Then Darryl’s teacher says ‘Darryl doesn’t seem to be interested in doing his school work’. Sigh, I have to admit I have NOT been keeping the kids school events and homework organized. I have no homework system or home work routine. So in a hope in becoming the organized mom again I took my daughter to the dollar store to get a system in place for her.

The boys each have a school agenda, that I NEED to be using. Abbies is primary and the school doens’t order school agendas for the primary grades. So I needed to create one for her (actually it’s more for mom).

So here is our solution for organzing Abbie’s school homework.

Total cost: less then $7.00

Large zip locking bag (with a slider because the other ones are frustrating for little fingers and won’t get closed = lost homework organizers). ( I usually have these in my box but I bought 8 for $1.00)

One pencil (we had this at home)

One pencil sharpener

One fun homework bag sign

One hard covered blank journal (letter size)

The plastic bag keeps it all organized AND helps with rain (this busy mom lives in the North West).  Of course now I have to establish a homework routine. Establishing any family routine usually takes some patience and incentive always helps.

So I made a Mom’s homework organization bag to help me with my attempt to get the children’s homework and school events organized.  A bag to organize the homework items (which belongs to mom to ensure it dosen’t migrate into someones bedroom). It includes a new box of crayons, pencil crayons, three pencils, my highlighter & pen (for writing notes for the teacher), and $6.00 worth stickers (homework incentive). I think I might make a fancy sign for my bag as well.

Abbie’s homework agenda or organizer will be used to practise her spelling, write her reading times, send notes back and forth to the teacher, and write about her day to help improve her writing skills.

My homework routine means I can expect to site at the table with Abbie and Darryl for at least 30 minutes each night. No one said parenting wouldn’t be time consuming !

Now if you need an organizer for mom -> go check out the MOM AGENDA and get up to 40% off.

Another option for a school organizer if you want something a bit cuter … Freckle Box has personalized notebooks.  They cost 9.95 personalized clipboards are just $19.95  the coupon code FBFRIEND may give you 15% off if it hasn’t expired :)

Abbie suggested making two batches this time so she had enough to take some chewy chocolate chip cookies to her teacher after her brothers horded all the cookies last time.

Preheat Oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C)

3/4 cup margerine softened -> cream at HIGH speed
add:
1 egg

1 egg yolk -> beat together
add :
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-> cream at HIGH speed (may be a tiny tiny bit lumpy )

In a big bowl mix:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
1/2 package of chocolate chips

Add dry mixture 1/2 cup at a time while mixing.

Bake 7-12 min (varies by oven) until top is lightly golden.
Cool on baking sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Mix:
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1 cup Golden Crisco

In another bowl mix:
2 1/3 cups unsifted of flour
1 tsp salt
1tsp baking soda
1/2 package of chocolate chips

Slowly add dry mixture to wet while blending. Drop in spoonfulls onto cookie sheet.

Bake for 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees

If you’d like to print a recipe card Click HERE

This week we have read a few great books, one of which is written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh. Trick Or Treat is a fun BOARD Book with flaps to peek under.

Simple fun  sentences make this a great book for your new reader to read to you for bedtime !

So here’s your chance to WIN a copy. Sent to your child in a big brown envelope decorated by inspired Canadian Artist ‘Abigail McFarlane (age 6).

Just leave a comment here (include your email address with spaces) telling us what you love about halloween to be entered.  For extra entries – tweet the contest out everyday (come back and leave a comment for each tweet).

Happy Trick or Tweeting ( I couldn’t resist)

The Almost Always Organized Mom

PS: Wondering what to tweet ? Tweet the following:

Contest closed October 15th 2009 (so we can get it to you before Halloween !)

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