sim·pli·fy To make simple or simpler, as: a. To reduce in complexity or extent. b. To reduce to fundamental parts. c. To make easier to understand. Many of my internet friends have been posting their “word” for the year.  I’ve never had a word for the year before and I’m …

The Myth of Multitasking:  (How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done) by Dave Crenshaw.  This business novel follows Phil, an executive coach, as he teaches his client, Helen, and the employees of her clothing company how they can become more productive by eliminating the costs (financial, time, relational, etc) of multitasking.  After Phil helps Helen analyze …

I borrowed To See You Again by Betty Schimmel from one of Amanda’s co-workers.  It’s the true story of two young people, Betty and Richie (named changed) who met in 1939 in Budapest after Betty’s family moved there to escape growing concern for their safety as Jews in Czechoslovakia.  Despite the …

If you’re looking for a new Christmas CD take a listen to this one!  You can download the MP3 version from AMAZON right now for $5.00!  You can’t beat that price for twenty upbeat Christmas songs!  Take a look at this link for a variety of FREE Christmas MP3 downloads from …

This is NOT the type of text message you want to receive from one of your kids. Amanda: “So, I got pulled over.” Mom: “what, why, ticket?” I had to wait an HOUR before hearing the answers to my questions. Imagine all of the thoughts running through my mind before …

One of my Facebook friends posted this VERY YUMMY Banana Bread recipe the other day. Nathan and I made a batch on Saturday and it turned out GREAT! Nathan said: “Mom, you make the BEST Banana Bread that has ever been made! I just LOVE your cooking, Mom.” Isn’t that …

I was pleasantly surprised to find out last week that my blog has been nominated again this year in the Best Variety category of the Homeschool Blog Awards competition. This is a contest sponsored by The Homeschool Post which is a website dedicated to encouraging, informing, and connecting the homeschool …

Every year there seems to be some new bandwagon of some sort to jump on. Some years it’s a new curriculum that’s all the talk. Other years it’s a new reference or resource book. This year it’s the Workbox System by Sue Patrick which is both a “specialized and structured” …

Recently, I was asked to read and review White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner. The following summary piqued my interest: “The Janviers have the idyllic life – a beautiful home, great jobs, two wonderful kids – and surrounding it all is the proverbial white picket fence that protects them, offers …

Supposedly the miscommunication regarding what time Em was supposed to head for home tonight is my fault. I beg to differ since she KNOWS that I’m not very good at texting and if she was so shocked by the time I stated in the text, she should have texted (or …