Here are some tips for completing a work space makeover for UNDER $75. Check it out at www.orsoshesays.com.

Work Space Makeover for Under $75! (she: Liv)

I recently moved my laptop into my basement “office” and the area needed SO MUCH HELP. It’s also the guest room, the room where we have a piano, and the room in which we’ve set up the electric trains so I’m not always tripping over them upstairs. It’s been a bit of a disaster trying to work amidst all the clutter the last couple of weeks. Working with DaySpring Christian Celebrations to specifically find items to enhance my work space with uplifting messages is just what I needed! It motivated me to take steps toward really making the desk space conducive to my work needs.

Get to know what your kids' teachers really want for teacher appreciation with this free printable getting to know you teacher survey
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Free Printable Teacher Survey – Get to Know Your Kids’ Teachers! (she: Liz)

One of my favorite things to do is give gifts. And teacher gifts are no exception. I love showing our appreciation to all those amazing teachers. I think a gift doesn’t have to be extravagant to be special. Simple gifts that are thoughtful or will mean a lot to the recipient are what’s important. Usually I don’t know all the little details of what a teacher does and doesn’t like. I give a gift that I hope they will like. But this year I thought I’d actually find out what my kids’ teachers really like.

For basic skills like letter recognition, try this fun cookie game Sierra is sharing today. Get the free printable and bake up your own ideas with your little ones at home! Find it all at www.orsoshesays.com.
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Educational and Fun Cookie Game (she: Sierra)

Hello all, it’s Sierra joining you again! “Back to school” season is upon us! I have a preschooler this year, who I’ve decided to home school and I’ve been preparing some lesson plans and fun learning games for him to play. Today I’m sharing a cute cookie game you can play with your own preschooler! There are so many ways you can play the game and it’s a great way for your child to learn their letters and numbers in the process!

Mini bagel pizzas are a really fun way to serve up a meal the family may otherwise be getting tired of. Try this version of pizza in the toaster oven, too, to keep that extra heat to a minimum in the kitchen this summer!
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Mini Bagel Pizzas (she: Kathy)

Hello! It’s Kathy from Beyond the Chicken Coop! Lunch at our house always seems to be frenzied. You would think during the summer or on weekends during the school year that lunch time would be relaxing. In reality, we are often rushing to get lunch on the table and get out the door to our next event. These mini bagel pizzas are a go-to favorite for my family.

Teriyaki Chicken is a perfect no-fuss meal for back to school! See Leesh & Lu's one-pot take on a classic recipe at www.orsoshesays.com.
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Teriyaki Chicken – A Perfect No Fuss Meal for Back to School (she: Leesh & Lu)

Teriyaki Chicken is a perfect no-fuss meal for back to school! See Leesh & Lu’s one-pot take on a classic recipe below. Looking for a no-fuss 30 minute meal? This Teriyaki Chicken comes together as quick as you can cook the rice and it’s likely you already have all the ingredients on hand. Serve it with some…

Here's a back to school Family Night idea from Veronica! Help get everyone prepared and eager to tackle what the year ahead holds. There's a free printable, too! See all the info at www.orsoshesays.com.
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Back to School Family Night idea: A Father’s Blessing (she: Veronica)

Hello! It’s Veronica and I’m so happy to be back! For many, including us, school just started again. (WHERE DOES THE SUMMER GO?!) But, many of you still have a few more weeks of summer left. I thought I would share one of our favorite back to school traditions with you. This back to school Family…

7 Simple Learning Strategies for Scripture Study - Today Rachel is sharing some ideas for helping young families make the most of their scripture study. After all, what's the point of reading together if no one ever learns anything? See the strategies on www.orsoshesays.com.
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7 Simple Learning Strategies to Help with Scripture Study (she: Rachel)

t’s just about time for the kids to head back to school—if they haven’t already started! From meeting the teachers, to checking out textbooks for the year, to shopping for school supplies, I’m spending a lot of time thinking about learning and study. I recently ran into a great article with seven learning strategies used by kids and how they can help everyone learn better. I love the idea of incorporating childlike learning strategies into lifelong learning, but as I was pondering how to adopt some of these skills into my life, I realized that each of the seven strategies could revitalize scripture study as well!

16 Golden Ideas for Enjoying the Olympics as a Family ~ Crafts, Activities, and Treats (she: Mariah)
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16 Golden Ideas for Enjoying the Olympics as a Family ~ Crafts, Activities, and Treats (she: Mariah)

The Summer Olympic Games have begun! It’s so fun watching people who are so amazingly talented and who love what they do! Since the games started, we’ve been watching them together as a family in the evenings and really enjoying it! So far my son loves the swimming and is mesmerized by the gymnastics. I think it’s great for our kids to watch these athletes achieve their dreams. I also love that they get to hear some of the athletes’ stories and learn that their lives haven’t always been all that easy and that hard work and dedication can take you so far in life!

Poison Ivy is definitely not an experience anyone wants to have. But at least Dan can make you laugh a little bit about it in today's post!

Dan’s Man Rants: Poison Ivy (he: Dan)

This post has everything to do with the cursed mosquito’s cursed plant-cousins: Poison Ivy , Oak, and Sumac. Three plants which I officially put on notice. Your plant days are numbered! You did your durndest to derail my summer, now I will return the favor by swearing an eternal enmity between you and Dankind. I declare you an official enemy of the state of Dan. It is my intention to go all gangsta Round-Up on your three leafed plant kiesters.

Respecting Police Officers may be of more importance now that ever before. There's a lot going on in the world today and this Family Night lesson aims to teach our children about the important work law enforcement does and how we can show our gratitude.
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Respecting Police Officers – Family Night Lesson (she: Adelle)

There are so many negative things going on in the Media about police officers in our country. It makes me sad. The men and women who serve and protect our families are an important part of our communities. I created this Family Night activity and lesson to help us show our local law enforcement officers some appreciation and thanks. It is also gives you, as parents, some talking points to go over with your children about how to respect and support their local community leaders.

Finding Hope Through a Hermit Crab (he: Dan)

Finding Hope Through a Hermit Crab (he: Dan)

After the loss of my pet, my mother taught me some precious truths about life and faith. She explained to me that our Heavenly Father is aware of all of his creatures here on earth – (See Matthew 10:29). She explained that He knew when every one of them died and that He cared. She went on to tell me that she believed that life didn’t end with death here on earth, that life carried on in heaven and that it was a much happier place.