Fall Yard Cleanup: Find Fall Crafts & Activities for Kids to Help Out

Fall Tips for Family Yard Cleanup

As fall sets in, it’s time to think about cleaning up your yard. The cooler temperatures make it easier to get through your chores and it’s the perfect time to fix any issues with your lawn before winter. Whether you’re planning a new flower bed, fertilizing or reseeding the lawn or clearing leaves, proper fall cleanup and care is essential to a lush, healthy lawn in the spring. Look for ways to involve the whole family in your lawn care this season. From showing older children how to pull weeds from the flower beds to keeping younger children occupied with fall crafts and activities, here are some great tips to get the whole family involved in fall yard cleanup.

Fall chores for your family
Make fall yard cleanup less of a chore by getting the whole family involved! Teens can help organize the garage, clean up lawn furniture or wash windows. Need to clear leaves? Have your children help rake any wet leaves from the more dense areas before you use a leaf blower to do the rest. Kids can help build up leaf piles, and with the leaf blower for fast cleanup, it’s ok if they jump in a few! You can also have your kids use their wagons to carry leaves to the compost pile. Spend your Saturdays as a family, working together and enjoying the beautiful fall weather as you clean up the yard. Other chores to tackle in the fall include:

• Lightly trimming any branches that could endanger your home or property when weighed down with snow or blowing in the wind (don’t cut back too much or you’ll do permanent damage)
• Preparing flowerbeds for spring and cutting back perennials
• Washing and storing patio furniture
• Weeding the flower beds 
• Planting new grass seed 

Fall lawn care
Taking care of the lawn is an important part of fall yard cleanup. Check out these tips and tools that make your job easier and help you get chores done faster so you can focus on doing fall activities with your kids.

• Fall leaves can be taken care of quickly and efficiently using a leaf blower. Clear leaves from the driveway, pathways and lawn. Then, use a chipper/shredder to turn leaf piles into mulch. Clearing leaves with a leaf blower or chipper shredder vacuum is important as too many leaves can suffocate lawns, and wet leaves can produce mold and diseases if left alone. Once mulched with your chipper shredder, you can add the leaves to your compost pile or spread the cuttings on the lawn as fertilizer

• Fall mowing and lawn care is different than summer lawn care. Mow regularly until you no longer see new growth on your lawn. You should also water your lawn often in autumn. The last time you mow, your riding lawn mower should be on the lowest possible cut setting to prevent matting from the snow. However, do not cut your grass lower than two inches to avoid damage from winter sun, cold and wind.

• After your last cut of the season, properly store your machine for winter. Remove oil, spark plugs and fuel at the end of the season and wipe down the mowing deck of your riding lawn mower. If you intended to leave fuel in the tank you should add stabilizer to reduce breakdown.

Fall activities for kids
Even when your children are too young to help out with the chores, there are still fun fall activities to keep kids busy while you work in the yard. Let your kids help you clear leaves and stuff them into some old clothes to make a scarecrow. Collect pinecones together and make birdfeeders for the cold weather, jump in the leaves and decorate windows and doors with construction paper leaves. Take a break from fall yard cleanup to play football as a family or carve pumpkins. These fall crafts help your kids get outside and enjoy the season while you do fall yard cleanup.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored guest post

Why You Should Hire Professional Plumbers to Handle all Your Plumbing Needs {Guest Post}

The principles of plumbing seem pretty straight forward. The liquids that flow into, out of and around your home through pipes are controlled by mechanisms like flushes, pumps, and taps. Many a mere mortal before you has attempted to do their own plumbing. There are so many plumbing tutorials and videos online now, it's tempting to believe that anything is possible with a little bit of guidance. Sometimes the results are beautiful, leakage and sewage problems are fixed quickly and easily and without the cost of a professional plumber. Most of the time, however, the consequences of DIY plumbing are disastrous.one wrong move with those seemingly simple pipes and could cause more damage than was already there. That's why it's important to call a professional plumbing service like Pipe Perfection to make sure that the job is done right, and the done right the first time. Lots of plumbing jobs require a permit, and a plumber will know when a permit is needed and which building codes you need to adhere to in order to pass an inspection. If it's a water heater or a sewage problem you're thinking of tackling yourself, there is only one piece of advice; don't. Anything can go wrong, including burning, flooding, bacterial and e coli infections. Something that you think is saving you a small amount of money could end up costing you big time in the long run when it comes to plumbing.

This is a sponsored guest post.

Monarch Dental Offers Great Dental Care In Five States

Guest post by Lorrriane P

A bright, white smile can help you feel more confident. Not only that, but it can attract positive attention from other people. When you are proud of your smile, you won't be afraid to show it. Sometimes, though, dental problems occur that can negatively impact the health and appearance of your smile. From filling a cavity to performing a root canal, there are a variety of dental procedures that can give you a smile you can be proud of. If you need a great dentist in Arkansas, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, or New Mexico to improve the health and appearance of your smile, visit Monarch Dental at www.monarchdental.com.

With locations in five states, it can be quick and easy for you to find an experienced and knowledgeable professional dentist who can give you a smile you can be proud of. Since your smile can be a great confidence booster if it is healthy and white, you will want to make sure your teeth are always taken care of. From regular checkups every six months to special dental procedures that fix damaged teeth, the dentists at Monarch Dental can handle a variety of dental treatments. If you want to have your teeth taken care of by a professional who truly understands all aspects of dentistry, visit www.monarchdental.com.

Monarch Dental will really give you something to smile about. With convenient locations in Texas, Arkansas, Utah, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, Monarch Dental is there to provide you with the best dental care. Your smile not only contributes to higher self esteem, but it can also contribute to the way other people see you. If you want to be certain that you have a smile that will infuse your confident levels while positively affecting your relationships with others, please visit www.monarchdental.com and make an appointment to see one of their excellent dentists.

Mom's Care

Contribution by Stevie Kirby

My mom is so stubborn. It was all we could do to get her into a nursing home but when it came to selling the house she just wasn’t having it. It made the most sense to try and sell her house because that way we’d have some extra funds to pay for her care but ever since dad died she’s just been irrationally holding onto the place because it’s got so much sentimental value and she just can’t stand to get rid of it. Anyway, my brother decided to move into it since he didn’t have anywhere else to go when he came back home to help with mom. He’s actually done a lot to improve the value of the house – he had the outside painted and he totally redid the kitchen and he’s even been making it more “green” (he’s really into that kind of stuff) by going to www.electriccompaniesindallas.com to get the electricity rates down and having windows put in all over that seal in the heat more. I’m really happy how we’ve come together as a family when mom needed us the most but it’s been a really tough year, to say the least. It’s incredible how expensive it is to put a family member in a care facility and I think the government needs to do something to make it easier, but don’t get me started on that! Mom’s really deserving of all the attention she’s been getting and I know it makes her happy that her kids are hanging out more for the first time in years. I really thought about it hard and decided it was best to keep her here in town and make sure she was under our watchful eye. It’s been really nice to spend more time with my brother, too, since he’s lived out in California for years – this tough time is really bringing the family together when I stop and think about it.

*Guest Post* Suggestions For Child Training

Hello everyone! I have missed you guys! :) Just wanted to check in to let you all know that we have successfully MOVED and are digging out. :) I didn't realize how much stuff I had until I started packing and am now unpacking it all. LOL! If you have ever moved, you know exactly what I am talking about. Anyway, as soon as things calm down here I will be back to regular posting but for now, I have a special guest post for you all! This comes from Lori, over at Her Works Praise Her and she will be talking about suggestions for child training. She is currently raising 6 children and knows all about this topic! Enjoy!

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Suggestions For Child Training

I have recently had someone request some ideas of how we train our children to know their Bible so I decided to share some of them here. Some will be quick and easy, others will take time. Some require your involvement, while others they can do on their own. Most require consistency.

1. Devotions, both personal and family. During family devotions my husband has the children take turns reading verses, and often asks them questions regarding the verses they read. Obviously he keeps it at their level. He does not ask the 8 year old the same type of question he asks our 24 year old. Sometimes he has the boys lead devotions, helping to prepare them for when they have their own families. For personal devotions each person needs to find a quiet place for their own reading and prayer. If a child is too young to read someone will read to them, or we use the Bible on CD. This really made our one M feel important that she had a CD to listen to for Bible reading. Also encourage them to keep a prayer journal. Perhaps you could put pictures of family, friends, missionaries etc. together in a book for them to look at as they pray. Let them request prayer for others.

2. Another activity we use is copying the Bible. They each have their own copy book and use it to copy a book of the Bible. We assign a certain amount of time on the days they copy. Most spend at least 1/2 an hour copying. If you have a really young one start with 5-10 minutes. It will also help their English, writing and punctuation skills. Just another added benefit.

3. We also plan crafts based on the Bible. They have made arks out of clay and added animal cracker animals. They also design pictures for their wall that include Bible verses. We made door-posts out of craft sticks and then used water with red food coloring, to study the Passover. Use your imagination and let them use theirs.

4. We have assigned memory verses. For the whole family. We assign verses and give a date when they need to be done. Sometimes we quote them and others we write them out. We do not require as many verses when they are younger. While the older children learn 3-4 verses only 1 is assigned to a younger child. Copying the verses on an index card is a big help. Or placing the memory verses in places around the home where everyone will see them and practice. (Like while brushing teeth) Encourage each other in this. Do not make it a time of competition or discouragement. We want our children to love the Word of God and hide it in their hearts. There may come a day when that is all they will have.

5. Another fun activity is Bible quizzing. My husband lines everyone up and does sword drills. Or we will sit around a table. He asks a question, for which we must find an answer. Sometimes he will give the address of a verse (such as Roman 3:10), and we have to find it. Everyone learns their Bible this way. After telling us what to find, he says "Draw your swords!" and everyone races to find it first. Occasionally he does questions just for the younger ones. This helps the children to know their Bible better.

6. We have times of play witnessing. One person knocks on the other persons door and witnesses. We start out easy, but slowly get more difficult. Sometimes we practice witnessing to a Jehovah's Witness, or Mormon, etc. Not only does this increase their Bible knowledge, but it increases their confidence when in a real situation. Our children really enjoy this and try to make it as difficult as possible.

7. We have stocked our bookshelves with Christian Biographies and older Christian fiction. Also doctrinal books that will help them. Another big portion of our shelf is creation books. Once again, if you have a child that can't read assign another child to read to them. Or something my children really enjoyed was reading a book into a recorder, then the others could listen to it also.

8. Keep loads of tapes and CD's on hand for them to listen to. Get CD's of preachers, evangelists and missionaries for them to listen to. They can play them in the car, while going to sleep, or during a quiet time. Have plenty of good quality Christian music for them to listen to. And of course they can always listen to the Bible on CD. And then encourage them to use these. Stop filling them with the world and get them excited about the Word of God.

9. Each of our children has a favorite old missionary or preacher and we encourage them to collect books, etc. on that person. Sam Jones and Peter Cartwright are two favorites in our family. One of the younger girls likes Billy Sunday. Use these to encourage them. Find out what you can about these individuals. We have visited the Billy Sunday Museum and home site, and have been to Sam Jones home. We also visited Sgt. Yorks Museum, another of my sons favorites. Things like this might just be what encourages your child to preach or go to the mission field.

10. Another obvious way is to teach them the Books if the Bible. You would be amazed how many supposed Christians we meet who can not quote the books of the Bible. Once again it is something that will help them find things quicker in their own Bible.

11. When they were little we even changed the name of games. Instead of Duck, Duck, Goose, we played Adam, Adam, Eve. It doesn't take a whole lot of imagination to change things like that.

12. Something else is to allow them to act out Bible account. Let them work together and then show you their results. Let them make costumes and props. Sometimes this can be a little amusing.

I think that will be all for now. If you have an idea please post it in the comments, you never know who you might help or encourage in that way. And remember to use all you can to encourage your children in their knowledge of the Bible. It will help them to first of all come to Christ as their Saviour, then it will help them to grow, witness to others, and as I said before, there may come a day when their Bible is taken away and all they will have is what they have memorized.

Lori
Her Works Praise Her

*Guest Post* Saving With Coupons...How to Get The Most For Your Dollar

I have a special treat for all of you today! My friend, Virginia, from Meet Virginia is a mommy-mega-family blogger who has become quite a couponing expert and I have asked her to share her tips and hints on how to get started in using coupons. She has graciously agreed to be a guest poster today so please, tune in and see how YOU can become proficient at using coupons and saving money!!

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I'm a mom to seven and at first started couponing out of necessity but have come to enjoy it as a hobby.  I wanted to share the very beginning basics of couponing in hopes it can help others learn quickly how to save money shopping.  The first thing I do is make sure to get 3-5 (or more) newspapers every Sunday.  Always be sure to check there are coupon inserts before purchasing.  Often I will check www.sundaycouponpreview.com to see before buying. 

Next I take out all like inserts and put them together like the picture shows.  I tear out all the same pages and staple them together for easy cutting.  It would take me forever to cut out one page at a time. (Here is link to view video on how to do it, http://youtu.be/rrLcbwBKNP0)

Some people prefer just to keep the inserts stapled together and only cut out what they need.  I prefer to cut them out and keep in an organized by section binder. It helps me to easily look at every coupon I have when I'm looking through each section of the store.  I use these dividers and then organize them by sections.  For example: Dairy, meat, frozen, dental, can food, etc.  Then I bought the inserts meant for card collectors and use them for my coupons.  

I don't have the time to always watch out in the ads and often, the deals I find aren't even in the ads so I subscribe to www.couponsense.com to help me find them.  I promise you that paying monthly for this has been no issue for me since I save several hundred dollars each month from the deals I save here.  Also, it's important to know the deals in your area as each state can be different.  If you would like you can try for just one month and right now they are running a promotion for one month free.  Once I used up my free trial month I had no problem subscribing to it. It has so many tools to use to help you save money and even tells you where to find the coupon and whether its a paper coupon or an internet coupon.  It always provides the links where you would go to print out the coupon.  This has been the source of finding 80% of my deals.

I know it might seem at first that you get stocked up on only a few things at a time but remember that as you are stocking up, eventually you'll have a large variety of things.  It's such a blessing to go to my pantry and easily choose something to eat from my stock.  In fact, I plan my meals around the stock in my pantry.  Since I have been couponing for several months, I have a large variety to choose from.  For example, the picture shows A LOT of cereals but for my family of nine, this would last about two-three months even with them only having one bowl of cereal every morning.  Since landing good coupons and a really good store sale doesn't happen every month, it's a good reason to buy a large stock of it. How much did it cost for 71 boxes of cereal with a good sale and coupons?  Only $50.  Since buying those cereal two months ago, there hasn't been AS GOOD of a sale so that stock is pulling us over until the next big sale.

It's important to know the store's coupon policies because some coupons are worth more than the face value.  One store I use often for freebies makes all coupons worth $1 regardless of what the coupon says.  Some store only double a coupon up to $1 and some stores don't double at all.  In the picture, all these items were on sale for $1 or less.  I had coupons for these and since this store makes all coupons worth $1, I got all these for free. 

In the picture: There was a deal to buy two Classico sauce, get two pastas free.  I had coupons for $1 off two Classico's and $1 off two pastas.  Should have cost $46 but only cost me $2.50 total.  That is a 95% savings.  So even though the pastas were technically already free, I was still able to use the coupons for them. Those coupons came off the Classico sauce and made a killer savings.

Always, always give coupons last after everything is rung up because it's important to watch and make sure that each coupon is properly doubled (bonus).  Sometimes it won't be and they will fix it.  MFG coupons savings is the face value of the coupon given and "bonus" is what the store added to double ones up to $1.  Just because you have a coupon for something doesn't mean you have to use them.  Often 90% of what I'm buying at a store I always have a coupon for but that is because there is already a sale on that item.  If there is no sale, I don't use the coupon.  Of course if you need the item, a coupon is good for it but since I already stock up ahead of time when there are sales, that usually doesn't happen.  So yes, I do stock up a lot on one type of item but it's always to last me over until the next major sale and coupon can be put together on that item.

If you would like to save even more money, there are some dollar stores that will sale the Sunday paper for only $1.  That is a 50% savings on your monthly cost of papers.  Also, because I print out so many internet coupons, I bought a printer that is excellent on refill costs.  I went into an electronics store and asked them to point me to the one that is the cheapest on refills and they pointed out the Lexmark Prestige which only cost $5 for black refills.  Perfect for couponers!

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WOW! Thank you SO MUCH, Virginia for taking the time to share your tips with us! I, for one, am VERY excited at the potential to save so much money. If you would like to keep up with Virginia, you can do so by visiting her blog, Meet Virginia. 

She is always posting about her couponing adventures and the fantastic, the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to getting a good deal. Her latest post is all about the savings she raked in from CVS...WOW!!! Please stop by and visit her, let her know you found her through here and enjoy getting to know her!