Burnout

Burnout! We’ve all been there. Some more often than others. We love our children; we want to homeschool; but you’re just done, feeling somewhat like a failure or just too tired to battle any further. Some of the common mistakes we make that take us to burnout are: OVERSCHEDULING, too rigid lesson plans, lack of support, comparing kids, setting goals or expectations too high, or someone within or near the family not adjusting to your homeschool schedule.

 Overscheduling is very common place. In our area there are awesome opportunities for homeschoolers on every corner, homeschool groups, park days, homeschool days at museums, the zoo, the co-op classes, scouts, dance, karate, sports, etc. My kids laugh that we car school at times because we’re always on the go. Some families can handle that better than others. But if you’ve overcommitted your kids in one place you must remember to let up somewhere else. They can’t get math done if you’ve been out of the house every day this week. Now if all those events were worthwhile, then math can wait. If Math means more, then you’ll have to cut some of those good options.

 Lesson Plans can be great but they can also be a great weight around your neck, pulling you under. I venture to say that within the first month everyone’s already off their perfectly designed lesson plan they labored over all summer. It’s been meticulously designed to include every possible element in every subject and works exactly to the day to work though in 180 days. But someone forgot to tell the in-laws, the neighbors, the church committees, the co-op teacher that gave extra homework, etc.

 Interferences are endless. Instead of looking at these inconveniences as detrimental to your homeschool look them in the eye for what they are: learning experiences. As a parent with a child that successfully navigated college it’s very clear that homeschoolers learn and see that there are distractions and interruptions in life. It’s part of the learning process to learn how to navigate them and keep on track. Being able to adjust is a key to an abundant life. Lesson plans may be better if they have general concepts to cover each month with more flexibility in how and when to get those goals accomplished.

 Support issues come in many forms. Maybe you don’t have the support of an extended family members and it’s a frustration. Maybe the lack of support is closer and even a spouse that is always questioning you or requiring proof of success. Maybe your family is supportive but you feel like you’re out there all alone navigating the homeschool world. Homeschool support groups serve this purpose. There are others out there that have the same experiences, problems, relative, tried something you’ve always wondered about, successfully navigated that curriculum, learning disability or have a child with similar tendencies. Surrounding yourself and your children with other homeschoolers help your self confidence and can be very uplifting. It’s always beneficial to be around others that understand what you do day in and day out. Pulling away from other people and homeschooling in isolation is generally going to fester insecurity, loneliness and doubt. Guard your homeschool boundaries from those that figure you’re always available because you’re home or they don’t have anything pressing to do so they figure you don’t either or the exact opposite that they have REAL jobs and you don’t so can you… But do not isolate yourself either. Even most school teachers don’t teach EVERY subject, multiple grade levels. Homeschooling is a unique situation that takes a unique group of friends. We all need help and support at some time in our lives. Successful and/or seasoned homeschoolers can also feel satisfaction and belonging to continue in homeschool activities to help the newbies.

 Other ways to avoid burnout are to set homeschool priorities. Write them down and post them somewhere you’ll see them, because 6 months from now when the burnout starts you’ll have forgotten those priorities. Looking back on those priorities help to keep things in check on regular basis. Remember that if schools had the perfect answers, set up, or curriculum then they would work for everyone. Don’t feel pressured to meet other’s standards. As a homeschooler you have 7 days a week, 365 days a year to get it in and then even next year you are not passing your child on to anyone else. You can cover what you didn’t get to and are well aware of the holes they have that will need additional work. Also the purpose of homeschooling is to teach your child to love to learn. If that goal is accomplished, it won’t matter if anything is missed because they will know how to go back and learn it for themselves.

 So Burnout is natural. You are not a failure. You can do it. Take a few steps to analyze the cause. Take a few days to relax and de-stress then you can get back to it. It’s definitely worth the work and stress.

Youngevity Products Now Offered

Heritage Makers is still the great company for all your photo publishing needs but a year ago we merged with Youngevity. We now offer health products, makeup, coffee, chocolate, skin care and more. Visit my old website for photobooks at www. yourstorystartsnow.com for all your publishing but visit my Youngevity website at yourstorystartsnow.my90forlife.com

Six Ready-Made Canvas Templates

February 17th, 2010

Winter is fading away and spring is on our doorstep. In fact, you can almost smell spring in the air at the Heritage Makers home office. Which got us thinking here, “What are some fun bust-the-winter-blues, spring-time projects?” Here’s the perfect thing for you…ready-made, gallery-wrapped canvas. All you have to do is select the canvas print you want, order it through Heritage Makers Studio, and hang on your wall! Voila! You’ve got an instant update to your home décor. And you can have the gallery-wrapped canvas ready to be shipped in just a matter of seconds (seriously). No shopping, no mess, no crowds at the store. Simple, beautiful, gallery-wrapped canvases ready to adorn the walls of your home.

Take a look at six simple canvas prints from the Template Gallery.

1. Animal’s ABCs. This bright and cheery 8×20 canvas will look great in any child’s bedroom. Look for other coordinating pieces in the template gallery to make an entire alphabet set! Template ID #: 27610

2. Shadow Flower. Here’s an 8×20 canvas that will add instant charm and romance to your home. The sunset in the background with the flower taking center stage brings a sense of calm and peace. Template ID #: 27188

3. Watching Leaves Turn. This 20×20 canvas is neutral enough to fit into any home décor. You’ll also love the inspiring quote that accompanies the picture here. Template ID #: 19968

4. All Life’s Blessings. Another gorgeous 20×20 canvas in neutral colors. Pair this canvas up with Watching Leaves Turn and your home will soon look like an art gallery! Template ID#: 18921

5. Family That Plays Together. This 20×8 canvas will look great hanging above any door. Remind your family of what matters most as they come and go from your home every day. Template ID#: 27195

6. M is for Monkey. Another super fun way to spice up your kid’s room. This 8×8 canvas is fun for a boy or a girl. Template ID: 27614

Heritage Makers offers so many great canvas options! If you’re a little more creative, try making your own from scratch, or use one of the already-designed templates with your family photos. The possibilities are simply endless! Check out the Heritage Makers template gallery today to be inspired.

Now Hiring!

If you enjoy pictures, have a strong desire to build family bonds and enjoy helping others do the same, then this would be an AWESOME job for you! I am looking for new consultants across the country.  It's a great ground floor opportunity in a company that is growing leaps and bounds and is great to its consultants. There are many areas of the country that have literally NO consultants yet.  I can do a business call with you, an online presentation, and there is so much training and support in this company.  Please call today for a job that you can feel passionately about, make a difference in the lives of others, and even make a huge income at, depending on your level of commitment. It's been a wonderful thing for our family!

Happy New Year!!!!
How about starting the New Year out right with a Christmas memory book before those priceless memories from last month fade!! Take up Project 365 - scrap a page a day as life happens capture the highlights or realities that make you who you are. Join a club - who needs the fitness club - Club Premier is 365 days filled with a growing artwork library already over 40,000 pieces, unlimited picture storage and more - It's on special for this month only for less than $9 a month compared to normal price of $19.95 a month.  How about Spring Cleaning your pictures.  Get those snapshot scanned for a great price through my own personalized service. No need to stress over hours of scanning yourself or sending them oversees where they can get lost.  It's all about setting new goals and priorities in 2010. It's a new decade, a new generation, a new you! Capture and preserve the memories of you past for your future.  Maybe you would even like to make a little more income in the new year. Well join me as a Heritage Maker and enjoy the fact you can change lives with a business that really matters.  I hope to see more of YOU in 2010~!!

Awesome Home Decor Ideas

Personalized Gifts and Home Decor

Family Games:

Ideas:

Family Land (Candy Land):http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1002658&productId=29

Family Monopoly: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1024221&productId=29

Cost: 18x24 Poster- $21.95, Deck of cards - $22.95, Foam Board - $1.50 - Total: $46.40

(Even Less When you buy more than one - each one can be different!)

Child Treasure Box

Ideas:

Girls 7" treasure box: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014495&productId=64

Boys 7" treausure box:http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014543&productId=64

Cost: two 12x12 scrapbook pages - $7, Seven inch cardboard box from Walmart - $1.50 - total: $8.50

Wooden Blocks:

Ideas:

Girls Stacking Blocks:http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=992422&productId=64

Cost: wood 4" cube - $3 from Micheals craft store, 12x12 scrapbook page - $3.50 - Total: $6:50

Clocks:

Ideas:

Girls Sisters clock: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014465&productId=69

Family clock: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014456&productId=69

Grandparent his/hers clocks: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014471&productId=69

Cost: 8" clock from Walmart - $4, 8x8 scrapbook page - $2.70 - Total: $6.70

Quick Neighbor gift/treat cards:

Example: "Hope you have a Wopper of a day" or I'm there for you in a 'Crunch' -

All treats are something you can get at a local gas station for about a $1 - click here to see the cards: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserBWC.cfm?projectID=036dd238-ac87-4fb0-a37b-bfc2dbadbdac&productID=63



Cost: 1 Deck of playing cards - $22.95 (54 cards), treats: $.50-$1 each - Total: $1.45 each

Tin Wall Pictures:





Cost: 12x12" tin - ~$1 (from your local refrigerator supply/repair store), 8x8 scrapbook page - $2.70, 1 yard netting or ribbon - $.30 - Total: $4

8x8 Board Book - $53.95

Ideas:

Girls Cherry blossom: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1053989&productId=60

Autmn Board Book: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1047835&productId=60

Customized Wall Paper:

Jungle with my 5 monkey's bathroom wall paper:

Border set 1: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1079345&productId=25

border set 2: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1079346&productId=25

Wallies: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1070642&productId=25

Use 12x18 posters - amke a 6" by 36" border - plus Wallies made on a 12x18 poster as well... cut borders and wallies out, apply with a universal wallpaper paste from Home Depot or Lowes.

Cost: $12.95/poster - wall paper paste: $4

Family Tree Matching Magnet Poster:

Family Tree: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014366&productId=27

2x2 family pictures: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1014418&productId=64

Have your kids learn their family tree - laminate the poster and put it on the fridge. Put magnet sheet on the back of your family pictures and let them have fun for hours matching pictures of their ancestors with the names!

Cost: 18x24 poster - $21.95, 8x8 scrapbook page - $2.70, magnet sheet from craft store - $2, Lamination (optional) - $1

Family Job Charts:

Kids Job Charts: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=988937&productId=64

Put your family job charts on 12x12 scrapbook pages. Personalize for younger kids with photos of them doing the job. Laminate and put on fridge with magnets and use dry erase markers to mark off the jobs every week. Use chore cards (made with a card deck) for extra jobs.

Cost: 12x12 scrapbook page - $3.50/each, lamination $.30, Dry erase Markers - $3

12x12 Mod Podge Tiles

GREAT for family or neighbor gifts!

Ideas:

Grandparents:http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1007700&productId=64

O Holy Night: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1015843&productId=64

House of Order: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1007529&productId=64

Motivational quote tile: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1007506&productId=64

Cost: 12x12 scrapbook page - $3.50, 12x12 tile (from Home Depot) - $1 - Total: $4.50

6x6 Modge Podge Tiles:

Also GREAT gift Ideas!

Ideas:

Motivational tiles: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1007384&productId=64

Christmas tiles: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1060368&productId=64

Fall Tiles: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1067016&productId=64

Cost: 12x12 scrapbook page (4 tiles/page): $3.50, 6x6 tile (from Home Depot) - $.50 - Total: $1.30/each

Coasters:

GREAT Grandparent gift - Give them each a set!

Coaster Pictures: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1000912&productId=64

Cut out pictures - Mod Podge pictures onto travertine 4"x4" tiles, spray with indoor/outdoor clear polyurethane spray (to water proof), put felt stickers, or cork on bottom and voila! You are done. A GREAT useful and unique gift that serves as a great conversation piece!

Cost: 12x12 scrapbook page (16 pictures/coasters) - $3.50, 4x4" travertine tiles (from Home Depot) - $.55/each - Total: - ~ $.75/each.

10 Heritage Makers Projects in 10 Minutes or Less

Looking for fun…and quick…holiday gifts? Check out 10 Heritage Makers projects that you can create in just 10 minutes (or less). We’ve put together some of our favorite gifts and templates to show you ways to stuff all the stockings this year.

1. Set of Holiday Tiles                  Time = 1 minute

Holiday tiles are such a fun and simple gift! Go to the Heritage Makers template gallery, search for 12×12 pages, and you’ll find an abundance of fabulous designs. Simply load one of the “tile” templates into Studio, save, and print. It’s that easy.
After you print your 12×12 scrap page, trim to fit a 6×6 tile, mod podge in place, and you’re done. If you want, you can even tie a ribbon around the tiles for a fun gift. Give one tile or a set of 4!
To see a preview of the tiles, go here.

2. Greeting Cards                         Time = 5 minutes

No kidding, you can make your greeting cards this year in only 5 minutes! Send a beautiful, customized greeting card AND let Heritage Makers ship it for you. Simply select “direct ship” and we’ll take care of the rest.
Want to see a beautiful card made with a FREE Basic account? Click here.

3. Gallery-wrapped Canvas          Time = 4 minutes

Create a gorgeous gallery-wrapped canvas. Canvases, in three different sizes, look great on every wall on your home.
This beautiful 20×20 canvas was made with a FREE Basic account? See it here.

4. Deck of Playing Cards Time = 10 minutes

When you use page manager in Studio, a fun family game can be made in just 10 minutes! You’ll spend a lot of time with your family from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day…why not make that time fun with a unique game! Try Go Fish, “Scum,” or a unique family trivia game.
Here’s a fun “Go Fish” game for a child. Check it out here.
5. Family Fold                                Time = 5 minute
Another 5-minute greeting card, with a twist! This 3-panel family fold makes for a fun and unique greeting card that can be displaying on a desk, in a bedroom, or hanging on the wall.
Check out the family fold here.
6. Joy Journal                                 Time = 2 minutes
Don’t believe you can make a journal in just 2 minutes? It’s entirely possible with this darling joy journal template. Take time everyday to remember the joy and happiness in life. Sounds like a great New Year’s resolution!
See the joy journal here.
7. 11 x 16 calendar             Time = 10 minutes
Try out the new Heritage Makers calendar size. Keep track of your family dates, birthdays, and special occasions. Talk about a great gift for grandma and Aunt Sue!
See the family calendar here.
8. 12×12 scrap page                       Time = 3 minutes
Share your Hanukkah traditions with this scrap page dedicated to the Festival of Lights. This scrap page makes for a wonderful addition to your holiday décor, or can be saved for the scrap book later on. Add your family photos for more personalization.
To see the Festival of Lights scrap page, go here.
9. Clock                                         Time = 4 minutes
Never be late again with this creative clock. This project is a simple twist on the traditional 12×12 scrap page. All you need is a clock face, this darling template, and you’re done!
See the clock here.
10. 6-photo Bracelet                      Time = 5 minutes
Take your loved with you everywhere you go with a stylish 6-photo bracelet. Time from start to finish? 5 minutes! The 6-photo bracelet makes a fabulous holiday gift.
Check out the bracelet here.
11. History Hero DVDs                  Time = 0 minutes
Bonus gift for you! All you have to do to add these History Heroes to your family is simply order. You have a choice of Collection A or Collection B. You don’t have to hit the publish button to get in on this awesome product.

To see more fabulous templates, check out the Heritage Makers template gallery.
Now you’ve got all of your Heritage Makers gifts under control…without sacrificing your time! Take a few minutes to browse the Heritage Makers template gallery to find fantastic gifts for all of your holidays!