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??

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?

 

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...

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!

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!!

A True Inspiration

 
The honors of the first person in my series- A True Inspiration goes to...

 Danielle Dugan
(who happens to also be my sister)

Over the past year, Danielle has chosen a path in life that maybe wasn't the necessarily "popular" choice among some, which included the choice to raise her son as what would be considered to be a single mother. In the midst of that, she also helped someone run for political office who she whole-heartedly believed in and was confronted with the often nasty side of politics and the behavior of many during election time (which is definitely NOT pretty). In the midst of all of that, she has decided that her health is of importance and has since lost 80lbs and continues to go to the gym throughout the week, taking time for herself and her well-being, which has not always been a priority in her life.

When asked, she said that her goals include becoming even healthier and losing more weight while continuing to be a mother who provides for her son and continues to show him that he is number one in her life.

Danielle, you are truly an inspiration!

Things I love...

YOGA!! Okay so I am one you see in the weight room or doing some crazy exercise with loud music...Not one that you see bending and stretching on a purple mat, in a quiet room with soothing music, alongside a group of others and being "in touch" with my inner feelings. I have a hard enough time expressing my inner feelings and being in touch with my inner thoughts already, why spend 45 minutes trying to do the same when I could totally be doing something else! However, it was just the challenge I needed! About 5 minutes into it, I was sweating up a storm and feeling more confident about my abilities. Sure, i had done a yoga class here and there or did my stretching after an intense workout, but this was great! The only issue, okay maybe not the only one, is that my hands were even sweating and made it hard to grip the mat... But they do make gloves for that! Awesome, huh? No excuses! At the very end, I have never felt so calm and in touch with my body- especially since going gluten-free and I seriously think I heard my mind and body tell eachother a huge thank you for taking care of eachother! Thanks to my sis and aunt for joining me and I look forward to the next chance I can get to do yoga! We all know it has benefits, but if you would like to read more: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/yogabenefits.asp

God will provide...

"We walk by faith, not by sight.". 2 Corinthians 5:7 Why is it so hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that there is something out there that I can base my life around and that can help me through the daily trials and to recognize those things that are of great worth? As I sat through a service at church today, I was reminded that my faith is something that fluctuates WAY more than I like it to. It is something that I fit into my life when it is convenient. It is something that I struggle with due to the fact that I am a "planner" by nature and want nothing more but to see a clear picture of what it is that is planned for my life... But is this how I would like for it to truly be? Would I want to know what it looks like or would it cause me to only plan even more and drive myself crazy in the process? I was fortunate enough to listen to a story told by Brittany Leslie, a missionary alongside her husband and children in Africa and part of our church family. She talked about her childhood and how she longed for stability and then her adventure through adolescence and then college. How, at the age of 6, she was "called" by God to be a missionary and how she was relentlessly pursued by His love throughout her entire life, even when she did not see it. She went on to get married, have a child, move to Africa, have two more children and then go into a depression that she could not understand. However, she knew that her purpose in life was to walk by faith, not by sight ... If only I could learn to do the same... My goal this week is to remember that my service is for His purpose (last week's reflection) and to try and just remain quiet, walk by faith and stop trying to "see" everything that my own self wants to see, rather than what He wants me to see... "Walk by faith,not by sight.". 2 Corinthians 5:7

Ok, so how cute are these???

Things I love: Okay, I really should have thought of this, but this is what makes Starbucks so great! I am not sure about you, but I drink ALOT of coffee and it is usually from Starbucks, which happens to be conveniently located between my house and my office... ironic, huh? I saw these when my husband and I stopped there on our date night to grab some tea and I thought to myself, what a great idea... as many of those little cardboard sleeve things I throw away, I really should get one of these! I will probably have to keep it in my car, as I tend to put things in odd places and lose track of them... but just a small thing that I am totally loving right now and need to pick up on my trip to Starbucks in the near future! Help the environment, look cute and enjoy a great cup of coffee... can it get any better?? Just a glimpse into what I am loving this week... Cute one for the Valentine's day season: http://www.starbucksstore.com/starbucks-reusable-cup-sleeve-valentines-day/011016363,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=drinkware-accessories

Sunday Spirit...

I have decided that I will start each week with a prayer/devotional that has something to do with my own struggles and possibly the struggles of others.... I am not sure if it will touch others in any way, but I do know that I would like to remind myself that God is with me each and every moment of my days and nights and that he truly does love me, even when I might not take the time to listen to or see him. The following is a prayer taken from a book that I own and sits by my bed, but rarely is read or looked at... Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1Timothy6:6 Lord, sometimes I see great gain as something to be obtained from wordly achievement. I praise my children for this rather than their faith in You. Sometimes I long to hear the praise of people for the job that I do when I should be concerned with doing what pleases You. Show me how to be a godly woman, how to have true contentment that comes from service to You. Help me to reinforce in my home the need to be satisfied with doing Your will, whatever that may be. WOW! Ain't that a kick in the pants! I greatly needed that reminder that what I am doing is in service to God. The reason I get up and go to work each morning should not be to get caught up in all of the drama or to serve those who I might be so bitter about but to serve a God that loves me and reminds me that he will never give me more than I can handle. Remind me of this God.... You would never allow me to suffer without a plan, cause I am struggling here! Remind me that I do have a purpose and You will not allow me to fail,acording to Your standards, not the standards of the world...

Things I love Thursdays...

Does anyone else have as hard of a time finding comfortable workout pants as I do? Now, I am a bit "thicker" in my middle section due to having a baby and just eating bad foods... Therefore, I tend to have a hard time finding pants that will fit my legs and not be too baggy and hinder my workout but that also fit my middle section and don't either cut off circulation or allow my belly to just flop around! I have found a great solution! Tek Gear Shapewear pants I was hesitant, as the material seems to be a bit tight and form fitting, but once I gave them a chance in the dressing room and waited a few minutes, I began to like them! They are true to size and fit in all of the right places, regardless of what I might think of my own body..:) If you are looking for something to wear while improving your workouts or even starting out, check them out! http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/activewear/brands/tek_gear/PRD~569303/Tek+Gear+Shapewear+Pants.jsp And yes, I got them at my local Kohl's store! :)

"You shall walk after the Lord your God and (reverently) fear Him... And obey His voice" (Deuteronomy 13:4)

Is it so easy to obey everything that God says? If we truly hear His voice, then we are told that we will live a life of abundance and fulfillment.

Does anyone else consider themselves to be "practical" and how does this balance with doing with He plans for our lives and being obedient while also being obedient to our own families?

Word for today: Listen, discern and obey boldly

How about I start with a conversation with Him-- that might help!

Source: Hearing from God each morning, Joyce Meyer