Organizing and Crafting

Over Christmas break I have been being creative and trying to organize some things that have gotten out of control.  Instead of a million little papers on my bulletin board strips, I made some hanging folder pockets from manila folders that I scored from Marc's earlier this year.   I also decided to decorate them with some craft paper so they look prettier.  I can store all the kids school papers that I need to refer to from time to time in these pockets.  

I also made a to do list pocket and a pocket for seminary ideas.

Jacob moved his desk (well I kicked him out) and Maggie and I are making a sewing / craft area.  It is pretty basic but it will do.  It will be nice to have a place to do a quick project with everything in one spot instead of spread all over the house.

We are doing some decorating of the craft area and Maggie is already working a some little curtains to hide the cords.  

Moving toward Minimalism

I have been inspired by reading minimalist blogs lately.  Especially Lorilee Lippincott with her blog www.lovingsimpleliving.com.  I love that she shows us a minimal life and it isn't ultra modern decor.  Jump on over to her blog to see the inside of her place.  Link on the sidebar ------->

Anyway...remember all that cleaning my mom and I accomplished?  Well we really did haul out tons.  I wanted to post some pictures of the living room.  I don't know about the chair and footstool.  I want it gone I think.  Steve says we should keep it...I at least want it slipcovered maybe...but then I think fussing with a slipcover every day is not my idea of fun.  Anyway, I think I am sick of that chair.  Got it at the good will so it isn't like we spent a fortune for it.  Oh well....

Here is the pictures of the living room.

After living with it for a few weeks it doesn't look minimalist anymore.  Hmmm...I know I could get rid of a few more things.  LIKE THAT CHAIR!  :)

What I've been up to...

I have been so busy this year with schooling the kids at OHVA.  It has taken oodles of time and energy.  I have been also busy cleaning house!  By that I mean that I am simplifying, minimizing, and generally getting rid of STUFF!

When my mom was in town we were going great guns.  I think we made 15 trips to the goodwill, with a full car load.  Here is some of the things we accomplished.

1. Went through all the clothes in the house.  Each kid tried on and kept 10 shirts and 5 pants.  Some of them ended up not having 5 pair that fit them.  Steve and I went through our closets and organized and got rid of tons. (well that was me...Steve hardly has any stuff)

2. We cleaned out and hauled out the linen closet.  We got rid of torn pillowcases, ripped blankets, and thread bare sheets.

3. Cleaned out the kitchen cupboards.  Mom couldn't stand my series of mismatched dishes gathered from the goodwill a bit at a time.  She especially disliked all the chipped and cracked plates.  So we chucked the bad ones, donated the "good" ones and she was so generous to by us new for Christmas.   We also reorganized things and labeled the inside of cabinets (just to drive Steve nutso :) )  We put things that never get used in a holding area...we will see if they ever get used. I doubt it.  Also we cleaned the pantry and got rid of the expired stuff.

4. We went through the dreaded coat closet with a fine tooth comb.  We boxed things we weren't currently using but may someday use.  I have in the past just left them in there since there was room but the kids would just paw through it all and make a huge mess.

5. We bleached all the boys white "church" shirts.  Some still didn't make it, but they look better.

6.We went from room to room and got rid of things that make things feel cluttered.

7. We painted Maggie's room, moved Doug's room and finished Curt's room.  We also finished and decorated the master bed room.

This house is going minimalist.  I have been reading lots of blogs about living a minimalist lifestyle.  The house feels better, I feel like I can breathe.  Laundry is in the manageable zone.  There is certainly more I can get rid of.  Maggie is helping me clean out the junk dresser.  On the list to tackle...the hall closet, bathroom closet and classroom.

I will take pictures soon.

Maggie Before and After....

Before...what a messsy mess mess!!! Take note of the pink glow!!!  Grandma made her bright pink curtains!

After is much much much better!

Of course they have been playing in there all day.  I suspect until they mess it up and then they will move on!  I wish I was more on top of things and would have taken pictures of the spa that was in the boys room.  I procrastinated and now the spa is destroyed...along with the cleanliness of the bedroom.  I did however get an awesome foot rub and hairdo!

Organize, Clean, Purge...

I love when we undertake a big family project.   My kids (I think) can take it or leave it...  We decided to switch bedrooms last weekend.  It has lead to much cleaning and organizing....and the best part purging!!!  We made the kids try on every piece of clothing...they got rid of stuff they don't need.  Every corner got cleaned and wiped down.  Don't get me wrong...the place is still a mess work in process.  My favorite part is the bags waiting at the door to go to the Goodwill.  Yippee!!!