Here's to a NEW year! ( and 1/2)

And 1/2;) I found this draft that I must have saved from the 1st of the year, and just wanted to share it because it had some good stuff. 

Happy 2013! This year has started out to be an outstanding year! I truly believe that homeschooling is  an art of refinement. This year started out with gusto as we had a clear set plan for our school work, organization has  been one of the working parts of this new refinement movement.  Toward the end of 2012 I begin to put together a home management binder, where I could have a hard copy of the plan. Meal plan, daily schedule, cleaning schedule, it is amazing how much can be accomplished just by having somewhere to look when you get sidetracked, something to help you stay the course.  It has made all the difference.
 The other change we made is to the kids electronics. Not only the usage, but the availiablity as well. We have established a charging station where all electronics are signed in and out on a clipboard. This one thing has amazed me on how much the usage has decreased since the start of this, as time has gone by the kids have begun to realize how much other stuff there is to do.

As an update,

we are 6 months in and we still do the home management notebook and the electronic sign in, and it has been two of the most enlightening  things that I have done for my family, and I would encourage any family who hasn't thought to limit the electronic in their home to try it. It has really had the desired effect on my kids! Happy Home-ing ;)