Computer parental controls?

Do you have them on your computer for your kids? I trust my children, I trust everyone who uses our computer. I don't trust the internet! It's true. One day JA was at youtube because her friend told her how to get Hannah Montana episodes on it. I don't mind her watching there. So I sent her down to watch an episode. Mike came down to check on her success, and Holy Hannah! Oh, not so holy!!! It sent her to various things to do with Hannah Montana... in obviously photoshop altered situations!! YIKES!!! In all innocence she went to look for something wholesome, and came upon crud. She didn't know how to get out of it. It was awful!!

So I want to get some kind of parental controls on the computer. I don't even know where to start. How do you do it? Where do you get it from? What does it prevent?? I would rather not have the kids stumble on this crap, or the babysitter, or anyone who might use our computer!

So... any suggestions!?

The busiest week ever

This week is insane. There is soemthing taking me from home every night from Monday-Saturday. It's crazy! There are several things taking me away during the day as well.... lunch duty at school (YAY GOD for providing a little job for me!), volunteering in the JK/SK class, going to the USA, election training... I can't wait for Wed afternoon when Michael and I might get a little time to ourselves while the little ones go bowling with Grampa! :D

It's JA's birthday on the weekend... well, it's next Tuesday, but her party is this Saturday. Hannah Montana. Spa/pampering. Should be fun! :D

A Fond Farewell

So yesterday we had a little farewell party for some friends of ours. They are part of our church, and their daughters (aged 9 and 6) have played with our children since they were born. He recently quit his job here, but was unable to find another... and Saskatoon lured him away! After 2 months he returned home to collect up his family and take them back to Saskatoon. It was a sad thing leaving church yesterday, knowing it will be a LONG time before we see them again. They are departing from here on Saturday morning for a LONG trip West (and North!). They are starting a new venture in their lives - new home, new church, new friends, new life!

We want to wish the Bivands God's richest blessings as they set forth a new path in their family journey!! WE WILL MISS YOU!!!

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Another 15 minute day!

A bunch of things I want to get done today :) This fifteen minute thing ROCKS!!

• make chocolate cake for Michael's birthday dinner
• go to Curves
• put away laundry
• vacuum living room
• steam clean the marker from the carpet
• sweep and mop the kitchen floor
• run the dishwasher
• do dishes
• clean out fridge
• make birthday party invitations for Sophia's party
• make lasanga for supper
• clean upstairs bathroom

So that's my list for today :D

15 Minutes at a Time

I have followed FlyLady off and on for the last several years. Sadly, it's mostly off! LOL! But a few principles have stuck out to me. First... you can do anything in 15 minutes! Use the timer!! Set routines. We have routines here. With starting school, we have set out new ones... and next week we'll get into them full force. This week is sorta laid back.

So with that said, this next part is more for me than for you! I'm going to make my BIG list of what needs to get done, and come back here and strike out what I have accomplished. I did this a while ago while preparing for a trip. It worked wonders, and it felt good to come and strike out my list!!

• catch up on all laundry
  
• fold all laundry
• get Michael to put all laundry away
• sort seasonal clothes
• get a box for clothes that do not fit etc to donate
• list a few items for sale on kijiji
• declutter the girls bedroom
• fix the girls bed
• declutter OUR bedroom
• sew the little tear in our duvet cover
• work on Sparks scheduling
• get ready for supper - peel/dice potatos, cook chicken
• go to Curves
• get Stampin' Up! stuff to Hardwicks
• fill dishwasher
• make lunch
• vacuum living room
• tidy scrapbooking area
• work on the Port Weller scrapbook for next week
• declutter the craft cart for the kids
• steam clean the living room area rug
• sweep and mop the kitchen/dining room floors
• declutter the kitchen counter
• declutter the microwave top
• declutter the top of the fridge

I think that about does it for now. I don't intend to get all this done today, but things are happening!! I'm determined to start fresh this Fall... I'm aiming to be EARLY or ON TIME for all events and appointments (which for those who know me well, know how this will challenge me!), keep the house clear of clutter, and do daily devotions (which are going well btw!)

Have a fabulous day... hug the ones you love!

Back to school!

Whoohoo!! I am always bitter sweet about heading back to school. I love getting back into a routine. I hate getting up early. This year was a bit harder, as the wee Sophia was starting JK!! Amazingly there were no tears (from ME, not her! LOL!).

We had a fabulous first day... The kids got to school early, we found their teachers without hassle, and they all got settled.

Here are some photos from the day!


Are they excited or what?! LOL!


JA started grade three today... where has the time gone?! Wasn't it only last year that I sent her off, tearfully to JK!?


SK bound!


JK bound!!


The JK/SK teacher... she's phenomanol! I'm sure today was not an easy day for her!


I arrived back at school to take a couple more photos, and to make sure that the kids all got on the bus like there were supposed to. Sophia turned to me and nearly shouted (while pointing accusingly at me!)... "YOU!!!! GO BACK HOME!!! I am taking the bus." And that was that. She did let me take some photos tho

They all reported having had a great first day back to school! JA had a wee bit of homework already, but I am SURE that is b/c she is so social.... LOL! It's going to be a good year... :D

Brian and Stephanie's Wedding

So we went to my BIL's wedding this past weekend. We spent two nights in a hotel, which worked out wonderfully!! The reception was amazing, with yummy food, good friends and family, dancing and lots of laughs!! The speeches were good, and Michael even made two!! Steven put his foot in his mouth during speeches, and I felt vindicated for the faux pas he made at our wedding ten years ago! LOL!

Here's a few photos from the day:

This is Brian's face when he first saw Stephanie in her stunning gown!


The Beautiful Bride and the Boastful Groom!


Zachary, practicing for his own day of escorting beautiful women down the aisle!


JA and Sophia in their matching dresses.


All the grandkids, not the best photo ever, but at least everyone is looking and has their eyes open! LOL!


All the Beaudry Men. What a handsome bunch!!