A Quick Reset

March is so close and it brings mud and hope and the occasional snow fall and spring.  March 20 we will welcome spring.  In the midwest we could have snow or sunshine, one can never be sure.  Whatever the weather brings outside, come March I am always ready to reset, refocus, and open up the windows for some fresh air while I do a little spring cleaning.

Before I can dust the cobwebs and mop the salt off the floor in our mudroom, I like to do a quick declutter.  A reset.  It doesn't take long to prepare my home for the hope of spring that's coming in a few short weeks.  I put the reset on my calendar and to-do list.  Two 15-30 minute sessions always leaves my house a bit tidier and easier for me to clean surfaces and nooks and crannies.

The Reset

1.  Clear surfaces.

Maybe you still have Christmas decorations out.  Maybe you have moved onto Easter already.  I am stuck in between with remnants of Valentine's Day still scattered through the house.  I clear all the surfaces in my main living areas: the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, the entry.  I box everything up or put it in an empty cupboard.  As I clear each surface, I quickly decide if I need to keep each item.  If not, it goes in the donation box in the basement. I don't think a lot about it, I just decide if it's useful or beautiful and move on.

I keep my surfaces clear for about a week or so and slowly bring things back in, once each surface is clean.  This helps me to really decide if I want an item in the space this spring.  Also, this ties into quieting the home, something I did after Christmas.

2.  Make a quick sweep through kid rooms.

I am not talking about a big overhaul here.  I go through each room with a box or bag in hand and take out everything unnecessary: a hoard of books under the bed that hasn't been looked at in awhile, random Kleenex (I know, gross), small knick knack toys forgotten on dressers or in tubs.  I donate whatever is unnecessary and try and quickly put everything back in it's place.  I also make a pass through my husband and I's bedroom, closet, and bathroom.  

3.  Go through the winter gear.

During the winter I try and not look too closely into my kids' drawers in our mudroom that hold mittens, hats, shoes, and boots.  It's just not worth the loss of my sanity.  But now it's time to look (ugh) and take out any unused shoes or accessories so I can give the drawers a good vacuuming and wiping out when it's time to spring clean.  Many times I will put away all of their gloves and mittens and only keep a single basket with one pair of mittens and one hat for each child.  

4.  Paper

Paper doesn't affect my spring cleaning much, but I try and go through the kids' artwork and random papers I haven't decided on in the junk drawer and purge.  It's a good way to start fresh with new art this spring.  

5.  Cleaning Closet

The last thing I do is double check my cleaning closet.  I go through everything that sits on the shelves to see if there is anything that needs to be tossed or recycled.  Earth 911's article on how to dispose of cleaning products has helped me know what to do with supplies I no longer need or use. There may even be some items I need to pick up and I record those so I have everything I need I'm ready to do a deep spring clean.

A reset is something I do a few times a year and right before spring cleaning is my favorite time to do it.  Grab a bag or box or both and declutter areas in your home so you are ready for the hopeful new season of spring.  

Saying Yes

'Momma, I need a mailbox.'  A normal Tuesday morning began with the construction and decoration of a mailbox for Luke (and Lily), deep discussion on where to place the mailboxes, and finally a carefully curated plan on how Momma is going to get the letters into the mailbox without any little eyes seeing.  (I did not lead any of these conversations.)  The day went on with Luke carrying around his mailbox, asking for me to write him letters, then having me read him the letters over and over and over again.  And you know what, on Tuesday I didn't mind.  On Tuesday, my little brain got over my to-do list and said 'yes' to the mailbox and the letters and all of it.

Now, you're probably thinking, that's not such a big deal, saying 'yes' to something so small.  And when I really think about it, it's not.  BUT, there are times, many times I'm embarrassed to say, I have said 'no' for no good reason.  I have squelched ideas, buried creative schemes, and said uh-uh to some  imaginative proposals.  All for the sake of...well that I can't tell you.

I recently received a good reminder from a wise speaker at MOPS about the power of saying 'yes' to our kids.  After about a month of trying it out, 'yes' is coming easier.  It glides out of my mouth without me thinking about it too much.  It has become a bit more natural than the 'no' that used to fly out of my mouth whenever I was asked something by my three foot littles.  

I am now seeing the power behind the 'yes'.  My kids are empowered, they are believing their ideas matter, they are getting to be in control of their fun. They are even seeing Momma have a little fun, too.  I'm not sure about you, but I am all in for being the mom who says 'yes' instead of 'maybe another time' or 'not today' or 'that's too messy' or 'no, no, no'.  I want 'yes' to be the soundtrack my kids play in their brains.  I want my babes to know they can come to me with a crazy idea and there is a good chance I will buy in and jump in with them.  I want to be a 'yes' mom.  

Although I am no where near a pro at this 'yes' thing, I am finding it easier to take a deep breath and dive into my kids' little worlds and look them in the eye to find out their creative endeavor.  I am always, always a work in progress.  #andallthemommassaidamen

Sunny Saturday

Good.  Good.  Good.  This week was a good one.  The beginning of the week was full of friends and chocolate and Valentine's Day everything.  The latter half of the week was slow and sleepy and just what we needed.  Today I am looking forward to being home with my people, soaking in these last unhurried, cold Saturdays of winter.

Today I'm sharing some things that made my week a wee bit sunnier.

First up is the book, Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver.  She is the originator of Project 333, a capsule wardrobe movement.  She writes on her blog, Be More with Less, about living an intentional life with less.  Her book is full of practical advice as well as her inspiring story of living life with multiple sclerosis.  If you're into simple living or just want some advice on how to simplify your life a bit, check our her blog and her book.

Most everyone loves a bite of chocolate every now and again.  These cute little heart cookies from Trader Joe's have me exerting quite the amount of self control.  (I am not winning the battle.)  They are bite-sized and perfect to curb my sweet craving.

I have been waking earlier and earlier in the morning to do some things for me before my littles rise.  I used to get about an hour earlier, but I have stretched it to about two hours.  These precious hours give me time to move my body, talk to God, read, and enjoy a cup of hot coffee.  I didn't know how much I needed these hours until I had them and now I find myself wondering if I should add another fifteen minutes.  It fills my cup and prepares me for the day ahead.  

It's the week for flowers.  I was lucky enough to have a sweet friend and my husband gift me some blooms.  When it's brown and muddy and brown outside, a fresh bouquet is just what I need to brighten things up inside.

Only two more weekends left in this short month of February!  Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Campaign for Love

Love.  We all want it whether we want to admit it or not.  We want deep, real, truth-telling, nitty gritty love.  We want to feel seen and known and valued for who we are - flaws and all.  We want someone to see us, know all the ugly stuff in our hearts and minds and still look at us with sincere affection.  We long for real agape love.

Today is Valentine's Day.  Whether you're searching for a significant other to love you unconditionally or have found your 'prince charming', I want to point us in the direction of someone who can give us all the things we desire in one beautifully wrapped package.  Jesus, the originator of the campaign for love, is real and alive and sees, knows, and values us.  Despite our flaws.  Despite our innermost thoughts.  Despite anything we say or do or don't say or don't do. 

Today while we are giving and receiving pink and red construction paper hearts, eating little nuggets of chocolate and maybe even going out for a date night, let's not forget the creator of the Earth loves us, unconditionally.  He doesn't recoil when he looks at us.  He looks at us with affection, with joy, with love.  He delights in us.  

Today is about love.  I am going to rest in the truest fact I know: I AM LOVED.

Decisions

Constant contemplation.  Ruminating.  Yes?  No?  Should I?  Should I not?

Have you been there?  Stuck in a cycle of overwhelm in the midst of a big or small or somewhere in-between decision?  Have you made lists, talked with friends, prayed with friends, discussed it with your husband until he tries really hard not to roll his eyes after the tenth conversation in seven days.  

I am there.  Here.  In the midst of a decision.  Many decisions really.  And I want to throw my hands up in the air and tell some random person at Target my story and have her make a decision for me.  I am stuck.

My decision(s) stem from our kids, our life, and our desire to homeschool. As Luke begins kindergarten this coming fall, a transition will occur whether we are ready for it or not.  Decisions need to be made about all kinds of things. What curriculum do we use?  Can we still attend two different MOPS groups? Are playdates still feasible?  When will we do school during the day?  How do I connect Luke with other children?  Do I need to join a homeschool group?  What will it look like to instruct Luke with two other littles running under my feet?

At the moment, my answer to all of these questions is: I don't know.  And I don't.  I am in the middle ground of weighing options, making lists, my brain constantly going through what we could or should do.  I am frustrated with the not knowing.  The waiting.  The considering part.  Why?  Because the unknown is big and kinda scary and illusive.  And my brain is tired.  I have been spinning circles and I'm ready to just lie down and put my feet up.  Figuratively and literally.

As I sit in the space of the 'I don't know' of ruminating, I am searching for some kind of peace here.  Granted, I have not found it yet, but I'm slowly moving in that direction.  I'm trying to really believe it's part of the process.  I'm trying to make myself be in the 'I don't know' and not move too quickly through the hard, unsettling parts of decision making.  The contemplation part of the decision making process is vital to good decisions. Yes?  I think so.

I have my husband in my corner, listening to my words.  I have my girls in my corner nodding their heads and putting their hands on me to pray for clarity and peace and...answers.

In time, I know God is going to help me with all the answers to all my questions.  I know He is going to show up and help me decide.  I am praying for his gentle hand to guide me down the right path.  I know it's coming.  I just need to take a deep breath and sit in the waiting.  Think, consider, discuss, pray.  And wait.  My song and my heartbeat at the moment.

  

Jude is 1

He's been with us 12 months, although it seems he has been with us forever. Our Jude is a year old.  He is goofy and giggly and good at making us smile. He is our third child, our sweet surprise, our baby.  And we absolutely can't believe he is walking and babbling and doing all sorts of 'big' baby things (I'm not ready to say toddler).  

Here we go.  All about Jude...

• Our little man is walking and it is the cutest thing in my world at the moment.  He sometimes gets going and doesn't know how to stop.  Other times he raises his hands straight up in the air as he races to go somewhere.  
• Jude is a BIG eater.  He eats more than I do at most meals (which is really saying something) and will eat almost anything you put in front of him.  His favorites are pancakes and raspberries, and has a real love for Mexican food.  

• His tongue.  Jude sticks out his tongue often when he finds something funny or just when he is being goofy.  It is the best.

• Jude loves to be doing whatever Luke and Lily are doing.  He follows them around and they are now shutting their doors so he doesn't get into their stuff.  
• One of Jude's favorite things to do is open cabinets.  His favorite cabinet in our house is the one under the sink.  Of course.  If I don't get it secured with a hairband, he makes a beeline to open it up.

• Throwing things is another one of Jude's favorite pastimes.  He has discovered throwing things down the stairs and loves to throw anything he can get his hands on.  
• It's hard to get Jude out of the bath these days.  He loves splashing with Daddy and playing with the washcloths in the tub.
• Jude sleeps from 7-7 each night and takes a morning and afternoon nap.  We love him for it.
• The way Jude snuggles with us after a nap makes my Momma heart melt. There isn't much better.  

This past year has been one of the best.  Jude has brought so much joy to our family and we can't help but smile everyday at his little grin and giggle.  We love our sweet Jude.

Sunny Saturday

Today we are celebrating our littlest's first birthday.  It is joyful, exciting, and a bit bittersweet.  Where did the past year go?  I can't tell you.  But time passes and Jude is one and we are going to celebrate today!

Here are some things that made my week a bit sunnier...

These barkTHINS are quite possibly the best little 'snack' I have ever eaten. I say snack because it sounds a bit healthier.  Yes?  Anyways, they don't have anything too terrible in them and the ingredient list is readable.  AND they are delicious.  I call it a win.

I have not done well taking care of this hyacinth from Trader Joe's.  In my defense, it did so well on it's own, I kind of thought it was one of those plants you don't do anything to for months.  I was wrong.  It just needs rotated in the sun and it won't flop over.  Regardless, I still find it charming and whimsical and a flowering plant in February makes me happy.

This week I tried this Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken for tacos and it was incredible.  And easy.  And we had no leftovers.  I was trying it out for Cooking Club this month and I think it's a keeper.  Tacos could be one of my love languages.

I can't believe it, but Jamie Ivey's first book, If You Only Knew: My Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free, came out this past week.  I feel like I have been waiting so long to hold it in my hands.  I preordered it and was giddy to open the box knowing it was inside.  Jamie is real and vulnerable and I can't wait to dig into this one.

Today is all about celebrating.  I love a good party.  Hope you have a fun Super Bowl weekend.

Have a Sunny Saturday, all!