Vintage Homeschool Moms Felice Gerwitz

Organization Hacks For The Busy Mom - In Five Minutes or Less ~ Episode 523

Ready for some organization hacks that can save you hours of time in just five minutes? In this podcast, Felice Gerwitz will share a proven method for reclaiming your time. The podcast may run a little longer than five minutes, but the time you'll save is worth it.



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As a busy mom, I felt that some days nothing was accomplished! In fact, I called it a win if I had the children clothed, fed, and safe for the day. Many times I felt frustrated because I was wasting so much time finding lost items, to say nothing of never getting to errands that needed to be completed. So, after much frustration, I sat down and made a plan. In fact, it came to me as I was cleaning up yet another of my little one's spilled juice. (This was before the days of sippy cups; be happy for those innovations, Mom!) Remember, you're not alone in these struggles.

Method for Organization Hack #1

The first thing I did was take a sheet of paper and fold it into four squares. On each square, I wrote one thing. My headings used to say - Personal Needs - Kid's Needs - Must Do Today - Errands for the Week. But it morphed into the samples below that I used each week during the days I homeschooled my children. Faith - Kids - School - Household. This simple act of organizing my tasks into these four categories brought a sense of relief and control to my chaotic days.



4-Square Planner – Blank



4 Square Planner – Filled Out Example



It doesn't matter what your headings read; what is underneath them counts. Start small.

Questions to Answer - Organization Hack #2



* What has to get done today?

* What can wait for another day?

* What will make you feel better if it gets done today?



If you can answer these questions, that will help your anxiety and allow you to accomplish more. I have learned that when I stress, I can't think; when I can't think, that's right! Nothing gets done. When I was able to plan out my 4 squares weekly, the checks beside the list grew because I had all the things clearly laid out and briefly. I didn't make long, detailed lists; there wasn't a need.

Routines - Organization Hack #3

I didn't have detailed plans because many things on the list were routine items we did each day.



* Wake up, make coffee, pray

* Wake up, kids (if you are not already up). If the older children are up, they are to play quietly until breakfast.

* Eat breakfast (mom reads Bible story and short lesson).

* Start school (another set schedule).

* Lunch / one or two chores as time permits

* Finish school

* Lessons, sports, free time, etc.



Errands - Organization Hack #4

Going on errands used to be a time-and-day wrecker! I learned to plan for multiple errands on one day and to plan a route so that I could mimimze my time. I would think about where I needed to go and plan my errands (if possible) to the closet to the house first (on the right side of the road), with the last errand being the closest to the house that needed cold or frozen things stored -such as groceries. At times I needed to go to the bank and it was opened yet, so I'd leave that for on the way home.

Let's Talk About The Best Graduation Gifts that Teens Really Want!

With five children and a group of friends with many children, I've participated in my fair share of graduation celebrations in recent years. However, it was after really thinking about my own graduation and those of my children that I realized what children really desire is not what they receive. In this podcast, Felice shares her ideas of what a graduation celebration should be and ways you can make lasting memories with your own special graduates.

Show Notes - Best Graduation Gifts 

A study by Hallmark reveals:



* 95 percent give money for gifts for graduation from high school or college

• $25 is about the average amount spent for a close friend (or child of a close friend)

• 67 percent believe that $50 or more is appropriate for a close relative

• $20 is the average for a not-so-close friend

• And many would give no gift to a not-so-close friend, but they might send a card.



Some of the Best Graduation Gift Ideas:



* A book where the child can begin their memoirs – one leather-bound book entitled: “My Life Story Thus Far”

* Jewelry



* Necklace, bracelet, earrings

* Watch





* Money Clip Holders

* Posters with great sayings on it.

* Personalized gifts



* Personalized wooden box

* Personalized jewelry – necklace/ ring/ bracelet

* Mugs, glasses

* Candy wrappers

* Picture albums

* Backpacks

* Picture frames

* Baseball bats









* Luggage

* Throw Rug

* A Bible with their name engraved – if they don’t already have one.

* Popular gifts but they also become dust collectors



* Paperweights

* glass shadow boxes - elegant glass boxes with your grads name so they can store and see their special treasures

* a globe that is made of cork with pushpins to mark the countries visited

* The year with a spot in the 0 for their picture

* Personalized wooden box

* Personalized jewelry – necklace/ ring/ bracelet







Nothing replaces spending T-I-M-E with your teen or soon-to-be graduate, making memories through gift-giving, if the right gift is selected helps.



Podcast #83 - Creating Memories on Vintage Homeschool Moms



 



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Top Summertime Healthy Snacks Episode 279

Summertime Healthy snacks do not have to taste like cardboard or break the bank. In this episode, of Vintage Homeschool Moms, I will share some yummy snacks with you that are crowd pleasers and even the kids will love them--promise!



There are so many healthy snacks that appeal to kids! However, I've learned that my kids will eat different things when they help in the prep! Teach kids some safety rules.



* Wash hands before preparing any food to eat.

* Use care with knives. Don't put your hands by the blade.

* Use a cutting board when slicing fruit or vegetables.



Listen to the audio to learn about many more! 

Summertime Healthy Snacks



* Cucumber sandwich - you can use two slices of cucumber, sharp cheese, and sliced meat.

* Crackers and peanut butter.

* Frozen yogurt

* Hard boiled eggs.

* Cucumber and tomato salad. Drizzle olive oil.

* Smoothies - use your child's favorite fruit and blend with ice.

*  Banana and peanut butter popsicles. Blend bananas and peanut butter until creamy. 2 large bananas or 3 small bananas - ripe work best plus 2-3 Tablespoons of peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter). Nutella works well.

* Apple muffins are always a favorite. Use grain-free alternatives if needed for gluten-free.

* Ketogenic - high fat, low-carb. Shakes as well as various snacks such as coconut balls. See recipe here.

* Chocolate peanut butter: Mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 5-10 chocolate chips, eat with a tiny spoon

* Melt peanut butter with coconut oil - unless you live in FL like I do and coconut oil is liquid here, stir in the cocoa and add the sugar. Take it off from the heat and mix in the van. extract. Pour it into a candy mold - or simply line a cookie pan - lipped with wax paper and pour it in, cut into tiny squares or break once it is cooled. You may need to put it in the frig to Harden.

* Use mixed nuts and place in a shallow pan, toast them in the oven and sprinkle’ with sea salt. Drizzle with melted chocolate and refrigerate until set. Store in a mason jar and enjoy

* Kale chips - wash and place leaves on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with olive oils - be sure to watch carefully and bake until toasty - break up into chunks, cool and eat. Very low cal and yummy. Great rainy day activity.

* Homemade Applesauce - Wash apples in vinegar to take off waxy polish sometimes on the skin. Core the apples and place whole in boiling water until mushy. Take out and process in a food processor or remove the skin and mash with a fork. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

* Roll banana in peanut butter and then roll in crunchy cereal

* Snack tray -- pretzels, applesauce, banana chips, raisins, nuts, cereal

* Yogurt and fruit parfait. Try instant pot recipes for yogurt - super yummy!

*  Yogurt bark. Spread yogurt on parchment paper, top with fruit such as blueberries or strawberries. Freeze. Break into chunks once froze. A family favorite.

* Frozen banana pops. Cut bananas in half, thread popsicle stick in banana. Dip the banana in melted chocolate. Place on wax paper lined cookie sheets and freeze.

* Pinwheels: take a soft, tortilla and use a spread such as mayo or mustard. Layer your meats or cheeses, add lettuce, tomato, roll up and slice. Have the children add their favorites.

*  Melted chocolate. Use fresh fruit to dip!

* Frozen grapes. Try them, they are a yummy snack!

* Homemade trail mix - add your favorites.

* Fruit and veggie platters. Use favorite salad dressing for a dip.

Successful Parenting That Works ~ Episode 522

As parents, we want to be appreciated, but what does successful parenting look like? Are your goals met? Do you have goals, and where do you see your child in five, ten, or even fifteen years down the road? In this episode, we will look at some misconceptions about parenting and ways you can have a peaceful home.



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Have you ever felt that success or failure is typically in the eyes of the beholder? I certainly have, and the articles I've read often discuss the fact that we set our own standards. In other words, what you consider a success or a failure might not fit my definition. I've come to realize that without a plan, I will struggle and fail. Unfortunately, parenting does not come with a manual, although some would argue that the Bible is all the manual you need! But even Christians like me face challenges when it comes to parenting.



Parenting Little Ones:



Your kids aren't little forever, and when I was expecting my first I read every parenting book I could get my hand on. There is a ton of advice now on blogs, video and everyone is an expert, just ask them. While I'm not saying I'm an expert, I've spent most of my adult life as a wife and mother. More than 43 years at this point with five children and nine grandchildren. When my grandkids come to Sunday family meals, they know what is expected. Sometimes it takes a gentle reminder, or I appeal to my daughter, their mother for help. When kids know what is expected it is so helpful!



One misconception about parenting is that there is one right way, and your neighbor is doing a better job than you or anyone else. Another misconception is that parenting is one size fits all—or, in some cases, most! We equate our success in parenting with how well our children listen or like the family rules (if you have them).



Parenting is not the same as friendship. Sure, you should have a relationship with your child, but parents who attempt to be "friends" with their children end up struggling with discipline.



I have felt successful with some of my children and a failure with others. I can list all the excuses, but that doesn't help with a solution. This is regarding children who are now grown up. Parenting looks different when the children are younger.



No matter what your level of success or failure, one thing that is certain is there is always room for improvement and apologies when needed. It is okay to admit you were wrong; it isn't easy, but it is necessary and can go a long way toward repairing damage in relationships.

Successful Parenting That Works for Elementary Age:



* You have family rules. These are fluid and may change, but your children know what is expected.

* You say what you mean and you do what you say. (Threatening and repeating parents rarely are happy with the outcome.)

* Your child knows there will be follow-through.

* You are encouraging and look for opportunities to praise and encourage.

* Punishments work.



Successful Parenting That Works Looks Like This: (Older Children/Teens and Young Adults)



* You and your child have mutual self-respect.

* You listen (and they listen). Discussion is allowed. There is open communication, you may not like what they have to say, but you will hear them out.

* Advice is considered and taken.

* Rules are mutually set, with the parents having more weight on the final outcome. (Especially for children who live at home or dependent children.)



There is, God willing always tomorrow for a "do-over" if yo...

Graduation Party Ideas On The Cheap

We have graduation party ideas that are wonderful ways to include the entire family and the best news? They won't break the bank.



Enjoy this replay! with Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis Episode 196



Graduation Party Ideas Here 



Have you started your high school graduation party plans yet? No worries! We've got you covered. Inexpensive graduation ideas are our specialty. Meredith has graduated five children and Felice has five graduates as well, so between them, they have quite an arsenal of ideas that you can implement even if you waited until the last minute. Grab your notepad and listen in.



Be sure to share our show with your friends - and rate us on iTunes, GooglePlay, or your favorite podcast app.



Show Notes: Graduation Party 



There are many locations that are great for a graduation party. During the season of the pandemic we had to be creative with ideas, and we were! We hosted our graduate at home and she even "walked" in her cap and gown ordered for under $20 from Amazon. We made the best of the situation!



* Location: churches, park, church fellowship hall, party at home

* Invitations - VistaPrint, at home computer

* Food

* Decorations

* Personal Touch



We discussed deciding on the type of graduation you want, planning the type of graduation early, and saving up money. Pray about the type of graduation that is right for you. Include your teens as well.



More great ideas



* Food -finger foods - fun: candy bars - ice cream with toppings

* Open house - visiting times staggers friends

* Photo booth with props for teens

* Personal touch - poster boards, items important to the teen



 

Astronomical Events and Homeschooling ~ Episode 521

Are you ready for an astronomical event, the total solar eclipse? Well, today (April 8, 2024) is the day if you are listening to this podcast in real time! It is a long-awaited event that has received a lot of press coverage. However, it is one among the many that happen in our skies.



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The go-to website for all things astronomical is the NASA website. The direct link to the total eclipse is here.



Here is a great poster for your homeschool about the different types of solar eclipses Earth and Space Science Exploring Solar Eclipses Educational Infographic -MediaAngels.com



In the many years of homeschooling, I found that real learning took place when the children were able to experience the events of the day. Whether the events took place before we went on a field trip or after we watched a documentary. Often, we would research first and then follow-up visits whenever possible. When we did a rock study, we coupled it with a family trip to the mountains. This took us to states that actually had good samples of rocks to collect. Florida, where we live, is great for visits to the beach, sedimentary studies, flora and fauna, birds (especially waterfowl), and swamp-type activities. We were card-carrying members of all of the local nature centers and visited the planetarium on a regular basis.



I took astronomy in college, and let me tell you, it was not an easy science unless you excelled in math. I thought I was decent, but back in the day our telescopes, while powerful, still had to be adjusted to keep the target in our viewer. I loved it but learned early on that I'd keep it a hobby. The kids had telescopes, and these were not the best; we found that a high-powered pair of binoculars worked best, and a very dark night sky.



As a homeschool parent, I always capitalized on "real-time" events with my family. Even if you are not in the direct path of the eclipse, there are so many activities you can do as a family. Here are some ideas that you can follow to get the most out of real-life learning.



* Call off your regular school activities and study the path of the total eclipse.

* If you are on the path, be sure to get safe eyewear so you can view the eclipse safely. Here is a list of safety guidelines: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/

* Have the children keep a journal of the event. Write down things that you learned about the eclipse and where it traveled, and have the children draw a map of its path. You can find this on the Nasa.gov website here - https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/

* Research other astronomical events coming this year and the next.

* Create a 3-D model for the younger children with the planets and the solar system.



Other Astronomical Events:



* The planets. Often the planets can be seen in the night sky. Set up a time monthly when you check your area to see what planets you can see with a high-powered set of binoculars.

* Upcoming launches and landings,