Woodmen Edition's Kate Jonuska finds value in organization

At your local library, helpful information isn’t only found in the stacks, on a shelf or between
book covers. Valuable guidance can also be found in person, specifically in the persons of
Cari Pemberton and Linda Reinberger, certified Family Manager Coaches who provide free
organizational workshops for the community at local libraries. “This really is a service to
hurting families,” said Pemberton, who was recently named Director of National Outreach
for Family Manager Coaching and has been a professional organizer since 1992. “By dealing
with these issues in a free, convenient way, family managers — typically moms, but not
always — can take home strategies which can be implemented right away for the benefit of the
whole family.”
At a recent meeting at the Briargate Library covering tax preparation and battling paper
clutter, participant Jennifer Bell admitted relief that she’d found such help. “I think I can feel confident that I’m not by myself in this mess and I can find a good jumping off point,” said Bell,
who has recommended the free workshops to friends and family. “Yes, there may be piles
of paper everywhere, but you can get back on track. It can be done.”
Topics of past organizational workshops, which are usually conducted monthly, include
“The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Organized Home” and “Preparing for an A+ School
Year” as well as guidance with holiday-season preparations, organization products, staging
your home for sale and more.
Pemberton has conducted adult education programs at the Briargate Library since the
branch opened, and Reinberger has expanded the workshops to the Rockrimmon Library, as
well. Both believe that sharing their wealth of professional knowledge with families is a
genuine public service, especially in trying economic times. “How many of us think about
the cost of storing, insuring, cleaning and maintaining all of our possessions? Downsizing
and staying organized really does help families save money,” Pemberton explains. In addition
to creating value for your pocketbook, becoming organized can also add valuable time to
stressed-out schedules. “The end goal of organizing is to free time and resources for
more important matters,” Pemberton continues. “Being able to find your car keys instead of
searching for 10 minutes twice a week translates into more time for parents to spend on
what really matters — reading another book to their child, or just catching another 20 minutes
of sleep.”
Over-scheduled and overwhelmed, it often takes an outside voice of reason to get a
family back on track. If you’re interested in hearing that voice at one of Pemberton or Reinberger’s free sessions, upcoming workshops include “Kids Home Alone” at 10:30 a.m. March 16 at the Rockrimmon Library and “Downsizing: Organized Moving” on March 31 at the
Colorado Springs Senior Center, 1514 N. Hancock Ave.
The coaches also offer six-to eight-week intensive workshops— including “The Busy Mom’s
Guide to a Happy, Organized Home” study group on Thursdays through April — and one on
one family mentoring. For more information, visit Pemberton’s Web site at http://www.thecluttercutters.net/ or Reinberger’s site at www.OCDllc.biz. For details about the Pikes Peak Library District’s wide range of other adult programs, check out http://www.ppld.org/.

Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home study group forming

A monthly study group based on the latest book by Kathy Peel, "The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" is forming in the Indigo Ranch area. We will meet for eight Thursdays from 1 to 3p.m. If you have to miss a session, it’s not a big deal. You can easily jump back in to the study the following week, as each chapter focuses on a different “department.”

According to author Kathy Peel, "No matter how many paid or volunteer positions you hold, your job as mom and Family Manager is your highest calling." I agree with her and have a feeling you do, too.

Wouldn't you like to be an even better manager of your home and family? I know I would, so join me and let's get started together! Call 719-338-9677 for more details.

Discounts announced for members of Faithful Organizers, NAPO, MOPS, and military members!

Kathy Peel, America's Family Manager Coach, announced new discounts for members of groups geared toward helping busy families live happy, organized homes.
Members of Faithful Organizers will now receive a 25% discount off Family Manager University tuition. If you want to grow an existing business with leads and media opportunities from familymanager.com and Kathy Peel, add Family Manager Coach certification to your credentials as a professional organizer, life coach, home stager, nanny, or other profession.
If you enjoy helping people reach their goals for their home, family, and personal life and you want to own your own business, we hope you'll consider becoming a Certified Family Manager Coach. Family Manager University offers state-of-the-art online training and the tools you need to build a successful business.
For more information, email carip@familymanager.com.

Cari named Director of National Outreach by Family Manager Network

After two and a half successful years as a Certified Family Manager Coach, Cari has been named as one of three directors of Family Manager Network.
Family Manager provides training and resources for women and families through a national network of certified Family Manager Coaches trained through the Family Manager University online campus.
Kathy Peel, America's Family Manager, created the Family Manager System in her own quest to be a good mom and successful manager of her home. The Family Manager System uses the same skills and strategies that successful business managers use, such as delegation, team-building, and standard operating procedures, to create a smoothly running home.
If you or someone you know needs help at home or is interested in becoming a Coach, contact Cari at carip@familymanager.com.

Merry Christmas to you!

By now, your husband has probably returned from a last minute dash to the mall (mine made one this morning). Hopefully you have completed your shopping and also the food prep for tomorrow's meal. In any case, it's time to turn your attention to your family. Christmas isn't about giving the "right" gifts or cooking the perfect (fill in the blank). Tell your family how much you love them, and share God's love with others as well. There are so many people hurting this December due to job losses, retirement fund downturns, and the bumps and bruises that happen no matter what Wall Street's condition is.
Take stock of all the blessings you have. While you're at it, on a practical note, make note of what worked for you this holiday season, and what you want to do differently in 2009. Pick up only the items you know you'll use next year if you shop the post-Christmas sales.
If you're like me and dread "undecorating" the house, host a tree "untrimming" party. Ask friends to bring their leftover appetizers and cookies, make a crock of spiced cider (email me if you'd like a recipe for spiked maple cider) and have fun telling the story behind your ornaments as you pack each away. I put mine into red and green plastic totes, easily identifiable even in the garage rafters. I also have orange and black totes for autumn, a blue one for birthday paraphernalia and a pink one for Valentine's Day items.
May God bless you greatly, as he has already done with the gift of his Son.

Take a moment to say thanks

More holiday helpful hints

It's December (already!), so Christmas preparations are in high gear.
1. Skip the homemade cookie dough if what the kids enjoy is the decorating. Use refrigerated sugar cookie dough and get to the fun part in mere minutes.
2. Ask each family member for their favorite holiday dish. Make those and skip all the others. If everyone's favorites fall into the dessert category, make a quick pot of soup and some rolls for your holiday dinner and spend more time baking (and savoring) the sweets.
3. To discourage present shakers, use color coded dots for each member of the family instead of writing their names on tags. Be sure to make a key for yourself and tuck it away.
4. Send out Christmas cards to others as you receive theirs. Not only will you have their current address, but you will also save time by not sending cards to so many people. Let go of the guilt of not sending cards to your neighbor (from 18 years ago) and your dentist.