It’s finally here! That fantastic time of year when our children return to school! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my children and I love spending time with them. However, as the years go by, I’ve found that one of the greatest joys in life is the beginning of the school year. As Edgar W. Howe said, “If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.”

It’s not pure selfishness on my part (mostly, but not all). My children are also genuinely happy about this time of year. They’ve missed their friends, are anxious to share summer experiences with everyone, and there’s always the excitement of new teachers, new classrooms, new friends, etc.

For me, the school year means being able to organize my life again. I can make uninterrupted phone calls, have meetings, and take care of things around our home without children under foot. It is the perfect time for me to begin planning any home projects that need to be done whether they are do-it-yourself things or larger jobs that will require professionals to come in. I don’t have to worry about interrupted naptimes, refereeing a fight, or children knocking over ladders. I can plan and schedule things and get them done faster and much more easily.

It’s also the perfect time of year for these projects because it ensures that I can get them completed before the rapidly approaching holidays. While it may only be August, with our busy schedules over the next few months the holidays will sneak up on me. They always do. By planning now I can make sure that all of the things I want to have done in my home will be ready before the visits by family and friends begin.

Whether a new Kitchen, an updated bathroom or smaller changes such as built-in cabinetry, a fresh coat of paint, or new flooring – now is the perfect time to get started on your home projects. Just think of how much easier it will be now that the kids are in school!

Now here’s a little treat for the parents out there who, like me, are excited about the start of the school year. Don’t feel bad. We’re obviously not alone. It’s an oldie, but a goodie

The Orange Police Department has put together a fantastic list of tips for both Adults and Children to ensure that you have a safe and happy Halloween. The most important thing to remember is to have patience and pay attention to your surroundings at all times. You can click here for a printable copy of the tips from the Police Department.

Tips for Adults

• If attending parties, remember to not drink and drive. Always have a designated driver.
• Use extra care when driving on Halloween. There will be many pedestrians, especially children. Stay alert, be patient, and drive more slowly. Pay special attention when backing out of a driveway or parking space.
• Don’t drive with a mask on. It will limit visibility. Make sure your costume will not interfere with the safe operation of your vehicle.
• Keep pets indoors or secured in backyards. Costumes, heavy pedestrian traffic and unusual noises could create difficult situations involving your pets.
• Make sure the front of your home is illuminated and free of tripping hazards.

Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

• Where possible, trick-or-treating should be done before dark.
• Children should be accompanied by adults or older siblings.
• Those accompanying children should carry a cell phone for emergency calls.
• Openly discuss with children appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
• Remind children not to eat treats until they have been inspected. Adults should inspect candy and discard any unwrapped, spoiled or unusual items.
• Trick-or-Treaters are more visible in a group.
• Never cut through alleys or vacant lots.
• Remind children never to enter the home or vehicle of a stranger.
  Children should carry flashlights and wear something reflective to make them more visible after dark.
• Remain on sidewalks and only cross in crosswalks.
• Never assume the driver of a vehicle sees you.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to the police.

  THE ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND BURGIN CONSTRUCTION WISH YOU A SAFE AND FUN HALLOWEEN!

A very happy Father’s wish goes out from all of us here at Burgin Construction to all of the Dad’s out there. In honor of Father’s Day I’m including in this week’s blog some Home Improvement projects that Dad’s can do with the kids, no matter the age. While we prefer that you leave the more complex projects to the experts (like us, of course!); the following are a few ideas on how to get everyone involved in sprucing up the house and create some quality time with the kids.

1) Decorate your child’s room – Let them be involved in the whole process such as choosing colors, curtains, etc. Once all the decisions have been made enlist their help in making shelves, measuring, hanging items on the wall and more depending on their age.

2) Build small wood projects – Once again the kids can help with the measuring, picking out the materials and tools, sanding, and painting. You can find plans online to build simple projects like wooden planters, tables, stools and benches.

3) Gardening – Let the kids pick a section of the yard and turn it into their very own garden. With your help they can pick out the plants they want to grow, plant them and care for them.

For more great ideas you can pick up the “Do It Yourself Family” book by Eric  Stromer which includes plans and detailed instructions for a variety of projects.