As summer draws to an end, most families have run through the traditional summer fun activities like camping and swimming. Here are some fun, inexpensive ideas to boost creativity and finish out your summer with a bang.
Backyard Fun
Use whatever you can find around the house/garage to design a family-friendly obstacle course in your backyard. Take turns going through it and give prizes for the fastest going forward and backward. You can use pillow cases for potato sack hopping, a broomstick across two chairs for a limbo stick, and a rope laid in a straight line that they must walk on like a balance beam. Add carnival games for fun like tossing balled up socks through holes in a poster board.
Theme Dinners
Have special nights where your meal centers around a particular theme. Have the kids come up with ideas and help with decorations. For example, a Fiesta night could include stringing up Christmas lights, and serving Mexican food with ribbons tied around the handles of serving utensils. A Wild West dinner could include eating beans and hot dogs outside, wearing bandannas and boots. For Backwards night you could wear your clothes inside out, eat your pudding with a fork and say each others names backwards.
Broadway at Home
Have your kids prepare a simple play based on a favorite story (using costumes and props from around the house). Invite some friends over and charge a quarter for admission. Provide popcorn and enjoy the show!
Community Service
Find a place where the whole family can work together as volunteers (serving food to the homeless, visiting the elderly in a nursing home, etc) or have a car wash, yard sale, or other fundraiser and donate the profits to a charitable organization. Divide the money up and let each child choose the recipient.
Scavenger Hunt
Have a list of items or descriptions (like white circle, blue rectangle, etc) that kids have to find and bring back. For a treasure hunt, hide clues and treasures around the house and follow a map or decode clues to find the next location. Parents or kids can design the scavenger hunt and come up with fun prizes (inexpensive treats like popsicles or coloring books). For young children use simple picture clues instead of words.
For more cheap summer fun ideas or to submit your own ideas check out the blog carnival at http://singleparents.about.com/b/2009/07/07/cheap-fun-blog-carnival-for-august-2009.htm
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Taking Care of Your Home
1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 says “God is not the author of confusion” and “let all things be done decently and in order”, but we need to have the right priorities.
Put into your jar rocks first (connecting with God, feeding our spirits), pebbles next (relationships with other people), and sand last (everything else). Sand will fill the cracks between rocks and pebbles but put sand in first and you won’t have room for the rocks (the most important things). These tips on taking care of your home will hopefully help you get more organized and find more time for the important things. Enjoy!
Tips for Organization & Housecleaning:
* SIMPLIFY! Delete, purge, give away, sell, toss, or just say No
* Look at your schedule and pick one thing to give up
* Use a calendar or planner and fill in activities for the month; review weekly
* Make a master list of action items for the month (gifts, phone calls, supplies, party planning, etc)
* Keep bags handy and already stocked with essentials (pool, church, car rides, babysitter,etc.)
* Keep a gift shelf (along with cards & wrapping supplies)
* Pre-purchase cards for the year and bargain shop for gifts throughout the year
* Keep lists : honey-do’s, items you’re saving for, prayer requests, returns, etc.
* Group like things together (errands, tasks, items)
* Lay out whole outfits for your family the night before
* Take pictures or scan your kids artwork or send these “treasures” to relatives, soldiers, or nursing home residents along with a handwritten note from your child
* Keep one “special box” for each child’s keepsakes - it goes with them when they leave home
* Do something with each paper/mail immediately (read, file, trash, etc)
* Break your housecleaning into small tasks and be consistent about doing a little at a time. Don’t expect the whole house to be clean all at once when you have kids and no housekeeper on staff.
* Clean the shower while taking a shower (multitasking).
* Deep clean one room each month (from baseboards to ceiling fans). Reorganize closets, underbed storage, toy baskets, etc. Use 3 garbage bags -Trash, Giveaway, Sort and put away.
* Create an annual schedule for tasks (i.e. garage April & October, light fixtures Jan & June)
* Swap kids with another family so you can do deep cleaning uninterrupted
* Have a housekeeper come twice a month to do heavy cleaning (have a list that is detailed with what you want done)
* Clutter is the biggest enemy of organization.
* Use hooks for kids stuff that can be used/worn twice before washing(pajamas, towels, etc)
* Fold sheets and put them inside the matching pillowcase
* Get kids in the habit of making their beds each morning when they are young. Use sleeping bags or easy linens so they can do it themselves.
* Leave items at top/bottom of stairs for kids to take as they go. Anything left after bedtime goes in “time-out” for a week.
* Use household charts. Taking away a favorite activity as a consequence is good because it teaches that work comes before play is allowed. The entire family is a team and cares for the house.
* When putting away groceries have one child wash the fruit, another open the snack boxes and put them in lunch size containers.
Put into your jar rocks first (connecting with God, feeding our spirits), pebbles next (relationships with other people), and sand last (everything else). Sand will fill the cracks between rocks and pebbles but put sand in first and you won’t have room for the rocks (the most important things). These tips on taking care of your home will hopefully help you get more organized and find more time for the important things. Enjoy!
Tips for Organization & Housecleaning:
* SIMPLIFY! Delete, purge, give away, sell, toss, or just say No
* Look at your schedule and pick one thing to give up
* Use a calendar or planner and fill in activities for the month; review weekly
* Make a master list of action items for the month (gifts, phone calls, supplies, party planning, etc)
* Keep bags handy and already stocked with essentials (pool, church, car rides, babysitter,etc.)
* Keep a gift shelf (along with cards & wrapping supplies)
* Pre-purchase cards for the year and bargain shop for gifts throughout the year
* Keep lists : honey-do’s, items you’re saving for, prayer requests, returns, etc.
* Group like things together (errands, tasks, items)
* Lay out whole outfits for your family the night before
* Take pictures or scan your kids artwork or send these “treasures” to relatives, soldiers, or nursing home residents along with a handwritten note from your child
* Keep one “special box” for each child’s keepsakes - it goes with them when they leave home
* Do something with each paper/mail immediately (read, file, trash, etc)
* Break your housecleaning into small tasks and be consistent about doing a little at a time. Don’t expect the whole house to be clean all at once when you have kids and no housekeeper on staff.
* Clean the shower while taking a shower (multitasking).
* Deep clean one room each month (from baseboards to ceiling fans). Reorganize closets, underbed storage, toy baskets, etc. Use 3 garbage bags -Trash, Giveaway, Sort and put away.
* Create an annual schedule for tasks (i.e. garage April & October, light fixtures Jan & June)
* Swap kids with another family so you can do deep cleaning uninterrupted
* Have a housekeeper come twice a month to do heavy cleaning (have a list that is detailed with what you want done)
* Clutter is the biggest enemy of organization.
* Use hooks for kids stuff that can be used/worn twice before washing(pajamas, towels, etc)
* Fold sheets and put them inside the matching pillowcase
* Get kids in the habit of making their beds each morning when they are young. Use sleeping bags or easy linens so they can do it themselves.
* Leave items at top/bottom of stairs for kids to take as they go. Anything left after bedtime goes in “time-out” for a week.
* Use household charts. Taking away a favorite activity as a consequence is good because it teaches that work comes before play is allowed. The entire family is a team and cares for the house.
* When putting away groceries have one child wash the fruit, another open the snack boxes and put them in lunch size containers.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Taking Care of your Body
"I am only one, but I am one. I can not do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I can not do interfere with what I can do." ~Edward E. Hale
These are some great tips on taking care of your body. Our body, soul and spirit all work together. If one area is weak the other areas may suffer as well.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Honor God with your bodies”. You love to have your house clean & tidy. Your body is the home of the Holy Spirit. Is it a healthy, happy one?
• 8 hrs of sleep min is your goal
• Take naps
• Let things go undone
• Take a daily multivitamin
• Drink more water (8-10 glasses per day is not hard)
• Keep a cold pitcher of water in the fridge
• Order only water with meals
• Keep a water bottle handy
• Have regular medical checkups
Taking care of your body: Beauty
Genesis 1:27 We were created in God’s image; we are a reflection of Him.
Psalm 90:17 “Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us”
Take an extra 15 minutes each day and invest a little bit in yourself. If you are married, taking care of your appearance is a way of showing respect to your spouse.
• Put on perfume
• Pick a bouquet of flowers
• Have your morning beverage in a pretty cup
• Have a candlelight bubble bath
• Be adventurous with your next haircut
• Have a monthly spa night with your girlfriends
• Buy new lingerie
• Get a makeover, facial, massage, pedicure or manicure (go to a school to save money)
• Have a hostess party (I recommend Arbonne!)
Taking care of your body: Healthy Eating
It is critical that we not base the standard for how we look on Hollywood’s perception of what is beautiful. It is unrealistic and boring.
Isaiah 44:24 and 45:9 Why are you questioning why God, creator of all things, made you the way you are. Can you find contentment in looking the way God created you?
Focus on healthy eating to feel better and have more energy, not just to be skinnier. We should be eating healthy all the time, no matter what our weight.
Our primary goals for healthy eating should be: teaching our children to eat wisely, having energy to care for our family, and staying healthy so we can stick around to see our grandchildren.
• Fill up on Jesus instead of trying to satisfy yourself with spending money, working too many hours, or overeating.
• Brush your teeth when tempted to eat.
• Never eat standing up.
• Make your lunch in advance.
• Wash and cut up fruits and veggies as soon as you get home from the grocery store and put them in snack sized baggies to grab on the go.
• Eat at restaurants with healthier food choices.
• Order before looking at the menu. Have a healthy idea in mind like grilled chicken and veggies.
• Eat half of anything (share with hubby or child or save for later)
• Buy treats for your family that you dislike.
• Eat close to the garden, clean foods (the closer to the way God created it, the better).
• Moderation – eat a little, not the whole thing.
• Decide beforehand how much you will allow yourself and stick to it (i.e. one sweet thing each day)
• Fast - give up something for one month or week to rid your body of the toxins (sugar, caffeine, extra salt, white flour, carbonated drinks, etc.)
• Keep a food journal of what you ate, time and reason for one week.
• Choose a proven weight loss program after checking with your doctor (www.gofigure8.com).
Taking care of your body: Exercise
1 Corinthians 9:27 “ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”
Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.”
Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”.
Exercise is an investment in yourself, your quality of life and the way you are going to feel all day.
• Do a different “activity” each day
• Watch TV, DVD, or read while on treadmill
• Have a positive attitude about exercise
• If you are tired, exercise instead of a nap
• Get up earlier or exercise on your lunch break
• Park further out when shopping, do arm lifts with your grocery bags, take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walk with your spouse and/or kids
• Start a stroller brigade with your friends
• Tape or Tivo shows and save for exercise time
• Listen to a Bible CD, great teaching tape, or Christian radio station (Air One)
• Do activities with your kids: biking, trampoline, etc.
• For strong arms do as many push-ups as you can throughout the day
• Mow the lawn (try a push mower) and do other household activities
• Hire a personal trainer, join a gym, or get a new workout video
• Dance around your house, hike, bike, weight train, aquatics- vary your routine
• Buy yourself some new shoes or workout clothes
• Give yourself a reward for doing extra exercise
These are some great tips on taking care of your body. Our body, soul and spirit all work together. If one area is weak the other areas may suffer as well.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Honor God with your bodies”. You love to have your house clean & tidy. Your body is the home of the Holy Spirit. Is it a healthy, happy one?
• 8 hrs of sleep min is your goal
• Take naps
• Let things go undone
• Take a daily multivitamin
• Drink more water (8-10 glasses per day is not hard)
• Keep a cold pitcher of water in the fridge
• Order only water with meals
• Keep a water bottle handy
• Have regular medical checkups
Taking care of your body: Beauty
Genesis 1:27 We were created in God’s image; we are a reflection of Him.
Psalm 90:17 “Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us”
Take an extra 15 minutes each day and invest a little bit in yourself. If you are married, taking care of your appearance is a way of showing respect to your spouse.
• Put on perfume
• Pick a bouquet of flowers
• Have your morning beverage in a pretty cup
• Have a candlelight bubble bath
• Be adventurous with your next haircut
• Have a monthly spa night with your girlfriends
• Buy new lingerie
• Get a makeover, facial, massage, pedicure or manicure (go to a school to save money)
• Have a hostess party (I recommend Arbonne!)
Taking care of your body: Healthy Eating
It is critical that we not base the standard for how we look on Hollywood’s perception of what is beautiful. It is unrealistic and boring.
Isaiah 44:24 and 45:9 Why are you questioning why God, creator of all things, made you the way you are. Can you find contentment in looking the way God created you?
Focus on healthy eating to feel better and have more energy, not just to be skinnier. We should be eating healthy all the time, no matter what our weight.
Our primary goals for healthy eating should be: teaching our children to eat wisely, having energy to care for our family, and staying healthy so we can stick around to see our grandchildren.
• Fill up on Jesus instead of trying to satisfy yourself with spending money, working too many hours, or overeating.
• Brush your teeth when tempted to eat.
• Never eat standing up.
• Make your lunch in advance.
• Wash and cut up fruits and veggies as soon as you get home from the grocery store and put them in snack sized baggies to grab on the go.
• Eat at restaurants with healthier food choices.
• Order before looking at the menu. Have a healthy idea in mind like grilled chicken and veggies.
• Eat half of anything (share with hubby or child or save for later)
• Buy treats for your family that you dislike.
• Eat close to the garden, clean foods (the closer to the way God created it, the better).
• Moderation – eat a little, not the whole thing.
• Decide beforehand how much you will allow yourself and stick to it (i.e. one sweet thing each day)
• Fast - give up something for one month or week to rid your body of the toxins (sugar, caffeine, extra salt, white flour, carbonated drinks, etc.)
• Keep a food journal of what you ate, time and reason for one week.
• Choose a proven weight loss program after checking with your doctor (www.gofigure8.com).
Taking care of your body: Exercise
1 Corinthians 9:27 “ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”
Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.”
Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”.
Exercise is an investment in yourself, your quality of life and the way you are going to feel all day.
• Do a different “activity” each day
• Watch TV, DVD, or read while on treadmill
• Have a positive attitude about exercise
• If you are tired, exercise instead of a nap
• Get up earlier or exercise on your lunch break
• Park further out when shopping, do arm lifts with your grocery bags, take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walk with your spouse and/or kids
• Start a stroller brigade with your friends
• Tape or Tivo shows and save for exercise time
• Listen to a Bible CD, great teaching tape, or Christian radio station (Air One)
• Do activities with your kids: biking, trampoline, etc.
• For strong arms do as many push-ups as you can throughout the day
• Mow the lawn (try a push mower) and do other household activities
• Hire a personal trainer, join a gym, or get a new workout video
• Dance around your house, hike, bike, weight train, aquatics- vary your routine
• Buy yourself some new shoes or workout clothes
• Give yourself a reward for doing extra exercise
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