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August 2017 Personal Planning Pages – Free Printable

Jul242017
July 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

August means one thing primarily in our house – school time is starting at some point. While I thought I had an official date circled on our calendar, we may push it off a little bit depending on how much down time we have during the month. 

This past month we finished up our weekly swim meets and have one more HUGE meet with all the teams the last Saturday in July. After that, I may not know what to do with my days and evenings! We celebrated with friends as their youngest daughter was married (and raced through the pouring rain during the outside reception). VBS was also an added adventure – and one that was amazingly wonderful. 

This month: PLANNING. PRINTING. And more planning. Our co-op will be starting up again, Laurianna will begin a class (or two) at the community college, and we will ease back into the swing of a new school year. 

Here we go! Time to stay on top of things around the house!

If you’d like to get organized along with me, you can download the August 2017 Personal Planner Pages and try them out this month. I truly hope they are a help to you in the upcoming days.  

 

A Peek Inside My Planner

If you’d like to take a look at how I’ve set up my yearly planner, I’ve explained it more in this post here, as well as given links to my favorite binder and colorful tabs (because pretty makes life fun too, right?).

Yearly Planner example from Homeschool Creations-5

This year I’ve done a little something different and pulled my planner out of the binder and had it spiral bound at Staples. It has worked wonderfully and I love it this way!!

August 2017 Personal Planner Pages

You can download the August 2017 Personal Planner Pages by clicking the green download button below. There are 12 pages included as a part of the download: the month at a glance and then weekly planning pages as well, with a page that finishes up the month of July and another that goes a bit into September as well. Each month I’ll be offering a free download for that month’s planning pages, so you can check back and download them as they become available.

Download button

 

Purchase the Yearly Planner

Otherwise, if you like the layout and want to start planning out the rest of your year now (and 2018 as well), purchase the full Yearly Planner for $4.99. The calendar includes month-at-a-glance pages and dated weekly pages through December 2018. There is also a link to bonus pages and additional covers for the planner. 

Don’t miss my student planner and weekly homeschool planner – available as well!

Don’t Miss The Daily To-Do List

Daily to do list free printable

 
My Daily To-Do List is pretty basic, but hopefully it will work for you too. There is an area to make a list of things to accomplish, household goals, appointment, meals for the day, and even a space to record exercise and water intake. Each page in the document is identical so you can print them off, cut the page in half, and have two lists. If you print them front to back, you’ll have four to-do lists and save a little paper.

Hope you all have a wonderful month!! I’d love to hear your plans!

 

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July 2017 Personal Planning Pages – Free Printable

Jun262017
June 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment

July personal planner pages from Homeschool Creations 

How oh how can it already be ready for July?? This summer is flying by far too fast for me already – and I want it to slow down!! 

June has been crazy busy for our family with swim team moving along at full speed. Helping out at the annual volunteer camp for our teens also made the month fly by. Honestly it feels as though I spend the bulk of the time shuttling kids between one activity to the next and as well as work and doctor’s visits. Having two of our kids gone one week and then one gone another week – it definitely makes the time fly by!

July means more swim team (lots more!), the wedding of a family friend, and a week of VBS, so I have a feeling that month will go by quickly as well. 

Top of the agenda for the month: blocking out time to sit down and P-L-A-N for the upcoming school year! Laurianna will likely be taking classes at a local community college and needs to take entrance tests in the next few weeks so she can enroll in those classes. Like I said – more shuttling and busy! 

Needless to say, my planner is being put to good use. 

If you’d like to get organized along with me, you can download the July 2017 Personal Planner Pages and try them out this month. I truly hope they are a help to you in the upcoming days.  

A Peek Inside My Planner

If you’d like to take a look at how I’ve set up my yearly planner, I’ve explained it more in this post here, as well as given links to my favorite binder and colorful tabs (because pretty makes life fun too, right?).

Yearly Planner example from Homeschool Creations-5

This year I’ve done a little something different and pulled my planner out of the binder and had it spiral bound at Staples. It has worked wonderfully and I love it this way!!

July 2017 Personal Planner Pages

You can download the July 2017 Personal Planner Pages by clicking the green download button below. There are 12 pages included as a part of the download: the month at a glance and then weekly planning pages as well, with a page that finishes up the month of April and another that goes a bit into August as well. Each month I’ll be offering a free download for that month’s planning pages, so you can check back and download them as they become available.

Download button

 

Purchase the Yearly Planner

Otherwise, if you like the layout and want to start planning out the rest of your year now (and 2018 as well), purchase the full Yearly Planner for $4.99. The calendar includes month-at-a-glance pages and dated weekly pages through December 2018. There is also a link to bonus pages and additional covers for the planner. 

Don’t miss my student planner and weekly homeschool planner – available as well!

Don’t Miss The Daily To-Do List

Daily to do list free printable

 
My Daily To-Do List is pretty basic, but hopefully it will work for you too. There is an area to make a list of things to accomplish, household goals, appointment, meals for the day, and even a space to record exercise and water intake. Each page in the document is identical so you can print them off, cut the page in half, and have two lists. If you print them front to back, you’ll have four to-do lists and save a little paper.

Hope you all have a wonderful month!! I’d love to hear your plans!

 

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The FIRST Thing to Do When You Struggle Balancing Home and School

Apr302017
April 30, 2017 by 2 Comments

Recently I asked a question on Facebook of you all: What is your biggest struggle in balancing home and school? The answers ranged from “everything” to finding quality time with spouse, meal planning, and keeping our home clean.

As homeschool parents, we have a lot on our plates trying to balance our homeschool time with the everyday happenings at home: meals, cleaning, shuttling kids, working, more feeding of the children, grocery shopping, marriage, and the many other commitments we have outside the home. It can seem like it never ends.

Overwhelm can sometimes be an understatement in how we are feeling. 

So – how do you do it all? Isn’t that a question that we all ask? We see all these amazing images and status updates on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram from other moms with immaculate homes and (seemingly) idyllic families. Kids who are dressed and have combed hair (the struggle is real onthat one in our house), perfectly plated food, laundry that is folded…and then put away. Often we’re struggling to keep up with the bare minimum and just see the bottom of the kitchen sink and remember about thirty minutes before 6 that we have to figure out what’s for dinner.

Let’s face it – it is SO easy to get overwhelmed and feel like life is out of balance. Quickly!

I’d love to share my heart (and home) in a short series on balancing home and school in the upcoming bit on the blog (because I can use a refresher too!), but I need to put out a few disclosures.

  1. I don’t do it all
  2. My all is different than your all.
  3. Sometimes we desperately need to redefine ‘all’ to match what is reality – not expectation.

Maybe you are looking for a few tips on tightening things up. Maybe life feels completely out of whack. Regardless, in this series we’re going to talk about some ways we can approach different areas of our homes and lives and try to bring things back into a more organized state.

But today, there is one thing that I think is so very important to not only understand in our minds, but especially in our hearts. 

Know that you can’t do it all.

No matter what you think, there is no mom that is doing it all. Everyone has different priorities and things that make their families unique. There are days in our home when we are lucky to finish the basics of school and have three decent meals (because those kids keep asking for food. And the husband – he likes to eat too). Housework may be pushed to the side for a day or two…or more. Other times we may even be scraping the bottom of the fridge to find something edible. 

There definitely is something to be said for having an organization plan in place (a routine or schedule), but remember – life happens. You need to know what your top priorities are and what is most important to you.

Pinterest can be one of my biggest downfalls and if I’m being honest, Facebook too. It’s easy to see and read how everyone’s life around us is going along so amazing. Their kids are sleeping through the night after just 2 weeks, while yours are almost 10 months and can’t make it more than 3 hours (been there, friends). It’s easy to make life look “good” for others to see, but part of that transfers into a struggle when we begin comparing what friends or others have that we don’t. And then we begin the process of beating ourselves up for not having it look JUST like an image we see or an impression we got from something. 

Can I tell you something? There’s a lot that we miss in all those pictures and status updates. We are seeing what others are allowing us to see. A picture of a happy family taking a road trip together can be shared on Instagram, but I can guarantee they aren’t sharing a video or picture of the same kids that have already started fighting in the backseat over just fifteen minutes down the road. (I have zero experience with said issue. Zero.)

We don’t see the messes or the many hours that go into making something Pinterest-worthy. But our hearts take in what we are presented with and then latch onto our lack. 

And friends – that is SO not my heart for you. This is something I have struggled with tremendously over the years and it has eaten at me, stealing joy from the moments I should instead be savoring. 

If you are struggling…

While I may not know what area you feel you struggle most with, I do know there are many resources (and friends) available to help us each out along the way. Can I encourage you to pick one area in the upcoming week and spend 20 minutes a day focusing on that area? If you need accountability – ask a friend! (I will be!)

Here, the newness of spring has been inspiring to me to change up some things in our home and get back on track in multiple areas. I’m committing  20 minutes twice a day  – starting the day with time to prioritize and focus and then making a “clean sweep” of the house each evening so we have a fresh start the following morning (clean counters and a tidy living area).

What area will you focus on this week – and remember: focus on the unique priorities YOUR family has. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Do what is best for you and yours! 

 

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Filed Under: Homeschool Basics, Homeschooling Tools, Mom Helps, My Ramblings 2 Comments

Do You Struggle with Anger?

Apr272017
April 27, 2017 by 2 Comments

Does the above resonate with you? (It does me. A lot.)

In the past I’ve mentioned that anger is one of the things I struggle with most in parenting. Somehow, the kiddos in this house can push every single one of my buttons in the first fifteen minutes of the day. 

For real. 

From the many emails I received from you all after I wrote that initial post, I know I’m not alone in this struggle. And friends, the struggle is daily. It isn’t something that I read a book on and it was gone overnight. It’s a daily walk and one that I need to constantly pray about. Constantly.

Parenting is a journey that forces us not to be selfish and roots out all those areas that selfishness rests. And no matter how often we think there MUST have been a mistake in God giving us the children in our home (especially the ones that push our buttons), God knows exactly what we need and each and every one of our children are gifts from Him. Added to that, my anger – my temper, well it’s not something that I can just overlook. There is something that can be done, because anger is something that can be worked on and tempered – it isn’t a lifelong sentence unless I allow it to have a grip on me. 

But sometimes it seems like that, doesn’t it. The hardest part is often admitting that the change needs to come from me. No matter what circumstances are going on around me, I still have a choice in how I react to all that surrounds and happens around. I can CHOOSE to respond different. To not blow up. To count to 10. Or 100. Or just step away from the situation.

The Temper Toolkit

Over the last few months I’ve been watching (and rewatching) videos from the Temper Toolkit course by Lisa Jo Baker. You all – it is so very full of encouragement, helps, and reminders on who God has created each of us to be. Here are just a few: 

  • You are not a bad mom just because you have a bad day. 
  • My kids were each given to me on purpose (no mistakes!).
  • Taking a break is important – and needed – in my role as a mom. 
  • It’s okay to ask for help – and admit I am wrong. 

The course features 7 videos (under 15 minutes each), transcripts of each video session, audio downloads of each session, phone lock screens and printables, and 5 additional bonus sessions to further encourage and help you in your journey. 

I purchased the Temper Toolkit a few months ago because I just needed the little reminders (and Lisa Jo also made some beautiful screen savers and printable reminders to go along with each of the lessons). I don’t know about you, but I’m a visual person, so seeing prompts and verses really helps me out. And often I need to hear and see those reminders again and again. 

Over the next two days, the Temper Toolkit is available as part of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. The class is currently closed for registration and open ONLY to those who purchase this bundle option through October 24th. 

The Temper Toolkit course is currently waitlisted/closed – and as soon as it becomes available again, I will let you all know. If you have been a reader of Homeschool Creations for any amount of time, hopefully you know well by now that my heart is to help encourage and provide tools for other moms in their homeschool and parenting journey (and yes, you dads too!). 

Discouragement can run rampant and it’s easy to feel like a failure. Quickly. Whether it be in the area of housework, budgeting, organization, or just taking care of ourselves. Homeschooling is one of the many hats we wear!

And mommas – if there is something I can pray for you with today – or tomorrow – or the next day, would you please leave a comment or feel free to email me? I would be honored to pray with you. Sometimes admitting we struggle is the hardest and first step – and I’m hear to support you if I can. 

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It’s HERE!! 2017 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle Six Days Only

Apr262017
April 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The last few months = crazy town in our house. Since January we’ve had a lot of stuff happening. Doctor’s visits with our oldest to try and figure out what is going on with her health. Surgery for my mom (today she is undergoing a second hip replacement – the first was at the end of January). Lots of traveling and well, life in general – because the laundry and cleaning NEVER let up, friends. 

If there’s one thing I can say, it definitely helps to have systems in place to make life easier on everyone in our household – from meal planning, cleaning up and organization, spending time with my family, balancing homeschool and mom time, to even managing my emotions when things are overwhelming. 

During that time, I was squirreling away small chunks of time to read, rest, and enjoy some of the many fabulous resources that are included in this year’s Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. Maybe this is the first time you’ve heard of this bundle and you’re wondering what it is (read on for more info), and I am SO excited to be a part of this goodness again this year!

Each year, this gigantic bundle is made available for only one week, and that something very special is happening right now – The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle 2017. 

The 2017 version is FULL of ALL NEW, amazing, high-quality resources to take some of the stress, overwhelm and difficulty out of homemaking and mothering.

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle includes hand-picked eBooks, eCourses, and printables, on topics that matter to moms such as:

  • organization, routines & creating a cozy home
  • recipes, grocery shopping, and meal planning
  • budgeting and saving money
  • creativity
  • motherhood (no matter what age your kids are)
  • cultivating a strong marriage
  • faith (for you & your kids)
  • and even self-care (like exercise, weight loss, life planning and coloring books!)
  • and so much more…


Personally, there are six books and courses in the bundle (not including the three bonus offers I highly recommend) that make this more than worth it for me and purchased separately the six are worth over $200, but are all in this $29.97 bundle! Here’s a quick look at what I’m excited about: 

  • The Temper Toolkit by Lisa Jo Baker ($29) – The Temper Toolkit is a collection of practical strategies, honest stories, and Biblical resources from one mom to another to help you take control of your temper BEFORE you lose it.
  • Steady Days by Jamie Martin ($8.99) – teaches you how to apply the same techniques of efficiency, intention, and purpose that you’ve used in other careers to your most important position in life–motherhood.
  • The Cozy Minimalist ecourse ($39) – decorate your home with confidence, starting today, using just the right amount of stuff without wasting your hard earned money.
  • Delight in the Word of God ($8.99) -tool to help you connect with Jesus and hide God’s Word in your heart in a relaxing and fun way.
  • Adventures in Bible Journaling ($18.97) – designed with beginners in mind giving detailed descriptions of any supply you could possibly want and also helps you learn how to use each of those supplies in your own journaling.
  • A Mom’s Guide to Better Photos ($99) – teaches beginning photography to moms with any type of camera – smartphone, point & shoot, or DSLR on automatic – without using manual mode. Laurianna is going to use this course!
  • The three bonus offers I am REALLY loving: the Molly Green membership ($29), the Strawesome $15 credit, and the HomeBinder lifetime membership ($120) – see more on those below!

Tomorrow I’ll be sharing more about one of my personal favorites in the bundle, The Temper Toolkit from Lisa Jo Baker. It was something I purchased several months ago before even knowing it would be a part of this year’s bundle, and I was so excited to see it because I know it will resonate with many of you. 

2-DAY eReader Bonus Offer

On Wednesday and Thursday only (4/26 – 4/27), anyone who purchases the bundle will receive a FREE e-Reader upgrade (a $10 value). Personally, my Kindle is one of the devices in our home that is used every single day, and having the books available to read on the go is a huge help!

PLUS Over $250 in Bonuses!

In addition to the multitude of ebooks and ecourses in the bundle, there are FREE bonus offers from amazing companies! Our family has already taken advantage of several of these, including Strawesome, Molly Green, and HomeBinder. Some are 100% free; other are yours for the cost of shipping only.

You’ll get:

  • $15 credit and 3 art prints from Hope Ink Shop or a free digital calendar
  • FREE 1-Year MollyGreen.com Membership ($29 value)
  • $15 credit to Strawesome – reusable glass straws (we have these and LOVE them)
  • FREE lip balm kit from Orglamix ($15 value)
  • HomeBinder lifetime membership ($120 value)
  • 1 month subscription to BookRoo for kids ($18 value) 
  • 1 month subscription to MightyNest ($17 value)
  • FREE Detox project box ($25 value) 
  • 1 month subscription to Kiwi Crate ($20 value)
  • 1 month membership to Cultivate What Matters | Powersheets ($15 value)

 

 

This bundle is available for just 6 days – from now until Monday, May 1st, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. The Ultimate Bundles team can offer so much, because they only have permission to sell it for such a short period of time. 

The total value is a over $2000+ (plus over $250 in bonuses), but you get it for just $29.97. That’s 97% off what it would cost to buy everything individually!

Learn more or get your bundle now!

motionmailapp.com
 

Note: You have a full year to download the eBooks and printables and take the online eCourses, and everything you’ve downloaded becomes part of your permanent library, so you can go back to it whenever you need it. And the folks at Ultimate Bundles stand behind their bundle 100%. If for any reason you don’t feel the bundle is a good fit for you, email them within 30 days for a full refund. 

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May 2017 Home Planning Pages

Apr242017
April 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

While I know it seems soon to share planning pages for May, the first of May is in just a little over a week. Can you believe it??

My speaking will wrap up at Teach Them Diligently in Atlanta, and my hubby and McKenna are joining me this time. (McKenna may be a wee bit excited to be coming along.)

This May we also have some travel as a family planned – a wedding to attend and finally the camping for 2017 starts! Last year the weather didn’t cooperate much and several of our trips were cancelled or delayed, so we are hoping for a better year. In addition to that, swim team starts soon, and there is quite a bit of prep in getting ready for that since Rick and I are both a part of our local team board. 

If you’d like to get organized along with me, you can download the May 2017 Personal Planner Pages and try them out this month. I truly hope they are a help to you in the upcoming days.  

A Peek Inside My Planner

If you’d like to take a look at how I’ve set up my yearly planner, I’ve explained it more in this post here, as well as given links to my favorite binder and colorful tabs (because pretty makes life fun too, right?).

Yearly Planner example from Homeschool Creations-5

This year I’ve done a little something different and pulled my planner out of the binder and had it spiral bound at Staples. It has worked wonderfully and I love it this way!!

May 2017 Personal Planner Pages

You can download the May 2017 Personal Planner Pages by clicking the green download button below. There are 12 pages included as a part of the download: the month at a glance and then weekly planning pages as well, with a page that finishes up the month of April and another that goes a bit into June as well. Each month I’ll be offering a free download for that month’s planning pages, so you can check back and download them as they become available.

Download button

 

Purchase the Yearly Planner

If you like the layout and want to start planning out the rest of your year now (and 2018 as well), purchase the full Yearly Planner for $4.99. The calendar includes month-at-a-glance pages and dated weekly pages through December 2018. There is also a link to bonus pages and additional covers for the planner. 

Don’t miss my student planner and weekly homeschool planner – available as well!

Don’t Miss The Daily To-Do List

Daily to do list free printable

 
My Daily To-Do List is pretty basic, but hopefully it will work for you too. There is an area to make a list of things to accomplish, household goals, appointment, meals for the day, and even a space to record exercise and water intake. Each page in the document is identical so you can print them off, cut the page in half, and have two lists. If you print them front to back, you’ll have four to-do lists and save a little paper.

Hope you all have a wonderful month!! I’d love to hear your plans!

 

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