My INmyworldSANITY!

A little over a month ago, I said that I was going to do a complete overhaul of my home and get myself "organized"... what the heck was I thinking??

7 weeks to completely overhaul everything in my home? What did I realize? I realized that I not only have a lot of JUNK but yet I am quite organized already.

Don't get me wrong... I do have some areas in the house that could function a bit better or that I could rearrange to make things simpler or more "stylish".  However, with a baby that demands attention and a hubby and 3 year old that basically mess my entire house on a daily basis, I set myself up for disappointment.

I am an "organization geek" and I love to see bins and drawers and dividers and all of the other crazy stuff that they have out there now. However, I was quite disappointed that plastic drawer bins go for $20 a piece... seriously, it's crazy! I not only got discouraged because I tried to overachieve (once again) but got frustrated that it was going to cost me an arm and a leg to get everything done!

I am going to resist the urge to go out and buy a bunch of stuff that will only crowd my world more by making me think that I am more organized... when, in actuality, it looks good for a bit and then gets messy again!

So my challenge: I give myself a maximum of $5 each week to come up with a creative and cost-effective way to make my house prettier/organized/functional/etc. Nothing grand, nothing over the top, nothing expensive.. but creative, personalized and functional.

My mess is my INmyworldSANITY!

My first completed project:

Simple 10x10 brown frame
+
Cherry Blossom Scrapbook paper
=
cute remote/coaster holder for coffee table

** Took the scrap paper (12x12) and cut down to size of frame (10x10), inserted and completed!

Light and Simple

Whew!  The holidays are behind us yet I don't even feel like they came in the first place!

I can certainly see why some folks would be upset that decorations are being taken down, gifts put away and radio stations switched back to "normal" music.  It seems like everything just whizzed on by while all of us were still trying to find just that perfect gift for a special someone!

However, I am glad that my home is getting back into order and I no longer have to think about the fact that I was not in the holiday "spirit" this year. My theme for this year... clean and simple!!

Our fireplace (minus a bunch of decorations):

Less is more.. or so they say!

Let me tell you.. it took me over 45 minutes standing in our local Marshall's and had to keep pulling myself away from the color red or dark brown... I wanted light and simple..

Now, on to that dreadful pile of things in my front closet... maybe I will actually sort through those family pictures and begin to put them into some cohesive sense of order!

Gfits from a 3 year old...

So we did it! We went to the store and we picked out gifts for others from my 3 year old daughter. Let me start over... she did it. I stood there with the list of people that she wanted to get a gift for and she picked out everything on her own.

Let me tell you.. this is a HUGE step in the life of a mother who likes to control everything!! And I mean EVERYTHING!!

She stood there looking at the wall of "toys" and other little items that were open to her picking for that special person in her life. I would read off a name and she would look up and down and back again, searching for just the right thing!  Once she picked something, I could have said "No hunny, they won't enjoy that present". However, I kept my big mouth shut!!

I told myself to enjoy the fact that she loves to give gifts to others and that she is finding complete joy out of picking what she thinks is the best gift of all.

Regardless of the fact that she might have picked out a stuffed football for her Meme (my mother) or that she might have picked out a paddle ball and clapping plastic hands for her babysitters.... it is the thought that she put into each item that counts!
** Side note: her sitter said that she is really excited about her clapping hands and plans on using them during a family vacation over the holidays... so apparently a 3 year old knows best!

Oh and don't forget that we did have to pick up a small toy for her, which she also picked out... but I figured it was worth all of the effort that she put in to thinking of others!

Holiday gifts... should it be this stressful?

I recently read an article in the magazine titled "Thriving Family" which is sponsored by Focus on the Family. It talked about different ways to engage children of all ages in the holiday spirit and Christmas season.  Each year, I try to think of ways to engage my children in the true meaning of the season and to help build appreciation for not only the many gifts received but to remind them that they need to give to others who are less fortunate, especially during this time of year.

As a child, I couldn't wait to give gifts and watch others open that very special thing that I bought just for them. I also remember it being small items that we would "buy" at our school Christmas bazaar and ones that  my parents would just love to open and see every year. I remember one of the coolest items was a small neck tie ornament that I chose just for my Dad. Or how about a really neatly designed bead wreath lapel pin? They were never anything big or expensive but rather things that I put so much thought into. I would like for my daughters to feel that same joy, rather than be stressed that they need to get their parents or other family members any of the new "gadgets" or things out there on the market. 

As an adult, giving gifts stresses me out. I can't figure out what to give and then feel guilty if I don't spend a certain amount on any certain person. I tell myself that I am going to "cut back" and not worry about what I am giving, but then I crunch the numbers of our budget each year and get stressed that we aren't doing enough. I work myself up for absolutely no reason at all. I buy things that people don't necessarily need or even use and waste hard earned  money just to fulfill the idea that I absolutely have to give gifts of great stature. And then I live to regret it and feel a bit of bitterness toward what is supposed to be the most beautiful time of year. To help relieve some of the stress, I have suggested to my own sister that we not exchange gifts for one another but rather do lunch or something together. We are leaving the gift giving to the kids of the family.  I feel such a huge sense of relief over this decision.. and quite surprisingly, she was open to the idea!

With all of that said, I have also decided to set an annual limit on toys for our oldest daughter and now our youngest daughter, as she gets older. We also have two older children who will receive a gift, as well, but nothing that we will feel obligated to give, as they are now adults.

I loved the article that I read in the magazine that had input from another mother where she has a "3 gift rule". Yes, three gifts! Really? Is that possible?  She centered it around the idea of the three wiseman. She feared that her kids might miss out and feel like they were shorted at this time of year. However, the simplicity of the idea and the appreciation that her children showed were well worth the idea!  One time her daughter even said that she" felt like Baby Jesus because of the 3 gifts that she received and thought it was kind of cool."  Wow!! Let's have that feeling at this time of year instead, don't ya think?

With the toys that they get from grandparents and other family (which I have also asked to be cut back as much as possible but respect the idea that they do like to give what they are capable of giving) and the toys that they will get from Santa, I do not think that my children will ever feel like they are missing out. I also do not want them to lose the true meaning of the season and remember that they are loved not by the amount of gifts received but because of the memories being made.

 

This also helps with the clutter in our house too, so a win-win for everyone!!

(always a way to help me better manage as a Mom in there somewhere, I won't lie)

Okay, so now on to help my oldest daughter find those "special" little gifts for those that we love... let's see what we can come up with!! Watch out crazy neckties, ornaments and hand-made goodies... here we come!

Do you limit the number of gifts for your children?  How do you help them to remember the "meaning of the season"?

Christmas Day changes

I love this time of year. I love the joy and love that others show to each other. I love to cuddle up with a warm blanket, drink hot cocoa and sit by the fireplace. I love to see snow blanket the ground and kids playing with endless joy. I love to give gifts and I love to see those less fortunate receive gifts that they might not otherwise be able to afford.

However, I feel a bit different this year. As I have said in previous posts, it just doesn't feel the same. I love traditions but times are changing and I am being forced to come up with some new ones for my own family. Our family has decided not to do the traditional gathering at my parents' house and just do a small get together later in the day. As much as I agree that this is a great idea, I often reflect on the times that the entire family would gather and how much fun all of the kids would have together. I often think about how my sister and I would wake up on Christmas morning, open our stockings, wait for Mom and Dad to wake and then open up presents from Santa. I then remember our entire family would come over and we would show everyone our gifts and dine together. Now, this is all about to change...

I could be sad about the changes or I could use them as an opportunity to embrace some new things in life and help to form traditions for my own children. With our Christmas day basically free now, we have decided to serve meals to those who would not otherwise be able to dine with others through a wonderful organization called Christmas Day Inc. here in our own community.  We will also use the day to open and play with all of the gifts, relax and give thanks.

The only things that I hope to keep a tradition are the girls waking up as they get older and taking my time to get out of bed, getting dressed and getting my coffee together to help in building the anticipation. The idea that each person gets to open their presents while others watch, by taking turns and being thankful for each one received. Perhaps I should also keep the Mimosas drinks and Monkey Bread part of our traditions too, can't hurt right??

How will you spend your Christmas Day??

The holidays...

Normally, this time of year is filled with good cheer and warm feelings and family time. However, I am not sure about anyone else, but I am just not "feeling" it this year. Be it the fact that I haven't had much time to relax, shop for presents or even breathe with another child in the mix. I like to blame it on the fact that snow hasn't yet fallen, but I can't even do that as Mother Nature has proven me wrong once again by laying a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground and I still don't feel much different.

I am really trying to push myself to enjoy the nights of cold outside and warmth inside our wonderful home. I have decorated everything that needs that special touch. I turn on our Christmas tree lights every morning, as soon as I wake up. I have put out the Christmas deco coffee mugs. I have even played a Christmas CD in my car to the point where I am singing along on the top of my lungs and I am sure that the cars driving past me have thought I was an insane person!
Although that did help for the short bit of time that I was in my car, it didn't seem to last.

Coming from a family that used to put Christmas decorated toilet paper in their home as a kid, what is wrong with me?!?!?!?  It has even come to the fact that traditions are changing in our family.  We now have two young girls but the boys are both grown and out of the home. My extended family are all doing their own things in their own homes and then planning on gathering later on when most convenient. It just seems like another time of year to me, nothing out of the ordinary.

Maybe it is time for our family to start our own traditions.. carry on some of the old and come up with new... now, let's just hope that helps to put me into the Christmas spirit so I am not a "bah humbug" type of Mom on Christmas morning!

Here is my start...

First Snowfall=Frozen Feet

What traditions do other families have? What do others do to put themselves in the Christmas spirit?

Without Moms...

This was just too cute not to share here... especially for all of the Moms out there!

Lately, I have been questioning my value as a Mother and whether or not I am doing an effective job or just in a survival mode, at this point.  Quite honestly, survival is key to the survival of everyone else in my house! Although I might feel like I am sometimes stuck in the mundane, it is due to this that my family is able to enjoy many things.  I do what I need to survive but mixed in there are a husband who needs me as well as two little beautiful girls who look to their Mom to provide a sense of "survival" on an everyday basis.

This little boy put it perfectly and with such a great personality, that it caused me to do nothing more than just smile this morning while working on my "to do" list, otherwise known as my "survival" list for the day!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO:
http://www.faithit.com/kid-tells-truth-about-moms-made-every-mom-little-happier/#.Up9Pf9VYF1A.facebook

vimeo.com
 

**Thank you to Robin Savage for sharing this awesome video!

Make my life easier.. Please!

My apologies for not posting for a bit of time, but our family took some much needed time together this past weekend at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Wisconsin. What a beautiful place! Although we could not go without having some issues, it was overall a great trip and time spent with our family!

Upon our return, I felt like I had enjoyed a few days without responsibilities around the house. However, it also made me feel a bit overwhelmed and anxious that I had not yet completed some things that I wanted to get done before the end of the year.

With that said, all organization efforts were put on a hiatus and my house is just now starting to get back to order... well, except for the suitcase still sitting in our bedroom with clothes and items packed in it from the trip! (I HATE unpacking suitcases, can you tell?)

Then, I learn that my husband still wants to invite some friends and family over for "soup and dessert" night, so here goes the list of projects that I would like to get completed before even having anyone in our home. Yes, most of them have seen our house in the manner that it is already, but there is something about hosting people at our home that sends me into a frenzy to complete projects that haven't been done in months! Are you the same way or am I the only crazy one?

So, on with the projects...

Oh wait, then I get "tagged" on Facebook with an article titled "101 Household Tips for Every Room in your Home" and these things are actually supposed to make my life easier... or so they say!  So, figured in the time that I have (since I don't seem to be doing anything else productive at this moment), I would check out some of them. Most of them are feasible, but a bit overwhelming to add even more to my to do list, don't ya think??

Although I may sound a bit out of sorts, some of these ideas might actually help to make some things easier.

So here are a few of my faves:
(to link to original website, just click on the picture)

Use Bread Tags to label power cords

Use Cereal Canisters for a car trash can

Organizing jewelry on corkboard for easy viewing

Speaks for itself!

Store cut up lettuce in mason jars to make it last much longer

Put a piece of masking tape the length of the level, mark the location of nail holes

for picture frame then transfer level to wall and hang pictures straight 

Use mason jars to keep your cupcake liners organized and kinda pretty, if you ask me!

 

Fold sheet sets and put them in matching pillowcase for storage

Use a tension rod under sink to organize bottles of cleaner

Using a Tic Tac dispenser for bobby pins

Use toilet paper rolls to organize electrical cords

Dab toothpaste on back of picture frame where you want the holes to go

and press on wall for help in hanging nails in the right spot. Wipes right off!

Put dry towel in with wet clothes and reduce drying time

WD40 can remove crayon from any surface!

And my absolute favorite idea!!

Using an old picture frame as a serving tray

 

Courtesy of: Glamumous

 

What are your favorite time-saving tips?

 

Black Bean and Salsa Soup

Courtesy of some friends and thanks to the Happy Herbivore... I came across this great and EASY recipe for a quick Black Bean and Salsa Soup

Took me a total of about 10 minutes to mix it up, will warm it up tonight and test it out!!

Yummy, Healthy and Easy-- can't beat it!

Perfect for a cold night!

Ingredients: Black Beans, Vegetable Broth, Ground Cumin, Salsa, Frozen Corn and Tortillas on the top!

 

For the exact recipe: CLICK HERE

Socks.. such simplicity

Does anyone else hate doing laundry as much as I do? I LOVE to put it in and turn it on, but the task of folding and putting away just gives me anxiety on so many levels.

However, through this mundane task, I was given a gentle reminder today.

I was reminded that I have beautiful and healthy children. I should realize that I have the absolute PLEASURE of being able to fold their tiny socks and remind myself of the simplicity of life, especially that of children...
Children who wear tiny socks and who have started to leave their footprint (or "sock print", if you will) on this world!

The simple socks of Abigail and Adelyn

A time for thanks...

I have come across many people who have been doing the "30 days of Thanksgiving" this past month or those that have listed things that they are thankful for as the season approaches and reminds us of those things that make us who we are and why we should be thankful.

You often see things like family, friends, husband, wife, children, job (if you are so lucky), material belongings, good health, God and so much more. It is often a reflection of the life of the person sharing and offers a great insight into their everyday joys as well as sometimes even their struggles.

Now, I do realize that this might cause a bit of a stir or even confusion. During this holiday season, I have been often reminded that I am TRULY thankful for one thing: ME

Sounds quite vain, do you say? Now don't get me wrong, I am thankful for many things and people in my life and I am often reminded that I am not always deserving of all that I have been blessed with on a daily basis.

However, I challenge you to try and follow me as I work through this thought of being thankful for MYSELF...

I am thankful that I am a mother to two beautiful girls. I am thankful that I am the type of mother that will put my own goals and ego aside to make sure that my girls are provided for and loved upon in a way that they will never feel from any other human being, being that I am the only mother that they have.

I am thankful that I am a stepmother to two boys who have been some of the most challenging aspects of my life. I am thankful that I have learned to be more patient and have put in the time and effort often times needed for a relationship between myself and them to even be possible.

I am thankful that I am a loving wife. Without my ability to love him, my husband would have never known the idea or feeling of non negotiable love that two people can feel for one another.  I believe this leads him to be a better man in many ways.

I am thankful that I am a person that pays attention to detail as well as has overall ideas of the big picture. I am thankful that I have learned ways to better budget for our family, so that we may continue to enjoy a beautiful home and other things in life that we may not otherwise be able to afford.

I am thankful that I have had the strength to face many obstacles and to help educate people in what it means to be a strong woman, even though that may not always fit into the "mold" that they have formulated in their minds.

I am thankful that I am a hardworking and driven individual, so that many have felt the impact of my determination and passion for all things in my community.

I am thankful that I am a person that constantly seeks the desire to have a relationship with my Creator, so that many can see the wonderful things that can come from having a spiritual life, although not always perfect.  Which goes along with the fact that I am thankful that I am a person willing to be honest and open with others, so as to make a positive impacts in lives that I may touch in some way.

Most of all, I am thankful that I am ME. I am thankful that I can recognize the good during the bad, that I can constantly learn ways to love myself and be open to the idea that I am here for a greater purpose than just that which I feel to be true.

I am ME and just that is enough to be thankful for...

Acid Reflux=Cranky Baby=Stressed out Mom!

My apologies for not posting for a bit, but my entire day yesterday was set aside to try and figure out what is going on with my almost 2 month old daughter and her acid reflux.

We were given Prevacid to administer to her over 2 weeks ago and I just don't feel like it make a huge difference, especially with all of the side effects that come along with it. Don't get me wrong, if it solves the problem and helps alleviate her pain, I am willing to take the risk of some side effects. However, when it isn't working and I am still just giving my baby a drug that is not necessarily appropriate for her, then I start to look elsewhere.
(to research the side effects of drugs such as Prevacid, just "Google" any of the words and come up with your own conclusions)

So with that said, while my daughter was in my arms screaming... I decided to do some research on my own.  Over and over again, I came across a product called "Nat Phos No. 10". (click to learn more)  There were numerous people talking about reflux and babies and wanting to do something that wasn't so harmful but would help. 

Yes, it is a "homeopathic" remedy and I am usually a person that is all about getting what drugs might be needed to help solve the problem, but I am tired of nothing getting better and risking the health of my family. 

So off I went to our local Natural Food Store (Kankakee Natural Foods) and asked about the product. Sure enough, it was on the shelves and came in a small bottle.  Is this the miracle product that I have been looking for?? We will soon find out. Can't hurt to try, right?? Can't get any worse than it is already!

So here goes nothing...

Have you tried Nat Phos 10 or do you practice homeopathy??  What are your thoughts about this sometimes controversial way of practicing medicine?

Give Santa a Call!

Came across an awesome thing that parents can do for their kids...

You just call the number and Santa comes on, gives kids a message about being good and listening to their parents and that he will see them soon. He also lets them leave a message on what they would like for Christmas, which is then delivered to the North Pole.

I just tried it with my 3 year old and of course, her response was "Mom, that's silly. There are too many words" LOL

However, she started to name off everything that she wants for Christmas.... priceless!

Show me the money!!

Does anyone else get annoyed when you are sitting in a doctor's office for what feels like hours... waiting for someone to come in and at least tell you that everyone, in fact, did NOT leave for the day and go home!

Have you taken advantage of the fact that they often conveniently provide some modern magazines for your reading pleasure?  Granted, I know that some are very old, but you never know what information could be in there!

Now, I am new to this whole world of "technology" and was recently handed down my hubby's iPhone for my use (granted he did get the nice new one for his use, but he is definitely more of a "tech geek" than I)

I was delighted to pick up a September 2013 issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine with information regarding cool iPhone apps that you can download... some cooler than others.
(I wonder how much "space" is actually on my iPhone for apps... I mean is it seriously possible to "max" out?  Hope not!)

In this issue was an app called "Shopkick". It said that I can earn credits (otherwise known as "kicks") just for walking into nearby stores. I can also earn credits (ie gift cards, etc) for just picking up an item and scanning it with my phone and do NOT even have to buy this product! Seriously??? I already shop enough as it is, why not be rewarded for it??

So is anyone else thinking this just sounds too good to be true? Of course, right??

Well, in researching it, I came across another great blog: The Krazy Koupon Lady and it goes through the app and even has a video for those of us that are visual in nature. To learn how these ladies use the app,  CLICK HERE

So do you think that I will be able to convince my hubby to let me go shopping tonight for several hours, without him or the kids????

Really it's for my sanity... not my hubby's nutrition!

You know what they say... breakfast is the most important meal of the day!  So why do we make it so hard to find something to eat every morning and start our day off on the wrong foot?? For example...

Every morning, my husband wakes up and has his coffee. He will watch the morning news or the  and NBC Today Show then before you know it, it is time to get ready for work. It is at THIS point that he thinks about having breakfast and then realizes that he barely has time to iron his clothes, let alone think about making something to eat.

http://toonclips.com/design/11376

I guess I could help by ironing his clothes.. but that ain't happening, so I came across some easy to make and make ahead breakfast ideas instead! ;)

Of course, as always, Pinterest has some great ideas for such a task.... actually, quite a few ways to make sure that your mornings aren't so hectic and that you are at least getting some sort of nutrition to at least carry you to lunchtime.

Here are some great ideas: http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=make%20ahead%20breakfast

If you happen to not have a Pinterest account, what is wrong with you???? Only kidding (sort of)
But if this is the case, feel free to share links or ideas on your favorite make ahead breakfast ideas on here for all to enjoy! 

One of my absolute favorites, as I have a 3 year old that LOVES to eat smoothies and it's always annoying when I don't have the right fruit or any at all for that matter!

Smoothie Freezer Bags: Cut up combinations of 2 cups of berries, bananas, and/or peaches and freeze in a quart size bag. Label the bag with the amount of milk (almond, soy, dairy) and ice that is needed to make a smoothie. Kids can grab a bag and make up smoothies for breakfast (or a snack). I think this is a great way to take advantage of fruit when it goes on sale!

 

http://www.thecelebratedfamily.com/2012/08/make-ahead-breakfast-ideas.html?m=1

 

Great idea from another blogger... why couldn't I think of this????

 

 

A great space to begin our morning

I was inspired by my aunt to put a coffee and tea station in our kitchen. This is a great space for us to go each morning to not only enjoy a nice cup of Java but to see pictures of our family and to start the day off right!

Thank you to Steve and Susie for the adorable magnetic board.   

Next to it is just a painted piece of canvas from a local craft store with chalkboard paint and then the words "Live Laugh Love" written on it with my 3 year old's sidewalk chalk. I love this idea as I can change the quote whenever I feel like doing so!

Where is the place that you start off your morning each day?

The dreaded "Junk" Drawer.. yikes!

I'm sure a lot of folks have that one space in their kitchen where you have absolutely NO idea how items got in there... whether it be a cabinet, a drawer or some other space, it is amazing how things just appear and you don't even remember acquiring it at any point in your life!

We often call this space the "Junk" drawer. But nothing says that it actually has to look like a bunch of JUNK...

I decided to take on the challenge of moving items to the proper spots in the house (ie garage, bedroom, bathroom... yes, I did say that bathroom! The fact that there is anything in a drawer in my kitchen that actually belongs in the bathroom is a bit disturbing to me!

Our "junk" drawer before...

What in the world is half of this crap? 

Actually, I had already started to bag items before taking the picture,

so you were spared the actual terror of this drawer!

 

I absolutely swear this is the same exact drawer, just organized!! See, it IS possible!

 

Items Included in our junk drawer:

Screwdriver

Small flashlight

Candle Lighter

Hooks

Tape Measure

Screws/Nails/Picture Hangers

(located in their own little neat organizer box)

Glue

Batteries

Other random stuff... :)

 

I have decided that you can put just about anything that you might like in a "junk" drawer, so long as it is organized and things that will actually come in handy.  I do need to add a small hammer to the drawer (for small projects that I don't need my husband for) as well as I'm sure that I will come up with other things in the following days. 

 

 

 

 

Challenge 1: Bill/Mail Drawer and Media Center

First Challenge: Bill/Mail Drawer and Media Center

This is a picture of my Bill/Mail/Junk Drawer BEFORE

It became a place that collected paper clips, scissors, random toys from my 3 year old

 and whatever else might have fit in there!

 

I made the decision to turn this drawer into a "Bill/Mail" center where I can easily find everything needed to pay all of the bills, as well as take care of any mail that needs attention.

 

 

Items included: Scissors, Calculator, Stamps, Stickers, Envelopes, Pens, Pencils, Etc and most importantly... my file system for all of our bills. We are currently on the BASIC Dave Ramsey (daveramsey.com) budget plan, so I have found this to work for me for the time being.

This drawer also happens to be located right beneath what I decided to use as my "Mail/Media" Center. 

This was before...

Just gives you a headache looking at it, doesn't it???

 

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL??? 

This allows for us to put the mail in one spot (well, as soon as I "train" my hubby to do so) and keep it from laying all over the counter. 

I also included a spot for plugins needed for our iPhones and iPads, which are a necessity!

 

Items Included:

Brown Wicker File Sorter

Spot for Incoming Mail

Spot for Outgoing Mail

Spot for Mail or anything that "Needs Attention"

Binder for Coupons

Envelope to collect coupons

(if you are like me, you don't always have time to file coupons when they are cut/received,

 so put them in here until you can do just that)

 

 

 

 

** Word of Advice: Our outside garbage can just happens to be located in a space that I have to walk past after checking our mail. I try to take a few seconds to walk over to the can and put any "junk" mail in there before even walking into the house--

keeps it from piling up and driving me crazy!

 

 

So here we go...

With the holidays upon us, I have come to reflect on my goals for the new and upcoming year and what it means for my entire family.  Nowadays, I spend ALOT of time at home due to having our second child a little over a month ago.
With that... I have found that I am responsible for how our house functions and for ways to simplify and organize our lives.
To be honest, I get great joy and energy from organizing, cleaning and sorting... weird, isn't it?? 

With that said, I have come upon some awesome inspiration from a website/blog named "A Bowl Full of Lemons".  I happened upon the website within the past day and was completely motivated to organize, clean and rearrange my home.

Because of this, I have decided to restart my blog and to share my "projects" with others, or at least whoever might decide to take a look at any given time. I will be posting before and after pictures, as well as giving some insight as to how I went about the project and what I have found to be most helpful.

To take a peek at my motivation: http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/

Her challenge takes place over 14 weeks, but call it perfect timing... I have just 7 weeks until the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. Therefore, I am going to "double up" and try to accomplish as much as possible for the remainder of the year. One thing you will come to know about me is that when I do something, I like to do it BIG and fast and hardcore! :)

So here we go....

My apologies...

My apologies for not posting in quite some time! A couple of weeks ago, I found out that I am pregnant with our second child! We are very excited but I also feel like I hit a brick wall.

With my first, I was pretty nauseous. However, this time around, I am extremely nauseous and fatigued and the only things that get attention these days are my couch, tv and my bed! I am in no way insightful and in no way inspired by many things... Therefore, my writing has suffered.

In talking with the nurse, unfortunately there is not much I can do and hopefully the first trimester will be the only time that I will feel this way and the pregnancy will prove to be enjoyable! Is there a light at the end of this tunnel?

With that said, my husband has been great in picking up the slack of those things that I have not done around the house and he is being understanding of my current condition. Although, I am certain that he wants it to be over with too! In all of this, I have realized that I do appreciate my husband and I appreciate our life together and the fact that we can make another human life! I have also realized that it is okay if all of the chores are not done and things are a bit unorganized for a little while... But man, I cannot wait until I have enough energy to clean again!

Do you thank those around you enough? Do you realize their importance in your life or are you just too busy with the everyday tasks that life demands?

3 years ago today...

‎3 years ago today, I was laying in a hospital bed hooked up to an ultrasound machine and waiting for the doctors to decide if it was "that time". I just knew in my heart that this would be the day. A few hours later, I was going in for an emergency C-Section and my beautiful baby daughter was born weighing 3 lbs 5 oz and 6 weeks early but healthy! Happy Birthday to my now 3 year old daughter, Abigail Lea, who will forever be our "little miracle"! We LOVE you!





Abigail Lea Roof
02/21/10
3lbs 5 oz and 6 weeks early



Abigail Lea Roof
3 years old
02/21/13
Happy, Healthy and Active!

Quite a project for a "DAY OFF"!

Whew! That was quite the "day off" project!

Thanks to my wonderful hubby for putting up the closet system and then a quick trip to the store for the bins and ALOT of organizing, I think we have finally conquered the mess of my toddler's bedroom!

As you can see, her room was always usually a mess and we only really had two bins (the dark brown ones that you see) for all of her toys.

Here is a view of her closet.  What unused space!!  I would get so frustrated because I wasn't able to use the shelf at all for much and then when I asked her to go and get dressed, she couldn't reach her clothes (which is one of her daily sticker chart "responsibilities")

So my mind overflowed with ideas and I remembered that we had one of those closet systems in our old house that luckily, we saved!! 

With a couple of hours and a few additions later, here is what we came up with!

I was able to put her clothes down low, so she can get to them. The dark brown bins now hold her pajamas and her socks/underwear for easy access.  We then went to our local Target and got a bunch of fabric bins (8 to be exact), which included 2 "decorative" bins that add some character**

** These bins are nice, as they have a magnetic part where the shape is, so little hands can go right in there and get what is wanted and then it snaps shut!

She also has a surplus of stuffed animals, so I went through and picked the "nicer" ones and put them on the top shelf for when she gets older.

As you can see, she loves her new closet (as does Mommy) and she said "Ta Da" when I took the picture!! Do I sense a future "organizer"???  :)

Now, the trick is to keep it organized!!!


Note: We did already have the closet system on hand, so were able to save some money on that.  However, the bins were about $6.99-$10.00 each, so we did have to spend a little money on those.  I have been saving up and also plan on getting a Bean Bag chair but then her room will be complete and ready for playtime, FINALLY!!

Time for some Responsibilities

Funny how someone else can spark an idea in your mind...

The other day at the gym, I walked in on my daughter having a conversation with the lady that was watching after her.  The lady offered Abby a sticker for having helped to pick up toys and then told her that after 6 stickers, she could pick something out of the treasure box... and there it was! After weeks of picking up toys from the living room floor, having a discussion of how she must brush her own teeth or take a bath, I figured out a way for my toddler to learn responsibilities and have fun in doing daily tasks!

And here comes the sticker chart! Does anyone else get all "tingly" inside when they think of a child's sticker chart or is it just me?  I LOVE that kids have chores and help out around the house and have always requested that anyone living in my house be responsible for their things and should realize it is a luxury to have a nice home to live in.

1. We went to our local dollar store and purchased a piece of HOT PINK posterboard and then I cut it lengthwise into 2 sections (which will allow me to do 4 seperate weeks)= $0.69

Sidenote: We also picked out some cool stickers (which I let her choose) at the store, as well. I figured this is a good way for her to visualize actually doing the tasks and completing them= $4.00 total for over 500 stickers!

Exciting News!

Exciting News!

Over the past year, I have changed my lifestyle by learning more about and eating "Gluten Free", as many of you might know!

Therefore, I decided to start another blog focused solely on Gluten Free foods, goodies, personal care products and much more! I will also be working on this blog (Life's A Hoot) as this is a good showcase of who I am on a personal level.

If you are at all interested in my gluten-free lifestyle, I would encourage you to check out the other blog, as well:

http://glutenfreefanatic.blogspot.com/

 

I am excited to regularly link the two together and really help you delve into what it means when I say that my "Life's a Hoot"!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is a day to show friends and family how much they are appreciated. It centers around the concept of "LOVE" and gives a chance to be creative, affectionate and most of all, LOVING!

Yesterday, I was at the store with my daughter and we were going through the aisles of Valentine's Day gift items and looking for some small things for her brothers and cousin.  Just then, she spotted a stuffed dog and wanted to have it so badly. However, I told her that we were getting gifts for other people and then proceeded to hide it in the front of the cart. Low and behold, she spotted it about 10 minutes later and wanted to carry it through the store.  I told her it was for her cousin and she then proceeded to talk about how much he would love the stuffed toy and she was so excited to give it to him.

Little did she know, the toy was really for her!  Imagine her suprise when she got up this morning and saw the stuffed dog with her presents and looked me right in the eye and said "Oh thank you Mom, I LOVE this doggie"!!  Is that what LOVE really is about?  Maybe to a toddler, it is as simple as having a new toy or something soft to cuddle. For me, I loved that she was appreciative.

As we think about today and what it means to LOVE one another, let's not forget that true love comes from giving to others and joining in on their excitement of life. It is doing something small that is appreciated by someone else and really learning to LOVE yourself so you have enough LOVE to give to others!

Abby was so excited about the doggie that she wanted me to take a picture of it!

My beautiful daughter all dressed up for the holiday of LOVE! I truly LOVE her! <3