Planning for Tomorrow, Today

I've been feeling so behind on so many things recently.  And when I get overwhelmed, I tend to go to one of two extremes: crazy "get it all done NOW" girl or unproductive, procrastinator girl.

Lately, I've chosen to avoid responsibility. Certain items on my to-do list have been rolled over day to day, week to week...it was getting out of hand. But I'm done now.  My to-do list will not go away if I ignore it.  In fact, it will continue to grow like a weed.  Or a rash.  Or the unwanted hair in that odd place that you won't tell anyone about.

Every day, I have a list of things that I want to get done.  The list is new each day, crossed off items stay on yesterday's list, incomplete items are rolled over to today. The list could have 4 things or 14 things, but anything that I hope to accomplish goes on the list.

From that main list, I chose 2-3 "most important tasks," or MITs.  Those are my top priority.  Some days it's bigger stuff like getting the oil changed, other days the items are simple, like putting away laundry or clipping the kids' fingernails or taking a shower.

For some reason, I have gotten myself into the horrible habit of procrastinating this regular habit of personal hygiene. It should not be this difficult to fit in a daily shower!  I have a confession to make: I just showered for the first time since Monday.  Today is Thursday.  How did this happen?  Yesterday, showering stayed at the bottom of the list as everything else got done ahead of it.  Why?  Probably because I knew I wasn't leaving the house and there was so much other stuff to do.

I could write a whole post about showering, but the purpose of this post is to encourage you to plan your day tomorrow before going to bed tonight.

Every time I take a few minutes at night to plan for the following day, I end up checking most everything off my list. I pull coupons for errands I need to run, grab receipts for returns, look up contact information and account numbers for calls I need to make, I do as much the night before as I can, so I have no excuses to put anything off.

I feel prepared.  Maybe even mentally psyched up for chores that I normally dread. (ahem...cleaning the bathrooms) There are also times when, instead of adding something to tomorrow's list, I think, "I can just send this email really quick...that way there will be one less thing to do tomorrow." 

But when I plan the day-of, my chances of productivity decrease substantially.  Maybe it's just me...?  This week, I've finally gotten my act together and pre-planned each day the night before.  My to do list has been shrinking at lightening speed. I feel like I can breathe again.

So give it a try tonight.  It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes to write out 3-5 things that you'd like to do tomorrow.  I hope it works for you as well as it's worked for me this week!!!

Teaching Financial Responsibility

Mike and I feel very strongly about teaching our kids to be responsible with their money early in life.  This is essential if you want your family values instilled, otherwise the media and their peer's opinions will have a greater influence over a child's spending decisions. 

There are a few schools of thought on allowance:

1. If the child does their daily/weekly chores, they receive an allowance.
2. The child gets paid per chore completed each day/week.
3. The child does chores as a contributing member of the household and is given a weekly allowance separately.
4. The child doesn't get an allowance, but is given money for specific items (movies, trip to the mall, etc) on an as-needed basis. Chores are usually completely separate issue in this case...or not at all.

We began paying Ryan an allowance of $1 per week on his 6th birthday.  After going back and forth, we decided that he will not get paid based on chores completed since he's expected to do what he's told, whether or not there is a privilege associated with the request.  It works for us so far.

I was also just introduced to a website called Allowance Manager.  It tracks each child's weekly allowance and is basically a virtual piggy bank.  Older kids can access their account and look at the balance of what they've earned, adding entries as money goes in and out of the "account."  Check it out...it's completely free!

We haven't yet figured out what to let the kids spend out of their piggy bank, but I'm sure that will come later.  The idea of "tithe 10%, save 10% and spend 10%" doesn't seem appropriate for kids! 

When I was eight years old, my mom had a unique way of teaching me to save: I got $25 for my birthday (from someone) and our bank had a minimum requirement of $50 to open a savings account.  She explained that I could spend the $25 on anything I wanted, but if I chose to open a savings account, she would double my money on the spot AND continue to match anything I put into savings from that point forward. 

Even at eight, I was smart enough to understand the concept of 100% interest!  She matched my deposits for several years, until I started babysitting a bunch and I began breaking her bank account...but by then I had saved hundreds of dollars in my account.  I hope to do something similar with my own kids in a few years!

What about you: any thoughts about how to encourage saving vs. spending at an early age?

Q&A Wednesday - Developing a Christmas Budget

Nat asked, "How do you determine your budget for Christmas? What did you eliminate? How many gifts do your kids get each from Santa?"

First of all, earlier in the comment that ended with this question, Nat shared, "I have a Christmas account that I put money in each paycheck. It is an ING Direct online account, and whatever balance is in that account is what I spend on christmas. I have the same thing for a vacation fund as well. I've started shopping a little, but I'm a Black Friday shopper, so I'll probably get about 75% of my shopping done that day (and mostly online lately)..."

I LOVE that. Saving a little money all year long is the best way to save for Christmas; it's not nearly as shocking to the system.

Because Mike and I are so stringent with our pennies, our budget has line-items for gifts that we buy each person for the entire year.  We also have vague categories, like "Baby Showers," "Friends," and "Generic Gifts."  I tend to stash good finds that I buy on sale, and these random gifts are slotted into those categories.  Otherwise, our parents, kids and even grandparents have a line item in the budget.

This helps me to be able to shop all year, lessening the burden of cash flow (a big deal to Mike) and shopping (time constraint for me) at the end of the year.

Traditionally, we've had pretty lean Christmases.  Back when we were DINKs (dual income, no kids), I think we spent a lot more on each immediate family member.  We also purchased gifts for my aunts and cousins and many of our friends back then. Once I stopped working, we chopped our Christmas list down to the bare bones.

Whatever is left in the gift budget for our parents and Mike's brother (after birthdays and Mother's/Father's Day), that's what we spend on them for Christmas.  Our annual budget for them isn't very high, since we're all at a point in our lives when we're trying to accumulate less "stuff." 

To come up with a Christmas budget, I recommend writing down everyone that will receive a gift from your family (think of absolutely everyone: each family member, close friends, neighbors, teachers and co-workers) then write a dollar amount next to each individual.  $20 for Grandma, $100 for your parents, $100 for your in laws, $30 for each sibling, you get the idea.  Also think about each child: $50 from you and $100 from Santa...or vice versa. Add up the total and if it's too high, scale everyone back.  Your dad won't miss the extra neck tie and your sister will appreciate a $20 gift just as much as a $30 gift.  Consider baking for neighbors and friends instead of buying them gifts from the mall. 

For our family, I do a lot of photo-related gifts (ornaments, calendars, photo books and frames) and homemade gifts from the kids. (I'll post about all of those ideas another time.)

For the kids, around this time each year, I ask Mike what my budget is for each child.  The year he got laid off, he gave me a $25 budget for Ryan and Kaylin.  Do you know HOW HARD it was to buy gifts  for two children from us AND from Santa for $50 total?  That year, I got creative and replenished jeans, socks and underwear, then took it out of the clothing budget, letting Santa give all of the fun gifts, which were mostly $5 Black Friday board games, craft supplies and learning toys.  Thank goodness they were 4 and 2 years old and barely noticed the lack of extravagance! 

I once heard a great line from a mom of four who was in a very low income bracket: "Jesus only got three gifts, so each of my kids only get three gifts."  We've tried to stick with that, without necessarily explaining that to the kids. 

This year, I have a dilemma because I went post-Halloween shopping with Kaylin in tow and she saw me sifting through the 75% off costumes.  I loaded UP.  My kids are so into dress up, that I couldn't pass up $3.75 cowgirl and police outfits.  I planned on wrapping them up for Christmas, but I bought each child three and now can't give them as Santa gifts because Kaylin will recognize them as soon as they're opened. (she was looking at toys most of the time, but I know she saw at least one of Ryan's costume gifts)

SO...I might have to bend the "three gifts" rule this year.  I need to talk to Mike about it...we'll see.

Typically, though, we do THREE gifts from us and the rest of the budget from Santa and their stocking stuffers.  I try to make it as even as possible as far as number of gifts to open, but it doesn't always work out that way. 

Hopefully that answered your question, Nat!  If anyone else has Christmas budgeting suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment!

Teaching Godly Character

I recently stumbled upon this blog post, which lead me to the most amazing list of Godly Character Trait printables.

Each page has the definition of the trait, a picture to help your child associate that word, plus a scripture verse about the character quality. The traits include: orderly, attentive, teachable, obedient, respectful, honest, forgiving, peacemaker, courageous, discerning, content, servant-hearted, thankful, self control, loving, humble, prayerful, modest, joyful, generous, responsible, compassionate, kind, patient, diligent and faithful.

Every day at breakfast, we've been reviewing one of the character traits and discussing ways to practice it.  I also try to challenge Mike and the kids (and myself) to focus on that quality throughout the day. 

For example, the day we learned about being "attentive," we talked about looking for opportunities to help others without being asked.  Such as picking up trash on the ground at the park, wiping up spills in the kitchen and replacing the empty toilet paper roll in the bathroom.

I'm actually taking this a step further by praying for my kids to develop these character traits.  I took a spiral index card notebook and wrote one character trait per page.  I keep it in the bathroom and pray for the kids when I brush my teeth.  Every couple of days, I turn the page to pray for a new item. 

I love a nice, organized, simple way to teach my family Godly values and these printables have been fun and easy to review every day.  I hope they're helpful for you, too!

What Makes You Thankful?

In our house, Mike and I recently began challenging ourselves to express gratitude to each other and the kids at least twice a day (for each person). Your brain chemistry changes when you break the cycle of complaining and begin expressing appreciation to those around you.

A while back, I found a package of 30 paper acorns at the Dollar Tree.  They were in the teacher's section, but I figured I could use them for something.

Last week, I found the PERFECT use for them!

I created a "thankful wall" on our pantry door.  Every day, each of us (including the kids) write something that we're thankful for on a acorn and tape it on the door.

It's a great exercise in appreciating the little things.  I may even keep the acorns to read next year or when the kids are older...we'll see.  I just love that everyone is focusing on gratitude as we enter the Christmas season!

Meal Plan 11/15/10

Last week's new recipes were a hit!  Mike LOVED the Vegetarian Tamale Pie.  I accidentally left it in the oven too long, so the cornbread was a bit overdone for my taste, but Mike raved over it, regardless.  TWO THUMBS UP from him and THUMB IN THE MIDDLE for the kids.  They're not fans of anything with tomatoes, so take their rating with a grain of salt.

The Quinoa Waldorf Salad was the other new recipe.  I've had quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") in the pantry for weeks, wondering how to incorporate this wonderful item into our lives.  This was a great introduction!  We ate it next to sandwiches at lunch and I've snacked on it mid-day.  I will definitely make this again.  (PS - Any quinoa recipes you have and love would be very appreciated!!!)

I haven't made the Southwestern Chicken and Bean Pasta in months.  When I first made it, everyone loved it.  Mike and I thought it tasted like the pasta version of a Chipotle bowl.  But the last few times we've eaten it, everyone's been unimpressed.  I don't know if I did something differently or what, but I think we're moving on from one of our old go-to dinner recipes.

This week's menu:
Monday - Chicken on the grill with corn on the cob and brown rice
Tuesday - leftover White Chicken Chili
Wednesday - Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot with steamed broccoli and brown rice (then make chicken stock in the crock pot overnight)
Thursday - Sloppy Joes with Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges (*new*)
Friday -Chicken Stir Fry
Saturday - Rice, Bean and Cheese Casserole with tortilla chips
Sunday - Chicken Noodle Soup

Treats:
Rice Krispies Trail Mix
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Sweet Persimmon and Toasted Walnut Bread (*new*)

Preparing for Christmas BEFORE the Holiday Rush

I know November isn't even half over, but have you seen the stores?  Have you been to the mall?  Have you noticed that the Christmas music channels are suddenly available on t.v.???

This week, I visited a nearby MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group with a friend.  It was a pre-Christmas meeting with lots of ideas about simplifying and enjoying the holidays, not to mention incorporating Christ back into Christmas.

We began the meeting by answering a few questions.  Consider answering these for yourself:

1. This year, I want my Christmas to be...(my answers were joyful, purposeful and festive)
2. List your three top family Christmas activities.  Now ask your family about their top three and decide what needs to make it on the calendar this year.
3. Are your Christmas traditions stressful or comforting? How would your family answer?

After answering all of these questions, sit down for a family meeting to assess your priorities this Christmas season.

The speaker shared a statistic that shocked me: $2.8 billion is put on credit cards EVERY 10 MINUTES between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  $2.8 billion.  Every. Ten. Minutes.

Do you know how much you spend on Christmas?  Have you ever considered making a budget?  It should include things like: extra meals for visiting relatives, gifts and wrapping paper, cards and postage, extra grocery money for baking supplies, even post-holiday sale purchases.

I know it feels early, but consider taking a few minutes this weekend to decide what you want your Christmas season to look like this year.  Interview your family and talk through everyone's expectations so that no one is disappointed.  Lower your own expectations about having a "perfect" experience or memory or turkey dinner...whatever the case may be.  Look at your answers to #1 (above) and keep the end goal in mind every day during the month of December.

Can you tell I'm already getting into the Christmas spirit?  Expect more Christmas posts from me...I'm feelin' festive!

Friday Favorites - My Top 10 Favorite Movies

Let's welcome back Friday Favorites, shall we???  Here are my Top 10 Favorite Movies.

1. Dan in Real Life.  This is currently my all-time favorite movie.  It is clean, wholesome and refreshing, yet so genuinely funny.  I just love Steve Carell.  He cracks me up.   If you haven't seen it, go rent it.  Your husband will laugh, your mom will laugh, your teenage kids will even laugh.  It's a great movie about families.  When I saw it in the theater, I told my girlfriends, "THIS is why I want a big family!"

2. The Notebook.  This is when I fell in love with Rachel McAdams.  And Ryan Gosling.  And I was thrilled to find out they were dating in real life after they filmed the movie!  Back when I used to read for fun, I would pass out copies of The Notebook to friends and co-workers, begging them to read it.  No joke: I had multiple copies for this purpose.  It was the first and only book I've ever cried through and I was giddy when they made it into a movie.  The movie did not disappoint, except the Hollywood ending, which wasn't nearly as good as the book. (I know, I know...the movie never is...)

3. A Walk to Remember.  Because once you like Nicholas Sparks, you just sort of go with it.  The Notebook is the only novel of his I've ever read, but I fell in love with this movie, too.  I think it's part of what I wanted my high school story to be.  I was a good, Christian girl who ended up going after a wrong-for-me guy, hoping to save him from himself.  But my story didn't end up anything like the movie.  For those who have seen it, that might seem a little obvious, but that's not what I meant!  My story resulted in me ending up with a nice guy who didn't need to be saved.

4. Dances With Wolves.  Wanna hear a true confession?  This was my favorite movie in high school.  Sure, I liked Singles and Pump Up the Volume and Clueless like everyone else at the time, but something in this movie stirred up a righteous indignation in me.  I even loved the soundtrack and I wasn't at all into instrumental music. The CD sat on my shelf right next to Guns 'n' Roses and Naughty By Nature.  Well, not next to...they were alphabetized, after all.  You should know that about me by now.

5. Liar, Liar.  This movie seriously cracked me up.  I'm not a huge Jim Carrey, over-the-top-for-a-laugh fan, but I loved his forced bluntness in this movie.  Plus, it had a great moral message to work-a-holic, absent parents.  Warm fuzzies.

6. Forrest Gump.  I think I saw this four times in the theater while I was in college.  I just loved so many things about it.  I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats.

7. The Family Man. This is my favorite Christmas movie and  before you argue with me...YES it IS a Christmas movie!  Pay attention next month...it will suddenly pop up on TBS and USA repeatedly with Christmas Vacation.  Again, I think I like that Nicholas Cage is transformed into a better man at the end.

8. Hitch. Awkward, uncomfortable, honest...talk about LOL.  It reminds me why I am ecstatic that I never have to attempt dating again.

9. Notting Hill.  Wow, I'm on a streak of romantic comedies, aren't I?  Still, I love this movie.  I can't hear "Ain't No Sunshine" without thinking about Notting Hill.

10. Wedding Crashers.  This movie is wrong on so many levels, but I can't help but love it.  I far prefer to watch the t.v. version (as I do many movies anymore...because I'm a complete prude) but I have to admit that we do own a copy.  We fast-forward the boobies-falling-onto-the-bed scene every time.  Come to think of it...wouldn't it be great if movies were sold in a "made for t.v." version?!?!?  Man, if someone were to just ask, I have some awesome ideas.  I'd buy a lot more movies, that's for sure.

So that's it.  I hope you don't think less of me for my random movie choices.  Anyone want to chime in with their two cents?  What are some of your favorite movies?