Summer 2016 FREE and Frugal Fun

Summer, Summer, Summertime!! Fun in the Sun or Fun indoors, so much to do, and it doesn't have to "break the bank"! Well, I have complied a list of FREE and Frugal Summer Fun Ideas!!

National Programs for All:

Cinemark Movie Theatres will have the Summer Movie Clubhouse. Movies are shown on Wednesday at 10am. You can purchase a 10 movie Punch Card for $5 or pay $1 per show. The rates are per person.

Regal Movie Theatres have the Summer Movie Express. Movies are shown Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am. Cost is $1 per person per movie.

Classic Cinemas has Wednesday Morning Movie Series. Movies are $1 per person per movie.

Marcus Theatres has the Summer Movie Series. $3 movies on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from June 12th until August 17th.

Check your area Movie Theatres for more Deals and Summer Movies!



FREE or Frugal Bowling:

Kids Bowl Free is a wonderful site that lists many "Independent" Bowling Alleys in all 50 states. Sign your child up and they get 2 FREE games a day. Shoe rental is not included, but usually inexpensive.

AMF Bowling and BrunswickZone are now a combined company, although they keep separate names. The Summer Bowling program for both can be found here: Summer Bowling Games. Summer Bowling Games does have a one time cost per child,the cost does include Shoe Rental for the entire summer. Sign your child(ren) up and they receive 3 games a day from May 23rd through Sept 5th. AMF Bowling also has an Adult Bowling Pass, cost and rules vary by area. Also valid at Bowlero, BowlMor Lanes, and Brunswicks.


Free Roller Skating:

Kids Skate Free is FREE Roller Skating and is gaining in popularity, like the Summer Bowling Program. You can register at the location nearest you and each facility runs the program independently.

Barnes and Noble: The Barnes and Noble Summer Reading program is back for its 20th Year. Have your child(ren) read any 8 books. The child(ren) will get a FREE book from Barnes and Noble once the list is complete.

Half Price Books: Feed Your Brain is the Half Price Books Reading program Children need to read at least 15 minutes a day and 300 minutes per month during June and July, turn in form and receive Half Price Book Bucks. Each child can earn Book Bucks each month. Book Bucks must be redeemed by September 1st.

Check your local Library to see if they have a Reading Program going for the summer. Most libraries have a FUN program each year!

Apple Stores: Apple stores offer FREE workshops for Kids 8-12. The kids will learn how to use iMovie and how to make their own films. Sign up HERE!

Windows Stores: Microsoft offers FREE Youth Spark Summer Camps for kids ages 8-13. Kids are divided into 2 age groups 8-10 and 11-13. The "camps" offered include Coding. Sign up HERE!

Churches all over the country usually reserve one week in the summer for Vacation Bible School. VBS is usually for kids K-5th grade and will have a theme. Time and cost vary by location. Churches do this as an outreach to the community and are looking to provide a week of encouragement and Bible teaching to the kids in the community. Check your local Churches to see when the are having VBS this summer.

FREE Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park begins June 20-August 21. Check out the info and Schedule HERE. We went to this a couple summers ago and it was soo much fun! My boys LOVED it!

Zoo Fun:
Lincoln Park Zoo is FREE year round, although parking can cost a "pretty penny". GREAT zoo to visit and have fun at.

Brookfield Zoo has a cost associated with it. You can visit your library in the City of Chicago and in the Suburbs and get a Pass that allows for FREE admission for a limited number of people in the family. Our family buys a yearly membership which not only allows for unlimited FREE admission but also FREE parking. We live only 5 minutes from the Zoo, so the cost is worth it because it pays for itself in 2 visits.

The Cosley Zoo is a small Zoo located in Wheaton, IL. The cost is FREE for kids 17 and under, $5 for Adults and FREE for residents of Wheaton.

Museums around the City:
Museums very rarely have FREE days in the summer. Residents of the City of Chicago can get FREE admission to most of the City Museums using the Kids Museum Passport. Each pass generally admits 4 people FREE and one must be an adult over 18. Some passes have different restrictions.

Suburban residents can visit their local library to see if they are a participant in the Museum Adventure Pass. Many different Museums are included and most passes are valid for Buy 2 get 2 FREE admissions.

The Chicago LakeFront has many Beaches and FREE swimming available. 2016 Beach Season begins Friday May 27th. For a listing of Chicago Beaches and locations check HERE.

The Cook County Forest Preserves have 3 Aquatic Centers. There is a small FEE for these attractions, but it is very inexpensive. Adults (12 and up) are $6, and kids 4-12 are $4, 3 and under are FREE. Check out the locations and more info HERE.

I found a really nice listing of Aquatic Centers all around Chicagoland HERE. The Aquatic Centers do have an admission price and each varies by location. The listing covers many areas of Chicagoland! Many Suburban Park Districts have turned their "Pool" into AWESOME Aquatic Centers, so check the Park District websites.

Our favorite Park District Aquatic Center is The Oasis in Bloomingdale. The summer of 2016 the Oasis will have 3 “Discount Days” where admission is only $1 per person ALL DAY. The Discount Days are June 24th, July 13th and August 3rd.

Also, if you are looking for an indoor Pool fun there are a few around Chicagoland. A favorite of my family is the Oak Brook Park District Aquatic Center. Also, Splash Landings Aquatic Center in Glenview and Pelican Harbor in Bolingbrook.

The Forest Preserves are a wonderful place to explore Nature in and around the City and Suburbs.  The Programs and Events at Forest Preserves are generally FREE or very low cost. Family Fun Events abound at the Forest Preseves and include: Astronomy Nights, Campfire Nights, Butterflies, Family Fishing Days, and MUCH more!

The Cook County Forest Preserves is now in the second year of offering Camping for Families and Individuals. The Cook County Forest Preserves have 5 campgrounds that will be open for Families and Individuals to rent for a night or 2 or however long you want to. The prices are very reasonable. Tent and RV sites and also cabins are available for rent. Check it out HERE.

Here are the websites for the different Forest Preserves in and near Chicagoland.
Cook County Forest Preserves
DuPage County Forest Preserves
Will County Forest Preserves
Kane County Forest Preserves
Lake County Forest Preserves
Forest Park Nature Center(Peoria Park District)
North Park Nature Center(Chicago)
Check them out for FREE or Frugal Family Fun for the summer.

I also discovered a couple of Nature Centers within Park Districts in the Chicago Area. Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, Lyman Woods Nature Center in Downers Grove, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.

Summer Fun and Learning?? Sure why not!! Take a step back in time and see how the Farms were in the late 1800's and early 1900's, right here in the Chicago Area. Check out the different Living History Farms below. The majority are FREE all the time, but BlackBerry Farms and Naper Settlement have a fee.

Kline Creek Farm (West Chicago)
BlackBerry Farm  (Aurora)
Naper Settlement (Naperville)
Historic Wagner Farm (Glenview)
Volkening Heritage Farm (Schaumburg)

Blackberry Farm in Aurora offers a few Family Fun Days during the Summer. Family Fun Days are FREE. The dates for FREE Family Fun Days are: May 25th, June 8th, June 22nd, July 6th and August 3rd.

A FUN day at the Farm and going back in time!

Check your local Library for FUN activities like Movie Days, Story Time, Arts and Craft time and much more. Libraries are a GREAT resource for FREE family fun, including Family Game Night a couple times a month.

Park Districts all over offer Movies in the Park at least once a month during Summer Months. Our family enjoys going to Movies in the Park. The movies are mainly from the summer before or a couple years back, but being outdoors, after dusk, watching movies with the family and neighbors is FUN. The really cool thing is that since Movie in the Parks are FREE and open to the Public, you can visit other parks, not just those from your town.

City of Chicago: Millennium Park will be hosting the Chicago Summer Film Series on Tuesday evenings from June 23- August 25th. FREE Admission and the movie begins at 6:30pm. The listing for the entire SUMMER FILM SERIES.

Surrounding Suburbs:

I have created a Printable list of a good selection of Suburban Movies in the park. Check it out below:

Summer Movies 2016 by familymgrkendra

Check your local Park District, as I only searched and found a few suburbs. Park Districts are a wonderful place to have a Family Movie night and it is FREE!

Local area churches do a community outreach in the summer in the form of Vacation Bible School. The Dates, times and cost vary by location. Here is a list of some for the Chicagoland area: Vacation Bible School 2016 Chicago area

This list is not a complete list, so check local churches or ask friends if their church is having a VBS week. 

More places to find ideas for Family Fun and Family Activities:

Pinterest: Ohhh, the wonderful resources you can find on Pinterest. Do a search for “summer fun _____” and you can find resources for your city or town or idea. I have found many great ideas on Pinterest. I even have a Summer Fun Board.

A GREAT resource for Chicagoland parents is Chicago Parent Magazine. The magazine comes out monthly in libraries in both the City and Suburbs. The magazine publishes a calendar in the back of each monthly edition with Family Fun activities all around Chicagoland. 4x a year(one for every season) they put a special edition called Going Places. It is a BIG listing of their monthly calendar of events. Check out the website and pick up a copy of the monthly magazine and the Summer Edition of Going Places for some GREAT listings of Family Fun. (not all events listed are FREE, but many are). I LOVE Chicago Parent magazine, it is a GREAT resource year round! Do a google search if you live in another state, near a BIG city. I know cities like Dallas, New York and others have a "Parent Magazine", like the sister magazine to Chicago Parent.

Chicago Kids is a GREAT online Resource to find fun and activities for Kids and Families.

Kidslist is blog that updates quite often with Family Fun Activities, Camps, Events and more. Each Friday they send out an email with the Weekend Activities all over town.

KidWinks is another WONDERFUL resource for Family Fun Activities. KidWinks has a weekly email that they send out year round, just sign up for it.

OakLees Family Guide is yet another Family Fun Resource. OakLee Family Guides are available in Libraries and other places all over Chicagoland. Their website is also filled with VALUABLE info!


Our family also loves Summer Time Fairs and Festivals. Neighborhoods, Towns, Cities and more have some fun Fairs and Festivals. We really like some of those that "take us back in time" like Old Fashioned Days, Cival War Days, etc. Make sure to check local towns, cities and neighborhoods for local Festivals and Fairs. Also, many towns and villages have "Downtown Fun" nights once a week. Check your own neighborhood and neighborhoods nearby for Family Fun events.

I hope these resources and links are a good start to planning your Summer Fun 2016. Family Fun doesn't mean Spending Money all the time. You can spend Quality family time with your kids without going broke. Use the money you save for the BIG Family Fun Days like Amusement Parks and Vacations!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND FUN SUMMER OF 2016!

Summer 2016 FREE and Frugal Fun

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Simple Woman's Daybook: 1/2/14

Outside my window... A beautiful Snow is falling. The snow has been falling since New Year's Eve. We will end up with about 13" when it is all done.

I am thinking... The holidays were WONDERFUL and I am grateful for all that my family and I have.

I am thankful... The Brand new tires we put on the Van this Spring. The tires sure are making traveling in this snowy weather much easier.

In the kitchen... We are having Finger Food Leftovers. We had finger foods on New Year's Day and we will finish them off.

I am wearing... Comfy house clothes: Grey Pants, Purple shirt and fuzzy slipper socks.

I am creating... A plan for the coming months of getting our family organized and "calm the chaos".

I am going... NOWHERE! The snow is coming down hard and I will not go out in it.

I am wondering... The plans God has in store for me. He knows the plans and I will just have to sit back and allow those plans to transpire.

I am reading... I have several books I am reading. The one I am focused on is All Things Hidden by Kimberly Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson. My first Library Day of the year is Saturday, looking forward to stocking up on reading material.

I am hoping... The weather across the counter doesn't have ill effects on many. Stay Safe and Warm all!

I am looking forward to... Blogging more and expanding my blog this year.

I am learning... Nothing! We are on Winter Break right now!

Around the house... Daily Chores have been completed. Have to pick up the toy room later, but otherwise nothing.

I am pondering... Friendships! I have some wonderful ones both online and in Real Life.

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things... My Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1  I bought it at Costco in the Spring and I so enjoy it. It is easier then getting out the laptop at night when watching TV and I LOVE the portability of it!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today and Friday: Getting things done at home. Snowy days=Hibernating days. Saturday- Parent Meeting for our HomeSchool Support Group. We only do this type of meeting once a year. Special Guest speaker is Rob Rienow of Visionary Family Ministries. He is a GREAT speaker!

A Photo To Share..

A Snapshot of our Snowfall today

Simple Woman's Daybook: 1/2/14

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GoodBye 2013

WOW, I cannot believe another year has come to an end. I thought 2012 went by FAST, but 2013 really has 2012 beat.

2013 was an exhausting year, had a lot of "Stuff" going on and we were trying to recover from the busy year that 2012 dealt us. I must say that 2013 was a HEALTHY year for myself, my husband and my boys. I haven't had a HEALTHY year since 2009. PRAISE God for good health and being able to stay healthy and not too many Drs. Visits.

Our family started getting back into our routine this year, but more importantly we did a LOT of fun stuff this year. We were supposed to go away to a semi-local hotel for a couple of days in April, but the day we were leaving the Chicagoland area and the area we were heading to FLOODED. Heavy rains and flooding did not deter us though, I called a hotel only 20 minutes from us and we stayed there for 2 days. The boys enjoyed themselves and got to swim a lot. It was a relaxing, get away from home, family fun time. We also had a Family Fun day at Six Flags Great America. My boys and I had earned tickets through the Read to Succeed program. Hubby took the day off of work on July 22nd, and we headed out there. July 22nd is Nathan's B-day and we had a GREAT time! The boys are already asking when are we going back. We also visited Zoo, Museums, Downtown Chicago and more day trips.

2013 was an exhausting year until about May, but as the year continued on it became relaxing and fun! GOODBYE 2013!

A couple months ago I began thinking about 2014 and how I would like our schedule and routine to really get back on track. Chaos many times seems to snag our efforts to a Calm routine. I decided we needed to slow down and focus, LIGHTEN our Chaos. So LIGHTEN is my WORD for 2014!

We are going to focus on our family and only the 5 of us. LIGHTEN my load and slow down. I am a person who likes to do for others and it is hard for me to say NO, but I need to start saying NO to others and YES to what is happening in our household. We need to LIGHTEN our mouths and talk sweeter to one another. LIGHTEN my load by having the boys and my husband help me more within the household. I tend to do it all for everyone, but I can't keep doing it all. LIGHTEN our schedule so we can get our routine in full gear so that Chaos leaves us alone!

My blog has been SLOW for 2 years due to all the busy stuff in life, but my blog will be the only thing that won't be LIGHTEN. I will be picking up the pace on my blog and I have some exciting things I plan on doing in 2014!

I am looking forward to 2014: Slowing Down and Getting it DONE!

GoodBye 2013

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My Crazy Busy Life: Goodbye 2012

WOW, this year has certainly gone by SUPER FAST! I myself didn't really get to "Enjoy" this year as I have been EXTREMELY busy this year.

2012 started off great, we were in our normal routine. I have Vein Surgery on March 9th to help relieve the pain from the Superficial Phlebitis I had been suffering from for almost 2yrs. The surgery was very easy, even under Local Anesthesia and barely any pain killers. I was pain free and no swelling for a few months. I was a very happy camper.

Our family continued to follow our normal routine until Mid-May. Mid-May my mom had foot surgery and then a week later my dad ended up in the hospital and then Rehab/Nursing Home for a foot issue. This is when things got super busy and haven't slowed down. The boys and I become the "Drivers" for getting my mom back and forth to Dr. appointments, grocery shopping and more. My dad stayed in the Rehab until late July, so I was also going back and forth to the Rehab for visits, laundry help, and more. My dad was home from Rehab for a couple of weeks, only to have his foot problem get worse and he returned to Rehab. The Rehab center bought in a Podiatrist who took one look at my dad's foot and diagnosed the problem. He stayed at Rehab until late September and came home. This is when life got REALLY BUSY! He can't drive at this time because his foot is in a cast, but he needs to get to Dialysis 3x a week. I have been getting up at 3am, picking him up at 3:45am, dropping him off by 4:30am and getting back home by 5am. My brother was picking him in the beginning, but for the past 5 weeks or so hasn't been able to do pickups as he is now working. So now I do drop off and my boys and I do pick up 3 days a week. I know children are supposed to take care of their parents when they are older(even though my parents are that "old").

I know this year has been a time of life lessons and helping others which is great for my boys, we are just TIRED! We have seen the inside of our van more then anything else this year! I know God puts us through "seasons" in our life and takes us off course for reasons only he knows. The boys and I have looking forward to a "new season" or even our "normal season" to hopefully return soon! I know God's plan will always come into plan before my own "desires and plans" and that has been proven this year!

My year in review update would usually include all the Family Fun activities we normally do like Park Days, Picnics/BBQ's, Library Days, exploring Chicago, and much more, but we haven't had time or energy to do much of anything this year. I am an AVID reader and I the only reading I did this year was reading the books for my Book Reviews that I do. I didn't do my usually Library visits for reading materials. I had set a book reading goal this year and came NOWHERE close to that goal. I have had no time for BLOGGING as you all can see from the "bareness" of the blog this year. I was just making my review deadlines. I have not had time to do weekly Menu Planning and get organized with our grocery shopping. I had begun to take part in a 36 in 366 challenge on a message board I am on, but had to "Abandon my List" because I just haven't had time and energy for accomplishing to much other then taking care of my parents. My boys are getting TIRED and BORED of being in the van so much. They are good sports most of the time, but as of December it has really "worn on them".

The one MAJOR thing that I did accomplish for me was I finally demanded the Dentist allow me to get Dentures and the Dentist finally agreed. Here is more on my Dental Journey, Dental Journey Update and a pic of the day I got my "teeth"!

I am looking forward to 2013! I am looking forward to getting my household back in order and back on routine! I am looking forward to many days of Family Fun for our family of 5. I am looking forward to having my boys experience new and different things and more of the same! I am looking forward to making 2013 one of the BEST yet and being a RELAXING year!

My Crazy Busy Life: Goodbye 2012

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Day 3: 2012 Gratitude Challenge

Day 3: 

 I am VERY THANKFUL for Friends who shared their Veggie Bounty with myself and others! A couple families from our Homeschool Group have been being blessed with Veggies from a Farmer who runs a farmstand. They have been sharing with family, friends and church family since they have been being blessed with this bounty.

My friends went this past Wednesday and collected a HUGE bounty of Fall Veggies: Squash of all kinds, gourds, Cauliflower, Cabbage and some more items. My friend texted me and asked if I would like to come and get some. I went there and Friday night and got quite a bounty. I shared that bounty with my sister, a mutual friend of mine and my sister, and my parents.

Here is my Bounty from Day 1: 

 My friends were able to go again on Saturday and got another HUGE bounty! Saturday was the last day for the year/season. They received many of the same items as Wednesday and they also received Fresh Broccoli, Baking Pumpkins and a few other items. Our Homeschool Group was meeting yesterday so they once again shared the bounty with our group, even with people walking by on the street!

Here is the Bounty from Day 2: 

 I will be able to freeze a lot of these using my Food Saver and store in my chest freezer. I am VERY grateful for such a WONDERFUL Bounty. I am even more GRATEFUL for my friends, Barb and Trophy, for sharing their bounty with others!! I am GRATEFUL that I will have busy work today and tomorrow getting all this packaged and stored!

Come check out more posts and comments from the 2012 Gratitude Challenge at My Learning Garden.

Day 3: 2012 Gratitude Challenge

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Day 2: 2012 Gratitude Challenge

Day 2: 

 I am THANKFUL for a Food Saver and Chest Freezer! I received the Food Saver for a Christmas Present from my parents last Christmas and I purchased the 7cu Ft. Chest Freezer in March of this year with a check I received from the State of IL for "Found Money"!

 We have a standard size freezer on our Fridge and it was getting difficult to stock up on sales and more. We barely have room for our weekly groceries, much less any stock up items. I have been LOVING the savings that the Freezer and Food Saver have achieved for us. I am able to purchase larger quanities of meat on sale, break it down into meal sized portions and use the Food Saver to package it up! I am also able to do some "Freezer Meal" cooking. I now have PLENTY of room for making French Toast, Pancakes, Waffles, make ahead lunches and more!

 I am VERY THANKFUL that the Chest Freezer and Food Saver have been a money saver and a time saver!

Our Chest Freezer

Food Saver Christmas Gift

Food Saver Accessories I purchased

Sealing up some Chicken

Come check out more posts and comments from the 2012 Gratitude Challenge at My Learning Garden.

Day 2: 2012 Gratitude Challenge

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Day 1: 2012 Gratitude Challenge

WOW! I am amazed that it is already November 1st, time really does seem to be moving fast. November brings the start of "end of the year holidays" and in November we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is a day to be THANKFUL for things we have in life. I believe in giving THANKS for our blessings everyday of the year not just one designated day.

 My blogger friend Brenda at My Learning Garden is going to be doing 30 Day Gratitude Challenge and I will be participating! Each day I will post something I am THANKFUL for, although I have more then 30 days worth of things to be grateful for!

 DAY 1:  I am THANKFUL for many family members who have overcome many health issues this year and are much healthier, including myself. I had quite a few health issues this year, including my very first Kidney Stone, both of my parents have had health issues and many relatives also! I am grateful that everyone is healthy and happier! I pray everyone stays healthy throughout the holidays and beyond!

 Come back tomorrow for more things I am THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for! If you would like to join in, check out My Learning Garden. You don't have to be blogger to participate!

Day 1: 2012 Gratitude Challenge

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Simple Woman's Daybook 10/30

Outside my Window: Cloudy, windy, and chilly. YEP Fall has arrived in Chicago. High temps of only 45° today.

I am thinking: The East Coast where Hurricane Sandy hit yesterday. Praying for everyone as they await power and begin clean up.

I am THANKFUL: The health of my family. I had to take our 10yr old to ER on Saturday night because of his Asthma. He is fine now after a couple days of rest.

In the Kitchen: Tonight is “Breakfast for Dinner”. See the rest of our menu for the week: Menu for 10/28-11/3

I am wearing: My comfy PJ's and fuzzy slipper socks! Today just seemed like a PJ kind of day!

I am creating: I am working on getting things in order for the Holidays. Lesson Plans, Family Activities and more. I LOVE seeing Novmember come!

I am going: I have to go pick my dad up and drive him to his Tuesday night job. He works at a local newpaper as the Circulation Manager and he can't drive yet. The office is only 5 blocks from his house, so I just wait the 2hrs for him to be done.

I am wondering: When and if life is going to slow down for me. 2012 has been my BUSIET year ever! Too much running around and more and it isn't even for my kids.

I am reading: I am currently reading: The Wounded Heart by Adina Senft. Check out the rest of the books by my Reading Chair in the Right Sidebar.

I am hoping: To get caught up on things here within my household. Life has been busy and there are a few things I need to catch up on here at my house.

I am looking forward to: November and December. The Holiday season of both months and all the family time is a wonderful time of the year.

I am learning: Our regular Learning! We will soon start our focus on the holidays!

Around the house: Daily Chores and also working on declutter a file cabinet and paper clutter. I do the paper clutter while watching PrimeTime TV.

I am pondering: LOTS! I have had a couple of family situations in the last couple of months where family members(outside of this house) are trying to "Boss Me".

A Favorite Quote for Today:

One of my Favorite Things: YouVersion Bible App  2yrs ago when I upgraded to a SmartPhone I discovered this bible app. YouVersion isn't just a "Mobile Bible", it has many great features! Some of the features I love are the ability to take notes within the app, the ability to bookmark passages and more, the over 50 or so Bible Reading Plans. I just discovered this week that they also have an app in the Google Chrome store. I have now downloaded it to my PC and my laptop! The great feature is that it also syncs your account with the phone and PC. So if I have notes from my phone, they will show up when I sign in online! Nothing will ever replace my Print Bible, but YouVersion is a GREAT "on the go" bible!

A few plans for the rest of the Week: Wednesday the boys and I are heading down to my parents house to go trick or treating and have fun with my brother and parents. Thursday through Saturday are finally days where we have nothing on schedule. I am soo looking forward to being able to get things done in the apartment.

A picture to share:

My Homemade Gourmet Hot Cocoa 

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Simple Woman's Daybook 10/30

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Simple Woman's Daybook 9/26

Outside my Window: The Sun is brightly shining and the temp is just PERFECT! Today might be one of the last "Sandal Days" for a long while.

I am thinking: My mind is running a mile a minute with many things on my mind!

I am THANKFUL: My dad is coming home from the Rehab Facility tomorrow. He has a diagnosis of his foot issue and will be treated at home now.

In the Kitchen: Tonight is AWANA night and we have dinner at church.  See the rest of our menu for the week: Menu for 9/23-9/29

I am wearing: A pair of cotton capris and a t-shirt. I be changing into jean capris and a nice shirt when I go out later.

I am creating: I am still working on our Fall Activities schedule and Family Activities.

I am going: We are going to church today. The boys and I will leave around 2pm and head to the Oak Park Library and then arrive at church by 3:30pm. I help with Dinner Prep and the boys relax with library materials. Hubby will meet us at church after work.

I am wondering: Why so many people are judgemental of others and they really don't know the whole story/situation!? I think this is a very sad thing about our society nowadays. Too many are thinking they are better then others and are judgemental!

I am reading: I have a stack of books from the library and have been diving into them quite a bit lately! LOVE READING!

I am hoping: Our family can really get into a routine and really, truly stick to it for once!

I am looking forward to: Bringing my dad home tomorrow and having him get his foot healed at home!

I am learning: This week is a "wash" for academics. We have lots going on over the next couple of days and we are doing "service to others" this week and will begin our academics again next week.

Around the house: Laundry will be this weekend. I LOVE apartment living because there isn't much to do on a daily basis, especially since it has been being kept up since a major declutter a month ago.

I am pondering: The fact that it has been 3 weeks since immaturity distanced a VERY VERY close family member from me. I am not going to apologize for my parenting choices and I forsee the distance continuing until the other person realizes that they are not my "boss" and have no authority over me or how I raise my children!

A Favorite Quote for Today: PLAY is the highest form of RESEARCH. - Albert Einstein

One of my Favorite Things: HootSuite  HootSuite a 3rd party Social Media app. It allows you to post to Facebook, Twitter and a few other Social Media apps all from their app. I love that they have a Desktop, Mobile App, Web based, and Google Chrome extension. I am able to access HootSuite no matter where I am at via the internet or mobile phone! GREAT, EASY way to stay connected!

A few plans for the rest of the Week: Tomorrow the boys and I are picking up my dad from the Rehab Facility and taking him HOME. We are then going to the Museum of Science and Industry for awhile so my dad can rest. We will head back to my parents house and wait for my hubby. He and the boys are going to the White Sox game tomorrow night. The Ball Park is only 4 blocks from my parents place. Friday morning I have to get my dad to dialysis by 4:30am. The boys have flu shot appointments at 9:30am. We are then going "Thrifty shopping" for winter clothes for them. Saturday is a "RELAXATION" day for me and the boys. Sunday church and Lesson Planning day!

A picture to share: 

To check out more encouraging posts from other wonderful women go to: 
Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook 9/26

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Simple Woman's Daybook 9/18

Outside my Window: Cars are zooming past on the road! The Sun is BRIGHTLY shining and we are having a "cool, crisp" day! The high temp is only going to be 60° today! WOW!

I am thinking: How wonderful it will be to get my laptop back up and running. I have to order the recovery discs from Toshiba and then I can get it up and running well again! It has been "out of commision" for almost 6 weeks. The screen was smashed and had to be replaced. The screen is replaced but the hard drive also got fried during the smash, so a new hard drive is in. The new hard drive is only Vista and my laptop had Windows 7. I have only had the laptop for 18 months and I really use it a lot, especially for homeschool planning.

I am THANKFUL: The Kidney Stone that actually passed on Friday. It passed at 3 weeks, almost to the minute, from when it all began. Very painful experience so I am glad it is all over!

In the Kitchen: Tonight is “Taco Tuesday”. See the rest of our menu for the week: Menu for 9/16-9/22

I am wearing: A pair of cotton capris and a t-shirt. My "relaxing, indoor" clothes.

I am creating: I am working on a schedule of Fall Activities and Family Fun Fall Activities for our family. Hope to get some things planned out this week so we can enjoy Fall!

I am going: I have to go down to my parents place later today to fill in for my dad at his Tuesday night job. He works at a local neighborhood paper and is in charge of making sure his delivery staff is getting out on the streets for delivery. It is for a few hours!

I am wondering: About my dad coming home from the Rehab facility. He has been in for a month again, but this time he has a diagnosis and treatment plan for his foot issue. Hoping he is home soon!

I am reading: I have a stack of books from the library! I had to renew the whole stack and I am now getting the chance to get some reading done!

I am hoping: I am able to get some clothes shopping done for my boys in the next couple of weeks. I went to the Thrift store last week and got 22 items for $32, but that is just the start of what they need for fall/winter!

I am looking forward to: A wonderful weekend ahead and having fun with family and friends.

I am learning: Our regular homeschool studies! I will post a weekly schedule next week on my blog!

Around the house: Have to do a load of laundry and general pick up. I really like living in an apartment as it really cuts down on clean up time!

I am pondering: The fact that I have been standing up for myself more and more lately and not allowing others to "bully" me and treat me like a child. I am a 40yr old woman with a family and I need to make sure that my life viewpoints are validated just as much as I validate others!

A Favorite Quote for Today: "I am who I am by the Grace of God so don't try to change me, for I am who God wants me to be! Not who you think I should be!"  Author Unknown

One of my Favorite Things: Scribd:   Why I LOVE Scribd

A few plans for the rest of the Week: Wednesday is AWANA. The boys and I LOVE our Wednesday afternoon routine. Thursday is "Stay at Home" day. Friday I have my 40yr Check Up. I have some questions and issues I want to bring up to the Dr. Praying for a good visit. Saturday we have a Family Party to go to. Looking forward to that as it is a Pig Roast. Sunday is Church and Lesson Planning day.

A picture to share: 

My new Avatar with my new Smile

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Simple Woman's Daybook 9/18

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Simple Woman's Daybook 8/27

Outside my Window: The Sun is brightly shining and the temp is just PERFECT! The boys and I are relaxing right now and have to go out later.

I am thinking: I am turning 40 on Sunday and wondering how the next Decade is going to be for me!

I am THANKFUL: My hubby! He took off of work on Friday when I had to go to ER at 5am due to Extreme back pain. I ended up being diagnosed with a Kidney stone. He let me rest all weekend!

In the Kitchen: Tonight is “Take Out Night”. We are all going in different direction, so Take out is easier. See the rest of our menu for the week: Menu for 8/26-9/1

I am wearing: A pair of gym shorts and tank top, my indoor clothes. I will be wearing capris and a tshirt when I go out later.

I am creating: I am working on getting things in order for our 2012-2013 School Year. Lesson Plans, schedules, and printing a ton of stuff. This will be on-going all this week.

I am going: I have to go down to my parents place later today to fill in for my dad at his Tuesday night job. He works at a local neighborhood paper and is in charge of making sure his delivery staff is getting out on the streets for delivery. It is for a few hours!

I am wondering: When the Kidney Stone will pass and how painful it will be?? The pain was awful on Friday morning and I heard the passing is much worse.

I am reading: I have a stack of books from the library, but haven't had any time to read lately. Hoping to get back into reading within the next week!

I am hoping: The boys adjust to a routine soon and that they have better attitudes toward our Homeschool Curriculum and Homeschooling in general this coming year. (Still hoping on this as we haven't started our school year yet)

I am looking forward to: A WONDERFUL and Productive 2012-2013 Homeschool Year. We will begin on September 4th, the day after Labor Day.

I am learning: Nothing right now! We are finally getting a relaxing break after a long, busy summer.

Around the house: Just doing daily clean up because our apartment has been kept clean due to a major declutter.

I am pondering: The Fact that I am going to be 40 in just 5 days! So blessed that God has given me much in my lifetime and bought me through so much!

A Favorite Quote for Today: I am continue to plan for the start of our Homeschool Year on Sept 4th, I am reminded of this quote I find earlier this year. LOVE IT!

One of my Favorite Things: MakeUseOf  MakeUseOf is a website filled with lots of “Techy” info and FREE websites, apps and software. The site has reviews, recommendations and info on all things “Techy”. I LOVE being able to get info on the “Best of the Best” fo Techy for FREE!

A few plans for the rest of the Week: Wednesday the boys and I are taking the van and running a few errands and visiting my dad at the Rehab Facility. Thursday is stay home day so I can finish the first few weeks of homeschool plans. Friday I have an appointment with a Urologist about the Kidney Stone. The weekend is filled with a couple of B-Day parties, one for my husbands nephew and Sunday for me.

A picture to share: 

Simple Woman's Daybook 8/27

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