies
And cookies everywhere.

Each Christmas finds me longing
For Christmases now past,
And I am back in childhood
As long as memories last.

The next thing inside is my list of things to do this month.

December

1. Holiday baking supplies
2. Christmas picture
3. Cards
4. Wrap and mail gifts
5. Decide on Christmas meal
6. Complete everything by December 17!!!

I also have a recipe for a Manger Cake...a birthday cake for Jesus and a Christmas Tree Blessing that the kids brought home from preschool years ago. I used to make a schedule for the Christmas season, but since we are schooling at home now, we have so much more time to do things during the day.

And that is it, my friends. That is what is inside my December folder. I strive every year to be done with everything...the shopping, baking, wrapping, delivering, mailing, and card writing...so that the week leading up to Christmas is spent in quiet, family time preparing for the birth of Jesus. Have a wonderful month my friends! Happy December!

What's Inside My November Folder

November is here. I love November. It is a calm quiet prelude to a much busier and more social December. I also love Thanksgiving, and vow to keep it a special day for family and home. So here is my November folder...

And here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the November poem.

Clyde Watson

November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

The next thing inside is my list of things to do this month.

November

1. Finalize Flynn and Madison Birthdays.
2. Flynn- well child check up
3. Ornament Day
4. Flynn-picture
5. Thanksgiving menu
6. Finalize Christmas outfits
7. Decorate for Christmas

I also have a handwritten list from a friend of mine. She wrote out step by step directions for me on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. She did this years ago when I told her I had never cooked one! : ) I also have some prayers and activities for Thanksgiving that we have accumulated over the years.



So that is what is inside my November folder, my friends. What do you have planned for this late autumn month?

What's Inside My October Folder

Eeeek! It's October! I love October...the leaves, the treats, the crisp weather, the football, and of course...Halloween!.. So let's take a peek at my October folder...

And here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the October poem. It is actually more of a quote,  but I just love it. It is my very favorite.

October is nature’s funeral month.  Nature glories in death more than in life.  The month of departure
is more beautiful than the month of coming – October than May.  Every green thing loves to
die in bright colors.”-   Henry Ward Beecher  

The next thing inside is my list of things to do this month.

October

1. Porch furniture away
2. Put hose away
3. Clean furnace filter
4. Switch coat closets out
5. Cut down shrubs
6. Finalize Halloween costumes
7. Decorate inside
8. Decorate outside-Pumpkin Patch
9. Madison and Flynn birthday supplies
10. Madison and Flynn birthday shopping
11. Look for Christmas clothes and pajamas
12. Fall Fun Day at park

I also have a newspaper article I clipped years ago with some good information about preparing for winter in this part of the world. ; ) If you would like to read it yourself, it was written by Sara Noel as part of her Frugal Living series.

And then I have my special October recipes tucked inside. The Candy Corn Pizza and Spiderweb Munch are traditional favorites here.

So that is what is inside my October folder. Happy planning friends!  

What's Inside My September Folder

September is here! And it is time for a new folder to take the front spot on my desk. Here is my September folder...

And here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the September poem.

September Changes

September is like no other
It's days change color and weather
No other month can say quite the same
For every day, I can feel the change

It's cool breezes start out warm,
Changing to cold throughout every storm
The leaves change and fall
As the Summer leaves and Autumn kisses us all

September maidens feel the change
Like the blue of the sky
Yet the color so deep
Unbelievable beauty

Maidens fall throughout and watch
Each raindrop changing through colors so fast
Yet one streak remains the same
Of that wonderful sapphire rain.

September, unlike any other
Holds you tight, in any weather.
Changes come, no matter where you go

North and you'll get stormy snow
South and feel the heat of summer coming
September does this, no matter what.
Change lives within, Nothing to stop

September is beautiful
And awesome all the same
It's hope for the future and the change
Comes swiftly as we sweep away

The Summer ends and the Autumn begins
Change is all around
With one maiden leaving
And yet, another comes

Born into the world
Of wonderful September
The sapphire skies live on
Through out this wonderful September

Jessica Millsaps

The next thing inside is my list of things to do this month.

September

1. Decorate for fall
2. Begin to look for Halloween shirts/costumes
3. Order fall/Halloween table supplies
4. Fall Home Checkup

The Fall Home Checkup is a list of things from a newspaper article I clipped years ago. And through the magic of computers, I can share it with you here!

Fall Home Checkup

by Gene and Katie Hamilton September 2, 2001

Tips to get your home ready for winter

A good defense is the key when protecting your home against cold weather. Be your own home inspector. Take a stroll around the house with this checklist.

Inside:

• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check that fire extinguishers work. You should have one in the kitchen and one in a family room.
• Hire a chimney sweep to clean the chimney and remove creosote buildup.
• Schedule an annual heating system tune-up to make sure your unit is running and properly adjusted. Periodically change or clean the furnace filter and make sure air ducts are not leaking.
• Add pipe wrap to insulate interior water pipes that are exposed and could freeze.
• Change the batteries and reset your programmable thermostat.
• Install weather-stripping on the inside of old windows to seal gaps and prevent air infiltration.

Outside:

• Clean gutters and downspouts so rainwater can flow through them. Make sure they're free of obstructions, and refasten loose straps holding downspouts to the siding. Patch holes in the gutters and position the splash plate so it directs water away from the house.
• Inspect joints between doors and windows and the siding for air leaks. Apply caulk to seal the joints.
• Inspect siding and refasten any loose clapboards and trim. Apply caulk to seal any joints between siding and openings or other material. Patch any holes or cracks in brick or masonry.
• Inspect the weather-stripping around the exterior of doors and windows. If it is in poor condition, replace it to prevent air infiltration.
• Install storm windows and doors, if you don't have them.
• Turn off the water supply to all outdoor spigots to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Drain the water by opening the spigot.
• Remove window air-conditioner units and store them inside or apply a winter cover.
• Clean up debris around central air conditioning units and cover.
• Clean out the garage or shed and remove anything that might freeze, such as paint or adhesives.

After making needed repairs, you can rest easy knowing your home will be ready for any kind of weather.

Note: Not to imply that we do everything listed here! ; )

What's Inside My August Folder

My August folder needed some major revamping this year. When I pulled it out, I realized most of it related to Back to School. Things are different this year, so changes were made! Happily! : ) Here is my August folder...

And here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the August poem. It is one of my very favorites.

August

by

Elizabeth Maua Taylor

August rushes by like desert rainfall,
A flood of frenzied upheaval,
Expected,
But still catching me unprepared.
Like a match flame
Bursting on the scene,
Heat and haze of crimson sunsets.
Like a dream
Of moon and dark barely recalled,
A moment,
Shadows caught in a blink.
Like a quick kiss;
One wishes for more
But it suddenly turns to leave,
Dragging summer away.

The next thing inside is my (new) list of things to do this month.

August

1. Organize closets and drawers.
2. Begin Religion Planning.
3. Begin Autumn Craft Planning
4. Steve birthday shopping
5. Begin lunch planning
6. Order new socks, underwear etc.
7. "Back To School" Lunch

I also have last year's Back To School note. Even though I don't need it, I am still keeping it. Memories! : )

One thing we will still do...our special Back To School Lunch. Every year we take the kids to a cute little café for a special lunch. We have done this for years, and we all look forward to it.

Well...that's it. I hope your planning is in full swing as well. Happy August! Happy Planning!



What's Inside My July Folder

July...The lazy, crazy hazy days of summer...not much goes on around here this month. My folder reflects this, especially this year. Now that we have decided to cyberschool, many things that were on my monthly list of things to do are no longer necessary...no need to order school uniforms or start looking for school supplies when Walmart puts them out on the day after fourth of July. So anyway, here is my July folder...

And here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the July poem. Madison wrote this one several years ago!

Beautiful July

July comes in with the sun shining bright

Playing during the day

Sitting on the porch at night

Sparklers and fireworks

Let's celebrate the red, white, and blue

Thank God for America

It gave freedom to me and you

Running through sprinklers

Riding scooters and bikes

But the summer seems to be slipping right by

Let's treasure these moments of beautiful July

Because before you know it

It'll be school time

Madison Stoltz

The next thing is my list of things to do this month.

July

1. Fill in yearly school memory books.

2. Christmas in July

3.Start listing items needed for fall-clothes and jackets.

4.Order birthday gifts for fall birthdays.

I also have a few yummy recipes for special red, white, and blue desserts. And that is about it! Happy July! Happy Planning!

What's Inside My June Folder

Soooo June is here. And everything slows down. Long summer days turn to long summer nights. Not too much goes on here, and my June folder reflects that. So here is a look at my June folder.

Here is what's inside...

The first thing inside is the June poem.

 

Bed in Summer

By Robert Louis Stevenson 1850–1894

In winter I get up at night

And dress by yellow candle-light.

In summer, quite the other way,

I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see

The birds still hopping on the tree,

Or hear the grown-up people's feet

Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you,

When all the sky is clear and blue,

And I should like so much to play,

To have to go to bed by day?

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This poem is so very special to me. My dear sweet grandmother used to say this to us every summer. I think of her every time I hear it.

The next thing inside is the list of things to do this month.

      

                                             June

1. Order 4th of July shirts.

2. Order 4th of July party supplies.

3. Call and schedule check-ups for kids.

4. Order pictures for scrapbooks.

5. Stock up on sunscreen, bubbles, etc.

6. Wash and put away uniforms.

I also have a few pamphlets on Lyme Disease. We have alot of ticks around here...and they kinda freak me out... Happy planning!

What's Inside My May Folder

Even as I type this, I can't believe it is May! How I wish this time of my life would slow down...In any case, it is time to take a peek into my May folder...

Here is what is inside...

The first thing inside is the May poem.

May 



The wind is tossing the lilacs,
The new leaves laugh in the sun,
And the petals fall on the orchard wall,
But for me the spring is done.

Beneath the apple blossoms
I go a wintry way,
For love that smiled in April
Is false to me in May.

Sara Teasdale

The next thing is my handwritten list of things to do in May.

May



1. Mother's Day Gifts and cards

2. Complete prep and gifts for Peyton

     and Rhett birthday.

3. Porch furniture out and washed

4. Clean furnace filters.

5. Switch coat closets.

6. Decorate for summer.

7. End of year teacher gifts.

8. Memorial Day supplies

I also have my Mother's Day cards I bought

for my and Steve's mom. I am one of THOSE

people...you know...the ones who buy things

the minute the store puts them out. And then

I can't remember where I put them...

Happy May! Happy Planning!



 

 

 

     

What's Inside My April Folder

Not much. When I filled in my new planner in January and saw that Easter fell in March this year, I switched all my Easter information into my March folder. That left poor old April pretty empty. And that is alright with me! Here is my April folder...

and here is what's inside...









The first thing inside is the April poem.

                                                April

The roofs are shining from the rain.
The sparrows twitter as they fly,
And with a windy April grace
The little clouds go by.

Yet the back-yards are bare and brown
With only one unchanging tree--
I could not be so sure of Spring
Save that it sings in me.

Sara Teasdale

Then I have the handwritten list of things to do this month.

April

1. Complete Spring cleaning

2. Clean porch and put out rockers

3. Begin Peyton and Rhett birthday shopping

4. Spring and Summer clothes shopping

If Easter falls in April...

5. Plan Easter menu

6. Finalize Easter clothing

7. Attend  Penance Service

And that's it. Hopefully we will finish up all the cleaning and organizing and be able to spend some time outside having fun! Happy Planning!

What's Inside My March Folder

March already? That means spring is not far away, right? Time to pull out my March folder and see what is inside. Here is my March folder...

and here is what is inside...



The first thing inside is the March Poem.

                                     Spring Cleaning

by Susan Reiner

March bustles in on windy feet
And sweeps my doorstep and my street.
She washes and cleans with pounding rains,
Scrubbing the earth of winter stains.
She shakes the grime from carpet green
Till naught but fresh new blades are seen.
Then, house in order, all neat as a pin,
She ushers gentle springtime in.

Then I have the handwritten list of things to do this month.

                                             March

1. Plan St. Patrick's Day meal

2. Bake and deliver Shamrock cookies to teachers and friends

3. Organize closets and Drawers

           -Pack away or donate outgrown items

           - Make a list of needed items

4. Set weekend for spring cleaning

             -check or purchase supplies

If Easter Falls In March...

5. Plan Easter Menu

6. Finalize Easter Outfits

7. Attend Penance Service

There is also information sheets on St. Patrick's Day, as well as coloring pages for St. Patrick's Day and Easter inside. I keep a small Irish Favorites cookbook inside for meal ideas too. And last but not least, there is a newspaper clipping I found years ago that gives a step by step guide for spring cleaning in a weekend. It suggests organizing supplies beforehand, and then getting up nice and early on a Saturday morning, washing all bed linens, mattress pads, etc., vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing, and mopping. If we all work together, we usually get it all done! And that is what's inside my March folder. Happy Planning!





What's Inside My February Folder

These months fly right by, don't they? It is time to pull out my February folder and see what is inside. Here is my February folder...

and here is what is inside...

The first thing inside is the February poem I hang on the kitchen bulletin board. This month's poem is called "Snowflake Kisses".

Snowflake Kisses

Upon the earth the snow kisses

Glittering flakes drop as the ice glistens

My soul has awaken and now my heart listens

In my mind your voice whispers

When I close my eyes at night I dream of you

When I awake to the morning dew I think of you

Somehow I feel in your arms is where I belong

I've waited for someone like you for so long

Now my heart beats with a happy rhyme

Couldn't have asked for a better Valentine

Angela M. Torrence

  

Then I have the handwritten list of things to do this month.

                          February
1. Check supplies for holidays
    Groundhog Day
    Chinese New Year
    Mardi Gras
    Valentine's Day
2. Order/Purchase small Valentine gifts for kids
3. Order/Purchase Valentine gifts for teachers
4. Plan Valentines Day meal and dessert
5. Start looking for Easter outfits/pajamas

There is also information on the holidays and special days such as Ash Wednesday, as well as coloring sheets and puzzles. Just in case you were wondering, here are the dates for the holidays and special days in this busy winter month!

• Groundhog Day      February 2nd
• Chinese New Year  February 10th
• Mardi Gras              February 12th
• Ash Wednesday      February 13th
• Valentines Day       February 14th

And that is my February folder...it looks to be a fun and busy month, doesn't it? Happy Planning!

This Makes me Happy...My New Planner

A new year means a brand new, blank desk planner. Ahhh....happiness! I have been keeping a simple yearly desk planner for years and years now. It is the place I write everything down. Once it is in the planner, it is as good as gold! Every year right after the Christmas excitement is over, I set up my spot at my kitchen table and get to work. This year, Madison and Peyton got me my planner for Christmas. And it is beautiful! Let's just take a moment to admire it, shall we?



Now, to organize it for the new year, I gather last year's planner and copy all important birthdays and anniversaries for the year. Then I copy all appointments that are already made for the upcoming year. I just keep all those little appointment cards we have received for future appointments at the dentist, doctor, eye doctor, etc. and once copied in the planner, I throw them away. Hooray! Less clutter means happy me. I also add days off of school from the school calendar and of course assorted stickers because I am weird like that. That's it...my new planner is all ready for the year ahead. Now it is ready to take its place on my desk where it will remain, open all year long.

 Oh, and yes, I do keep all my old planners. Because they don't qualify as clutter. I mean, someday I may need to look back and see what day Rhett's 3rd birthday fell on, right? I know it is silly, but my new planner makes me happy.

What's Inside My January Folder

A new month is here, and that means I pull out a brand new monthly folder! And yes, I really do get excited about that...sad, I know!  As I wrote in an earlier post about my weekly and monthly planning, I keep a basket on my desk with 12 monthly folders tucked inside. The first of each month I pull out the folder and take a peek at what is inside. Here is my January folder...

and here is what is inside...

The first thing inside is the January poem. Every month, I hang a  poem on the bulletin board in the kitchen. This month it is called "Little January".
                                         

                                      Little January

                            Tapped at my door today.

                    And said, "Put on your winter wraps,

                          And come outdoors to play."

                                       Little January

                                  Is always full of fun;

                                   Until the set of sun.

                                       Little January

                               Will stay a month with me

                        And we will have such jolly times-

                               Just come along and see.

                                 Winifred C. Marshall



The next thing in the folder is my handwritten list of things to do this month.

                            January

 1. New Planner organized

 2. Put Christmas decorations away

 3. Clean good

 4. Kids- Thank Yous for Christmas

 5. Pack away Christmas clothes

 6. Wash and put out Valentines clothes

 7. Begin to look for Valentines

 8. Order supplies for upcoming holidays

                Chinese New Year

                Mardi Gras

                Valentine's Day

                St. Patrick's Day

There is also a Prayer for the New Year and An Epiphany House Blessing

And lastly...a print out reminder of Chocolate Cake Day! It is celebrated every year on January 27!

And that is my January Folder! Happy Planning! 





Christmas Schedule 2012

If you have read this blog before, you know I am an organized person. I can't lie...that is just how my brain works. So it should come as no surprise that every year around this time, I write out a schedule for Christmas. And by write, I mean write. By hand. With markers and stickers. Because, again, that is how my mind works. After having taught second grade for so many years, I think my mind is stuck there permanently. Not that that is a bad thing! : ) Anyway, at first glance it may seem like I am even trying to micromanage Christmas. Really, that is not my intent. I began doing this several years ago because there is just so much to do... shopping, wrapping, and baking, and so many things happening at school... plays, dances, and dress down days, and all the other things that need to be done... haircuts and Christmas cards that I knew without some type of schedule, it would not be enjoyable. It would be chaos.

It really isn't anything more than organizing all our events in one place and adding a few stickers to make it look nice and festive! The real reason I do this is that I want this time of year, which always passes so quickly, to be what it should be for our family. Quiet. Calm. Cozy. Fun. We are, after all, preparing for the birth of Baby Jesus on a quiet, calm, holy night. Therefore, I strive to have everything completed by December 17 every year. That way, we have a whole week to prepare, to enjoy, to relax and take it all in. Here is our simple Christmas schedule. Happy Planning!

Weekly And Monthly Planning

One of the things I like to do to keep my family organized is to make a weekly menu and activity schedule. Although it sounds complicated, it really just involves me, the school calendar, the sports calendar, Madison's work schedule (during the months she is working), my desk calendar, my recipe book, and some markers and stickers. Those last two are optional, by the way. Just the former teacher in me! : )

Every Thursday morning, I sit down with these items and make the schedule for the upcoming week. I simply write down the activities and appointments for each day and then, based on that, I plan the meal accordingly. If we are very busy on a certain night, I know to plan a simple supper. Once that is done, I make my grocery list for the week based on the meals we will be having. Then I am all set for my shopping trip on Friday morning.

Here is what this week's schedule/menu plan looks like. Fancy, I know.

            

Once I am all done with the activity list and menu, I put it in the basket on my desk until I hang it on the bulletin board in the kitchen Sunday night. The kids always enjoy seeing what is on the menu for the week! Every morning, I write the day's dinner menu on the chalk board in the kitchen. If I ever forget, they are sure to remind me!

Here is our bulletin board. It hangs behind the kitchen table.

And this is our chalkboard. It hangs behind the table too.

Here is the basket I keep on my desk in the kitchen.

                                             

I have a folder for each month, and I keep several things inside. I have a simple, handwritten list of things to do each month. For example, the October list has things like look for costumes, clean furnace filters, and wash Halloween clothing. I keep special recipes tucked inside as well. This is where I keep our candy corn pizza and pumpkin coffee cake recipes! These folders help me to remember all the fun food, activities, and plans that are specific to each month. They make my life much easier!  Well, that is a quick look at how I organize my weeks and months. Happy planning!