Saturday, July 15, 2023

Try FlyLady's Daily Focus Concept to Get Things in Order! #LessStressMoreFun


In doing some paper decluttering recently, I came across some papers I'd printed in 2017 from FlyLady's website. If you're not familiar with FlyLady, she's the queen of organization and decluttering! 

The papers I had printed and put into my ARC system were all about Daily Focus, which means focusing ONLY on a certain task each day. I remember my mom telling me that my Great Aunt Eva would do this, as well, assigning only certain days for doing laundry, changing sheets, baking for the week, etc. In more detail and an updated version goes something like this (and of course you can switch around the days so they work better for you and your family situation):

Monday is for the weekly home blessing hour. Set a timer for an hour and just spent maybe 10 minutes on each of the following: vacuum (middle of floor only), dust, quick mop, polish mirrors and doors, purge magazines and catalogs, change sheets, empty all trash cans.

Tuesday is for planning the week in the following ways: menu, activities, date night and family fun time, wardrobe, checking prescription refill needs. The rest of the day is for fun!

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Little Passports Space Quest Subscription Box



My kids got their first Little Passports subscription boxes TEN YEARS AGO! My then-10-year-old son got the United States box and it came with a disposable camera, a file pouch, a scratch book, a map, a passport, etc. My then-5-year-old daughter wanted to try it, too, so I got her one and it arrived quickly. The one she got was more of a world traveler box but had the same characters, Sam and Sophia. Hers had a map, a passport, a photo, and a booklet, all in a medium-sized cardboard suitcase. And, yes, then my youngest wanted his own suitcase of goodies. 

And they still have their little suitcases full of crafts, trinkets, maps, information, coins, and more. 

Little Passports is an award-winning subscription box service that ignites curiosity and celebrates cultures with globally inspired experiences, hands-on art and science activities, and stories for kids ages 3-10. And these days they have tons of different options, like the Little Passports Space Quest Subscription, which I plan to sign up for when I teach Astronomy to elementary-age kids at one of the homeschool co-ops!

Can't wait to launch a space adventure with cosmic activity kits, stories, and out-of-this-world posters!

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Articles I've Had Published About Homeschooling

I've been writing articles for parenting articles almost as long as I've been homeschooling, so I figured I should pair my two loves and make some money for my family at the same time.

This income even paid for some "roadschooling" to Florida for two weeks in October 2017 :-) 

Most of these articles have been published in multiple magazines so I've just picked a few magazines to represent. Thanks for checking them out!


Back-to-Homeschool Tips and Traditions in Birmingham Parent

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Homeschool in ParentMap

Top 10 Homeschool Mistakes to Avoid in Montgomery Parents

Homeschooling 101 in San Diego Family

How to Find Your Homeschool Tribe in Calgary's Child

10 Unique Benefits of Homeschooling in Calgary's Child

Venturing Into Unschooling in North Texas Kids

Virtual School: Where Homeschooling Meets Traditional School in Orlando Family

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Kansas City Homeschool Sports & Physical Fitness Opportunities

Please submit events to Kerrie McLoughlin at mommykerrie@yahoo.com or you can also private message me on Facebook.

April 2023

TBD — Women's Self-Defense Workshop with Guardian Training Solutions (these come highly recommended)


Ongoing

Judo (Welcome Mat Judo) at Christ the King at 85th and Wornall (Tuesdays and/or Fridays)

Basketball

KC East Lions

KC Metro Academy Mavericks (my son Sam plays with them and our family is having an amazing experience!)

Kansas City Summer Camp and Other Summer Opportunities (Homeschoolers and More)

 *under construction*

The Spark Spot Summer Day Camp

Horseback Riding Lesson Program: Availability this summer. The lessons are for children or adults, and the location is south Overland Park (approx. 151st and Mission). Hoping to serve some homeschool families who want to take riding lessons during the school year (or this summer). Email Pam at pamschaff@hotmail.com or call/text 816-896-5137

The Spark Spot Arts Education Center 

Camp Tekakwitha (Catholic)

Camp Savio (Catholic)






Tuesday, March 7, 2023