christmas photo

 

My List of Things To Do

In no particular order, here is my "To Do" List:

1. Organize Office.
2. Update checkbook, and bring finances up-to-date.
3. Create a budget and debt-snowball plan.
4. Set up household chores for kids.
5. Establish daily/ weekly routines.
6. Finish going through clothes totes and closets, and purge and store.
7. Clean the garage.
8. Begin exercising regularly.
9. Lose weight.
10. Have a little fun with my kids everyday.

Now. Where to begin?

Who Stole the Month of December?

Wow. Can't believe it is already the 26th of December. Christmas, at least officially, is over! There is still a week of vacation for the kiddos, so the fun will go on for a bit yet.

It's funny how immediately following Christmas, every year, I go into this hyper planning/organizing mode. I'm trying to remember to just relax for a bit more and enjoy the season, and the family and friends that surround me.

No, I wasn't able to get the Wii this year. It is going to be one of my goals for next year- save up to buy one, with cash. I really, really want one. It's kinda funny, actually.

We had a great Christmas. It felt very relaxing for me this year. Could be because it is only the 5th year out of the last 9 that I wasn't 8+ months pregnant. Could be because I kept the shopping and buying to a minimum, and then there isn't so much to wrap, either! I also didn't do ANY baking. I decided that the more I bake, the more I eat, and I don't need it. Guess what... we didn't miss it, not a bit! Was very nice to simplify a little bit.

Christmas Corner

One thing I've learned from past Christmas experiences is that the more I procrastinate, the more I end up spending. I am really trying to go into the holidays with a solid plan, and be well-organized so that I know exactly what I have, and what I still need. I also want to make sure that I take the time to really think about what to buy, and give thoughtful, mindful things.

There is also the dilemma of balancing the gift-giving with remembering and fostering the true spirit of Christmas in my family and myself. I really hope to be able to spend some more time this Christmas gathering together with my hubby and kids to build traditions and create memories. Without adding additional stress or craziness. I think the key to all of this is planning ahead and organization. I'm looking forward to it!

One thing that I am really hoping to do is to buy a big "family" gift, and skip most of the smaller gifts. Even though I think we have been fairly modest in what we usually give already, I am hoping to cut back even more. We really don't have money in the budget for a big ticket item, but I am really hoping that I can somehow find a way to come up with the funds on my own.

What is it, you ask? Well, I am really hoping to be able to get a Nintendo Wii plus Wii Fit. In addition, we currently do not own any kind of TV or monitor (other than the computer), so we would need to get that as well. Plus, I don't want to buy all of this without having some kind of functional, lockable cabinet to store it all in. Used is fine.

Other than that, the kids will probably get one gift from Santa, and then practical, useful items: Pj's, socks, underthings, toothbrushes, etc. that I hope to shop for deals on.

I will keep you posted on my efforts!

Managers of Their Chores- Update

I received the Managers of their Chores kit in the mail on Friday and spent most of the day yesterday reading the book. I really like the approach that they take with teaching chores to your kids. They often reference a Biblical basis for doing chores, and although I appreciate that perspective, it does get a bit over-the-top for me. What I really like about it is the tone that they promote. There is a chapter for each Mother and Father to read and take to heart the instructions on a meek and mild-mannered approach to instilling responsibilities in the children. In addition to this instruction, there is a step-by-step process and very detailed information on how to establish a long-term habit of routine chores in your home. I am excited to get started.

The first step that I am going to take is to simply sit down with the children and explain to them that there are going to be some changes in the way we do things around here, and that we will ease our way into them slowly. We will review some of the reasons it is good to have chores to do:
1.) Read and discuss the Biblical references
2.) Discuss how even at a young age, responsibilities and chores are preparing them for when they are grown-up.
3.) Discuss how it is my hope that this will help to bring about a more peaceful atmosphere in our home.
4.) Remind them that by working together it will create more time to spend together as a family.

I will briefly show them the system that we will be working on, and then ask them for any input on the chores they would each prefer. This is recommended in the book, not as the deciding factor in who does what, but as information to take into careful consideration when determining each child's chores.

It is my goal to begin implementing a morning chorepak routine this week.

Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Living

At the risk of taking on too much at once- focusing on too many things and accomplishing nothing- I am also going to commit to adopting healthier eating habits for myself and my family.

I think I am finally ready. While life is busy, and stressful at times, there is never the perfect time to do this! In the last few weeks and months, I have slowly been "getting there" mentally. There was a time when I think I was pretty good about limiting the sweets we kept on hand in our house. It was not a daily event to have a sweet snack. Lately, we have somehow morphed into a constant state of scrounging for the next sugary treat. It has got to stop.

Today, rather out of the blue, my 7yo told me, "Mom, I think you should try to lose 16 pounds by Christmas." I don't know what prompted this comment, or where he came up with that amount, but I am taking it as a sign. It's a rather daunting goal for me, considering that I have gained 20 pounds in the last 7 months. It is time to get serious. Life is too short to waste any more precious time.

I am still trying to figure out how best to fit exercise into my life, but I am going to give myself 1 week to come up with that plan. For this week, I am going to focus on getting my eating under control. I am going to "count points", Weight Watchers style, and track them in my journal. I also really want to focus on eating healthy, nutritionally dense, foods; lean proteins, whole grains, and lots of fruits and vegetables. In addition, I need to work on cutting my coffee habit, mostly because I "have" to use flavored creamer. Too many unnecessary calories that I can't afford! I am going to try to drink herbal tea in place of my after-supper cuppa java to start with. Then I will work from there.

Wish me luck! I will try to post my progress here each Saturday!

Routines and Organization

I have heard it said more than once that children thrive on routines. I also know that it is the lack of strong, established routines that often cause our family life to feel so out-of-control. I need to work on this. While I don't want it to be so ridged that we can't (every once in a while) just throw the routines out the window and be spontaneous and have fun, I do want to have some systems in place so that my children can experience a better atmosphere to grow and thrive.

The first thing that I am going to focus on establishing is a working "chore" system. Believe it or not, some of my kids have been requesting this! "Mom, you should make a list so that we know what each person has to do every day and then we can put a smiley face by it when we get it done." Along with this, I want to incorporate an allowance system. Teaching them that, as members of our family, we are all expected to do certain things. (Ex: make our beds, carry down our own laundry, pick up toys) In addition to those tasks, they can have the opportunity to earn money by going above and beyond. (Ex: matching up the socks and putting them away, cleaning and wiping out the dish drawers) And I want them to each have their own place to keep their money- some for "saving", some for "spending", and some to put in the collection at Sunday School.

A while back, I came across a kit of sorts to help establish a system of chores. I stumbled on it through A Prudent Homemaker's recommended reading list. It has been on my mind ever since, as I have mentally wrestled with the idea of having to spend money to set up a "Job Chart". Seems so simple. But, everything I have tried in the past has petered out, or sometimes never even made it off the ground. I have decided that today I am going to order MANAGERS OF THEIR CHORES. I will keep you updated on how it all works out.

Changes......

I think I am going to take this blog in a little bit of a different direction.

I started this as a way to take some time out for myself, away from my busy family, to focus on the things I enjoy. It was the perfect outlet for several reasons. It was easily accessible; I could take a few moments out during the day, or use it to unwind in the evening. It gave me a chance to "window shop", or admire (obsess?) the "things" that I couldn't afford to go out and do or buy. A chance to throw parties that I didn't have the time or resources to throw in my real life. And, I could do it all without spending a dime of my dear hubby's hard-earned coinage.

I think I will still do some of this, from time to time.

I am hoping to do something more here, though. I would like to use this as a sounding board for those thoughts and events that effect me as a mother. A place to share "those" moments, sometimes good, sometimes bad. Something more like my own personal diary.

I hope that it will continue to give me that refuge that I seek from the day-to-day activities, but that it will also help me to grow as a woman, a friend, a wife and a mother.

Living Room Inspiration for My Mother

Living Room Inspiration for My Mother, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

I came across an ad in Elle Decor Magazine that featured the floral print in the middle. It was shown as a bed spread on a bed with a dark plum leather headboard, with throw pillows in rich velvety fabrics in dark plum, sage green and orange.

I right away thought of my mothers Living Room. The walls are sage green, and she has a dark plum leather sectional. I think orange is the missing link! Somehow, these jewel-toned colors remind me of her.

All of the items pictured can be found on Etsy, with the exception of the center fabric (but there are some similar substitutes), the orange pitcher (flickr photo) and the birdcage (also flickr). The "Dream" sign is made with a vinyl decal, so I'm thinking some other wording would be more suitable: welcome, family, etc...

Wedding Inspiration- Lilac and Buttercream

My creation, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Fan Program, Reception Tables, Fruit Picks
Row 2: Bouquet, Centerpieces, Lanterns
Row 3: Candy Buffet, Seed Sachets, Bike

Wedding Inspiration- Lavender and Brown

Wedding Inspiration- Lavender and Brown, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Hair Flower, Boutonnieres, Wedding Sign
Row 2: Bridesmaids, Groom, Bouquet
Row 3: Details, Window Frame, Chalkboard Menu
Row 4: Tarts, Cake, Lanterns

Saturday Dream

I paused from my Saturday chores and sat down to browse the 'net with a cup of coffee and a peanut butter/chocolate bar, and came across this, via {frolic!}:

I LOVE this! How fun would it be to have a shop like this- with flowers for sale in the front, and a coffee shop/ bistro in the back. There is probably a reason why this isn't done (at least I have never seen it), but I think it would be totally fabulous. I especially love the lights.

Winter Wedding- Pink and Black

Winter Wedding- Pink and Black, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Table setting (MS), bouquet (MS), shawl (etsy seller deciduoussoul), ring pillows (MS)
Row 2: Wishing tree, couple (MS), mini cakes (MS)
Row 3: Photo booth kiss (I think found via snippetandink.blogspot.com?), cake (theknot.com)
Row 4: Ties (MS), favors (MS), barn (from flicker), garland (via tenthousandonly.blogspot.com)

Ack! I somehow managed to loose all the link info as I was putting together this board. I did my best and I apologize for missing links!

Wanted to try to do a winter wedding in pink. I think the black accents off-set the feminine hue, and some of the other elements- wool shawl, knit pillows... bring in a feeling of warmth to combat the season's chill. I think this would be fun to do for a February/Valentine's Wedding instead of the traditional Valentine's Red....

Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child

The small details of Christmas seem to have gone by the wayside this year... It feels like there just isn't enough energy once the day-to-day tasks of dishes, laundry, diapers, meals, etc. are done! I love the Christmas season, and have a whole entire closet of embellishments to show for it. I usually love decorating- two trees (one real, one not), the porch, and nearly every room of the house gets some festive touch. Then, there is the shopping, wrapping, baking and entertaining! So fun! This year... not so much. The real tree, that I usually love to decorate "my" way, has only a few ornaments, that the kiddos pulled out and put on when the tree went up. The "fake" tree just got put up yesterday, rather haphazardly, and is looking a bit sad. And that's it. No stockings, garlands, candles, trees, wreaths, etc. The wicker furniture hasn't even been pulled off the porch and put away for the winter! Luckily my sister and a friend came over on Saturday and did some baking! We "cut back" drastically in the gifts department, and haven't even begun to wrap. (Although the task isn't nearly as overwhelming as some years!) I so look forward to hosting a Christmas brunch for my parents and my in-laws, a tradition I started when we got married, and yet I just couldn't pull it together this year.

What's my excuse? Not sure. Could be that I am now a Mom to 5 busy young ones. Could be that I am 8 months pregnant for our 6th little love. Could be that the tight budget just hasn't allowed for it this year.

And yet, Christmas is here. I am enjoying listening to Christmas music throughout the day and into the evening. The tree(s) seem to look just as magical, especially at night, even without all the details. The childrens' programs were as special as ever. And I am so grateful to be surrounded by an awesome bunch of friends and family. And thankful to have been blessed with an awesome man I call my husband, and our beautiful children.

Merry Christmas.

Must Try.....

From Coffee, Cake and Chocolate via Design Crush

I have always been a fan of an old family favorite known to me as Butter Tarts. However, I have often wondered if they could be even better without the raisins. (I know, I know. You'd hate to have an ounce of anything remotely healthy added to an indulgence, right?) When I stumbled across these, I knew I must try them at some point this holiday season. They look and sound devine...

Caramel Tarts
Pastry
1½ cups flour
½ cup sugar
125g cold butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
½ tsp vanilla essence
2 tbsps iced water

Caramel
395g can sweetened condensed milk
75g butter
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsps golden syrup
3-4 tbsps flaked almonds to decorate

To make the pastry, place the flour, butter and sugar into a food processor and process for 20-30 seconds until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolk, vanilla essence and water and pulse until mixture comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

To make the caramel, put all the ingredients in a saucepan (except almonds!) and stir over a medium heat until combined.

When ready to bake, spray 2 Texan muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray (or whatever size muffin pans you have). preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is about 2-3 mm thick. Using a 9cm cutter, cut 12 rounds from the pastry and press them gently into the bottom of the muffin pans. The pastry should come up the sides about 1cm. If using smaller pans, adjust the size of the rounds accordingly.

Spoon the caramel into the pastry shells, filling almost to the top. Sprinkle with the flaked almonds and bake in the lower part of the oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. they may need a shorter cooking time if using smaller pans. Cool for 10 mins before lifting out onto a cooling rack.

Source: Foodtown magazine, June/July 2008

Avocado and Plum

Purple and Green, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Invitation (the knot), Bride (the knot), Shoes (Tanya Goodwin via Perfect Bound)
Row 2: Reception (the knot), Bouquet (the knot), Pears
Row 3: Tie (the knot), Votives (via Once Wed), Photo Collage (the knot)
Row 4: Cake Topper (via Once Wed), Wish Tree (via Ritzy Bee), Car (Brides)

This post has taken me forever to put together, and I am still not happy with the way it turned out. I was trying to put together a somewhat casual look using dark purple and avocado green against a warm, rustic backdrop. So, while I haven't had much to show for it, I have been devoting quite a bit of time on this! I thought the image below nicely captured the feel of this board, but I wasn't able to use the image in that application.

Warm Autumn- Orange and Turquoise

Wedding Inspiration- Orange and Turquoise, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Wagon (Brides), Shawl (Etsy), Bridesmaid (The Knot)
Row 2: Invitation (Etsy), Bouquet (Brides), Seating Cards (The Knot)
Row 3: Tweed Suit (The Knot), Children (Brides), Carame Apple (Brides)
Row 4: Necklace (Etsy), Ring Pillow (The Knot), Aisle (The Knot)

We learned an important lesson at our house recently. Never dump a glass of lemonade on the laptop keyboard. It will wreck the computer. So, that is why I have been MIA for a while here...

Thought I would put together a "fall" wedding board, using the traditional orange. But, I thought the turquoise accent gave it a pleasant twist. I love the idea of using tweed for the men's suits. And the shawl would be perfect either for the bridesmaids, or the bride herself for some fun pictures, and to keep warm following the ceremony and into the evening.

Green and White Hydrangeas

Wedding Inspiration- Green Hydrangea, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Table (Brides), Bouquet (the Knot), Cake (the Knot)
Row 2: Pew Decor (the Knot), Shoes (the Knot), Napkin (the Knot)
Row 3: Iced Tea Station (Brides), Suit (the Knot), Program (the Knot)
Row 4: FG/ RB (the Knot), Pear Vases (the Knot), Limeade Favors (the Knot)

I think this has to be my favorite board so far. Could be because of the green, could be the hydrangeas (another favorite of mine), could be that I just like the simple, classic color palate.

Rustic Victorian

Victorian Visits the Country, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row one: Strawberry Pie (MS), Reception Shed (the Knot), Wedding Dress (Brides)
Row two: Bicycle Built for Two (Brides), BM Dress (Rebecca Thuss), Table setting (the Knot)
Row three: Typewriter guest book (the Knot), Floral Centerpiece (the Knot), Invitation (via frolic!)

I'm feeling rather "autumnal", and thus the rich jewel tones of this board, mixed in with rustic fall countryside. I picture lush, textured fabrics (velvet and burlap). While I would keep the ceremony decor to a minimum and allow the beauty of nature to set the tone, for the reception I would take things up a notch. I love the idea of contrasting the simple setting of the shed with an abundance of mixed jewel-toned flowers and fruit. The meal would also showcase the bounty of nature, with succulent fruits and veggies accompanying each dish.

It's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

I'm back!

I don't really have a good excuse for being gone. I found out in the beginning of June that we are expecting #6 to arrive sometime at the end of January. And then the funniest thing happened. Along with the aversions to some of my favorite foods (coffee, salads) came an unexplainable aversion to want to have anything to do with this blog! Never mind the fact that life became somewhat of a mere existence, just trying to keep my head above water and not drown in the overwhelming weariness of the first trimester. It was a good day if I got the dishes done, a load or two of laundry to go, and supper made in time for hubs to get home. Blogging just felt somewhat out of the realm of possibility, even if I had been interested.

But, along with September came the kids' return to school, the beginning of the 2nd trimester, and renewed energy and a sense of new beginning. It feels so good!

So. I am hoping to be back to posting regularly again.