Well, today is the two week mark for summer vacation. We have kept busy so far. The season is new. There's so much I want to do. Every year there is so much I want to do with the boys. Just not enough hours in the day. Not enough days in the week. Not enough weeks in summer vacation. But, not only am I concentrating on what to do this summer, but on what I plan NOT to do.
1) Worry about sand. Every time we visit a beach, in the back of my head I am agonizing over what a pain it is going to be to keep the sand out of my vehicle. Then it all gets brought back in the house in their shoes and pockets. This year I want to go to the beach and sink my feet in the sand and not care about where it's going when it's time to go home.
2) Hide in the air conditioning. Even on the days I have absolutely nowhere to go, I will be sure to get outside. Even if it's just to retrieve the mail or walk out to the garage.
3) Let the kids stay up late and sleep late. Ok, I will -- a little, but the more they get used to it now, the harder it is to return to the regular schedule when school begins. A couple of the boys are taking summer enrichment classes, so that's helped a little with keeping them on track.
4) Ignore the garden. Normally, I just let my husband and boys do the planting and maintaining. I'm going to pitch in a little with weeding and watering and eventually, picking.
5) Skip the ice cream. Ice cream is a frequent treat in the summer. I often order for the kids, but not for me. I take their leftovers if there are any. But hey, I like ice cream, too. I'm going to indulge once in a while.
6) Not get my money's worth out of the season pool passes. For many years, we've gotten season passes for a local pool, but we don't go that often. This summer -- more trips to the pool. We need to make at least 8 visits to get our money's worth out of the passes. So far we have gone twice.
7) Let coupons and free passes expire. I have two Six Flags Great America passes the boys earned by reading books. Another earned a free water park pass. They also earned several free personal pan pizzas at Pizza Hut. A couple got certificates for free Subway sandwiches from the library's reading program. I've collected a few others for various places over the past few months. I'm not going to let them go to waste this year. I'll keep them where they are easily visible and won't get lost and forgotten.
Hope you enjoy your summer!!!! Get to it...the clock is ticking!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Save some money this summer
Summer can be expensive. Very expensive. The more kids you have, the more you're forking out on vacations and such things as water parks, ice cream, sporting events, summer school, lunches on the run and festivals.
I'm always looking for activities that can be done that are free or very inexpensive during the summer months. Here's a few ways to be frugal and make the money go a little farther.
- Join a summer reading club at your local library. Reading is a summer activity that exercises the mind and prizes are offered as more books are read.
- Family bike rides allow you to enjoy the outdoors and get in a little exercise.
- Stretch your treat dollars further by hitting the $1 menu at McDonald's when you have a taste for ice cream. Check with the other places in your area to see if they run specials. One place nearby has a value menu that in the past has been $1. Prices went up a little (I think it's now 2 for $3 or 3 for $5), but it's still a bargain at $1.50 for a 40-ounce or so root beer float.
- Our local theatre does free movies each Wednesday morning. They are older movies that are now available on video, but there are several we haven't seen yet and it's always more fun to see it on the big screen. Another theatre chain in the area (Marcus) is doing $2 movies on Tues, Wed. Thurs. and on Tuesdays popcorn and pop are also $2. At the AMC Theatres I often go to, it's $5 per person during the week and Monday through Thursday there are free refills on all sizes.
- Visit an area nature center for a hike together and a little education on wildlife. Sandridge Nature Center in South Holland has a great education building where kids can see small creatures and play.
- Look at the calendar for your local library or historical society. Lots of free programs are offered for families.
- Check out area bowling alleys to see if they have free or discounted bowling. I recently picked up some coupons while at Funflatables for a free bowling session at Stardust Bowl, so we'll use those for a fun afternoon. (You do have to pay to rent the shoes.) Also, Lynwood Bowl usually runs specials once a week for $1 games (I think it's on Tuesdays) and sometimes they'll add in additional specials during the slow summer months. Great activity for a rainy day!!
- Research the free days at the downtown museums. Almost all of them have some days where admission is free. Some do it on a certain day each week. Some do it a certain day each month. Some have scattered days throughout the season, so you'll have to check the websites or call to find out.
- Minor League sporting events. I'm a huge baseball fan. A great alternative to a major league game is a Windy City Thunderbolts or Gary Railcats game. Tickets and concessions are inexpensive. Check the website for dates with special promotions.
- Ask at your library about getting free and discounted admission tickets to attractions with your library card. Several suburban libraries participate in a program where you can obtain tickets from your library for free zoo admission or other attraction admissions.
- One year, I got a map from the local park district and set out that summer to visit every park. I got in lots of playtime with my son -- free playtime.
- Subscribe to groupon and other sites that offer discounts. Sometimes you find some real bargains. I just got a deal with 2 box seats and $5 in cat coin for a Gary Railcats game. It's a $25 value.
- Hit some garage sales for some cheap toys and reading material. Or give the kids a stipend of a $1 or $2 and stop at the Dollar Store for some bubbles or other entertainment.
- Check out videos at the library. Some area libraries let you check out DVDs for free. Mine charges $1, but still cheaper than purchasing the movie or going to Blockbuster. Make a list for the summer of new movies you'd like to see and when it's too chilly for the pool, pull one out.
- Work on a puzzle. Pull one out of the closet or look for them at garage sales. Our library has a monthly book sales where you can find them for a quarter. The library also has a puzzle exchange where you can bring in one you've done and trade it for a new one. Another good activity to occupy kids on a rainy day.
- Hit the beach. While water parks and pool admissions can be pricey, a visit to the beach is free or you pay a minimal parking fee and can enjoy a full day of fun.
- Fly a kite. The dollar stores have them on the shelves around this time or you can pick one up at for just a couple bucks - or if you're really crafty, you can make your own.
- Play catch. Get out and throw a ball with your kids or encourage them to get the neighborhood kids for a game like kids of past generations used to do.
- Do searches on Google, Facebook and other online places for "free stuff," "free kids attractions," "free kids activities," "free things to do in Chicago" and such phrases and you'll find LOTS more.
I'm always looking for activities that can be done that are free or very inexpensive during the summer months. Here's a few ways to be frugal and make the money go a little farther.
- Join a summer reading club at your local library. Reading is a summer activity that exercises the mind and prizes are offered as more books are read.
- Family bike rides allow you to enjoy the outdoors and get in a little exercise.
- Stretch your treat dollars further by hitting the $1 menu at McDonald's when you have a taste for ice cream. Check with the other places in your area to see if they run specials. One place nearby has a value menu that in the past has been $1. Prices went up a little (I think it's now 2 for $3 or 3 for $5), but it's still a bargain at $1.50 for a 40-ounce or so root beer float.
- Our local theatre does free movies each Wednesday morning. They are older movies that are now available on video, but there are several we haven't seen yet and it's always more fun to see it on the big screen. Another theatre chain in the area (Marcus) is doing $2 movies on Tues, Wed. Thurs. and on Tuesdays popcorn and pop are also $2. At the AMC Theatres I often go to, it's $5 per person during the week and Monday through Thursday there are free refills on all sizes.
- Visit an area nature center for a hike together and a little education on wildlife. Sandridge Nature Center in South Holland has a great education building where kids can see small creatures and play.
- Look at the calendar for your local library or historical society. Lots of free programs are offered for families.
- Check out area bowling alleys to see if they have free or discounted bowling. I recently picked up some coupons while at Funflatables for a free bowling session at Stardust Bowl, so we'll use those for a fun afternoon. (You do have to pay to rent the shoes.) Also, Lynwood Bowl usually runs specials once a week for $1 games (I think it's on Tuesdays) and sometimes they'll add in additional specials during the slow summer months. Great activity for a rainy day!!
- Research the free days at the downtown museums. Almost all of them have some days where admission is free. Some do it on a certain day each week. Some do it a certain day each month. Some have scattered days throughout the season, so you'll have to check the websites or call to find out.
- Minor League sporting events. I'm a huge baseball fan. A great alternative to a major league game is a Windy City Thunderbolts or Gary Railcats game. Tickets and concessions are inexpensive. Check the website for dates with special promotions.
- Ask at your library about getting free and discounted admission tickets to attractions with your library card. Several suburban libraries participate in a program where you can obtain tickets from your library for free zoo admission or other attraction admissions.
- One year, I got a map from the local park district and set out that summer to visit every park. I got in lots of playtime with my son -- free playtime.
- Subscribe to groupon and other sites that offer discounts. Sometimes you find some real bargains. I just got a deal with 2 box seats and $5 in cat coin for a Gary Railcats game. It's a $25 value.
- Hit some garage sales for some cheap toys and reading material. Or give the kids a stipend of a $1 or $2 and stop at the Dollar Store for some bubbles or other entertainment.
- Check out videos at the library. Some area libraries let you check out DVDs for free. Mine charges $1, but still cheaper than purchasing the movie or going to Blockbuster. Make a list for the summer of new movies you'd like to see and when it's too chilly for the pool, pull one out.
- Work on a puzzle. Pull one out of the closet or look for them at garage sales. Our library has a monthly book sales where you can find them for a quarter. The library also has a puzzle exchange where you can bring in one you've done and trade it for a new one. Another good activity to occupy kids on a rainy day.
- Hit the beach. While water parks and pool admissions can be pricey, a visit to the beach is free or you pay a minimal parking fee and can enjoy a full day of fun.
- Fly a kite. The dollar stores have them on the shelves around this time or you can pick one up at for just a couple bucks - or if you're really crafty, you can make your own.
- Play catch. Get out and throw a ball with your kids or encourage them to get the neighborhood kids for a game like kids of past generations used to do.
- Do searches on Google, Facebook and other online places for "free stuff," "free kids attractions," "free kids activities," "free things to do in Chicago" and such phrases and you'll find LOTS more.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Summer classes are underway
This year, two of my five boys are enrolled in summer enrichment classes. I was pleased to see what fun courses were being offered for second through fifth graders this summer. My soon-going-into-third-grader was so excited when he brought home the flyer from school weeks ago telling me he wanted to enroll in "Summer Musical." He is often gung-ho when he first hears about something and his enthusiasm quickly fades -- as has happened with swim lessons, soccer, baseball and other activities. I was hesitant to sign up since the last couple weeks were a bit of a struggle as he expressed his displeasure with going to school because it was 1) boring, 2) stupid, 3) not air conditioned, 4) not fun or all of the above. He didn't want to go to school anymore and it wasn't easy getting him out the door in the morning. I figured it would be more of the same if he was going to summer school. But - I signed him up anyway.
My middle son will enter fourth grade this fall. He wasn't too keen on the idea of a summer class at first, but I told him there was a Harry Potter class being offered and that changed things. He was recently turned on to Harry Potter by my sister, who is - in a nutshell - a Harry Potter nut. She's seen the movies more times than can be counted. She's read the books over and over. She has posters, props and other Potter-related items. She follows Potter blogs. She plans her travel around Potter-themed events. She recently traveled to New York to see Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Harry Potter) on Broadway. She hangs around with a group that gets together for Potter Parties. She's become friends with people who produce Potter podcasts. She and I went to see Glee Live recently. I went because I'm a fan of the show, love the young talent and like to hear the variety of music thrown into different episodes. My sister went for one reason only - Darren Criss - who plays Blaine. He also wrote, produced and starred in a musical based on Harry Potter. She's a bit of a fanatic. So, anyway...my son is now a Potter fan after she brought the DVD set to introduce the boys to the stories. I was bummed that the class didn't go because of low enrollment. He ended up in Latin Fiesta, which he has enjoyed so far. He's excited to be learning words in Spanish and making a pinata.
So, four days into it, so far so good. Today was the first day I really got any grumbling about going, but it didn't last long and at the end of the day, they were both excited. Hope it continues. Three more weeks to go.
My middle son will enter fourth grade this fall. He wasn't too keen on the idea of a summer class at first, but I told him there was a Harry Potter class being offered and that changed things. He was recently turned on to Harry Potter by my sister, who is - in a nutshell - a Harry Potter nut. She's seen the movies more times than can be counted. She's read the books over and over. She has posters, props and other Potter-related items. She follows Potter blogs. She plans her travel around Potter-themed events. She recently traveled to New York to see Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Harry Potter) on Broadway. She hangs around with a group that gets together for Potter Parties. She's become friends with people who produce Potter podcasts. She and I went to see Glee Live recently. I went because I'm a fan of the show, love the young talent and like to hear the variety of music thrown into different episodes. My sister went for one reason only - Darren Criss - who plays Blaine. He also wrote, produced and starred in a musical based on Harry Potter. She's a bit of a fanatic. So, anyway...my son is now a Potter fan after she brought the DVD set to introduce the boys to the stories. I was bummed that the class didn't go because of low enrollment. He ended up in Latin Fiesta, which he has enjoyed so far. He's excited to be learning words in Spanish and making a pinata.
So, four days into it, so far so good. Today was the first day I really got any grumbling about going, but it didn't last long and at the end of the day, they were both excited. Hope it continues. Three more weeks to go.
Summer is exahusting already (and it hasn't officially started!)
June 17 post -- being added today
Summer doesn't officially begin until next week, but it's already wearing me out. I vowed to jump right in and enjoy as much as we could of the summer vacation right away. I was especially ready to get moving since next week two of my boys will begin summer enrichment classes. I wanted to fit in a little fun before we had a schedule to keep.
So far, this week has included a couple park visits, pool visits, a movie at a local theatre, several trips to the library, some shopping, a birthday party, a couple trips for ice cream and several play dates. Today, there was a field trip I wanted to make with some local moms, but after lots of running this week, I decided it was a day to sleep in and chill. I needed a little time to rest.
P.S. I'm also enjoying taking pictures of all the pretty flowers.
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Summer doesn't officially begin until next week, but it's already wearing me out. I vowed to jump right in and enjoy as much as we could of the summer vacation right away. I was especially ready to get moving since next week two of my boys will begin summer enrichment classes. I wanted to fit in a little fun before we had a schedule to keep.
So far, this week has included a couple park visits, pool visits, a movie at a local theatre, several trips to the library, some shopping, a birthday party, a couple trips for ice cream and several play dates. Today, there was a field trip I wanted to make with some local moms, but after lots of running this week, I decided it was a day to sleep in and chill. I needed a little time to rest.
P.S. I'm also enjoying taking pictures of all the pretty flowers.
Bring on summer!
June 13 post -- being added today
Today was the final day of school for the year. A bit late this year, but you can blame that on the historic blizzard this past winter that closed the schools for several days. It's such a relief to have the days behind me of making lunches, monitoring homework, carpooling, running out for posterboard for a project due the next day...that kind of stuff. Looking forward to many days ahead of relaxing with the boys. How about you?
Today was the final day of school for the year. A bit late this year, but you can blame that on the historic blizzard this past winter that closed the schools for several days. It's such a relief to have the days behind me of making lunches, monitoring homework, carpooling, running out for posterboard for a project due the next day...that kind of stuff. Looking forward to many days ahead of relaxing with the boys. How about you?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
There's such pleasure in simplicity
Yesterday our family drove up to Michigan to enjoy a great small-town, main-street parade that we attend each year. We usually make a day of it, hanging out at the local parks, having lunch, walking downtown. This year, my in-laws came along with us and after the parade, we went over to one of the parks for the kids to run around. My 7-year-old had three dollars burning a hole in his pocket. He asked if we could walk over to the pharmacy for a kite.
At first I balked at the idea. That would be $3 down the drain, I figured, since my boys always seem to break such things in less than five minutes. It also mean that his brothers would be whining for one of their own. It meant I'd have to sneak away from the rest of the gang to walk over there. It mean they might not even have kites and the walk over there would be for nothing. Or worse yet, they'd have kites, but they would cost twice as much and I'd end up pitching in the difference. After a minute, I figured I'd take him over and perhaps the kite would last long enough to provide a little entertainment while we waiting for a nearby eatery to clear out from the parade crowd.
We went over to the pharmacy and there was a display of kites. $2.99 each! Perfect. We get back to the park, put it together. It's not going up. After a couple minutes it's up in the air. The kids are all excited. I say to my m-i-l "I give it 10 minutes before it's in pieces." As I finished the sentence, the kite crashed to the ground, with a piece breaking loose. Dad tried to put it together as best he could. We went and had lunch. The boys wanted to stop at another park. We'd driven separate vehicles, so my oldest son, my f-i-l, my 12-year-old and my 6-year-old decided to head back. That left my husband, m-i-l, 7-year-old and 9-year-old. We stopped at another park. My husband rearranged the string on the kite. Within a couple minutes, they had it flying high. And it was staying there. A steady breeze kept it up in the air for about 45 minutes while we chatted and the kids enjoyed the kite and the playground. A day out in the fresh air and a $3 kite....life's simple pleasures.
At first I balked at the idea. That would be $3 down the drain, I figured, since my boys always seem to break such things in less than five minutes. It also mean that his brothers would be whining for one of their own. It meant I'd have to sneak away from the rest of the gang to walk over there. It mean they might not even have kites and the walk over there would be for nothing. Or worse yet, they'd have kites, but they would cost twice as much and I'd end up pitching in the difference. After a minute, I figured I'd take him over and perhaps the kite would last long enough to provide a little entertainment while we waiting for a nearby eatery to clear out from the parade crowd.
We went over to the pharmacy and there was a display of kites. $2.99 each! Perfect. We get back to the park, put it together. It's not going up. After a couple minutes it's up in the air. The kids are all excited. I say to my m-i-l "I give it 10 minutes before it's in pieces." As I finished the sentence, the kite crashed to the ground, with a piece breaking loose. Dad tried to put it together as best he could. We went and had lunch. The boys wanted to stop at another park. We'd driven separate vehicles, so my oldest son, my f-i-l, my 12-year-old and my 6-year-old decided to head back. That left my husband, m-i-l, 7-year-old and 9-year-old. We stopped at another park. My husband rearranged the string on the kite. Within a couple minutes, they had it flying high. And it was staying there. A steady breeze kept it up in the air for about 45 minutes while we chatted and the kids enjoyed the kite and the playground. A day out in the fresh air and a $3 kite....life's simple pleasures.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A bittersweet day in a mom's life
*June 8 posting
Today is a big day. My oldest son. My firstborn. My baby. Is now a licensed driver. It brings about lots of emotions. I'm partly terrified that somewhere along the way something will get hit that shouldn't be. Like a parking block. Or a tree. Or a fire hydrant. Or a curb. Or a shopping cart. Or worse yet, another car. I'm also partly sulking in the thought that he now has an independence he's never known. Don't laugh at me -- I know I've been a very overprotective mom. I can probably count on two hands the number of times he's walked somewhere on his own. He's always been driven to and from school or dropped of at his destination. I've always pretty much known exactly where he has been all the time. I know - it's time to cut the cord. It's just hard. Then terror sets back in thinking of all the things he could being doing with that independence. He's a good kid. Not really a trouble-maker. Normally follows the rules. You never know, though. A bit of independence can sure go to the head. I'm sure in the days ahead, it will be a relief. Now I don't have to drive him to school or guitar lessons or work or his friend's house. When we're running low on milk, I can send him out for some. Or when I want to order a pizza, I'll be able to send him out to pick it up. I'm sure once I get over the initial shock, it will be a huge help.
Today is a big day. My oldest son. My firstborn. My baby. Is now a licensed driver. It brings about lots of emotions. I'm partly terrified that somewhere along the way something will get hit that shouldn't be. Like a parking block. Or a tree. Or a fire hydrant. Or a curb. Or a shopping cart. Or worse yet, another car. I'm also partly sulking in the thought that he now has an independence he's never known. Don't laugh at me -- I know I've been a very overprotective mom. I can probably count on two hands the number of times he's walked somewhere on his own. He's always been driven to and from school or dropped of at his destination. I've always pretty much known exactly where he has been all the time. I know - it's time to cut the cord. It's just hard. Then terror sets back in thinking of all the things he could being doing with that independence. He's a good kid. Not really a trouble-maker. Normally follows the rules. You never know, though. A bit of independence can sure go to the head. I'm sure in the days ahead, it will be a relief. Now I don't have to drive him to school or guitar lessons or work or his friend's house. When we're running low on milk, I can send him out for some. Or when I want to order a pizza, I'll be able to send him out to pick it up. I'm sure once I get over the initial shock, it will be a huge help.
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