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Keep the Framework, but Adjust the Shape

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Keep the framework, but adjust the shapeIn reading my devotional on Sunday from JESUS CALLING, I was struck by the following sentences:

Although each day contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of circumstances. Don’t try to force-fit today into yesterday’s mold.

As I thought about my days and how I am always rearranging my routines, I realized that I need to keep the framework, but adjust the shape of my days.

Continuing that train of thought, I considered how I plan events. I usually begin with the same framework, but then adjust the activities based on the theme or purpose. The section pieces will remain, but I can rearrange them for a different feel depending on setting, activities, and food involved.

In using time wisely, keep the framework, but adjust the shape to plan successful events. Just because the shape fit a birthday party does not mean it will work for a bridal shower. The mold changes, but the organization can meld with the creative for a successful event. Happy shaping!

Question: How do you keep the framework, but adjust the shape for your events?

Wedding: Free Just Married Sign

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Wedding: Free Just Married Sign

Photograph Credit: Progressive

Remembering all too well the months of planning, taste testing, and choosing colors and styles for our wedding day, I know the hours of searching to make those moments perfect to prevent surprises on the big day.

If you know of a bridal couple, then consider passing along this information to the best man. This is one surprise that the bride won’t mind. 🙂

Progressive Insurance Company is offering a free Just Married Sign for the couple’s getaway vehicle.

Besides a great car decoration, this sign would be a great conversation starter in their home. I would have loved to have one of these in our first apartment.

Having passed this information along to a friend, I thought you might know of others who could benefit as well.

For those planning weddings, my heart goes out to you. I know all details can seem daunting, but one section at a time adds up to a beautiful representation. Enjoy the process as it really is a special time. Happy celebrating!

Question: Is a wedding in your future for either yourself, friend, or family member? 

2013: St. Patrick’s Day Activities

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St. Patrick's Day Activities

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Wishing for a lucky charm or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Irish fans love a reason to celebrate. In gearing up for a green March 17, enjoy these free St. Patrick’s Day activities:

  • St. Patrick’s Day crafts and recipes e-book from FaveCrafts
  • History of St. Patrick’s Day unit study by Free Homeschool Deals
  • St. Patrick’s Day printable pack for preschoolers by 3 Dinosaurs
  • Lots of St. Patrick’s Day party and activity ideas from Laurie at Tip Junkie

With all these fantastic ideas and printable activities, you have lots of opportunity to fill your celebration with the luck of the Irish. With March 17 on the way, our family might try a recipe or two and a few activities to help us find our pot of gold. Happy celebrating!

Question: Do you have a special St. Patrick’s Day activity?

2013: March Madness – NCAA Basketball Tournament

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March Madness – NCAA Basketball Tournament

Photograph Credit: Bing

March Madness is a favorite family event in our household. Both Paul and I love sports though Paul follows more teams than me.

My husband is a Braves fan for pro baseball, Denver Broncos fan for pro football, unfortunately a Florida State college football fan, a Celtics pro basketball fan, and a Duke Blue Devil’s college basketball fan. Whew!

For me, I root for the Florida Gators in each sport. The air gets a little tense in our home when Florida plays Florida State.

During those games, I usually watch the game downstairs while Paul views from upstairs. This arrangement works the best as we both need our space. 🙂

Following the NCAA Basketball Tournament

For those unfamiliar with March Madness, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) hosts a single-elimination basketball tournament each year comprised of 68 college teams. Though the ladies have a similar competition, our family only follows the men’s Final Four tournament.

Each year, Paul and I print copies of the tournament bracket, make our picks, and watch the games. As our family grew, we began having our children around age 2 choose their picks.

The following video shows our two oldest children making their selections in 2007 (our son making his first picks), 2008 (our son making picks during 2 different sessions), and 2009 (daughter making her first picks). 🙂

If you cannot see the video, then watch it here.

Special thanks to Paul for creating this video from our home collection. 😀

Printing Your Bracket

If you are interested in participating, you can print your bracket after the selection process on Sunday, March 17, 2013. ESPN has an entire program dedicated to the selection of the teams before releasing the bracket. The games then begin on Tuesday, March 19.

Making Bracket Selections

One of my favorite years was 2011. Our son chose Butler to go all the way – as he liked the name because Butler contained the word “butt.” (Yes, my son is all boy.) Butler ended up playing the championship game with my Florida Gators.

Though Florida should have won, Butler out-played them. So, my son won our family bracket competition. The great thing about this event is you don’t have to know anything about basketball. You can make your selections on the name, color of uniform, or random. You never know who’s going to win which makes this competition so fun.

Competing to the Championship Game

You can choose how you want to score your brackets. For our family, we follow the following scoring for each correct selection:

    • Round 1: One point
    • Round 2: Two points
    • Round 3: Three points
    • Round 4: Four points
    • Round 5: Five points
    • Round 6: Six points
    • Round 7 (Championship): Seven points – we also guess the score.

In addition to the paper version, Paul and I also participate in an on-line bracket competition with friends and our Sunday school class. Our fantasy teams are setup through CBS Sports where the group leader chooses who is in the group.

For me, the family competition is my favorite with our children making their selections. We all huddle around to check our brackets after the games as multiple games are played each round. If we miss the scores, we just check ESPN as they keep the master bracket updated.

If you know a sports fan, you have probably heard about March Madness, the Final Four, or NCAA Tournament – known by lots of names. This month-long competition brings enjoyment to our family complete with bragging rights.

In using time wisely, the March Madness event encourages laughter, anticipation, and excitement in our household. If you choose to play, happy selecting!

Question: Does your family make selections for the NCAA Basketball Tournament?

2013: Easter Crafts, Activities, and Resources

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2013: Easter crafts, activities, and resources

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

With lots to celebrate this month among St. Patrick’s Day, the first day of spring, and Easter, we are playing rather than updating our home decor. I still have Valentine’s Day decorations out, so I skipped St. Patrick’s Day and head right to Easter. 🙂

For me, Easter is a time of reflection. Realizing that my Savior came to earth for the sole purpose of dying for my sin stops me. Contemplating my life and its direction, I pause more so at Easter rejoicing in gift of grace given to me at salvation.

During this Easter season, our family remembers Jesus’ death and burial, and then we celebrate His resurrection complete with egg hunts, coloring eggs, Easter baskets, and Resurrection eggs (my favorite activity of all). As we play and participate together, we remember the reason for Easter and rejoice in the resurrection of our Savior.

In reading through my favorite blogs, I discovered so many creative techniques and new activities. The following list contains my favorite free activities with links to the contributors. Happy planning!

Easter Crafts

  • How to blow out Easter eggs by Living Life Intentionally

Easter Printable Activities

  • Create a free letter from the Easter bunny by Easter Bunny Letter
  • Easter banner by Paper Coterie
  • Easter coloring pages and matching game by Meet Penny
  • Easter pre-K pack by This Reading Mama

Easter Recipes

  • Easter bunny cake by Living Life Intentionally

Easter Reenactments

  • How to have your own Seder meal by Living Life Intentionally

Easter Resources

  • 20 Activities to do with Easter eggs by Living Life Intentionally
  • 50+ listed Easter resources by The Better Mom

My girls love the crafts, coloring pages, and printable packs while my son enjoys the games, reenactments, and hunts. With all these resources, we have plenty of options for making our Easter celebration memorable.

With Easter a little over a week away, we are hunting for sales on eggs, gathering our supplies, and pulling out our decorations. In looking at all these great Easter resources, we may need to add a new game or activity to our celebrations. Happy planning!

Question: Which Easter activity is most anticipated at your home?

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