While I'm Home.. Let's Talk Homework

                        

It is snow day number three today.  Still home.  And more snow is in the forecast for today.  Will it affect us going back tomorrow?  Who knows.  But, I figure it's high time I get back in to "teacher mode", so this post today seems appropriate to combine the two.

An old school friend posed me a question on my Facebook page last night about my opinion on homework.  Her son receives a high amount of homework each night, and she was shocked at how much homework her son was given to complete over Christmas break.  She explained he had to do a book report, memorize the states and their capitals, math problems, and reading and answering questions from science.  

She asked if it was a "normal" amount, and why kids received so much homework?

Unfortunately, I couldn't really help her with her quandary.  Her son attends school in Florida, and I have learned that each state has a different opinion when it comes to homework.  Heck, each county, district, individual school and classroom has a different opinion when it comes to homework.  I've been in districts that demand at least 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night, and I've been in districts that have a no homework policy.  

Read this article if you don't believe me:  http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/05/living/parents-too-much-homework/

Thankfully, the district I am in right now doesn't have an "official" homework policy.  And, I'm also happy that our principal leaves it up to each individual teacher to make up their own policy... although she has shared on numerous occasions that she's not a big fan of too much homework.  

But then, what is too much homework?

In my classroom, I have a small homework policy.  I very rarely assign specific homework (meaning an assignment that's strictly done at home).  But, I do have an understanding with my students that if some assignments aren't finished in class, then they are to be finished at home.  Not all, but some.  For example, if I've spent time teaching math, and we've done stations and practiced the skill in class, I may assign some problems for the students to complete independently and finish at home.  There is one assignment that I do assign as homework each week, and that is a spelling contract.  It's a menu of spelling activities (that take about 10 minutes each) that the students are to do one of each night to practice their spelling words.  I don't really like rote memorization, so I throw in some definitions, using them in sentences, along with the "write them 5 times" stuff.

However, I try my hardest to end our day with some study time.  That's the time when the kids can work on homework, get extra help, and learn some study skills.  So, even if I do assign a small homework assignment, it's very possible that the kids can finish their homework in class.

There are many reasons I have the homework policy that I do.

One being that I am a mother of two kids that are active in extra curricular activities.  Now, I am a firm believer that sports should NEVER interfere with academics.  However, I also know that it's no fun going to a game, getting home around 9PM, and then having my child up until 11PM finishing up homework.  That just makes them tired the next day, and then the focus that should be applied in the classroom is lacking.  On the other hand, just because my child has two hours of practice each night doesn't mean they shouldn't have some homework when they get home.  But, no child (in my opinion) should have more than 2 hours of homework.  In fact, I even think that any kid in 8th grade or lower having HOURS of homework isn't good. Half hour to an hour?  Sure.  But, when my children come home, eat dinner, and then sit at the dinner table until bed time... I have a small problem with that.  When is their time?

Two... There are several kids who just aren't going to do it.  It's a sad truth, but still a truth.  And it's not always the child's fault.  Sometimes the child has other responsibilities to take care of at home, and really doesn't have the time to do the homework.  Other times (and this has actually happened), I have a child whose parent forbids homework.. and doesn't make their child do it.  Then there are the kids that really struggle and don't have the help and support at home to get the guidance they need, so they can't do it.  And then, I have the kids who are down right defiant and even after 5 months of school still come to school on Friday morning saying they "forgot" to do their spelling contract and receive a zero for the only homework grade I give.  And no matter how many times I meet with parents because their child isn't making an A because the homework isn't being done, it doesn't change anything.

Three...It improves the quality of class work and focus. By that I mean, when a child knows that any unfinished work is homework, they are more likely to buckle down and finish the work.  But, my students also know that if they rush through an assignment willy nilly just because they don't want homework, then they'll have the entire assignment to do over again when they go home.  Instilling the homework policy I have has really helped curb some of the chattiness that takes place.  My students are far less likely to waste their time if they know that they have to take home their unfinished work.  The study time I give at the end of the day is a "free choice" time.  Meaning some kids will happily take their work home and spend that time reading, others will work in small study groups (with my permission and oversight) to work together to complete their work, some will work to make sure they don't have a single thing to take home, some may use some flash cards or review some notes to practice skills, and I have time to work one-on-one with kids who I know are struggling with whatever content I delivered that day.  Any student who chooses to waste that time gets some consequences thrown their way.  But, the last 20-30 minutes of school is usually a very valuable time for all my kids, and very rarely do I have to worry about time wasters.

Four...It's more work for me.  I know this sounds silly, but it's true.  When I assign work for homework, I end up making more work for myself.  Grading, hunting it down, etc.  Taking home assignments that were supposed to be done in class is different... that's the work they were going to do.  But why give them more?  Why give me more?  

Five...How many of you like to take work home with you?  Admit it.  After being at work all day, do you really want to go home and continue working there?  I know that one of my biggest complaints in pretty much every job I've had has been the amount of time I've spent working at home.  Being a teacher, it was a given that I was going to spend time working at home.  I accept that.  But, it doesn't make the fact of me enjoying it anymore.  When I get home after a long day, I want to relax, unwind, and do ABSOLUTELY nothing.  I want the weekends to be time I can spend with my kids, doing stuff together.  So, why should we make kids go to school all day and then continue their work when they get home?  Every now and then is fine.  The truth is, many kids are going to end up with some kind of job that has them taking home work.. so it's good practice, but not EVERY night.  I've heard complaints that kids do nothing but sit in front of video games or the TV all evening.  So?  I know that's what I do after a long day at work.  I also know that many kids like to go out and play with their friends after school, or ride their bike, or play a block game of soccer.  If they have a pile of homework, and parents that support the "homework first, play second" mentality (I'm one of those parents), then often that play time is gone.  Kids spend all their down time working on homework, eat their dinner, and then head off to bed without getting any chance to unwind.  Or worse, they decide to still get in a couple of hours of play time, making them go to bed WAY later than they should, and making them tired and unproductive the next day.

Six... You can't teach with homework.  I don't care what anyone's policy is on homework, it can't be anything more than practice.  You can't send home homework that's new content.  That's just silly.  Why on earth would a teacher send home worksheets with some directions and expect a child to learn something new with those worksheets?   They can't.  So all homework just has to be a review of what's already learned.  That in itself is OK.  Some kids do need some practice outside of school.  Some of the math practice I send home is to ensure that the students grasped the content we did together in class.  But if the practice is because they didn't get it in class, they're not going to get it at home.  If the practice is for a kid that does get it, the practice is kinda obsolete...they get it, and don't really need it ingrained in to their brains anymore.  And, 99.9% of the time, they are never going to cover something just once.  When I teach something, they are going to see it over and over and over again.  Different scenarios, more in-depth usage, but very rarely will they learn something just once and never see it again.  Meaning, they are going to get practice each and every time they see that skill.

One of the most stressful parts of my job is the homework saga.  I send home a little, but it's a downright pain to get every student to turn the work in (see reason number two).  That's why I make it a point to give some time at the end of the day, because I know that if some kids don't finish their work in class, I'll never see it again...and then the grades really suffer.  Which is frustrating on a whole new level.  There's nothing worse than seeing a kid that should be making straight As make Bs and Cs just because they don't do the assignment at home, like I've asked. 

I try my best to make my students earn their grades.  I'm not an easy grader.  I couldn't care less if a child has the potential of making straight As or has made straight As their entire school life, and then suddenly starts making Cs in my class.  If the effort isn't there, neither is the grade.  On the flip side, effort is always rewarded.  Just because a child didn't get a single problem right on an assignment doesn't automatically mean they get an F. If they've done what I've asked, and put in a valiant effort to get the right answer, they'll receive partial credit.  Some people may think that's terribly unfair, but life kinda works that way.

I know I have the potential of being an amazing teacher.  I've been a good teacher up to this point, but if I decided to go to work each day, sit at my desk with my feet up, and hand out worksheets like I'm "making it rain", then I wouldn't have my job very long.  Just because I know how to do something doesn't mean I earn the paycheck.  I have to show that I know how to do it.  Put the time and effort in to it.  And, I know that even with how hard I work, I still have areas of improvement.  But, because I work so hard, my principal gives me "partial credit".  She pulls me aside, gives me some constructive criticism, and sends me back in there full of hope that I can do better.  I feel hopeful even if I've failed.  

I have some kids that feel that just because they are super smart, they don't really need to put much effort in to their work.  Their grades reflect their effort.  I have some kids who struggle so much but give me everything they have to try and get through it.  Their grades reflect their effort.  So, it's quite possible I have a super smart kid making a C and a kid below grade level making an A.  

That's how I roll.  That's how I instill responsibility and passion and drive for success.

But, at the end of the day, there really isn't a "one size fits all" way of fixing the homework problem.  

No matter what the policy is, there's always going to be someone against it.

Don't give homework?  A parent is going to be unhappy because their child has nothing to keep them busy when they are at home.  Or, the parent thinks that homework is needed to help boost grades or give them more practice.  

Give some homework?  There will be parents wanting to know why there's only homework for math but not reading.  How come there's never any science or social studies homework.  Or the fluctuation in homework days puts a kink in the home schedule.  

Give a lot of homework?  The kids don't have enough down time, there's not enough time do other activities, kids aren't getting enough sleep.  They then start to hate school and their effort and motivation dwindles to nothing.

Now, after all this, I will say that having some homework while on a break from school isn't a bad thing.  In moderation.  Requiring a certain amount of reading.  Maybe a few practice math problems.  Stuff that keeps their minds fresh for when they return... but even that mentality has it's flaws.  There will be kids that do it all on the first night, and spend the rest of the break letting their minds melt.  There will be kids that wait until the very last night of break and cram it all in, making their night very frustrating because they have so much to do and so little time.  And there will be kids that don't do it at all because they "forgot".  

So, what is the best answer for homework?  

Good question... when someone comes up with the answer, can they please let me know?

And the Snow Days Roll On

                    

That's a picture of the snow that I woke up to on Sunday morning.  Today is Tuesday.  It is Tuesday, right?  I'm kinda losing my days.  And this is what it looks like outside...

                    

We have not received any additional snow since Sunday, yet it still looks exactly the same two days later.  That's because the temperature has been CRAZY low, so no melting has occurred.  That's supposed to change today.  We are supposed to get a couple of hours of temps above freezing in order to melt some of it.  We shall see how much actually melts.

I've seen a lot of unhappiness surrounding this bout of snow and additional snow days.  Mainly because it will affect how late we get out of school in May.  Or June, as some people are predicting.  

The way I look at it, I'll be teaching summer school the entire month of June so it's not like I was going to get any summer break until July anyway.  So, I really have nothing to worry about.  The worst that's going to happen is that I won't get a week off between school getting out and summer school starting.  Which may be ideal, because after having a week off, it kind of lowers the motivation level to go back for another month.

What I don't get is that people are so OK with being off for three months in the summer, but extend Christmas break (which is two weeks) by a few days and we're on the verge of anarchy.  

Yes, I understand that it's easier to find stuff to do in the summer when the weather is nice, and the kids aren't cooped up indoors.  But what happens when we are dealing with temperatures near and over a hundred and people are urging us to stay indoors due to extreme heat?  It's not that much different.  

I know that last summer, by mid July, we were rationing our time in the pool to early mornings or early evenings and avoiding the midday sun.  It was just too hot.  If we were outside for more than an hour, we were taking the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion.  Jelly could go outside and ride her bike during those same hours, but there was no way I was letting her out when it was 100 degrees outside.  Instead, we were looking for stuff to do indoors, in the air conditioning, away from the heat.

The same thing goes for being in school.  Had we been in school these past couple of days, we wouldn't have let the kids out at recess.  The temperature was WAY too low for them to go outside.  So, we would have been trying to get kids to concentrate while the sun is shining, telling them that they have to ignore the sun, it's too cold to play.  The same way we tell them to ignore the sun in August, because it's too hot to play outside.  

I, for one, am not complaining about our extra days at home.  Any additional time that I get to spend with my family makes me happy.  And feel free to quote me as we draw near to summer break and I'm complaining about not getting out as early as we should due to making up snow days.

But, any complaining coming out of my mouth won't be because the snow days "ruined" my summer.  It will be me complaining that it's time to spend time with my family.  Because that's what it's all about for me.  I'm either home in January, or home in May (or July, because like I said..summer school).

I know that these snow days are going to now make us give up any days off we had scheduled in February, maybe even all the days we had off in March.  If the weather patterns continue, we may be sacrificing the days off in April, too.  But, after ten snow days, the state forgives any additional.  So there's no way we'll be going to school well in to July to make up ALL the days off.  That won't happen.  Today is day seven, meaning after three more snow days the rest is forgiven and doesn't have to be made up. 

If any complaining should take place it should be about the time the kids are missing out on their education.  I'll take a second to do some complaining about that.  

With all these snow days, the kids are missing out on their learning. Making up snow days at the end of the school year does us absolutely no good, because all of the state testing is done in March/April.. so the tests are long gone by the time we add on those additional days.  

So, while I'm rejoicing about having a few extra days home... I'm also panicking on the inside about how we're going to get in everything the kids have to learn by the end of the year... or by state testing.  

While I shouldn't be spending too much time worrying about those state tests, I have to.  Because the kids are going to be tested on what they know, or should know.  We're being tested on how the kids retained the information and how they can apply it.  Well, if they don't get the chance to learn the stuff they're supposed to know.. how do they pass that test?

I'll tell you how.

By the teachers going back to work and going in to double time mode.  We'll have to pull out every trick in the book to do what we can to expose the kids and teach them the content they need in order to be successful in the next grade.  Because, at the end of the day, I'm not really that worried about the test... it's more about sending my kids on to 5th grade with the tools they need to succeed.  There's a reason why we have standards and stuff.  It's the content the kids are supposed to learn in 4th grade.  If I'm sending them to 5th grade with a few holes, those holes could very well affect the rest of their schooling.  Holes and gaps are very hard to fill, especially when there's a whole grade level of content that also has to be taught.

OK, rant over.  I feel better now that I took some time to complain about the snow days. I didn't want to feel left out, or that I'm a giant, annoying ray of sunshine that everyone can't stand hearing from because all I bluster out is positivity and goodness.

Like one of my very good friends pointed out the other day... I can sit behind this computer playing Mom of the Year, but people actually know the real me.  And one thing they do know is that I'm not all rainbows and sunshine 100% of the time.  I like to whine and moan with the best of them.  Might as well find something to whine and moan about.... even though on the inside I'm perfectly happy with another day off.

Like I've said a thousand times... I LOVE MY JOB.  I really do.  It's the best job, hands down, on the planet.  I love teaching.  I love building relationships with students.  I love "a-ha moments".  I love finding creative and new ways to teach.  I love my students.  I love the people I work with.  

But, there's one thing I love more than all of that.  My family.  

How could I complain about being home with them?  

Now, I will say that pretty soon, I know that I will have three kids who are ripping their hair out because they are ready to go back to school.  Two and a half weeks is quite enough for them.  They've had enough time to try out all their fancy new toys from Christmas.  They've enjoyed spending time at Grandma's house, playing PS3 online with their friends, watching movies, playing board games with me, and they will be ready to head back and hear all about their friends' Christmases.  

And, when that time comes, I'll be ready right along with them.  We all know when enough is enough... but I let them make that call.  While they're not complaining, I'm not complaining.

And so far?  No complaining.  

Which is weird.  But, like I said... fancy new toys, stuff to do, all that jazz. 

OK, I'm done rambling.  I need to go and check the mail and see if I can make it up there without falling on my behind from the ice.

  

Antarctica, Alaska, Arkansas? Who Can Tell the Difference?

                     

Here's a side-by-side comparison on the current weather conditions in North Pole, Alaska (not to be confused with the actual North Pole), Gentry, Arkansas, and Base Jubany, Antarctica.  

If I was giving a pop quiz right now, which place would you pick to be the coldest place on earth?  In Antarctica's defense, it's actually summer there right now... so that's actually really warm for them.  But, still.  It helps to make my point about how stinking cold it is here.  And, some of my friends up north, in places like Illinois, woke up this morning to negative temps far less than what we're dealing with in my neck of the woods.

Thankfully, we got a snow day today.  About 2-6" of snow fell in our Tri-State area, which was enough to close the schools down.  While places up north are perfectly fine with having school with 2 feet of snow on the ground, our area just isn't accustomed to driving on any amount of snow and ice.  But, I am very thankful we got enough snow to have a snow day, because I just couldn't imagine our little kiddos having to walk out to bus stops when this morning the temperature was -4 with wind chills in the negative twenties.  

I stepped outside at 10:50, just to get an idea how cold it was, and the air literally took my breath away.  It hurt to breath.  I just couldn't imagine our kids going to school when the temperature was even colder a few hours ago, and having to stand waiting on a bus to pick them up.  

The high for today is supposed to be 10 degrees, but being that it's almost noon and the temperature is still sitting at 2 degrees, I doubt we'll make it to the 10.  Even if we do reach the 10 degrees, the wind chills will be staying in the negative numbers.  Which means that all the snow that fell yesterday is going NOWHERE.  Even with the sun directly shining on it, there's not the faintest hint of any amount of melting taking place today.

Does that mean another snow day tomorrow?  

Still waiting to hear about that.  But, if I were a betting woman, I'd say there's not a chance we're going back tomorrow.  Tomorrow, the temperature will get back in to a normal range and will melt off everything we have.  The high will be 39, enough to get the roads good and slushy to freeze again overnight.  But, I'm thinking that it will be drivable for us to get to work/school on Wednesday.  

I just can't believe how "OK" I am with us being out of school for another couple of days.  I mean, I absolutely love my job.  Everything about it.  But, there's just something about giving up how much fun I'm having doing absolutely nothing that makes me happy that I get to prolong my break.  

I have really got in to crocheting this year.  I usually get it out each winter, and make a few minor things here and there, but this year I'm a crocheting machine.  I've made several scarves, hats, and headbands already...and I'm excited about making more.  I've been posting some of my stuff on Facebook, and people have been telling me that they want what I'm making.  It's got me all excited about just making as much stuff as I can, and then selling it all when I'm done.  If I can stop myself from just giving it all away.

I'm such a sucker.  The minute someone says "Oh, I like that, I'd love to have it", I get this strong urge just to give it to them.  I start to feel guilty about actually charging a friend for something I've made..that didn't cost me anything to make except the cost of the yarn.  And even that doesn't really cost me anything, because I'm using yarn that's been stored for YEARS in huge tub I got a few years ago.

But, the "samples" I give away, may lead to more customers. So I guess I'll give away the few things I've planned on, and start selling the rest.  I've even decided to set up a Facebook page when I get more "inventory" to sell my wares.  

Right now, I'm cranking out headbands made from our school colors:  Red, black, and white.  I'm making red headbands with white and black flowers.  They look like this, except different colors...

                                

I figure I can surely sell those, and so I'm stocking up on as many of them as I can...and then I'll focus on making more hats and stuff that takes longer to make.  

I've already got a couple of people interested in new hat style I came up with.  It looks like this...

                                

                                

I love the way it came out, but it takes quite a bit of yarn and a lot more time than the other slouchy hats I make.  But, I got a few interested people when I posted this, so I'm going to make more.  This one has already been "claimed" by a friend.  

I've also made a couple of hats that I'm going to donate to a girl that has leukemia.  I saw a posting on Facebook asking for hat donations, so I donated two that I've already made.  

I really need to make one for myself that I will keep.  Each time I make a hat that I really like, I end up giving it away to someone else.  But, I have a scarf/headband set that I made for myself a few weeks ago that I will keep and use until I make myself the hat I want.

Maybe this year, I'll actually be able to get a good stock of stuff ready to sell for next winter.  If I actually stick with it, this time, I could actually make a few extra bucks.  I refuse to charge exorbitant prices for stuff, but anything I make is profit.  When I look at some of the prices stores like Walmart charge for scarves and hats and headbands and gloves (yes, I can make them too), I always laugh.  They charge crazy prices for stuff I can make for the price of a ball of yarn.  

So, why not sell the stuff to people, cheaper than they can buy it in retail stores? 

I'd rather avoid getting in to custom ordering.  Just because that's pressure that I don't want.  I like the freedom of making what I want, when I want.  Of course, stuff like headbands and hats don't really take that long to make, so I'd make some custom headbands and hats if the buyer buys the yarn. 

Anywho, all this rambling is taking away from the time I could be sitting and actually crocheting.  Which means I should get to getting.  I'll be sitting and waiting on that phone call telling me that school is cancelled again tomorrow...maybe it will come, maybe it won't.  But either way, I'll be ready for either scenario.

Have a good day, everyone, and be sure to stay warm!!

Are You There, God? It's Me, Joanna

                       

                 

This blog has always been an outlet for me.  A place I can come and share my feelings, my adventures, my day-to-day happenings, and my general opinions on life.  My blog, in a way, is my therapist.  I can tell it all of my problems, and it won't judge.  It won't give me opinions I'm not asking for.  It just listens...and sometimes that's all I need.  

I've always said that my blog is an open book.  I share things that are sometimes pretty deep, sometimes pretty private, sometimes just boring.  But, it's who I am.  My life.  Or at least the parts of my life I choose to share.

With my "open book" there are also subjects I try my hardest not to touch on.  Politics, religion, sexual preference, direct opinions on any subject that causes any amount of turmoil, really.  

In a way, I'm a chicken.  I have given my opinions on certain "touchy" subjects before, but I prefer to stay away from anything that might offend or shock large groups of believers.  I may sit and hide behind my blog wanting to scream what I truly feel about Obama, gay marriage, and various religious groups... but I don't.  I try to keep the peace.  Because I know that my direct opinion may offend or upset people I am close to, and I don't want to do that.... even though it shouldn't matter what my direct opinion is.  It doesn't change the person I am.  If anything, I am the person I am because of my opinions and beliefs.. so if you liked me before you knew how I felt, what difference does it make after?

Which is EXACTLY the reason I choose to stay away from those topics.  Because, the harsh truth is, there are lots of people out there that don't agree with some of my opinions, and it would change how they perceive me..what they think of me... I would automatically be added to their dislike list because I don't feel the same way they do.  

And that's sad.

One thing I am extremely proud of is the fact that I am a very tolerant person.  I embrace opposing opinions, different beliefs, and making my decisions on liking a person by the way they treat me and the people I love.  I don't automatically cast judgement on someone's lifestyle if I find out they are an Obama supporter or not an Obama supporter, if they are gay or believe in gay marriage or not, if they are Christian or Muslim or Jewish or atheist.  Those topics have absolutely NO bearing on my feelings or opinions about a person.

Unless, that person uses those opinions or lifestyles to judge me or other people.  But even then, I tend to judge on how that person treats others... not why they treat others differently.

What I'm rambling on about is the fact that one trait I absolutely love about myself is the way I can respect the opinions and lifestyles of others WITHOUT casting judgement or making opinions.  

Let me give some examples.  

When I was younger, I went to a school that had a large Hindu population.  While some of my white friends often used derogatory slurs towards my Indian friends, I embraced learning about their culture.  It interested me.  I wanted to know what traditions they held, what ceremonies they participated in, what foods they ate, and so on.  I was fascinated.  It didn't hinder my own beliefs, but I loved spending time learning about a culture and religion I knew nothing about.  

When I moved to America, and moved to Podunk, Oklahoma, I didn't have much religious tolerance to deal with.  In that town, you were a Christian or you lived somewhere else.  Period.  But, the very first person to really talk to me was a boy, that I knew right off the bat, was gay.  Take that as me passing judgement, if you will, but he was.  And told me so.  He was in high school and thought it was extremely neat that a girl from London, England had moved to a small, rural town in Oklahoma.  While other kids also thought it was pretty cool, there were also those kids that chose to make fun of the way I talked, told me to "go back to my own country", and weren't very nice.  To this day, I am convinced they treated me that way because they just didn't know any better because nobody "different" ever moved there.  But, the boy who took me under his wing knew a little something about being singled out, being the end of jokes and cruel names, and did what he could to get to know me.  Him being gay had absolutely no bearing on what I thought of him.  I liked him because he was nice to me.  

Since growing up, I have come in to contact with many different cultures and religions, and it has always fascinated me to learn more about those lifestyles.  I have spent a great deal of time reading about Paganism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Catholicism.  Even though I was raised with certain Catholic beliefs, by a some-what Catholic family... I still had lots to learn.

I have emerged myself in to these cultures, learning everything I could.  In doing so, it didn't rip me away from my own beliefs, or persuade me to believe anything different, but I very much enjoyed learning how all these different people live their lives.  

One thing I did take away from learning what I did?  They all focus around faith.  Faith in a higher power.  Faith in a Savior (or Saviors) that deliver us from evil, protect us, and keep us believing that we live our lives for a reward in the afterlife (or new life, if reincarnation is the belief).  

In many ways, these religions and cultures are different.  But, in so many ways, they are the same.  

This past year, I have spoken a lot about the "blessings" that have been bestowed on to me.  My wonderful job, my new house, my new car, the awesome Christmas we just had.

But they aren't blessings.  Those are materialistic items that I have worked hard to get.  I walked in to an interview and was given a job.  I worked hard in that job, fixed my credit and was able to buy a new car and a new house.  I used credit cards to get me through Christmas.  Hardly blessings, right?

Then there are the true blessings...

Three amazing children who are smart, loving, caring, and healthy.  A man that works hard to support his family, takes care of us, and loves us.  A family that I stay in close contact with.  A mother who fought through cancer and is now on the mend.. but alive and healthy.  Students who, despite their various living situations, come to school every day eager to learn, overcome obstacles, and bless my life everyday by allowing me the chance to teach them.  Friends who are always there for me with a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, and honesty.

They are true blessings.  

I chose not to share my own personal opinion on religion because I know that there are many people that would disagree with the way I live my life, and how my spirituality can be interpreted.

But, I will say, when I am having a really rough day, I close my eyes and I pray.  When my kids are dealing with something that I have no power to fix, I close my eyes and I pray.  When my mother was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, I prayed.  And again when she had her tests.  And again when she had her surgery.  

I pray for strength.  I pray for answers.  I pray for guidance.  I pray for sanity.  

I can sit here and write an entire book about how many times my prayers have been answered.  But, I also know that those prayers have been answered because I don't take anything for granted.  

With as many prayers that are answered, there are struggles to overcome.  With as many blessings that are bestowed on my life, there are tests that I must pass.

And here's the parts that may shock some people that know me...

Sometimes, I believe God is watching out for me.  Sometimes, I feel like karma is paying me a visit.  Sometimes I think that Mother Nature is sending me a message.  I chose to have faith in my heart, and sometimes that faith is delivered in different methods.  

I don't wake up every Sunday morning and go to church. 

I don't believe that my relationship with God is affected due to my attendance record or membership with a church.  I was a committed member of a church while living in Texas and LOVED that church.  I loved the people, the services, the groups and classes.  When I moved back to Arkansas, I tried to seek out a church that offered those same feelings.  What I received in return was rejection.  Because I was a woman living in sin... with two children out of wedlock.  I was told I could attend services, but could not join any groups because I didn't "fit in" with the life of a God fearing Christian woman.  Had I been divorced, the reception would have been different.  And while I know that there are churches out there that would gladly accept me for the way that I am, I am OK with my current situation.

I am a firm believer in living my life as a good person.  Doing good things for others.  Respecting and embracing ALL opinions... it's not my place to judge.  

I have never and would never force my beliefs on others, and respect the beliefs of others.  It doesn't bother me one bit if you pray to God, Allah, Ganesha, Shiva, The Goddess, Buddha, Oankar, or any of the other thousands of deities.  I also don't care if you chose to not pray at all, because you don't believe in any God or aren't sure there is a God to pray to.  My feelings towards you would NEVER be based on or changed due to what you believe or don't believe.

I openly support all religions, and in no way, shape, or form believe that my being OK with other religions harms my own religious beliefs.

I honestly believe that if there is a heaven, I should get in because I have chosen a lifestyle like the one I'm living.  Being a good person, helping others in need, not casting judgement, not committing crimes, being honest, and keeping my relationship with God in my own way.

I have read most of the Bible, and believe there is room for interpretation (I skipped over a lot of the Old Testament, but have read all of the New Testament).  Some denominations believe in living through the literal words from the Bible, others pick and choose the parts they deem appropriate.  I think that with our ever changing times, there is room for some interpretation and some give and take.  I believe you can't just make statements about certain versus to suit the needs of certain situations.  While the Bible does provide some guidance, it was written a VERY long time ago, contains quite a few hypocrisies, and can't possibly be taken at a word-for-word literal sense in this day and age.

I don't consider myself or others who don't regularly attend church to be "lost and broken".  Like I've said, I keep faith in my heart and I'm not looking to be rescued.  How I chose to keep my religious beliefs is my own business.  With that being said, I will NEVER reject someone's offer to pray for me, pray for situations I'm dealing with, or someone asking me to pray for them.  

I love my life, and believe that I have been truly blessed.  The people that are in my life are here for a reason.  The situations I've dealt with have been given to me for a reason.  My hardships are tests, my rewards are signs of passing the tests I've been given. Each day provides a new test, and a new way for me to pass them.  I wouldn't change anything that has happened to me in my past, because everything has helped in molding me in to the person I have become.  

And, my words on this blog today are in NO WAY, SHAPE, or FORM a direct message to specific people.  These are all my own personal feelings and ramblings.  I'm not trying to pinpoint anyone out or make anyone think I'm talking about them.  These are generalizations only.  

I know that some people close to me will read these words and feel some sadness or disappointment about my attitude... but, I hope that I can also reiterate that I'm happy.  I'm OK with living this way.  I respect the way you live your life, and appreciate any prayers you might want to send my way because you're now worrying about my religious beliefs.  But, I also hope it doesn't make you look at me any differently, judge me, or feel like I'm not a good a person as you thought I was.  I am the person I am because of the way I live my life, the beliefs I hold in my heart, and the people that I chose to surround myself with.

So, if you are one of those people... I believe you were brought in to my life for a reason.  Not to change my opinions on the way I live my life, but because having you in my life makes me a better person just from knowing you.

And to think, this entire blog post came from the fact that I prayed for snow a few days ago.  Prayed that even though I really wanted to go back to work, I wasn't ready to give up the wonderful time I'm having with my family.  This morning, I woke up to 2" of snow on the ground and it still coming down in droves.  

A simple prayer request.  Answered.  

That led me to this post coming out of me.

Coincidence?  I think not.

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!

Girls' Day Out....Times Two!!

                                 

My new year's resolutions got off to a good start yesterday, when I spent the day with my mom and Peanut enjoying a Girls' Day Out.  

If you remember, I made the resolution that I'd spend more time with my extended family.  Meaning my parents and P-Momma.  Yesterday, I managed to spend time with my mom AND P-Momma in the same day.  Talk about committed to the cause, right?

It started off with my dad bringing my mom to me around 10AM yesterday morning.  She still can't drive due to recovering from her surgery, so my dad drove her to me and while he was there he took Butter home with him.  That way, Butter could spend some time with my dad and my brother doing all those "manly" outdoor things they like to do around my brother's little farm.  

Hubby was keeping Jelly with him, and they had planned a day of video game wars while Peanut and I were gone.

After spending a little time just chatting in my living room, us three girls decided to head straight for lunch.  Peanut got to pick, and surprise, surprise, she chose Chinese food.  The girl loves that stuff.  But, so does my mom and I so we didn't mind.

We had a great lunch.  We talked and laughed and ate.  Then, it was time to start our little shopping excursion.  Peanut was in charge of that navigation, because she wanted to spend some of her Christmas money.  My mom and I were supposed to be just along for the ride... but you know how that always goes.

Our first stop was to Gordman's.  Haven't been there in a while.  But, the good thing about going the week after New Year's is the sale they always have.  They have HUGE discounts on their winter stuff... and I mean like 50-75% off almost everything.  I fully expected Peanut to dive in to the clothing racks and hunt out some bargains...but she didn't.  It was Mom and me going through the shelves full of Christmas gift sets that had been slashed in price.  

Mom and I found a few goodies, but then she started to feel the effects of being on her feet for so long.  It doesn't take much to tire Mom out at the moment...which is understandable.  She had 1/3rd of her lung removed..she's still getting accustomed to her limits.  So, we decided to pay for our small treasures and head out.

Once we got out to the car, I realized that we were only a short drive to P-Momma's house.  I gave her a quick call and we were on our way.  

One thing I am very happy about is the fact that my mom and P-Momma get along.  They know each other.  They have a relationship that I would liken to other in-laws.  They have been together and got to know each other through major life events, milestones, and family celebrations.  P-Momma knows what't going on with my mom, because I tell her everything.  So, it was really nice to have a visit with all us gals together.

We drank some coffee, we chatted, we laughed, Mom rested.  And then it was time to hit the streets again for some more shopping... this time somewhere my mom could get a ride-on cart, so she wouldn't be so tired.

For the next two hours, we shopped until we dropped.  I spent WAY more money than I had originally intended, my mom spent way more money than she had originally intended, and the one person who was supposed to be shopping hardly bought anything.  Figures.

We finally made our way home with all of our loot around 5PM.  Just in time for dinner that Hubby had cooked while we were gone.  We all enjoyed a nice dinner around the table, and then after dinner it was an evening full of board games.

Around 9PM, my mom decided she should probably think about getting home.  Peanut and Jelly both wanted to go with me, so we made the drive to Oklahoma to take my mom home. On the way home, Peanut decided she wanted to stop off at Walmart and pick up a few things.  So, there we were, all four girls walking around Walmart at 10PM doing some shopping.  

We finally made it home around 11:30PM.  Jelly was WAY overdue for being ready for bed, so I promptly got her all tucked in.  Peanut decided she wanted to play on her PS3 for a while.  Hubby and I curled up in front of the TV for a couple of hours.

I really need to stop staying up until 2AM... I have to go back to work on Monday morning!!

Anywho, it was a great day.  Peanut said she really enjoyed herself, and I concur.  It was an awesome day, and hopefully the first of many.  It was nice to get my mom away from the hustle and bustle of her house and spend some quality alone time with her.  It was nice to get an impromptu visit with P-Momma.  Just an all around, fantastic day.

It was such a good day, that Peanut has decided that we need to do another Girls' Day today...this time just being her, me, and Jelly.  

This afternoon we are going to go and watch Frozen at the movie theater.  Peanut and I have already seen it, but Jelly hasn't.  We figured it would be a movie Jelly would definitely enjoy, and Peanut and I really want to see it again.

Before the movies, Peanut and Jelly are going to make a chocolate gingerbread house.  Peanut bought it yesterday while we were perusing some of the Christmas clearance stuff.  She thought it would be a great activity for her to do with her little sister.  Such a sweetheart.  

After the movie, we are going to grab a couple of pizzas to bring home and then watch another movie or play some games or do something else together.  

If this is a precursor to how my new year is going to be spent, then it's A-OK with me!!  Fun days, doing fun stuff together.  That's what the focus of 2014 is all about for me.  

But, before I can think about going to the movies I really need to finish up some laundry, and get to entering the grades I need to get entered.  Which first means grading the papers I brought home to grade.  You're not surprised, are you?  I've been off work for two weeks, so it's only fitting that I wait until two days before I go back to start on the work I brought home.  The procrastinator in me just won't die.  

Although, we're under a winter weather advisory right now for winter weather heading our way.  The reports all say we're only going to get a dusting, maybe an inch of snow... so I don't think it will be enough to cancel school on Monday.  But, you never know what's going to happen with the weather around here.  What we do know is we're going to have Alaska like temperatures for the next couple of days, however.  

Tonight, the temperature is going to drop down to around 17 degrees.  The HIGH for tomorrow is 19 degrees!! The LOW is 2! TWO!!  The HIGH for Monday is 12 degrees.  TWELVE!!  Are you kidding me? That's snot forming instant icicle weather!  

I said I like cold weather, so I guess I'm getting exactly what I asked for.

But, that's for another post some other time...

Right now, it's work time.

First World Problems, Indeed!!

                                 

Yesterday, while doing my daily perusing on Facebook, I came across this very interesting Article on Raising Whiny Kids.  And it totally gave me the idea for today's blog post.

While reading the words in that article, I started to evaluate my take on how I raise my kids and the "First World Problems" I'm instilling in to them.

Like the author of the article, I have bestowed on my children a life much grander and easier than what my own childhood was like.  Don't get me wrong, I had a good childhood, but what I had was earned not expected.  And, I often thought my life was totally unfair.  I shared a bedroom, I was not allowed to spend all day and night in that room, phone calls were limited to 15 minutes, TV came AFTER homework and chores were done, I had chores, I could only see friends on weekends, and if I had something to complain about I could take it up with the head honchos who would listen to me plead my case...and then offer a verdict of something to actually whine about.  And by that, I don't mean a butt whooping, I mean more chores less luxuries, and a little taste of how bad my life could be.

What I considered a "tough life" was a life full of first world problems.  

But compared to my kids' lives?  HUH!

My kids all, now, have their own bedrooms.  Something that's come about with the move to our new house.  Their rooms are all decent size, and are equipped with their own TVs, cable boxes, DVD players, and gaming consoles.  And because their rooms are so amazingly awesome, I hardly see them.  Except Jelly.  She insists on making the living room her playroom regardless of how much we try and convince her that her bedroom is supposed to be where she plays with all of her toys.

When my kids do decide to emerge from their rooms, they have headphones in ears, cellphones or tablets in hand, and trying to have a conversation is a waste of time.  There's only so many times I will raise my voice to get their attention before I give up.

Mealtimes is the only time I ban any form of electronic device, but the entire meal is usually accompanied with music provided by the humming of the vibrate on the cell phones that are all out of hand's way until the meal is over.

Punishment in my house comes from taking away said electronic devices.  It's not worth grounding my kids or spanking them or sending them to their room.  The only way to get my point across is to take away their connection to cyber world.  And believe me, it works.  Within one day of no cellphones or computers, my backside is getting the licking of it's life!  Begs and pleads and cleaning comes from the kids who just can't LIVE without those devices.

And chores? Please.  What chores?  Occasionally, my kids will load or unload the dishwasher.  They might sweep the floor or wipe off the table after dinner.  Every now and then a full trash bag might get taken out. They may even be really nice to me and dust or vacuum the rugs in the living room.

There's no easy way to say it.  My kids are spoiled.

But, don't you dare say that to them.  I know that Peanut, especially, gets EXTREMELY hurt if she's called spoiled.

But even though my kids are extremely spoiled, and are living the easy life... why is it that I never get temper tantrums or disrespectful behavior?  Why is it that they are caring and giving and loving?  How are they still so grateful for the stuff they have, and never expect handouts?

All the statistics say that spoiled children are rotten.  I don't know how many times a day I can read a meme or news article about how we're ruining our kids by making life so easy on them.  How they are growing up with no sense of responsibility or care, and blame everyone else for failing grades, bad attitudes, and "me-me" mentalities.  

How did I end up with a 13 year old that worries WAY too much about other people?  She is constantly worrying about what she can do and how she can help others.  She disappears in to her sister's bedroom and cleans and organizes and makes sure her sister's room is spotless.  She showers and picks out her sister's clothes, without being asked.  She has her head in a book just as often as her head is stuck to her cellphone.  She frets constantly about her grades, activities she can participate in, and how her choices will affect her future.  She shares all aspects of her life with me.  She is constantly sharing her thoughts and feelings, and enjoys a day out with just the two of us as often as we can do it.  

How did I end up with a 12 year old, that despite having all the gadgets and gizmos he could ask for is still bored if he's not interacting with me?  He would rather spend his day with me than playing video games or losing himself on the internet.  He, without being asked, will go in to the kitchen and clean dishes, wipe done counters, and put all the clean dishes away and then disappears in to his room without letting anyone know he did it.  He will entertain his little sister, even though he doesn't really want to, but she's bored and he wants to make her happy.

How did I end up with a 6 year old that is one of the sweetest, most caring six year olds I've ever met?  She refuses to eat a snack at school unless there's enough for all of her friends.  She has never been given a bedtime, because she will tell me at 8PM each night that she's tired and ready for bed.  She can walk around a store without having a tantrum or touching stuff.  She can sit snuggled up with me for hours.  She asks constantly to help cook dinner.  She cleans up her toys, is trustworthy with electronics, and will fix her own breakfast and lunch as if she's been doing it for years.

How did I end up with kids that go through their rooms several times a year looking for stuff that they can donate to the less fortunate?  They refuse to throw anything away, because someone may be able to get some use out of it.  Right now, my den is FULL of bags and boxes of stuff that they've found over the past few days that they want to donate.  

I'll tell you how.  

Because that's how I raised them.

I may not hand out chore charts, but my kids have responsibilities.  They do their own laundry, they clean their own rooms, they take turns cleaning their bathroom.  They want something?  They either earn it or buy it with their own money (except at Christmas).  Earning comes from volunteering for chores, not being handed them.  If I tell them to do it, they aren't going the extra distance are they?

They gladly hand over their unused clothes and toys because even though they are living the high life now, they haven't always been in that situation.  We went through our time of having to shop at thrift stores, and needing help with food donations.  They are also around kids all day long that are growing up the way they were growing up a few years ago.  They can relate to those kids, and it helps them appreciate how far we've come and how much they have now.

They want to spend time with me because I make myself accessible.  I don't spoil my kids to compensate for being an absent parent.  I don't try and buy their love.  I was one of those for a very long time.  I was either working every hour God sent, or was in school and studying during those hours.  I promised them that once I became a teacher, I would make up for it.  And I have/am.  I spend time with them.  We do stuff together.  Family time is important.  I show up for all games, school events, and functions.  I drive them wherever they need to go.  We spend our car rides talking, sharing what's going on when we're apart from each other, and making plans for what to do on the weekends.  

If my kids misbehave, they suffer the consequences.  Usually by losing privileges or belongings.  I hold THEM responsible for their actions.  You won't ever hear me make excuses for them doing something they shouldn't.  Bad grades are unacceptable.  There is absolutely NO reason grades should be any less than a C...although, I'm on their case until that C becomes an A or a B.  I don't care how mean they think their teachers are or how unrealistic the workload is - they will do it.  Because if they've got time to text and surf the web and play video games, they've got time to study.  

But you know what?  Over the past year, punishment has become something that's dished out very rarely.  Not because I'm slacking as a parent, but because they haven't done anything to warrant it.  

So, why am I writing all this stuff?

Well, because I've had to defend my parenting skills over the course of the past few months.  I have been questioned about my parental ethics, my practices, and the damage I could be doing to my kids.  

I am so very thankful that all my kids have to worry about are first world problems.  

Am I a perfect mother?  Of course not.  I make mistakes.  I do things I'm not proud of.  I'm probably a little too lenient than I should be.  But, at the end of the day, I have three amazing children....that are spoiled.  Terribly spoiled,  Yet, not spoiled rotten.  

They are sweet and caring and loving and loyal....and grateful. 

I could spend all of my time parenting them with their adult years in mind.  Making them work hard, do lots of chores, limit their social and media times.  But, at the end of the day, they are kids.  They need to be kids.

I was raised in a pretty strict house.  Lots of chores.  Lots of responsibilities.  Cooking, cleaning, studying, limited social time.  Heck, I even paid rent when I turned 16 and had to buy my own car... because that kind of stuff leads to being a responsible adult, right?

I moved out at 17, ended up pregnant, and had to crawl back to my parents with my tail between my legs at 18 because I was homeless with a child. 

Sure, I'm a great mother now.  I am doing really well for myself.  But, what I have now was from years of sacrifice, hardship, and overcoming obstacles.  My childhood was pretty good, but far from easy.  My adult life has followed the same path.

What I'm trying to say is that I can still prepare my kids for the real world while letting them be kids.  Family and school come first.  Always.  But, they need to time to have fun, be alone when they want to be, be spoiled.  They will have plenty of years to worry about "adult problems".  

Who knows, ten years from now I may be regretting how I raised my kids.  But, I don't think I will be.  I like to think that their amazing childhood will follow them, and help mold the type of parents they want to be.  

I'm OK with my kids being spoiled.  With them dealing with first world problems.  Because Lord knows, they haven't always had a life like it is now.  They've had their share of bad times, but now it's time for them to smell the roses.  

I love my children and I only want the best for them. So, please don't question my parenting skills.  I have good, honest, loving, hardworking kids.  What kind of adults will they be?  I have no idea.  But, regardless... they will always be able to say that the childhood they remember was AWESOME!!

Well, Hello 2014!!

                     

My intent after ringing in the new year, last night, was to get a family photo.  A picture of all of us together.  The last picture of 2013.  But, I quickly realized that it's impossible to get three children, a man that hates pictures, and me all together for a photo when there isn't anyone left to actually take the photo.  So, I did the next best thing and took selfies with each of my kiddos and Hubby.

All of these pictures were taken right before the ball dropped...so close enough to New Year.

We had such a fun time last night.  Just the five of us, at home, enjoying each other's company.  We played games, we laughed, we ate, we drank, and it was a fantastic way to start our new year together.  As a family.  I realized I don't need loud music, tipsy people, and partying to have a good time.  I had a fantastic time with what was taking place in my living room.  And I'm a firm believer in starting the year as I mean to go on... so I started out with having a good time with the people I love.

I've really been going back and forth with whether or not to make resolutions this year.  I mean, I wrote my not-as-funny-as-they-were-supposed-to-be-but-completely-realistic resolutions a few days ago, and when I wrote them I had every intention of writing some deeper resolutions.  

I think it would feel kinda weird for me not to write some resolutions... because it's a part of my tradition.  Even though I know that 90% (if not more) of them will fall to the wayside at some point or another throughout the year.  

The way I look at it, though, is writing out my resolutions is a way of starting the year off with good intentions.  No, I might not keep to those good intentions, but I don't ever recall a new year where I look back at resolutions I made the year before and feel like my whole world has fallen apart because I didn't do everything I had intended.  In fact, I realize that I still had a pretty darned good year and would have made some of the awesome stuff that happened a part of my resolutions...had I known that stuff would happen.

In fact, if I look at last year's resolutions... 

On December 31st, 2012 I wrote the following resolutions:

Lose Weight

Make the most of my time

Become more financially responsible

Create more memories and traditions

Be happy!

There were specific bullet points added to each resolution, that didn't necessarily get checked off the list... but, if I look at the main resolutions....

In 2013, I did lose weight.  And then gained some back.  And then lost a bunch.  Then gained some of that back.  Then lost a few pounds more.  But...there was definitely weight lost throughout the year.

I made the most of my time.  I spent a good deal of time enjoying myself, spending time with the kids, having family get-togethers, going to sporting events, etc.  I'm still the worst when it comes to procrastination, but everything that needed taking care of was taken care of, and I was never in a situation where I had wasted time and not done what I needed to do.

I definitely became more financially responsible in 2013...kinda had to when we bought OUR NEW HOUSE!!  Not sure why that wasn't a resolution, but it fits nicely with this one.  Buying a house is a very grown up thing to do, and has a tight hold on the budget.  So, in order to make it work, we really had to be more financially responsible.  Still have to be, really.

I can definitely say I created more memories and traditions.  We started some new traditions during the summer when the pool was all cleaned out and ready to go.  I have a feeling that we'll do the same thing this summer.  I made some great memories with the kids going to their games...Peanut with volleyball and Butter with football.  Butter even had his first major sporting injury.  Jelly and I went to the theater and saw our first live production together.  Peanut and I went to see a college team play volleyball.  I took Peanut and Butter to homecoming.  Lots of great memories, and a few new traditions?  Check!

And I can definitely, without a doubt say that I was truly happy last year.  WAY more than I wasn't.  In fact, I would say more happy than I've been years prior.  We accomplished so much this past year that has truly made us all happy.  The house was a big motivator for that, but also with work and school and family...there has been a ton of happiness.

So, looking at that, I actually accomplished ALL of my resolutions.  I guess making them to be broken isn't always the way it plays out.  Huh?

I guess it's time I now move on to the 2014 resolutions.  What do I want to focus on this year?  

1.  Well, it just wouldn't be right if I didn't start out with lose weight.  

For as many years as I can remember, this has been my number one resolution.  It probably will be for the rest of my life.  I am convinced that one year, I will actually succeed in losing the weight I want to lose... but each year after that will have to include keeping it off.  In terms of MAJOR accomplishments, I think this might be the year where my weight might get some limelight.  I mean, a few years ago, stress from college was the reason I couldn't lose weight.  The year after, stress from not being able to find a job.  The year after, stress from getting a new job and wanting to buy a new house.  This past year, I got the new house, but that was pretty stressful.  This year, thinking forward, I think the only stress I should be enduring is the stress of losing the freakin' weight and making it stay off!  No life altering plans for this upcoming year, so what will my excuse be if I don't succeed... or do a lot freakin' better this year?

2. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

I know one of the main reasons I don't lose enough weight is because of my lack of exercise.  I'm one of those people that gets all excited about something, and the novelty soon wears off.  A few years ago, I got all crazy excited about a boot camp I did.  That lead to a love for running.  Before I knew it, I was participating in 5K races.  And wouldn't you know, that year I lost 80lbs!!  I tend to enjoy exercising when I'm actually doing it, but it's the getting to the part where I'm actually doing it that's the problem. I would really like to do the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure again this year, but there's one race I REALLY want to do.  That would be the Cancer Challenge 5K that comes around in September. I did it one year, but that was it.  This year, I want to do it because I have a very good reason to:  My Mom.  She is going to be my motivator this year to participate in cancer related races.  And, as crazy as it sounds, I'd kinda like to try a Mud Run this year.  No definite plans, but something to think about.

3.  Reduce Some Debt

Up until 2012, I had awful credit.  And I mean bad.  I couldn't even buy a car from a used car lot without a co-signer.  If I applied for some form of credit card, I could just hear the chuckles and stifled laughs come through the phone line as the person helping me tried to contain themselves after looking at my credit score.  I was so relieved when I could start doing that stuff online, to save myself the embarrassment.  But, after a lot of hard work, I started to repair my credit in 2012.  By the time 2012 was over, I had my first small credit line credit card and even purchased a brand new car (with a co-signer).  Thanks to the credit that the new car provided, I was approved in 2013 for a home loan.  All by myself. Without the need for a co-signer, but Hubby and I bought our house together because it increased the amount we could borrow.  I was approved to finance the new furniture that we bought for our house.  I also got not one, but two more credit cards.  It seemed like the more credit I was given, the more I could get.  

I was pretty financially responsible in 2013, however, and just because I had the credit didn't mean I maxed it all out and used it willy nilly.  But, thanks to a pretty awesome Christmas... I did a little more spending than I probably should have.  This year, I want to reduce some of the crazy amount of debt we have.  That starts with paying off one of our vehicles and zeroing out all of the credit cards.  That will be done at tax time.  No lavish spending sprees...using the money we get back wisely to decrease some of our debt.  Then, I'm going to start working on using some of the money I usually spend on paying that car payment and credit card payments to apply a little more to the other car payment to help that one be paid off faster.  By this time next year, I'd like to have a lot less debt...but, without going all crazy, silly.

Which leads me to...

4.  Not stress about money.

I know with number three, this is kind of negating what I just said.  But, I truly believe I can eliminate some debt without going all crazy about it.  Be more financially responsible with paying off some bills and getting rid of a car payment is a great way to reduce debt, but I still want to be able to afford a little fun.  Nothing extravagant, but if we want to eat dinner out occasionally, or catch a movie, or take a day trip somewhere.. I want to do that.  

I'm pretty sure we're going to need some money before the summer to do some work on the pool.  We noticed a few cracks and missing tiles that need to be replaced.  We need to do that.  We had a leak in our bathroom and a couple of floor tiles got damaged.  We need to take care of fixing them.  We really need a new shower in our bathroom, and we might need to take care of that too... but, this year, I'm not going to stress too much about money.  Be sensible, yes.  Be stingy and tight?  No.

5.  Be more organized.

I'm a procrastinator.  I load way too much stuff on my plate that leaves me running around like a headless chicken.  I enjoy a fast paced lifestyle, but often blow off what I consider to be less important, or forget stuff that needs to be taken care of because I'm so busy all the time.  I want to do something about being better organized.  Rather than just relying on to-do lists and charts and planners, I want to get myself more in a routine of taking care of stuff that needs to be taken care of.  Doing stuff like taking care of what I need for the next day at work before I leave each evening, grading papers throughout the week so it's not all piled up to do over the weekend, writing lesson plans daily rather than doing it all on Sunday evening, get in to a routine with housework so that the same things are done each and every week on the same day... so there's no trying to fit it in when I can.  All stuff that would help me be more organized.  I really envy those people who live in the fast lane, but always seem to be so put-together, calm, and have an immaculate house to boot.  How do they do it?  Well, maybe this year I'll find out.

6.  Spend more time with family.

In 2013, I can definitely say I spent a lot of time with my kids.  Doing stuff together, going places, enjoying quality family time.  But, in 2014, I want to make more time for my extended family.  Not going an entire week without calling my mom to see how she's doing, not going a month before we see each other, not letting weeks and months pass before I see P-Momma.  Apart of my organization resolution will be including time to spend visiting and hosting family.  Whether it be inviting them over for dinner, or going over to visit them a few times a month, or planning a day where we can all go out and do stuff together... I don't want to feel like I need to "fit them in" at some point.  Just a natural, normal flow of time spent together... and more of it.  

7.  Date night!!

I don't remember the last time Hubby and I went out and did something romantic or fun with just the two of us.  Well, actually I do.. last year between my birthday and his.  We always seem to get one date night between February and April to celebrate both of our birthdays.  That usually includes the kids spending the night at my parents' or P-Mommas while Hubby and I go eat dinner at Red Lobster and then go home and enjoy some quiet time alone.  This year, I don't want to just get our one birthday dinner.  I want more time for us to spend some quality alone time together.  Peanut is old enough to babysit, now, and so I don't see any reason why Hubby and I can't go out for dinner now and then, maybe go out and watch a movie, or go out with some friends for an evening.  I devote a lot of my time keeping my kids amused and running them here and there for events and stuff they want to do.. I think it's high time Hubby and I get to cash in some of the chips I've been adding up to do some stuff alone.  

8.  ENJOY OUR YEAR!

This one should be easy.  I just want to enjoy the year.  Another year of life.  Making the moments count, laughing, trying new things, enjoying old things.  Not being too serious, and just have fun.  Before I know it, my kids will be all grown with lives and families of their own.  I just want to make each and every moment count while I still have them under my roof.  Peanut will be heading off to high school this year, Butter will be heading in to 8th grade, little Jelly is going to be moving in to 1st grade.  They grow up so darned fast!!  I just want to create more memories, live life to the fullest, and end this year with another round of "had a fantastic year!"

OK, I think that pretty much does it for me.  I really need to get to getting with cleaning up the house after all the fun we had last night.  I didn't get to take the tree down, yesterday, because I was out and about with Butter and Jelly for most of the day... so that's the first thing on my agenda.  

Hope everyone had a great time last night, and I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!