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The Naughty Corner Board
Over the years we’ve gone through many reward and punishment systems in the Ice-Simmons house, and I stumbled upon this old picture of a version of our “Naughty Corner” board from a while back. This one was especially sad to my son, because it had “naughty Ned” in the Naughty Corner, and Truett did NOT want to get his name on the board with naughty Ned (because his face was so ugly). In this incarnation of the Naughty Board (which changed weekly based on how the behavior modifications were going), we were still spanking for check marks. That, of course, was before we realized that Mr. Truett truly has buns…
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Family Friday: Where Did the Week Go?
The point is, there is always something that will make your time rush by. We can either choose to rush forward from one event to the next or to focus on enjoying the moments that make up each day.
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Computer Time & Family Life Pt 3: Setting Up a Computer Schedule
What advice do you have for people who would like to start using a schedule to limit their computer time that might help them avoid this "rushed" feeling?
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Computer Time and Family Life: Crystal Paine Pt 2
We had to know Crystal’s secrets to productivity and were delighted that she offered to share her expertise with us and our readers. Below are two more questions we asked Crystal about limiting computer time to increase productivity, and her responses.
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8 Ways to Turn a Family Walk into an Adventure Walk
8 Ways to Turn a Regular Family Walk into an Adventure Walk Quality family time doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. Simply grab the kids and your jackets to head outdoors for a fun Adventure Walk! Get exercise, great conversation, fresh air and an opportunity to take in the scenery around you with a casual stroll. A simple family walk can become an “Adventure Walk” by just giving it a new name and a fresh idea. What child (or adult) can resist an adventure? Try any of the 8 ways below to turn a plain family walk around the neighborhood into a family Adventure Walk! 1. Bring containers…
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11 Free Family Bonding Activities to Do in 30 Minutes or Less
There are many fun family bonding activities that take 30 minutes or less (or can take longer if you have more time!). You don't have to leave the comfort of your own home - or front yard - to have great family fun. These free activities can be thought of as team-building exercises for your family.
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Safeguard Your Menu Plan System When Life Happens
Life doesn’t always go as planned. When meals have to be adjusted to accommodate life’s unexpected circumstances, write it down. Putting your change of plans in writing on your family menu plan can protect your good habits. Here’s why: You Can’t Stop Life From Happening All good menu planners will tell you that no matter how good your intentions or how far in advance your planning, life will alter your menu plan from time to time. Appointments can run long or you can find yourself unexpectedly away from home when you are supposed to be preparing a meal. You could even forget to prepare your crockpot meal in the morning…
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Let's Hear it for Frugal Husbands!
Having the support people in our lives understand and get on board with our frugal movement is key. It makes everything easier to have the same thinking about spending less and saving more with your spouse (or other support person).
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My Empty Frugal House
Today’s Frugal Friday is not a tip, exactly… at least it’s not a method of frugality I would recommend to anyone. This morning my husband left on a 2 week business trip. We have never been apart for longer than 2 days, and this is very difficult for us both and the kids. Plus, our daughter has gone to her other home (custody) for 3 weeks – she also left this morning. It’s just me and the baby in the house, alone, for 2 weeks. My husband’s work has sent him to a remote village. He’ll be staying in a dorm room, as far as we know. His room and…
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Teaching Our Kids that Being Happy Comes From Inside
I picked up Truett, announced cheerfully that he had a dirty diaper that desperately needed to be changed, and headed off to the nursery, smiling. My daughter asked, “Why are you smiling about it?” Me: “Because I’m happy!” Hannah: “You’re happy that he has a poopy diaper?! Why?” Me: “Because I’m always happy!” Hannah: “Even though you have to change it?” Me: “Just because I have to change it doesn’t mean I’m not still happy. I’m always happy.” Hannah: “Not always.” Me: “Oh yeah? Tell me a time when I’m not happy!” Hannah, thinking: “Well, when you scrape your knee you’re not happy!” Me: “I haven’t scraped my knee since…
