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What Do You Think?: Children Writing Thank You Notes

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Free Printable Thank you notes

Photograph Credit: Life Your Way

Around the blogosphere, many bloggers share their perspective on life. As I contemplate these many ideas (and some are really out there), sometimes I’m not sure what I think.

During this week of What Do You Think?, I will share a topic and give you my 2¢. Please share your opinion.

The topics chosen will follow the posting schedule.

Thanks in advance for your contributions on this journey to Using Time Wisely!

What Do You Think about Children Writing Thank You Notes?

Tracy’s 2¢: Yes, children can and should write thank you notes. Growing up in a home where my mom taught my brother and I gratitude for tokens of kindness, I learned to write thank you. After Christmas and birthdays, mom would sit down with me and help me compose my own notes.

My children are at different stages, but they all help write their thank you notes:

Toddler: I write the thank you note, and she “signs” it. Her signature is in the form of lines and scribbles, but she sits down and signs them all at the same time. She then delivers or puts the notes in envelopes to mail.

Preschooler: Again, I write the thank you note, and she writes her name. Depending on the length of her friend’s name, she may write her name on the envelope or top of the note. She also hand delivers the notes or helps address the notes for mailing.

Elementary student: Though simple, he writes his own notes making sure to include something personal. His notes are not long, but he writes them. I help him compose his notes, and we usually have 2 to 3 sessions since he tires easily.

As my children grow, they continue to develop their writing skills. A great way for them to practice is by showing their gratitude via writing thank you notes.

The free printable thank you note templates offered by Mandi at Life Your Way are perfect for children. Even beginning with a simple picture drawn to show their gratitude will encourage children to write thank you notes.

Question: Do your children write thank you notes? What do you think?

Summer Picnic & Barbecue Planning Guide – Part 1 of 5

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Summer picnic and barbecue - planning your menu

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

As I sit in a comfortable air-conditioned room writing this post, my outside garden is feeling the full weight of the summer heat.

It’s hot this week, and my kids are ready to meet friends for another visit to the water park to cool off.

In keeping our home comfortable and enjoying visits with friends, summer picnics and backyard barbeques win my choice for summer entertainment.

A summer picnic and barbecue with friends does not need all the bells and whistles. You do not need a Martha Stewart centerpiece nor spend hours preparing for some outdoor fun.

To share my simple strategy for a summer picnic and backyard barbecue, I will cover the following topics in this 5-part planning series:

Summer Picnic and Barbecue Planning Guide

Part 1: Planning the Menu

Part 2: Distributing the Responsibilities

Part 3: Creating an Inviting Space

Part 4: Keeping Refrigerated Dishes Cold

Part 5: Enlisting Cleanup Helpers

Part 1: Planning the Menu

When planning a summer picnic or barbecue, I start with these 3 broad food topics to choose the menu:

1. Meat (choose 1-3 types)

      • Hamburgers
      • Hot Dogs
      • Bratwurst
      • Chicken
      • Beef
      • Shrimp

2. Sides (add 2-5 options)

      • Salads: green, pasta, potato, etc.
      • Corn on the cob
      • Veggie cups or tray
      • Fruit tray
      • Deviled eggs
      • Mac and cheese
      • Chips

3. Dessert (top off with 1-2 choices)

      • Watermelon
      • Strawberry shortcake
      • Homemade ice cream
      • Apple pie
      • Brownies

With the menu decided, I then create a list with all the items needed at the picnic. This list would include condiments, sauces, dips, buns, paper products, and beverages.

Knowing the big picture helps me answer questions and distribute the responsibilities evenly, coming in Part 2 of this 5-part series.

As you endure the summer heat, consider hanging out with friends at a summer picnic or backyard barbecue hosted at your home or at a local park. To begin this adventure, start planning your menu and look for a free evening on your calendar to host your summer bash. I’ll walk you through the process. It’s painless, I promise. 😉  Happy planning!

Question: What foods do you enjoy serving for a summer picnic or backyard barbecue?

Packing for Summer Camp

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Packing for Summer Camp

Photograph Credit: iStockphoto

Though my little ones are too young for summer camp, many are getting ready for a week of fun away from home. In preparing to travel to a land with fresh air, running water, and plenty of activities, Good Housing offers 15 Thing to Pack for Camp.

Though I would bypass the first aid kit, if a camp nurse is on-call, I agree with this list of necessities for a comfortable camp week. In using time wisely, I would add the following to the list:

Free Samples

In requesting freebies and samples, camp is a wonderful opportunity to use those toothpaste, shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, makeup, hand sanitizer, and sunscreens samples.

Plastic Bags

Having been a camp counselor, I remember weeks where it rained every day. Keeping clothing dry was impossible. To prepare for wet clothes and towels coming home, pack a large plastic garbage bag or a number of plastic grocery bags. This way, the plastic bag prevents mildew from growing inside your child’s suitcase.

Notes of Love

From the time I was a junior camper through high school camp, my mom hid little notes throughout my luggage to remind me that she loved me. I still remember the little note I got wet because she hid it in my soap container that I opened in the shower. I was really disappointed that I could not read it, but I will never forget those tokens of love.

When I got homesick, those little notes reminded me of home and encouraged my heart. One day, when my own children head to camp, I plan to pass down these little notes of encouragement as my tokens of love for them.

Packing for summer camp is exciting. By adding free samples, plastic bags, and notes of love along with the other essential items, your camper will arrive ready for fun. Happy packing!

Question: What would you add to or drop from the list?

Independence Day Party: Celebrating July 4th

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July 4th food

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Wow . . . is June over already? That means that our summer is a third of the way complete. Yikes! We still have much to explore, play, and do in the next 2 months.

One item on our bucket list is celebrating the freedoms we have because of the bravery and firm decisions made by the founders of the United States of America. As our country celebrates our Independence Day tomorrow on July 4, we will party with friends and family.

If you are seeking last-minute options for your celebration, let me point you to some helpful links:

1. 8 Simple Steps to Planning a 4th of July Party by Sandy Coughlin

2. 4th of July Party Plans by Holiday Party Ideas

3. July 4th Recipe Round-Up by Erin Chase

4. 4th of July Crafts and Recipes eBook by Favecrafts

5. Enjoy holiday sparklers without the fear of burns by the Krazy Coupon Lady

In addition to these ideas and suggestions, check your local newspaper for parades, demonstrations, and firework displays. Though many areas will bypass the fireworks due to the intense heat, dry woodlands, and high chance of fires, enjoy your celebration while letting freedom ring. Happy planning!

Question: How do you plan to celebrate July 4th?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Budget-Friendly Event Times

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Moving on to our event planning category, Quick Tip Week continues.

Having planned and organized a surprise birthday bash this weekend, I enjoy celebrating while saving money, energy, and time.

Quick Tip #3: Budget-Friendly Event Times

Since food costs can eat up a big chuck of your event budget, choose event times between meals to stay within your budget.

    • 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. – brunch options
    • 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – snack and appetizer assortments
    • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – dessert or snack choices

In planning a special event, you can serve refreshments without breaking the bank by choosing budget-friendly event times. In using time wisely, continuing celebration those special moments while saving money, energy, and time. Happy planning!

Question: In which time frame do you typical schedule parties?