Mother’s Day FREEbies – May 12, 2013

May 7, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Bombarded by opinions on Facebook surrounding Mother’s Day, I disagree with many individuals regarding their disapproval of setting aside a special day to celebrate motherhood.

Yes, we have a holiday for everything, but that doesn’t mean you have to celebrate every holiday or special event. Agreeing that I prefer not to be the center of attention, I do like the special treatment naturally presented on Mother’s Day.

I appreciate my mom and I express my gratitude to her often, but I join others in celebrating the special moms in my life and making them feel special this Sunday, May 12, 2013.

Celebrating being one of the girls, I like the community of Mother’s Day because we are not alone as we raise and invest in the lives of our children.

To honor the special moms in your life, celebrate with these Mother’s Day FREEbies:

FREE Mother’s Day Card

I love giving and receiving photo cards. At Treat.com, you can create your own FREE Mother’s Day photo card. Use promotional code MDAYFREE at checkout for a limited time.

FREE Mother’s Day Collage

Walgreens is offering a FREE 8×10 collage through Saturday, May 11 when you use promotional code COLLAGE4YOU at checkout and pickup in the store. To add more pictures to your collage, just select your uploaded pictures from an album. The collage will adjust to fit your selections.

FREE Mother’s Day Coupons

Mommy’s little helper can offer services via coupons. Kayla at Somewhat Simple posted FREE instructions and a template for creating a coupon booklet. Though the posted instructions require some time and energy, one can just print the template and place the coupons in an envelope.

Leap Frog published a FREE printable fill-in-the-blank page about mom and FREE printable mom-redeemable coupons for children to print and give. My favorite coupon is the one FREE hug anytime.

FREE Zoo Admission

Over 60 zoos will grant FREE admission to moms on May 12, 2013. Check with your local zoo. Our local zoo will admit mom for FREE when accompanied by one or more children paying full-price admission.

FREE Dessert

O’Charley’s will give every mom a FREE slice of pie on Sunday, May 12, 2013. (Thanks, Erin!)

With a purchase of a meal or entrée, Shoney’s will give every mom a FREE slice of strawberry pie on Mother’s Day.

TCBY will honor moms on Sunday, May 12, 2013, with a FREE 6 oz. cup of frozen yogurt with the flavor and topping of their choice.

As you plan this weekend’s Mother’s Day activities, these FREEbies for mom offer options for honoring the special ladies in your life. Whether you like or dislike the holiday, value motherhood this Sunday while using time wisely. Happy Mother’s Day!

Question: Do you know of additional Mother’s Day FREEbies?

My Upcoming 2012-2013 Events

September 18, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

This school year seemed to take off like a rocket. In whizzing past opportunities, I have chosen to limit my event planning this year. Last year, I took on too much. Though the events went really well, I was worn out, tired, and sick after each event.

Though I am still very active at my children’s school with chaperoning on field trips, organizing lunch pickups, and assisting teachers with daily tasks, I am not directing any of the school programs this year. I enjoy directing, but I lighten my load. In using time wisely, these are my upcoming 2012 -2013 events:

Fall Festival

Our school’s primary fundraiser is our Fall Festival in November. In the midst of our building project, all proceeds from the Fall Festival will benefit our growing student body.

These Fall Festival preparations are in the works, and I have been working to nail down commitments. Creating a safe, fun environment with lots of activities and shows is my goal in coordinating KidZone. I’ll keep you updated as our event takes form.

Lunch Coordinator

As our school is growing, I volunteered to help our new school office manager at lunch time. In past years, the students only had the option to purchase pizza on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Each child is responsible to bring their own lunch to school as there is not a school cafeteria. To assist parents with at least one lunch option a day, I researched, visited establishments, negotiated deals, and created an order form for weekly lunches. The new system takes effect next week. Stay tuned for more details on the good, the bad, and the ugly. 😉

Forensics Coach

My new adventure this year is coaching one student in the NFL (National Forensics League). Though I have entered speech contests, directed productions, completed two speech degrees, taught Fundamentals in Speech, and judged numerous speech contests, I have never coached one-on-one.

Besides the newness in coaching, I have no experience with the NFL, so I’m learning their rules, guidelines, and judging regulations. The first meet might be interesting, but we have to start somewhere. 😉

With my upcoming 2012-2013 events, I look forward to learning new concepts, applying my experiences, and enjoying the process while using time wisely. In preparing for these events, I expect to make mistakes, but in the end, I’ll be better for it. Stepping out of my comfort zone!

Question: What are your plans this school year?

My Upcoming 2011-2012 Events

September 6, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Kees Straver)

The rain arrived this weekend in South Carolina, and I feel fall coming. With the cooler weather, pumpkin candles burning, and the changing of the leaves, I will be preparing for some large events this school year. Here is my current Event To-Do list that is already underway:

Fall Festival

In October, I have the privilege of coordinating the kids’ zone to raise money for our wonderful school. These preparations are in full swing, but still lots of details to complete.

Christmas Program

Having earned my graduate degree in theatre, I am honored to direct the school Christmas program again this year. In preparing for this event, I feel that I should be further along. The obstacle at this point is locating a script that works within the parameters of our program. Thankfully, a kind teacher provided some scripts for my review. Now, I need to schedule time to read through these options.

Spring Play

Taking on a full play with backdrops and scenery in addition to the costumes, lighting, and sound is a large undertaking. Staying surrounded by knowledgeable helpers, who can carry out delegated responsibilities, is a big key to a successful production. I am looking forward to working with the cast and crew. Thankfully, this script has already been decided.

As I continue keeping event notes and using time wisely, I will take you along on my journey. Hopefully, we will learn from my mistakes and celebrate the victories together. Happy planning this fall!