Holy mother of goodness and grace! What did I get myself into? As I posted yesterday I started stripping down the house of clutter and this is a HUGE project.
I continued boxing up things, throwing things away, building a massive shred pile and organizing the home. This is definitely a process. I really didn't think my house was all that cluttered but the paper work is the one thing that is getting me. I feel like my head is going to explode. Needless to say I got a lot done today but I will continue on for the next week going through each room of the house.
Something new we did today was teach the girls how they can recycle. We also made a promise as a family that for the 2010 year we would give up paper and plastic bags at the grocery store and stick with our recycled bags.
The first thing we did was took the girls to the recycling area and showed them how you recycle cans. At the recycling centers where I grew up, you would take all your cans, put them in a giant bucket, and they would weigh them. Where I live now you load them into a machine and one by one they are counted and crushed, with a loud ROAR, CRASH, CRRRRRRR, you get the picture. The area also has a smell of stale beer and soda pop which for some reason makes me laugh. I often compare the experience to a rock concert. You leave with your ears ringing and with the faint smell of stale beer on your clothes.
My mother use to take me as a girl to recycle cans and we would go get a treat after with the cash back. It was a fun thing. That is what I wanted to do with my girls too! I want it to be something they will continue to do as they grow older. My view on recycling cans is you are getting payed to take care of the environment. I mean, I would do it for free, but heck, if you want to pay me for it then by all means. I don't understand why people wouldn't recycle.
Needless to say, the girls thought it was awesome and I am so glad because I expect my girls to teach their children someday! As for the recyclable bags, I love this idea. I plan on sticking to it!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 16 ~ Stripping Down
Today I made to attempt to begin the stripping down process. Get your mind out of the gutter. I am removing clutter!!
My neighbor across the street is the best! She is the most organized girl I know. She called me yesterday and asked if I had watched Oprah because they had the best episode on striping down your life. I answered with, "I am not stripping for anyone, I have had three children for Gods sake!" Well, she convinced me to watch it, and it was a pretty awesome idea. There were 6 different steps but the one I started with was stripping down my home.
I definitely have clutter in the home. I think enough clutter that is causes unnecessary stress. I am constantly picking up things, too many things! So that is what I started today. My wonderful friend came over and we began the strip down process. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy but by tomorrow night I think I will feel differently about my home. I posted a picture tonight of what we have to donate so far. I think tomorrow my picture will have twice as many items.
Today I starting stripping down, I can't wait to see what I will be able to get rid of tomorrow!
My neighbor across the street is the best! She is the most organized girl I know. She called me yesterday and asked if I had watched Oprah because they had the best episode on striping down your life. I answered with, "I am not stripping for anyone, I have had three children for Gods sake!" Well, she convinced me to watch it, and it was a pretty awesome idea. There were 6 different steps but the one I started with was stripping down my home.
I definitely have clutter in the home. I think enough clutter that is causes unnecessary stress. I am constantly picking up things, too many things! So that is what I started today. My wonderful friend came over and we began the strip down process. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy but by tomorrow night I think I will feel differently about my home. I posted a picture tonight of what we have to donate so far. I think tomorrow my picture will have twice as many items.
Today I starting stripping down, I can't wait to see what I will be able to get rid of tomorrow!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 15 ~ The Importance of Friendship
I am a firm believer in the importance of family, family love, and family loyalty. We spend most of our time together and my girls are great friends. What I focused on today was the importance of friendship for my eldest daughter.
I have always stressed to our girls to always have each others backs. That family will be there always, no matter what, but what I realized is that I also need to teach my girls the importance of friendships. I can honestly say that a lot of my friends I have today I have known most of my life. In fact, one of the closest people to me in life, I have known since 4th grade. I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends that have been there for me through good and bad times, and many of these friendships I developed as a child. My daughters are growing older and I realized they need that too. We all need our girlsfriends. I can’t imagine my life without mine.
Today we had my daughter’s best friend over from school. They are two peas in a pod. They laughed and smiled and hid out in Madelynn’s room just being girls. They discussed a club, rules and who would be invited, and they whispered and giggled all the way through. In that moment it was a flash back to age 7, and how your best friend was the coolest thing ever. How they understood you better than anyone else and how you enjoyed just hanging out together. They rode the bus home together, talked, played, had pizza, then finally said goodbye, and my daughter immediately asked when we can do this again. It is funny to think in 28 years they could be sitting and talking about the time they spent together as kids and what fun they had. I realized tonight how enjoyable it was having my daughter’s friend here, and that my little girl is growing up.
Today began my daughter’s lesson in the bonds girls can share, and the importance of friendship.
I have always stressed to our girls to always have each others backs. That family will be there always, no matter what, but what I realized is that I also need to teach my girls the importance of friendships. I can honestly say that a lot of my friends I have today I have known most of my life. In fact, one of the closest people to me in life, I have known since 4th grade. I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends that have been there for me through good and bad times, and many of these friendships I developed as a child. My daughters are growing older and I realized they need that too. We all need our girlsfriends. I can’t imagine my life without mine.
Today we had my daughter’s best friend over from school. They are two peas in a pod. They laughed and smiled and hid out in Madelynn’s room just being girls. They discussed a club, rules and who would be invited, and they whispered and giggled all the way through. In that moment it was a flash back to age 7, and how your best friend was the coolest thing ever. How they understood you better than anyone else and how you enjoyed just hanging out together. They rode the bus home together, talked, played, had pizza, then finally said goodbye, and my daughter immediately asked when we can do this again. It is funny to think in 28 years they could be sitting and talking about the time they spent together as kids and what fun they had. I realized tonight how enjoyable it was having my daughter’s friend here, and that my little girl is growing up.
Today began my daughter’s lesson in the bonds girls can share, and the importance of friendship.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 14 ~ Stop being so dang uptight!
Stop being so dang uptight! That is right, my husband and I have been known to be a little uptight on occasion.
My kids have been begging to go to McDonalds for what seems like forever. We used to go and play in the play area in town and they loved it, but we haven’t really been in two years. After my girls had the H1N1 virus last year I swore off any and all play areas that are indoors which is hard living in a area that gets a lot of rain. I guess you could say I turned into a mild germaphobe.
I also did not like fast food for the kids, but lately I have come to the conclusion that a hamburger now and again is not going to kill you and to be honest sometimes they are so good. My mother always says, everything in moderation, and I think she is right.
So tonight we decided to not be so dang uptight and surprised the kids by taking them to McDonalds for a happy meal and some play. I cannot tell you how excited they were. Tonight my youngest had her first happy meal and to be honest I think the thing they were most excited about was the toy in the bag. I think we all felt that way as a kid.
It is the little things in life that make our children happy. Taking them to McDonalds, a happy meal, dad and mom there, and a play area, that is all it took for pure joy to spread across their faces. Seeing true joy in my children’s faces put true joy in my heart. Yes, I had them wash their hands before they ate, and before we left, and they did take showers when they got home but little by little I will lighten up and it is going to be a process for me too. Tonight my husband and I tried something new, we stopped being so dang uptight and found out we had a pretty good time.
My kids have been begging to go to McDonalds for what seems like forever. We used to go and play in the play area in town and they loved it, but we haven’t really been in two years. After my girls had the H1N1 virus last year I swore off any and all play areas that are indoors which is hard living in a area that gets a lot of rain. I guess you could say I turned into a mild germaphobe.
I also did not like fast food for the kids, but lately I have come to the conclusion that a hamburger now and again is not going to kill you and to be honest sometimes they are so good. My mother always says, everything in moderation, and I think she is right.
So tonight we decided to not be so dang uptight and surprised the kids by taking them to McDonalds for a happy meal and some play. I cannot tell you how excited they were. Tonight my youngest had her first happy meal and to be honest I think the thing they were most excited about was the toy in the bag. I think we all felt that way as a kid. It is the little things in life that make our children happy. Taking them to McDonalds, a happy meal, dad and mom there, and a play area, that is all it took for pure joy to spread across their faces. Seeing true joy in my children’s faces put true joy in my heart. Yes, I had them wash their hands before they ate, and before we left, and they did take showers when they got home but little by little I will lighten up and it is going to be a process for me too. Tonight my husband and I tried something new, we stopped being so dang uptight and found out we had a pretty good time.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 13 ~ Breaking the Night Owl
Tonight I thought I would try to relax for a change. No cleaning, no working, no nothing!! I would like to tell you this relaxation was going to take place at a spa or a tropical island, but with my budget it will be held at home. My new thing for the day is relaxation and for once an early bedtime.
So you ask, "What is the big deal about going to bed early?" For me it is HUGE. Most people know I am a bit of a night owl. I rarely go to bed before 12 am and often am awake until 2 am. I cannot tell you the last time I was in bed before 11:30 pm. My problem is I have difficultly falling asleep at night and unfortunately regardless of the time I go to sleep, I am always up by 7:00 am at the latest. My children are all very early riser, Hailey often wakes up around 5:30 just like her father, and they are happy about waking up. I wake up tired every morning with one eyed halfway open and the other shut. I would be bold enough to say I bear a slight resemblance to Popeye. When I told my Mom that I was planning on being in bed by 9:30 pm she laughed at me. That is how bad I am about getting in bed early and getting rest. She laughed!!
It is funny, my husband can fall asleep in a matter of seconds, his head hits the pillow and he is out. I admit I have even timed him on how fast he would say something and then be sleep. His record is 30 seconds. Of course I had to wake up to say, "Hey it just took you 30 seconds to start snoring!" You can imagine how much he appreciated that one.
My goal for tonight was to try to relax early enough that when I did go to bed, I would sleep. We will see how that one works out. My plan is simple:
A quick chick flick
Hot tea or a cold beer
A hot bath with bubbles of course
Relaxing music
Bed time by 9:30
Wish me luck, I may wake up with a smile on my face or clenched teeth. My new thing for today is learning to relax and get some overdue sleep!
So you ask, "What is the big deal about going to bed early?" For me it is HUGE. Most people know I am a bit of a night owl. I rarely go to bed before 12 am and often am awake until 2 am. I cannot tell you the last time I was in bed before 11:30 pm. My problem is I have difficultly falling asleep at night and unfortunately regardless of the time I go to sleep, I am always up by 7:00 am at the latest. My children are all very early riser, Hailey often wakes up around 5:30 just like her father, and they are happy about waking up. I wake up tired every morning with one eyed halfway open and the other shut. I would be bold enough to say I bear a slight resemblance to Popeye. When I told my Mom that I was planning on being in bed by 9:30 pm she laughed at me. That is how bad I am about getting in bed early and getting rest. She laughed!!
It is funny, my husband can fall asleep in a matter of seconds, his head hits the pillow and he is out. I admit I have even timed him on how fast he would say something and then be sleep. His record is 30 seconds. Of course I had to wake up to say, "Hey it just took you 30 seconds to start snoring!" You can imagine how much he appreciated that one.
My goal for tonight was to try to relax early enough that when I did go to bed, I would sleep. We will see how that one works out. My plan is simple:
A quick chick flick
Hot tea or a cold beer
A hot bath with bubbles of course
Relaxing music
Bed time by 9:30
Wish me luck, I may wake up with a smile on my face or clenched teeth. My new thing for today is learning to relax and get some overdue sleep!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day 12 ~ A New Boutique
Normally when I hear the word Boutique I think cute, sassy, unique and CHA CHING. When I see them a little voice goes off in my head, do not stop, do not shop, warning, warning! I wonder, will buying something there cost me my arm, my leg or both. I have driven by a little boutique everyday for a year with that warning in my head, today I ignored it and went in. I was glad I did.
I love shopping but these days with three kids I can’t decide which is more painful, a root canal or shopping with 3 little girls at the mall. My girls are sweet but you know the routine, stay close to the stroller, don’t touch that please, stop hiding in the clothes rack, please don’t be running in the store, we are inside so use your inside voice, stop messing with your sister! Today I had an hour to myself, well myself and my 2-year old co-pilot, and we headed to the local boutique in town I have heard so much about, but had not yet dared to enter. I had planned on going in and just looking. I love boutiques but quite often they are way out of my price range. With a tight budget, I rarely spend money on new clothes for myself, but I thought it would be fun to just look at the new fashions and styles.
I loved it! She had SO many cute things, many high end brands that I was sure were way out of my budget, but I was completely wrong. I was so surprised when I found her pricing to be very affordable. I even found the BEST jeans on sale (70 % off) that lifted and tucked in all the right spots. Is there anything better than finding an amazing deal? It is funny, it goes back to the simple idea that you don’t really know unless you try. All this time there has been a great little boutique that I have been passing by on my way to the mall, when I could have saved time and money by shopping locally. I plan on going back very soon! I tried something new today and not only did I find a cool shop, but now my new jeans have put my butt right back where it belongs!
Nikki Jane's Boutique
1505 Portland Rd (Hwy 99), Suite# 210
Newberg, Oregon 97132
503.538.2620
www.nikkijanes.com
I love shopping but these days with three kids I can’t decide which is more painful, a root canal or shopping with 3 little girls at the mall. My girls are sweet but you know the routine, stay close to the stroller, don’t touch that please, stop hiding in the clothes rack, please don’t be running in the store, we are inside so use your inside voice, stop messing with your sister! Today I had an hour to myself, well myself and my 2-year old co-pilot, and we headed to the local boutique in town I have heard so much about, but had not yet dared to enter. I had planned on going in and just looking. I love boutiques but quite often they are way out of my price range. With a tight budget, I rarely spend money on new clothes for myself, but I thought it would be fun to just look at the new fashions and styles.
I loved it! She had SO many cute things, many high end brands that I was sure were way out of my budget, but I was completely wrong. I was so surprised when I found her pricing to be very affordable. I even found the BEST jeans on sale (70 % off) that lifted and tucked in all the right spots. Is there anything better than finding an amazing deal? It is funny, it goes back to the simple idea that you don’t really know unless you try. All this time there has been a great little boutique that I have been passing by on my way to the mall, when I could have saved time and money by shopping locally. I plan on going back very soon! I tried something new today and not only did I find a cool shop, but now my new jeans have put my butt right back where it belongs!
Nikki Jane's Boutique1505 Portland Rd (Hwy 99), Suite# 210
Newberg, Oregon 97132
503.538.2620
www.nikkijanes.com
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 11 ~ Getting Organized
I once heard that your bedroom can be a reflection of your life. If that is the case then I am definitely in trouble. Day 11 included a day of cleaning and organizing my bedroom.
I walked around the house today picking up toys, tiding up things and realized something very strange. My girls rooms are organized, clothing neatly hung, toys in correct bins, but my room, my room looked like a bomb went off. I spend so much time picking up after everyone else, helping the girls with their rooms, I rarely have time to work on my room, my things. I love things organized, it is just the time it takes to get there is utterly painful. I wish I could just snap my finger and BOOM, everything would be put in its place. I love the commercial with Kelly Ripa where she walks around the house and throws things in the air and things magically go on hangers, in drawers, and are put away. Unfortunately in the real world that doesn't happen and organizing can take you alllllllll stinking day.
So..... that is what I did today, I completely reorganized my room and closet and made it soooooooo clean you could have taken a white hankie to it and not found an ounce of dust. I hear people talk about how cleaning is therapy, how they even enjoy it at times. Well, I am not one of those people. I love things clean and tidy but hate the process of it. I can not tell you how many times today I wanted to take a big trash bag and just throw it all away. I swear I was mumbling to myself the entire time, saying things I will not repeat. Once I was finished, it looked so beautiful! I felt like this weight was off my shoulders, and I was happy. All the work today, was worth it.
Note to self:
Do something fun tomorrow, cleaning sucks.
I walked around the house today picking up toys, tiding up things and realized something very strange. My girls rooms are organized, clothing neatly hung, toys in correct bins, but my room, my room looked like a bomb went off. I spend so much time picking up after everyone else, helping the girls with their rooms, I rarely have time to work on my room, my things. I love things organized, it is just the time it takes to get there is utterly painful. I wish I could just snap my finger and BOOM, everything would be put in its place. I love the commercial with Kelly Ripa where she walks around the house and throws things in the air and things magically go on hangers, in drawers, and are put away. Unfortunately in the real world that doesn't happen and organizing can take you alllllllll stinking day.
So..... that is what I did today, I completely reorganized my room and closet and made it soooooooo clean you could have taken a white hankie to it and not found an ounce of dust. I hear people talk about how cleaning is therapy, how they even enjoy it at times. Well, I am not one of those people. I love things clean and tidy but hate the process of it. I can not tell you how many times today I wanted to take a big trash bag and just throw it all away. I swear I was mumbling to myself the entire time, saying things I will not repeat. Once I was finished, it looked so beautiful! I felt like this weight was off my shoulders, and I was happy. All the work today, was worth it.
Note to self:
Do something fun tomorrow, cleaning sucks.
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