:: How do you organize? | Planner Talk ::

I've been working on my 2018 calendar and getting my planner organized to take on the new year. I wanted to share with you what planner I use. I know there are SO many cool ones out there that you can purchase, but when I started creating this one last year I wanted one that was as close to free as I could get, yet still customizable.

I discovered Scattered Squirrel via Pinterest last year and have never looked back.
I love her printables + they are FREE!!!

I just use a standard 3 ring binder because I love that you can easily add, replace, or take out sheets as you need. I also frequent the office supply isle at Walmart to see what they have in the way of cool post it notes, tabs, markers, etc. And if they are in the clearance section, even better!

I try and stay clear of looking these sort of things up on Amazon because I'd get myself into a whole bunch of trouble. These markers are my favorite! My kids tease me because I won't let them touch MY markers. I do the same with my colored pencils. Back off kids! ;)

Because I don't scrapbook with traditional scrapbooking supplies anymore (I'll touch base on this more in a future post), I tend to add stamps, stickers, washi tape, and a few other left over supplies in my planner. This allows me to be creative & makes my planner MINE. My favorite go to companies are Studio Calico, Bella Blvd, & Elle's Studio.

 

I also discovered what's called Bullet Journaling. Now, I've always been a LIST maker. Like I make lists for my lists. It not only keeps me organized, but when I get to cross something off my list, it's like SUCCESS. The bullet journaling adds some art and fun to it. When the sheet is full or complete, I throw it away and draw a new one. Sometimes I do them weekly, sometimes until they are full. That's the fun part! I get to draw, play with markers, & write my to-do list while I sip my morning coffee. It relaxes me, helps me feel somewhat in order, and let's my brain REST.

I have a ton of fun things pinned HERE on my Pinterest board as well.

Please share:What kind of planner do you use?

:: Ice Ice Baby | No School ::

What a whirl wind of weather we have had lately. We went from several days with sub zero temps to nearly thirties yesterday followed by sleet and freezing rain.
While the kids snoozed through their normal alarms this morning thanks to a cancelled day of school, I ice skated my way across the yard to do morning chores. It is at least a beautiful calm 32 degrees out.

The boys are taking full advantage of their day off school and have been out shooting clays since mid mornig. They love the fact that they can shoot and reload their own shells now. 

Ella tried to do a little sledding, but the slush just wasn't working like she wanted it to. I'm sure their will be many snow days to come.

:: Rest | My 2018 Word ::

I've been thinking about what my 2018 word would be over the past couple of months & the word "REST" kept popping up in different ways for me.
Last year's word (BREATH) took on a huge life of it's own & helped not only me, but my whole family through a year of trials. It will unofficially always be my "word".

This year I find myself searching for (REST). Not only in the physical form as in naps. (Although that's been a big part of my life lately; especially during my chemo weeks). I hate to admit I take naps because I feel lazy, but I've come to understand that they are important and it is in fact okay to close my eyes for an hour during the day if I'm lucky enough to do so.
For me the word (REST) will mean to allow my self to (REST) mentally.  To let go of the "what ifs, the whens, the whys"and work more on the joys of today.

Last year I allowed myself to let go of a lot of things.
:: I miserably failed at my garden, but still managed to can a small amount of things for winter.
It's okay.
:: I took my business work load down big time & spent so much more time with my family.
It's absolutely okay!
:: I gave up beekeeping & let my hives swarm. (Maybe I'll get back to it someday.)
It's okay.
:: I didn't take up running again like I had dreamed of, but I did spend many early mornings with a good friend walking the backroads and laughing and looking up at the stars.
:: It's absolutely okay!
:: And there's many more "I did nots", but ...
It's okay.

I found this and fell in love ::
May this next season for you be one of REST, Revival, and Renewal.
May you experience the REST of God in your most trying circumstances;
and as a result, find peace and bear fruit where there's only been angst and thorns.
May you experience a personal Revival that changes how you pray, what you say,
and where you put your time. And may you experience such soul  Renewal that even
the old things in your life feel new. God doesn't make things "nice", He makes things new.
Trust Him to do a brand new work in you in the days ahead.
~ Susie Larson

:: Chores Are No Fun In Below Freezing Temps ::

The last of the Christmas decorations has been cleaned up and packed away.

More snow fell all day yesterday and left us completely covered in a beautiful white blanket.

Well, beautiful as in if you are looking at it from the warmth of the house windows.

Chores at these temps are seriously no fun.

It's negative 19 with the wind chills right now and is supposed to be colder over the next few days. 

While I'm so thankful for water heaters, they just aren't keeping up which means we have to break ice and water all the critters twice a day. 

All of the livestock have plenty of warm straw to snuggle down in.

So, So thankful the hydrants haven't frozen up.

Here's to all the real farmers out there who do this day in and day out at a much larger scale. My little hobby goat farm is some hard work, so kudos to you all!

The yard and the unkept landscaping doesn't look quite as bad all covered in snow.

Wishing you all a warm & safe Happy New Year!

:: First Snow ::

I was awoke this morning by a very excited little girl, who was jumping up and down exclaiming that it had "snowed last night"! It didn't take her long and she was bundled up and outside with the dogs to play.

The boys were off with Aaron checking their trap line, so Ella and I did the morning chores and captured the beauty of the first snow.

When there's not enough snow to find a big hill, you improvise ...

This is Macy's first snow and she was loving it! The goats, were not too sure & stayed inside where it's warm.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!