The Flood of September 2016 In Cedar Falls/Waterloo Iowa

Coffee Chat: Making A List, Checking It Twice

No, Santa isn't coming to town quite yet. I'm just getting organized by making my list. Okay, I make them daily. It is the one way that I can make sure that I get everything done in the day that needs to be done. List making helps me to lay things out on paper that are stuck in my brain so that I can sleep at night without thinking about them. Sounds a little nutty, I know.

I make lists about things that need to be done during the day, long term goals, short term goals, groceries, bills, YouTube and blog things I need or want tot watch or read, or subjects I would like to blog or YouTube about, and much much more. Crossing things off the list is extremely satisfying because it means that things are getting accomplished and I'm being productive. There is nothing more motivating than crossing a bunch of "To Do"'s off of a well organized list. The biggest thrill is when the whole list is finished, this is rarely done in a day.

There are more of you list makers out there, don't be shy. Making list is a great organizing tool. It can keep you on task and at the end of the day, if you haven't finished the list, you can always pick up where you left off or add the remains to another list. Either way you should feel proud of yourself because you have taken another step forward to getting yourself organized. Great Job!

Top Eleven Things To Do Now That The Kids Are In School

No doubt we all love our kids and we loved spending time with them during Summer vacation. The camping, swimming, playing, and family get together's were a blast. But as the end of Summer draws near it is back to school time. The parents that have sent their kids back to school may have a bit of spare time on their hands, if they don't already have a job outside the home. So for all of the stay home moms and dads, here is my Top Eleven Things To Do Now That The Kids Are In School.

1. Catch up on some reading that you haven't had time for before. I don't know about you but I have a stack of books that I have been putting off reading because I simply didn't have time.
   
2. Time to finally start that exercise program you have been procrastinating, using the kids as an excuse. I'm guilty of this one. Get a gym membership and actually use it. Just go for a walk, enjoy nature.
   
3. Go back to school. Always wanted to take some courses but haven't had a moment to yourself? Some of them are even online which makes it much more convenient. Just do it!
4. Finally find that job you have been wanting for some extra cash. We all need the extra money to saving up for nest Summer's activities.
5. You can finally have that lunch date with your friends that you have been talking about all summer. Go ahead, call them.
6. Spend some time with elderly family members. Take mom out to lunch or go see relatives that can't get out. They will appreciate the company.
7. Volunteer somewhere. There are lots of hospitals, nursing or retirement facilities, schools, and daycare that can use the help.
8. Rearrange your furniture. I know from experience, this is easier to do when my son is at school. 
   
9. Clean the house. This is the perfect moment to deep clean the house. No distractions. You can even clean the kids rooms without having to battle the kids. Time to get rid of things. 
   
10. Time to catch up on all those shows you have been wanting to watch instead of watching cartoons all day.
    
11. Last but certainly the best, relax and take a nap. Catch up on the sleep that you have been lacking. Take advantage of the silence. Make sure you wake up in time to go pick up the kids from school!

Back To School, Don't Pass That School Bus!!!

Time flies when you are raising kids. I don't think, for parents, there has ever been a more true statement. My son just turned ten years old yesterday and I can't believe how much it feels like just yesterday we were at the hospital celebrating his arrival. 

Through all the sleepless nights, early mornings, diapers, bottles, tummy aches, and school mornings one thing is certain. Kids grow like wildfire and it can't be stopped. I have two amazing  twenty something daughters and an equally amazing ten year old little boy. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

This school season and every school season, please remember to stop for school buses dropping off children. Don't pass them. When you are in the opposite lane, watch for the stop sign on the side of the bus and stop! It is the law! Save the life of a child and pass on the message.

Breakfast In Bed

My son made me breakfast in bed! Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He did a great job and even wrote "for mom" on the package so I would know it was mine.

 It is the little things like this that are actually the big things. I love parenting!! Kids have a beautiful innocents about them. It is so rewarding to see them grow up as fine young men and women. Every tough, sad, happy, emotional, challenging moment with them is worth it.

Breakfast In Bed

Life In My Back Yard