Scenes from a Snowy December Weekend…

Friday brought us our first snowfall of the season, which came as no disappointment to four six-year-olds. We had a great day staying warm inside doing our school work, putting together puzzles (they are on a puzzle kick lately), and watching The Grinch.  I had discovered earlier that day that we only had 2 pairs …

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Teaching Gratitude at Christmas Through Hand-Written Cards

  We’re doing our best at making this year a simple Christmas season. Less fuss. Less stress. Less stuff. More of focusing on what MATTERS in the Season. I don’t want to leave thankfulness back in November. I’d love for it to be heavily sprinkled onto the things we do during this month of December. …

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25 Ways to Have a Financially Responsible Holiday Season

With Thanksgiving behind us, the stores are in full out competition for your dollars – flashing lights, bonus bucks, “free” gifts, and gimmicks galore! The temptation is to spend in the moment, go out to eat more, and treat ourselves to something well outside of our budgets. Without a plan, things can quickly get out …

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Library Book Haul: Favorite Check-Outs from November

  Well, it’s officially December, which means it’s time to review our favorite library kids’ book check-outs from last month!  We love this monthly feature and hope you enjoy it and get some great book selection suggestions as well.  I really like the opportunity to exchange must-reads with one another – so if you have …

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What Does a Simple Christmas Season Look Like?

We had such a great Thanksgiving week as a family – lots of down time, lots of quality family time, lots of great eats. Now we are full speed ahead into the Christmas season, and can I be honest?  I’m dragging my feet. I’m not sure why my spirit isn’t into the season yet.  I’m …

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HOT Amazon Deal – Disney’s Monster’s University and Planes for $16.99 on Blu-Ray

        Just noticed these 2 AWESOME prices on 2 of the season’s hottest Disney movies, both for just $16.99 on Amazon for the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack, and knew I couldn’t keep them to myself!   Planes Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack $16.99 (62% off) Monster’s University Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack $16.99 (43% off)  We haven’t …

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Thanksgivingpalooza 2013

  Oh these little Turkeys!  I’m so grateful for the joy they have brought into our lives these past 7 Thanksgivings! It’s Thanksgiving week, and since we have 79 days into our 1st grade homeschool semester, we’re taking the whole week off!  We don’t have far to travel, since our families are within an hour …

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The Grown-Up Reality of Losing Health Care Coverage

A few nights ago, I got together with some of my close girl friends for dinner and catching up. It was a great dose of laughs and good conversation, until someone brought up healthcare. Instant mood changer. We vented together about crazy premiums, all of the unknowns, the challenges of finding affordable options as small …

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