2014: Happy First Day of Fall!

September 23, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

My favorite season swept in with a refreshing gust of cooler air today. Seizing the opportunity, we opened the windows and allowed the chilly air to waft through our home. My toes were so chilled that I headed for a warm bath as soon as my kids went to bed.

Having lit my pumpkin spice candle, I am welcoming the fall season with open arms. Getting as much enjoyment from this season, we headed outdoors after lunch for a brisk walk. Then as soon as we finished our school work, everyone headed outside.

My girls crack me up with their jeans and jackets zipped up while my son runs around in shorts and a t-shirt. Though I could not muster the t-shirt, I was comfortable in my capris, long-sleeved shirt, and flip flops.

Spending time with my family has been my focus these last two months. Adjusting to home schooling is still occurring. With each day so different, I am learning that I still have lots of learning to do.

Lessons that I think my children will pick up quickly can sometimes take double or triple the time anticipated. However, I am honored to take time to cover the subject and wait for the understanding of that concept before moving to the next lesson.

Moving from a never-will-I-home-school opinion to a why-didn’t-I-do-this-sooner approach, I am loving my new role as full-time teacher to my three children. We work really hard at the start of the week to free up time at the end of the week for fun activities.

With my new teaching responsibilities, my postings have been sporadic. Yet, you keep coming back to read which warms my heart. As our school routine gets a bit more settled, I hope to get back to more regular posting this season.

In welcoming this first day of fall, I am so grateful for the cooler weather. This change is like a new beginning. If summer was unfriendly, then file summer away. Fall is here with a fresh start. In using time wisely, learn from the past and then plan for the future while living in the moment today. Happy fall!

Happy First Day of Fall!

2013: Happy Fall, Ya’ll!

September 23, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Fotolia

On this first full day of fall, I felt the cool breeze sweep across my face as I stepped outside. I love these brisk mornings as they are a welcome change to typical hot summer days.

Watching for the changing colors of the leaves, smelling my pumpkin spice candle scent waft through our home, curling up under a warm blanket during a football game, and airing out our home with the windows open are some of my favorite pastimes during autumn.

Though fall officially began yesterday afternoon, I rejoice in that I battled the allergy season late in summer freeing me to enjoy fall.

With a visit to the farm, apple picking, and museum visits on our agenda in the next few weeks, I’m ready to evaluate my goals, regroup and adjust where needed, and end 2013 well without any regrets.

Wishing you a wonderful fall season complete with hayrides, jumping in leaves, corn mazes, museum visits, pumpkin patch visits, apple picking, Halloween fun, Thanksgiving gratefulness, and wonderful memories with those you love while using time wisely.

Happy fall, ya’ll!

Question: What are your fall season favorites?

2012: My Top 5 On-the-Go Fall Family Activities

October 12, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Anthony Easton)

With Halloween and Thanksgiving coming, the local fall activities are increasing in our area.

I love the many options to go out with our family to enjoy the fall season. From trips to the playground to attending a soccer game, we enjoy the outdoor activities during the autumn season.

With so many choices, I chose these adventures as my top 5 on-the-go fall family activities:

My Top 5 On-the-Go Fall Family Activities

#5 – Romping through a corn maze

Before Paul and I had children, we visited a corn maze each year. We loved the 1-2 hour adventure through the maze finding our way out.

With younger children, we limit the corn maze to the smaller options at the apple farm. If you have upper elementary-age or older children, then they may enjoy an adventure through a local corn maze. I have seen a few daily deals for corn mazes, so check to see what’s available in your area.

#4 – Roasting marshmallows around a bonfire with friends

My husband and children love making s’mores. Preferring my chocolate separate from the graham cracker and the marshmallow, I like toasting my marshmallows and eating them plain.

Hanging out with friends around a warm bonfire on a brisk autumn evening mesmerizes me with the crackling wood and reddish-yellow flares. Ah, the wonderful sights and smells of fall!

#3 – Watching the live performances at our Fall Festival

Even though I am working at our fall festival, I love to watch the live performances with my children. Occurring in the center of the KidZone, the live performance continue throughout the event. I get to watch with my children while staying available should a problem arise. I love mixing my responsibilities with family fun at our event.

To find local festivals, check Craig’s List for activities and events under the community category. Continue visiting that site to find new or updated information on community events as Craig’s List is updated regularly.

#2 – Taking a hayride

Sitting on the hay and riding through the woods with the putting sound of the tractor over the uneven trail rings in the fall season. Enjoying two thus far this fall, I always look forward to an adventure on a hayride.

#1 – Visiting the pumpkin patch at the Apple Farm

The #1 pick for my top 5 on-the-go fall family activities is our annual visit to the apple farm. Besides getting a bag or two of apples, we pick our pumpkins, take a hayride, romp through the corn mazes, snap pictures, visit the animals, eat a picnic lunch, bounce on the tire jumps, solve our scavenger hunt, and mine gems. Visiting the apple farm is the highlight of our fall.

In planning your fall activities, you might attend a sporting event, schedule family portraits, visit a local park, or choose one of my top 5 on-the-go fall family activities. However you choose to spend your fall season enjoy those close to you while using time wisely. In two weeks, I’ll share my top 5 without-leaving-home fall family activities. Happy planning!

Question: What are your top 5 fall family activities?

Fall Activity: Visiting the Apple Farm

October 5, 2012 by Tracy

This past week, my son’s class took a trip to the apple farm. With a little extra planning, our entire family made it out to the farm by the afternoon.

Besides the yearly family pictures, our entire family enjoyed the visit. The apple farm outing has become a family favorite since my son was barely walking.

Though each farm has its unique qualities, these fun activities comprised our day:

Farm Animals

Though not a petting zoo, our apple farm keeps goats, chickens, a pig, llamas, and a donkey.

When the pig curled up behind the hay bale, my toddler could not see him. As she searched for him in the stall, she broke down in tears thinking he left. Upon pointing him out to her, she immediately calmed down and continued her happy chatting about “her pig.” 🙂

Hay Ride

Packed into the trailer pulled by the tractor, we took a ride around the farm singing, laughing, and talking about all the sights including the decorated nursery rhyme path. My toddler enjoyed the 5 monkeys jumping on the bed decorations as this song is one of her favorites.

Gem Mining

With a bag of dirt, a sieve, and a gem identification card, each student found a spot at the water to mine their dirt. My son loved this section of the day as he found lots of gems. When we got home, he washed his gems more thoroughly and sorted them by color.

Pumpkin Patch

With the early season of apples this year, most of the apples had been picked from the trees. We bypassed the apple picking and headed for the pumpkin patch which just opened this past weekend.

Playground

Our apple farm owners created a fun space for the students to run and romp around. The tire jumps are a highlight each year.

Scavenger Hunt

Though not a part of the apple farm, I created this Apple Farm Scavenger Hunt for my children. I have tweaked the items from year to year, but my children look forward to finding the same items year after year. You are welcome to adjust this scavenger hunt to meet your needs.

Corn Maze

Having expanded this year, our apple farm had two corn mazes with games hidden within both. My children enjoyed running through finding the items and getting lost together.

With the arrival of cooler temperatures, our family enjoyed our visit to the apple farm.

In using time wisely this fall, take a trip to a farm. To find your local apple farm, visit PickYourOwn.org, and click on your state. Plan a visit and enjoy your family time together. Happy visiting!

Question: What is a favorite family activity you enjoy in the fall?

Fall Home Maintenance

October 1, 2012 by Tracy

When Paul and I purchased our home, we also purchased the book, Home Maintenance For Dummies.*

Besides money-saving tips to fix small repairs, this book also provides monthly maintenance checklists. Of that list, Paul and I plan to perform the following tasks for our fall home maintenance:

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Drain hot water heater

Clean and replace furnace and air conditioner filters

Check air intakes for insect blockages and debris

Clean range hood filter

Clean all appliances and counters

Disinfect and freshen garage disposal with vinegar ice cubes

Paste wax our dining room table and wooden trash can

Deep clean laminate surfaces

Deep clean all the floors

Test smoke detectors

Test carbon monoxide detector

Test auto reverse safety feature on garage door opener

Clean lint from dryer duct and from the interior of dryer housing

Inspect washing machine water supply hoses

Depending on your home, you may need more or less items on your fall home maintenance checklist. In our home when I find light bulbs out or batteries low, I jot them down on my “Honey-do” list. As Paul has a few moments to spare, he will work through the list to keep our home operating efficiently.

In using time wisely schedule your fall home maintenance. Create your own list to perform monthly or quarterly checks. Heading off problems before they happen will save you money, energy, and time. Happy maintaining!

Question: What additional items would you add to this fall home maintenance checklist?

* This post contains an affiliate link to Amazon.com (disclosure policy). Should you choose to purchase Home Maintenance For Dummies, Using Time Wisely benefits. 😉