The beauty of letters

Recently, a friend of mine moved back to Chicago. I've only known her a few years, but I was immediately drawn to her because she is an extreme extrovert (I am not). I am drawn to honesty, and she laid everything out there from the start. 

I met her in a running group, and found her sobbing in a parking lot after a run one Saturday. She was sad and missing Chicago, but had felt compelled to move to North Carolina. I admired the bravery it took to put behind a life that was comfortable and move to a location where you knew no one. (Again, a quality I was drawn to because it is so different than my qualities.) God created variety, and we are drawn to it, even though it's scary. 

Her moving back hit me harder than I expected. Keeping in touch via e-mail or Facebook  just didn't feel like enough, and I hate to talk on the phone. So, I suggested we write letters. Her first letter arrived in a burst of colors: she had cut out strips from 4 different colored papers and written on each one. One had an update, and others included Bible verses and even lyrics from a Pink Floyd song (again, variety).  It took me over a week to write her back, and when I did, I was taken aback by how difficult it felt. I didn't know what to say, and in a world when a meal is worthy of a status update, much of what I had to say felt trite and boring (mainly because it was). However, it felt like a gift to get a real letter in the mail, and seeing her handwriting felt like really seeing and hearing from HER, the real her. I wanted to continue.

I created a list (somewhat based on the idea of the Homeschool Mother's Journal) to guide me when writing letters. Maybe some of you will decide to bring back letter writing, one letter at a time.

Letter Writing Prompts

(choose a few to answer each letter)

What's been happening lately...

Some advice or a tip I've heard or would like to pass on...

I've learned...

Where I've been....

People I've seen....

My favorite thing lately....

I'm working on this...

A great recipe or meal I've had lately...

I am thankful for...

I want...

A quote or joke to share....

I'm currently reading...

Something I read lately....

This news story has been on my mind...

I'm enjoying watching _____ on TV because....

I'm concerned/anxious/nervous about....

I've been distracted lately by....

A pet peeve of mine...

A small thing that happened lately...

A big think that happened lately...

I wish....

I need to....

I want to....

I am frustrated about....

A Bible verse that spoke to me....

I'm doing well at....

I need to work on...

Something you don't know about me....

A question I'd like answered in general...

A question I'd like answered about you...

Tell me about...

A childhood memory....

My unfinished projects....

I have a block/ have been putting off....

My favorite Bible verse/ story/ lesson....

How I've seen God at work in my life in the past/ now.....

My favorite place(s)....

My family....

Have you seen?

Something I don't like to remember...

An embarrassing moment from the past/ recently.... 

In our homeschool this week… We had a productive first week! We started school on time each day (which for us is 10 AM so I can get things done in the morning before school). Our morning work went well; I love having the routine in A-B-C order (see previous post on morning work) to help me get it all in. It's also given us a predictable routine. The longest it's taken (and this is with them completing their literature reading for the day!) is 1.5 hrs. 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… Keep a bin with all the things you need for morning work (or together work) in a bin organized with hanging file folders. Wal-Mart has a bunch right now in different colors (pink for me!) for only $3. 

My favorite thing this week was… getting to teach more in the mornings rather than just read-alouds. Confession: I hate reading aloud non-fiction books. With our curriculum last year, there were so so many. None this year!

My kiddos favorite thing this week was… Though they won't admit it, I think they are glad to be back to a routine. They are loving the drawing/ writing part of our morning.

Things I’m working on… shutting my brain off. I am in plan mode and that's all I can think about.

I’m cooking… all my dinners were plan-approved Trim Healthy Mama meals! We had turkey wraps and tomato/cucumber salad, pasta with bacon and spinach, Greek yogurt chicken, and quiche! Tonight, I am making Cheeseburger Pie (recipe in the book).



I’m grateful for… the chance to teach my own children and use my organization skills.

 I’m praying for…our homeschool to be pleasing to God.

 I rewarded my kids this week by… not having them do every single subject every day; we will jump in next week! 

 Something I am ogling or have my eye on… more clipboards. I love organizing with them. I think I saw some at Dollar Tree last time I was there; going back and stocking up!

10th grade curriculum choices for 2013-14 school year

HISTORY/ BIBLE
He will be using Notgrass curriculum: (http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/home.php).
 (sorry picture quality isn't good)
He will be participating in a once-a-week class where they will discuss the reading AND take and grade the quizzes that go along with the curriculum (in the quiz and exam pack). He will complete the Bible study questions posted each day for a full credit of Bible as well. 

LITERATURE/ WRITING
Luckily, the Notgrass curriculum also includes writing assignments and novels to coincide with the lessons! A goal of mine is to be diligent with grading the writing assignments each week and providing immediate feedback. I can address any issues I see in private lessons with him. He has a lot of novels to read!


Here's a link to all the titles: http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/Exploring-World-History-Literature-Package.html

VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Cartoons: SAT Word Power (finish volume 1 and then move to volume 2)


MATH
Teaching Textbooks~ since we started Geometry half-way through last year, he will  have to finish that up before moving into Algebra 2. I have done a lot of research on this curriculum, and I know there is a lot of criticism of the high-school levels. I just can't switch from this because it solved our number one problem in homeschooling: math. I was still undecided about this when I went to a homeschool convention in May. Somehow, I ended up in conversation with a lady on a bench beside me, and she happened to mention how her now-in-college son had used TT all through homeschooling and was doing great in college. It was a random comment and I chose to see that as a sign. When my son reaches his senior year (if TT doesn't come out with another year), I will make sure he takes a class (either at a local college or through a homeschool high school program right near us) to better prepare him for college.


PE
Family Time Fitness High School Fitness Foundational Strength
http://www.familytimefitness.com/fitness4homeschool/Fitness4HomeSchoolHighSchool.php
They frequently offer $15 off or other sales. He will combine this with treadmill a few times a week. This has him keep a training record, etc. and teaches basic strength training.

SCIENCE
Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry


SPANISH
Rosetta Stone Spanish Homeschool Edition (continuing from last two years)


He will continue with learning computer programming, etc. on his own time. For now, I don't have other electives planned.  I hope some others share their high school curriculum; this is scary because it's so important! 

6th Grade Curriculum choices for 2013-14 school year

HISTORY:
Mystery of History Volume 2 and Story of the World Vol. 1 (a few chapters) and then Vol. 2

 

LITERATURE:
Books to correspond with history. Titles include The Door in the Wall, Pompeii, Augustine came to Kent, Castle, King Arthur, Beowulf, Arabian Nights, The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow, Greenland Mummies, Eric the Red, Queen Eleanor, Robin Hood, Trumpeter of Krakow, a few Canterbury Tales, and the biographies from What Really Happened During the Middle Ages. I purchased all new or used from Amazon, with the exception of the last book (see link below the picture below).
http://www.knowledgequestmaps.com/What-Really-Happened-During-the-Middle-Ages.html

WRITING
http://www.essentialsinwriting.com/
Essentials in Writing/ Grade 6. I am very excited about this curriculum. It is only $40, and includes a video teaching session for each lesson (similar to Math-U-See). It also came with a 200 page book of handouts (I printed it out, but I think it's only $20 to get a copy sent to you). Looking through the handouts, it is very similar to the way I taught my 6th graders to write back in the day when I taught in public school. 

SPELLING
Spelling Workout- he will need to finish level E. For 5th grade, we did several weeks of All About Spelling, and then moved to this book. After he finishes E, I will probably use some spelling curriculum I already have from when I taught. 



MATH
Teaching Textbooks. Math has always been the most challenging subject for us. It has caused more tears and doubts than any other thing about homeschooling. I had a break-down half-way through last year, let them quit their then-curriculum, and bought Teaching Textbooks. Things have been much, much better. Unfortunately, they are behind because both boys will have to finish last year's curriculum before moving on, but I think we stand a chance due to the shorter length of this curriculum. 


SCIENCE
Apologia Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology

Both boys love Apologia. We will also use the notebook they publish in conjunction with this. My son is not looking forward to this year, and is calling it the year of "Butts and guts, tongues and lungs." Spoken in true 11-year-old boy fashion. 

VOCABULARY
When Scholastic holds their $1 e-book sale, I purchase vocabulary curriculum! This year, he will complete both of these books: (website: http://shop.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreView?storeId=10751&catalogId=10051&langId=-1)


 

PE
He will be going through the Couch to 5K plan again in co-op this year. He will need to do a workout on the treadmill twice a week. 

SCRIPTURE/ BIBLE/ CURSIVE
In addition to our morning work, he will also be doing a personal Bible study called The Dig. He'll go through the book of Luke through two volumes of this study. Here is the website:
http://thedigforkids.com/

He will also do scripture copywork to continue improving his cursive. I am using the advanced cursive version of this book in the Handwriting without Tears format: (website: http://characterwritingworksheets.com/)


We also plan to add some typing and some electives as the year goes on. Here's praying for a great 6th grade year!!

And, just in case, I am issuing another invitation to join this photo-a-day challenge (this begins my 11th month, website =http://fatmumslim.com.au/ ):

Planning and Workboxes for the 2013/14 School Year

I did a lot of planning towards the end of last school year so that I wouldn't have to spend my summer doing it. The hardest part was choosing the novels for my rising 6th grader to read (since I decided not to use a pre-planned curriculum with him). I had to try to schedule each novel I selected at least in the general vicinity of when he was reading about the events. (I will go through his complete curriculum later, but his history spine is Mystery of History V. II, or MOH).  This made my brain hurt. I just kept a running chart on my computer, and as the novels came in that I'd selected (often using input from the suggestions in the back of MOH), I'd try to fill them in. Since I already had planned his daily readings from MOH, I knew which days he would be studying what. I then filled in the gaps with additional readings. Most are novels, but some are short biographies or non-fiction books, so there is some variety. Here is  a page from that completed chart (day #, book, page #s or chapter(s) to read):

Here is one page from the long chart where I planned out his history assignments. I planned for 150 days of lessons. We go to a co-op once a week for most of the year, so we have a lot of 4-day weeks as a result, so I don't plan a full 180 days. (Our state doesn't require that anyway, but I do like for them to do schooling/ co-op for at least 180 days, though we were well over this year. Shhh.... don't tell them). My 6th grader loved Story of the World last year, so I am using a few chapters from Volume 1 and then many from Volume 2 to supplement his MOH. This was a chore to figure out, but I did get help from this wonderful chart (I love the Internet!):  http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/sotw2moh2.htm

I also went through and planned out 150 days of his science, making sure (as in the other charts) to have one column that lists what I need to put in his box for him to complete each day's assignment. I have everything in binders and made a "Planning Box" so that all the resources I need to plan/ fill boxes are in one place (see photo on right below). 

Another new thing I did this year: had the spines cut off the big history books (like MOH) and had them 3-hole punched. I am removing each week's reading from my big binder (see them in my box), and placing it in a small 1/2 inch binder, so I don't have to fit huge books in their box. I think it's less intimidating for the boys as well. And, I will go ahead and admit the accountability will be good for me as well. If I don't go through their boxes and give them the new week's reading, they won't be able to do it. I need incentive to do my job sometimes.

Yet another new thing: I am using Scholaric (http://scholaric.com/ )! It is an inexpensive online program to plan weekly assignments for each subject AND keep track of grades. I was very nervous because I LOVE paper planners, but it is very intuitive and I had no problem entering in our first week's assignments. (I mainly just had to transfer info from my charts to the program.) Here is what one page of the Scholaric plan looks like printed out (the week continues on another page):

I am printing out a copy for my plan book, and then printing another copy and cutting it into strips to give to the boys in their boxes. Each strip has one subject on it (cut horizontally) with a week's assignments. I have always hand-written assignment cards (see previous post on planning), so this is new. I had to figure out how to give the boys the strips without them getting lost or damaged, which brings me to the description of the workboxes! I will start with my oldest, who will be entering 10th grade. I am using a folder/ clip board system with him. Here is the inside of one of his folders (one per subject):

On the right, I've stapled a section of a clear page protector to serve as a pocket for the assignment strip I talked about. Each week, I can just slide the old one out and slide the new one in. Any paper or handouts he needs will also be in that pocket. Once something is completed and ready for me to grade, he moves it to the left side. Below left is a better picture of the assignment strip and the pocket, and below right are the boxes he will have in his room with supplemental books only; all assignments and directions will be in the folders.


This is how his folder/ clip board system will look:

  He will have to bring it downstairs each day so I can do a quick check to make sure the work is completed. 

He has a clipboard for subjects that entail writing because I've noticed that even though he has a desk in his room, he often works sitting up in his bed. I've used lap desks before, but think the clip boards might be better. We will see! So, he has a folder for each subject, and some subjects also come with a clipboard. 

Now for the 6th grader. We are still using the IKEA Trofast system, as we did last year. I replaced velcro labels (which always fell off ) with labels printed on a label maker. (Hard to see, but they are at the bottom right side of each box).

Here is the inside of one of his boxes. I used command strips to adhere a clear clip (they used to carry them at IKEA) to hold the strip on the right-side of each box. He can probably read it without even taking it out, but if he does take it out, I will need to reinforce that he needs to be it back! Let's hope he complies. 

I am glad I didn't wait until this weekend to get ready. Hope you enjoyed this peek into my planning system and our workboxes. 

Plans for next year.... our morning work!!

We are getting ready to begin our new school year the first full week in August, which means only one more full week off : (. I have finalized curriculum choices and how we will apply workboxes, but I will post that later. I wanted to share the alphabetical order (A-I) that I will use to help us remember the parts of our morning work, which we do together, as well as some of the resources we will be using. (My oldest will be in 10th, and my younger in 6th. I can't believe I am teaching 6th grade again; I taught 6th for 4 years in public schools before having my first son)!

So here it is, A-I of our morning homeschool group time:

A= attendance. I keep forgetting to take attendance, and then have to go back and figure out which days we held school to finalize my records. I am marking my state-required chart as we go this year! (She types hopefully).

B= Bible. We are going to start the Bible Road Trip free online curriculum (http://bibleroadtrip.org/). We will begin with Year One, Week One, the dialectic level. This is a 3-year curriculum, complete with free printables. It is short and sweet. We will also memorize a Bible verse each week. I am using this form to plan and keep track of what we will memorize: http://www.mamaslearningcorner.com/memorize-scripture-record/
I also will use the Charlotte Mason Scripture Memory system:  http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/
 I've already printed out all the information from this site and set up our index card system. Additionally, I got this book for free for my Kindle (it is currently $3):

http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Verses-Everyone-Should-ebook/dp/B004HIM2X4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374798884&sr=1-1&keywords=100+bible+verses+everyone+should+know+by+heart
This has been a terrific read and I can't recommend it enough. It has suggested verses (100 of course) at the end, which I will use when we run out of ones I've already picked as being relevant to us. 

C= Current Events- maybe CNN Student News or Channel One News. I haven't used CNN, and it's been awhile since we've done Channel One, but I think we need to do more current events. We also may just look at some online headlines and discuss them. Links to the news programs mentioned:  http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/
http://www.channelone.com/

D= Drawing. We will do a quick draw each morning. I got this Kindle book when it was free:
http://www.amazon.com/Draw-Collection-Pages-Collections-ebook/dp/B00C7RPT2I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374799218&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+draw+1-12

We will do one drawing from this (me on the white board and the boys in a blank book), or draw something related to what we are studying (a free-style, on your own drawing). I also got this book that correlates with our history curriculum, which we will do as the topics come up in their studies: http://www.amazon.com/Draw-Write-Through-History-Renaissance/dp/097785972X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374799296&sr=1-1&keywords=draw+and+write+through+history


E= Encouragement. We will sometimes just discuss how things are going in our homeschool, or read the day's devotional from Jesus Calling.

F= Five-minute writing. (Can you tell I'm trying to get more right-brained activities into our school day?) I will pick a random topic from this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Things-Journal-Francisco-Writers-Grotto/dp/1452105448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374799599&sr=8-1&keywords=642+things+to+write+about
We will each write about the topic and then share. 

G=Geography and Grammar. I really enjoyed teaching geography when I taught in public schools, and I think my boys need more of it. I will use resources I used in the classroom, as well as follow this curriculum:
http://www.home-school-curriculum.com/product/trail-guide-to-world-geography

I also downloaded the notebooking resources that go along with it, and purchased the purple classroom atlas. We are doing the middle level (it includes 3 levels). 

For grammar, I am using Easy Grammar for both boys (each at their own level). I will have the boys complete it on their own, and then check it and give feedback immediately. 

H= History Novels. I like when we are all together, reading. The boys will read from the novel they are currently assigned (I use novels that correspond to their history), and I will read whatever I want!! Yippee! Maybe I'll actually read some of those Kindle books!! 

I= Independent Work. This is when the boys finish our group time and begin their boxes. Morning work should only take 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Since we start at 10 AM, they should be able to finish a few boxes before taking their lunch break at noon. 

I dream, and plan, big. I hope I can maintain this schedule, which came about after some soul-searching about what was really important to me in our homeschool. 

Yay! I have taken a photo every day for the past 6 months! Don't you want a new obsession creative outlet too??? If so, visit:
http://fatmumslim.com.au/

Here's March's list:

New thoughts on cleaning...

Clearly, attempting to blog everyday in October, 2012 burned me out a little! Also, I know only a handful of people actually read this blog, so I appreciate the importance of an audience in terms of providing motivation. (Mom, of course you alone are worth it!)

I am here in 2013, still struggling with fatigue and motivation. 

I really liked my cleaning schedule, but realized I wasn't sticking to it. Then, I had more decisions as I had to decide:
*do I try to do yesterday's work and today's to catch up? But I'm soooooo tired.....
*can I put this off until next week?
*does this matter?

I learned future me is a very unreliable sort. She  never seems to pick up the slack despite my high expectations of her. So, now I am doing something I call, "Chunk cleaning." I'm sure variations of this exist elsewhere on the Internet, but I have come up with this on my own.

First, I listed all the basic things that MUST get done each week. I broke it down a lot (for example, not just "vacuum upstairs" but "vacuum master bedroom" "vacuum hallway" etc.)  For dusting, I also listed each room separately. I listed each bathroom, but the vacuuming/ mopping of each bathroom separately. So, I broke all the chores down. I also listed each load of laundry.  I typed up this list and printed it out. Now, when I have a few minutes, I do whatever I feel like doing on the list, or what is most needed. Then, I cross it off. No more trying to buck the rules I've set (bathrooms don't have to be cleaned on only Monday)! Some of the chores only take 5 minutes, some 15 or more. On Saturday, I will have to do whatever is left. This provides some motivation... I like a lazy weekend! 

I'm on week 3 and thus far I like this new system. 

And one more thing.... I did the spring cleaning thing today of washing my mattress pad, vacuuming the mattress, and using a dust-mite spray (and then vacuuming again). To vacuum my mattress thoroughly, I just put the entire vacuum on the mattress, set the vacuum roller brush to its highest setting, and stood on top of the mattress and vacuumed it just like a floor! I've always struggle to use the tiny attachment on the hose; this was so much easier and more effective.

LAST DAY!!!

I am so glad I am not a professional blogger because this has been hard!! 

For this last day, I am making some commitments for things I know I need to do to simplify my life, but haven't done yet.

Here goes:
1. I know from my organization projects that I need nothing. I have enough soap, toiletries, envelopes, flour, tea, batteries, post-its, pens, pencils, glue, etc. to last me probably the rest of my life. It is a bit embarrassing. I am going to think long and hard before I purchase ANYTHING. I was in Wal-Mart the other day and was temporarily tempted by some of their fall items. Then I told myself, "Leave it here!!" I have too much stuff. No more is coming in. 

2. When my newspaper subscription runs out in December, I am not renewing. I rarely read it. It piles up and makes me feel guilty. My oldest son and husband love reading the comics, so they get that one section out and leave the rest on the living room floor, and not in a neat pile. I have found out that they can pick their favorite comics and have them delivered to their inbox for a very low monthly fee.

3. I am letting most of my magazine subscriptions expire. I love magazines, but in this season of my life I simply don't have time or energy to read them. I think I will  keep: Taste of Home, Cooking Light, Real Simple, Women's Day, and All You. I may keep Self for exercise motivation. The rest will not be renewed. I should probably go ahead and cancel the rest now, but I am not ready yet. Baby steps! I know even this list is probably more than most people get! I consider this one of my hobbies : ). I love getting a magazine in the mail, and having a stack of unread magazines next to my bed. 

Things I will continue doing:
*putting things away where they belong
*buying Kindle versions of books instead of hard copies
*trying to embrace "good enough" and letting perfection go

I know that the things I have shared are things that have worked for me and may not be applicable to anyone else's life, but hopefully you found at least one thing that might work for you, or been inspired to look for ways to simplify your own life. Thanks for reading!

Simplify Life # 30

I think the best thing I've done to simplify my life is to allow myself to spend the time and money to get my home organized. I have diligently followed the Home Organization 101 Challenge (http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/).I now feel like I can trust my home. I know where things are and where to put them away.

Also, I used to feel labeling things wasn't necessary. Now, I use my label maker all the time, even if it's obvious what is on that particular shelf or in that particular container. I realize this serves three purposes: 
a. can see at a glance what I have since items are grouped together in one place by label
b. I am accountable when I put things away now; I put things away where they belong because of the visual reminder of the label (especially helpful in my lazy susan!)
c. My family can find things, too. 

I am a cheapskate and it has been hard to spend money on plastic organizers, but it is so worth it and it's what I asked for for Christmas this year! 

Simplify Life #29

This one is short and to the point: I unsubscribed from most e-mail newsletters and blogs. Now, my inbox is far less saturated than it used to be. It took about an hour for me to unsubscribe to all of them, but it has been worth it. I also try to be careful when ordering from a new site to make sure to uncheck the box that says I want to get their newsletter! I still have a few favorite sites and blogs that I continue to get e-mails from, but I am quick to unsubscribe to things that pile up or that I am not excited to read. E-mail has become a necessary burden. I try to not have it be another thing adding stress. 

This is from fatmumslim.com and summarizes what I've tried to do:

Simplify Life #28

I keep three baskets on the back staircase leading upstairs: one for shoes, one for dirty kitchen linens, and one for sports shoes/ supplies. We don't have a mudroom, so we need places to store shoes upon entering from our garage. The baskets help with that, and also, since my laundry room is upstairs, I have a place to put the washcloths and towels I use. I also have a small shoe organizer, plus this idea from Pinterest (one of my favorites): 


Hang a set of coat hooks near floor level to use for shoes!
Life is simplified: I have a place for shoes (instead of tripping over them) and a place for sports shoes, and also a way to transport dirty kitchen linens upstairs. 

Simplify Life #27

I donated my ironing board to Goodwill yesterday! I have given up most ironing (I do sometimes have to iron our church clothes) and instead use homemade wrinkle releaser or the wet washcloth in the dryer method.(I also try to take the clothes out when the dryer stops, but that happens maybe 60% of the time.)

Here's the recipe I use for homemade wrinkle releaser:
WRINKLE REMOVER SPRAY:
 1 cup distilled water
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol 
1/4 cup liquid fabric softener
Put in clean spray bottle. ( 8 oz. distilled water, 4 oz. alcohol, 2 oz. liquid fabric softener) 

I have a small foldable ironing board that hangs in my closet that I can still use. I am also considering getting one of these just in case:

http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-L2500-SILVER-Magnetic-Ironing/dp/B0073TCIF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351462082&sr=8-1&keywords=magnetic+ironing+blanket


A magnetic ironing blanket that adheres to a washer or dryer! 
If I worked outside the home, I know I wouldn't be able to do away with ironing. 

Simplify Life #26

Another way I've simplified our memory keeping is by using keepsake boxes. I basically just throw things in there that are random/don't fit in a scrapbook. I don't even date them; we just go until we fill up a box and then start a new one. The boxes are numbered (I think Jason and Joel are both on their second box). I purchase the decorative cardboard photo-storing boxes from craft stores when they are on sale. I like being able to actually touch the things in the boxes and to go through it. It is definitely not as organized as a scrapbook, but where else would I store the actual tiny bar of Dove that was used to bathe Joel as a newborn in the nursery? (Incidentally, this makes his first box smell wonderful!) I store them in the closet of our guest room. I like getting a different design each time, but would probably stick to a solid color if I had to have them on a bookshelf in the open.

Simplify Life 25

The next two days are ways I've simplified memory-keeping. I used to love to scrapbook and kept up with it for several years. Now, that way of life mystifies me. I don't even read the newspaper anymore; how did I find time and energy to scrapbook??! Sigh. Life is always changing and so are our priorities. That said, I still love keeping track of our family's memories. I have now moved to doing everything online (online clutter isn't clutter, right?). The main site I use is snapfish.com. I am pretty good at getting our photos uploaded there in a timely fashion. (The fair pictures are already in their own album there!) For three years in a row, I made a photo book of our year in pictures on that site, and then waited for a coupon and ordered them. Last year, I loved doing a digital scrapbook. I used this site:
http://www.studioj.com/

It's more expensive, but you can easily be creative and artistic, and I loved the final product. Here are some photos of the different albums:

The three black books are the ones I made on Snapfish. They take up hardly any room on the book shelf!!

This is one of the page spreads from the Snapfish album.

This is one of the page spreads from the Studio J album. It is a much larger album and in a big three-ring binder. You have a lot of choices as to page layouts and colors. I usually go back and glue some other things on some of the pages, like tickets. 

I don't even print out photos anymore. It is so easy to organize photos online and has enabled me to keep up with our yearly albums.