Planner and St. Patrick's Day

Just a quick post on the planner I am using since Leanne asked about it.

I purchased the planner from Five in a Row and love the beautiful monthly calendar pages and the many other pages in this digital download.

I put tabs on each month for ease of use.  Gotta love those post-it note tabs (which stay on quite well!).

The pages inside each month are a grid for each of my children.  I planned subject areas I wanted to cover at the beginning of the year.  As they do their work each day, I write completed work in my notebook.  Guess it really isn't a planner per se, since I'm really recording in it and not planning.  Anyway, it is working for me.  Here's a picture of the page I'm using.  It's a simple document created in word.  If anyone wants a copy, I'd be happy to send it to you - just shoot me an email.

We just did a few fun things today for St. Patrick's Day.  It was easy for me to add some things into our workboxes and not feel that I was having to do a whole lot of extra planning.  I got everything from either a free download or a website on-line.

We played a shamrock game - which could really be done any time of year.  I printed shamrocks with numbers on them and cut them out.  Then layed then on the floor face down.  The children walked around the circle while music played and when the music stopped, they picked up the card and told me the number.  It's a young game, but still fun.  After playing a few rounds, I had the two youngest boys line them up in order.

We also played some leprechaun tic tac toe.  Who knew such a simple game would be such a hit.  The older children read about St. Patrick, answered a quiz about a variety of things Irish and played some themed computer games.  One of the interesting tidbits we learned today was that 40 percent of US Presidents have some Irish heritage. 

Rebecca is such a good sport to play the games with the boys.  She also made shamrock cookies - slice and bake - for an afternoon treat. 

Blessings,

Leslie

You Are Special!

I've had several people ask about this since I've posted some recent pictures.  I thought I'd share a little more with anyone reading who might be interested in sharing this tradition with their family.  :-)

Several years ago, Rebecca wanted to go to a pottery place on her birthday (I think this was either '05 or '06 because Daniel was little and Eliana wasn't here yet).  This was the type of place that glazes and fires your pieces.  While she painted, I decided to make a plate for our family.  I chose a square one because it was different.  I painted it red because I thought it made it really stand out - and it reminded me of love.  I decorated it very simply and added the words "You Are Special!"

My idea was that we would use this plate to mark milestones and special events - like when Christopher got his driver's permit.  I also thought it could be used when someone was extra helpful or needed to be reminded that they are loved and valued - not because of what they do, but because of who they are to us and in Christ.

I've been sporadic in using this.  I've used it a couple of times recently though and hope that perhaps this will help get me back on track with it.  I want my family to know how cherished and special they are.  I want them to look for ways to encourage and affirm each other.

To help make this more of a keepsake, I also purchased a journal (at my favorite store - Target).  I wrote a letter to my family in front of it telling about this plate and the journal. 

I started recording the date, person eating from the plate and why they received the plate. 

I am praying that this will be a sweet memory that our family has of times spent together.  I am praying that my children will always know that they are special and loved. 

God said "You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you."  Isaiah 43:4

Blessings,

Leslie