November Holiday Prep Made Easy with the Free Organize-IT Planner

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November is the lead-in to the holidays. However, we’ve got this! Say the word, “November” and breathe…take a breath and breathe it in! Can you feel the excitement? The smell of festivities is in the air! I love this time of year. It is a time to focus on being thankful to God for all he has given me, and then quickly move into preparing my mind, heart, home, and family to celebrate Jesus’s birth. What a blessing! I am praying this planner helps you to avoid the stress and instead allows you to focus on the big picture. This month’s planner begins with our signature ultimate organizing and planning tools! Each month, I am determined to make each edition of Organize-IT the best ever. I am so excited to present you with a planner that promises to help you organize this holiday season and your schedule.


November is the lead-in to the holidays. However, we’ve got this! Say the word, “November” and breathe...take a breath and breathe it in! Can you feel the excitement? The smell of festivities is in the air! I love this time of year. It is a time to focus on being thankful to God for all he has given me, and then quickly move into preparing my mind, heart, home, and family to celebrate Jesus's birth. What a blessing! I am praying this planner helps you to avoid the stress and instead allows you to focus on the big picture. This month's planner begins with our signature ultimate organizing and planning tools! Each month, I am determined to make each edition of Organize-IT the best ever. I am so excited to present you with a planner that promises to help you organize this holiday season and your schedule.

➡️Post Sponsored by the 10th Birthday Celebration Sponsors of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network ✔️ out the $350 giveaway, too!

I wanted to find a way to incorporate the hustle and bustle and long list of fun things to do for the holidays with a homeschool mom’s never-ending list of to-dos! So, I started researching and
reading about block scheduling, I decided to try it and introduce it to you. You may be way ahead of me and already use this method, or you may think, “I have heard of it but don’t know
what it is!” Well, get your schedule primed and ready to work for and not against you. This will take you beyond the lists and to-dos. Of course, those have a time and a place, but what is a
well-thought-out list if you fail to implement it and make it past the first few items?

In this planner, we will begin with a list but end with a solid plan, a schedule that blocks off your time so you can have order in your life.

A purpose so clear, it allows you to focus all your efforts
on what is right in front of you for that small window of time; no need to worry about the lengthy to-do list because it will get done in due time. I am excited to offer you an organizing plan focusing on your day. As homeschooling families, I know you typically spend a lot of time jumping from homeschooling to household chores and back to schooling while taking care of the little kids and sometimes fitting in a side job.

In my family food is a priority, or I might have a revolt! I’m only partially kidding. ;-)Today, a friend asked what I do when I feel overwhelmed. I answered, “I do the next thing, right before me!” I don’t focus on being overwhelmed, because I can’t. I have too many people who depend on me. (A simple prayer of “Lord, please help me,” goes a long way as well!)

Of course, we all get overwhelmed at times, but doing the next thing has worked well for me and fits in perfectly with block scheduling.

Block scheduling is planning your day, not letting your day run you. I love that it utilizes your to-do lists but doesn’t make you a slave to it! Unfortunately (for me), it is not a way to cram more
into your day. Instead, it helps you to find more time! It’s a way of limiting distractions and procrastinating so you have more time to do what you want to do.

Look at your list. Do you have a project you’re dying to finish? Put it in a block. Are you behind on homeschooling a particular subject and need a day to catch up or review? Put it in a block!
Want to find time to exercise? Put it in the block. Do you see where this is going? In the following pages, I’ll help you schedule your time so that you can focus, thrive and accomplish. I was
pleasantly surprised by how well this has worked for me.

Take a look at your homeschool schedule, is there a way to pair down your commitments so we can embrace the holiday season?

By focusing on the meaning of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons we are teaching life lessons. I typically stick to the bare essentials of school, like math, writing, and reading, so we have plenty of time to make crafts, bake, and enjoy the weather. The older kids can work on their school work separately to complete their assignments, especially in high school, and join in the fun as their schedule permits.

The goal is to organize your day, travel plans if you have any, and Thanksgiving bucket lists. The theme in all of the Organize-IT planners is balance. Pick and choose the forms that work for your
family—doing it all doesn’t always work. Balance is important. If a form doesn’t work for your family, skip it and move on.

Your holiday schedule should offer flexibility.

This allows children time to pursue things of interest. This is something that I feel is so important. Kids are burned out and often overscheduled. Hopefully, with this Organize-IT Planner, you can invest your time wisely.

Looking for more information?

You will find the topic of organization, as well as many others, on the UltimateHomeschoolPodcastNetwork.com, and Vintage Homeschool Moms.

If you are a long-time subscriber, you will find some of the forms the same as in past planners. This allows you access to the forms you love from last month’s planner. For example, you will receive
the blank calendars as well as the 4-Square Plan in each monthly planner, along with those on setting short and long-term goals.

Have a fantastic and Blessed November!

~ Blessings, Christina Moss

 

 

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Embrace October with the Fall Sweep: Your Organize-IT Guide

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to embark on a transformative journey towards a more organized and serene home. The Fall Full House Sweep is here to guide you through this process, room by room, helping you create an oasis of calm before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins. In this blog post, we’ll outline the essential steps to declutter, organize, and refresh your living space, allowing you to enjoy the upcoming months with a sense of peace and tranquility.

October Organize It Planner | Fall Sweep edition

Step 1: Capture Before Pictures

To kick off your home transformation, grab your smartphone and take before pictures of each room. This step not only satisfies our desire for instant gratification but also helps uncover hidden clutter that we’ve grown accustomed to over time. These “before” snapshots will serve as a powerful motivator and a reference point for your progress.

Step 2: Gather Supplies

Before diving into the decluttering process, gather the necessary supplies. Besides standard cleaning items, make sure you have:
– Black trash bags (a must to prevent second-guessing your throw-away decisions).
– A cardboard box for donations (to avoid confusing donations with trash).
– Baskets and bins for organizing and relocating items within your home.

Pro tip: You don’t need to splurge on expensive baskets; dollar stores and thrift shops often offer affordable options.

Step 3: Tackle Visible Clutter

This month’s focus is on visible clutter rather than digging through drawers or emptying entire closets. By addressing what’s in plain sight, you’ll quickly transform your living space, making it comfortable and welcoming for guests during the holiday season.

Step 4: Set Overall Goals

In addition to decluttering and organizing, consider setting overall goals for the month. This could involve planning homeschool activities, scheduling reading time, hosting game nights, and dividing household chores. Don’t forget to include charitable work with your church and homeschool community. Choose activities that align with your family’s values and help your children grow into well-rounded individuals.

Step 5: Create a Thriving Home Environment

As homeschooling families, you spend a significant amount of time at home. Therefore, creating an environment that supports learning, relaxation, and entertainment is crucial. Allow your children the freedom to pursue their interests and avoid over-scheduling. The Organize-IT Planner is designed to help you strike a balance between organization and leisure, making your home a place of peace and value.

You Can Do It

As October unfolds, embrace the Fall Full House Sweep as an opportunity to revamp your living space and lifestyle. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the process of decluttering, organizing, and setting meaningful goals for the month. By investing your time wisely, you can achieve a clutter-free home, enjoy more quality time with your family, and create an inviting environment that fosters peace and serenity.

Have a fantastic October, and may your home be your haven of tranquility!

Grab the Free October Organize It! Planner and Get the Fall Full House Sweep Started Today

 

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Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

 

Disclosure Statement regarding affiliates and partnerships.

Staycation Planning

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

staycation planning podcast with vintage homeschool moms felice gerwitzStaycation Planning Episode 349

If you are not sure how to plan a staycation, stay tuned – this episode is just for you! We will learn how to plan your staycation and enjoy the time with family and friends.

  1. Be sure to take the time off.
  2. Indulge – reading, events, food.
  3. Make a plan for the day, week-end, or week.
  4. Research

Begin by brainstorming. What are some of the things in your area that you could do with the kids and maybe even with just your husband? In our area, these things revolve around water sports. There is boating, Skiing, Jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, SCUBA diving, and more. We have a shell museum, actually two – we have a hands-on museum for kids and a small zoo nearby.

There are sporting events such as baseball. We have two indoor ice-skating rings and an island nearby. There are also many outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, outdoor concerts at the local mall, and more. There are art events, theatre, and music festivals. Once you have a list of ideas, narrow it down to the top ten.

Which of these top ten ideas is feasible? Now it is time to make a plan.

Five Things To Think About In Staycation Planning

Budget

  1. What is the amount of money you will spend on these events?
  2. If you do not have a set budget, think about the max you are willing to spend each day.

Activity or Event or Both

  1. List your event – be sure to figure in the time.
  2. Is this free or is there a cost?
  3. How long will it take to get there?
  4. Will you pack breakfast/ lunch or eat out?

Planning – Schedule

  1. What is your time frame?
  2. Can you take the time off of work?
  3. Do you plan to go out to eat? If so, where?
  4. What will you do during the day – the more planned out the better your vacation will go even if the schedule deviates.

Eating:

  1. Try something new.
  2. Enjoy an appetizer/ or dessert or both
  3. Go to restaurants that are family-owned and not chains.
  4. Think of conversations you can have with your family.
  5. Take your time – there is no hurry! You are on vacation.

Rules:

  1. Relax! Make a decision you will enjoy yourself (think about how much money you are saving!)
  2. Enjoy each other.
  3. No drama – set boundaries for fighting, etc.
  4. Make time to see the little things you would normally overlook.
  5. No work. This is a vacation, so be sure to leave your work behind temporarily.
  6. No electronics during the outing.
  7. OR – your kids can enjoy unlimited electronics if you decide this is their vacation!
  8. Relaxed dress – unless you are going somewhere that requires fancy clothing.
  9. Enjoy the events – look at the little things and enjoy!
  10. Praise God each day, and what are you thankful for?

Don’t Miss These Episodes from Vintage Homeschool Moms

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money-Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

 

 

 

 

The Work Life Homeschool Balance Myth

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This Mommy Jammies Podcast is sponsored by exSTEMsions {exSTEMsions, grows mathematicians, critical thinkers, and problem solvers through an online subscription based problem solving math program} for kids ages 10 and up. Co-owned and developed by two teachers turned homeschooling moms working to balance their own version of life, homeschool, and work. Visit exSTEMsions for a free trial today.

Which brings us to the topic of today’s podcast: The Work, Life, Homeschool Balance Myth.  {If you’re listening online, scroll to the bottom of the post to find the audio player. }

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The Myth of Balance

Balance. What is it anyway? You might be surprised (I know I was) to learn that balance has to do with an equality of passions. As Webster’s 1828 tells us, “As balance signifies equal weight, or equality, it is by custom used for the weight or sum necessary to make two unequal weights or sums equal; that which is necessary to bring them to a balance or equipoise. ”

And now we know why balance is a myth.

There is no way we can ascribe equality to the moving pieces of our lives, especially when we are talking about our children. Why do moms agonize over going back to work, taking time for themselves, or even taking a weekend away with their spouse. I think it’s because as moms, we are always balancing the needs of our family against every other need.

So, you guessed it — there’s always a certain amount of imbalance.

This also means that the other things vying for importance, will become “most important” at certain times and not at others. The struggle is real! And it’s OKAY.

Tips to Keep Things Moving

So, what’s a girl to do? Well, first let’s keep things moving. This means evaluating our priorities. ( Listen to the previous podcasts, Developing a Wholehearted Business Mindset or Recovering from Burnout).

Once we have our priorities outlined, they deserve the attention that systems and processes in your business along with a doable schedule at home can provide.

Some ideas to outline your priorities in this way include:

 

Eyes on the Prize

In the end, it’s helpful to keep our eyes on the prize. Why are we trying to do all.the.things anyway? What’s our goal? Why do we want a business, ministry, or work at home career?

If by your providing additional income to your family helps you to stay home with your children, and that’s one of your goals, remind yourself of that very thing.

This helps you count all the chaos as blessing.

The truth is, yes, we are sometimes checking our phones with kids in tow while dropping our oldest off at Japanese lessons. But, we’re doing this in the middle of the day, around our own schedules, accommodating the needs of our family. That freedom is priceless.

And learning to, not balance anything, but give priority to the things that we’re called to do, is a beautiful thing.

Action Step:

This week, make a list of all of the reasons you are thankful for the chaos that is working at home.

 

Bible Verses to Help You Gain “Balance”-

Matthew 6:33-34 // But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Proverbs 11:2 // A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

Philippians 4:8 // Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Isaiah 41:13  // For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Colossians 3:17  // And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.