Newest Article

Spouse Smarts

o, you think you know your spouse. Could you correctly answer 20 questions about his or her favorite things? Most people are surprised that after many years of marriage their answers are off target.

Test your knowledge about your spouse's favorite things by spending an evening together creating flash cards. Create two sets of index-sized cards on which to write questions and answers. One set should have your answers and on the other set, write what you think will be your spouse's answer. The cards are a gold mine of gift ideas for future thoughtful surprises.

Diary of a New Homemaker
for Saturday, July 19, 2008

Henry

This is Henry:

A Seasonal Taste:

All-Family Pickup Baseball Game

The crack of the bat says it all--baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. And who doesn't dream of hitting the winning run in the bottom of the ninth? With the stands full of tense parents and a win-at-any-cost coach on the sidelines, kids can let the fear of making a mistake keep them from developing skills and enjoying the game. But for kids to have a chance to learn the essence of team play, good sportsmanship, and a love of the game, an informal all-family pick-up game might be just the right ticket.

When one of our charter families from New York State reported having so much fun at a pick-up game, we decided to take their idea and go with it.

A Taste of the Managing Money Section:

The True Costs of Home Improvements

On paper it seems simple: $30,000 for a kitchen redo, $16,000 for a new bathroom, $44,000 for a family room addition.

But what are the true costs of those home improvement projects? For example, that kitchen redo could actually be done for as little as $20,000, and the new bathroom may actually cost just $12,000.

On the other hand, a family room addition that costs $44,000 on paper may end up costing twice that much when you factor in decorating and furnishing that room.

The true cost of home improvements can often differ from the on-paper costs, and those costs can go up or down depending on the type of project.

Recent member blog entries:

• It's been sooo long.
  --from Jilsyt's blog
• Homeschooling: Yep, The Emperor is Naked
  --from Spinerval's blog
• Beginning Homeschooling Adventure With Teens
  --from uranni's blog
• where have I been
  --from Jennmommy5's blog
• Where do I begin the organization process!?
  --from lindayanez's blog

All members can blog!

Newest Poll

Have you changed your driving habits?:

Yes, I've drastically reduced my driving

Yes, I've reduced it a little

Yes, I drive more

No, I drive the same amount

I never had a car to begin with

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