90 Day Sprint: Home Goals

I introduced the idea of a 90 day Sprint in this post. I have 3 areas I’m focusing on during the next 90 days and my home is one of them. I’m currently defining my baseline and criteria for success. Next, I will decide  which steps to take in order to move me towards success. 

I have calmed and quieted my soul... Psalm 131:2

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."-- Conrad Hilton

Define the baseline:

I have accumulated a ton, of clutter a TON of clutter especially in the way of kids clothes. Books and paper as well. MY BIGGEST WEAKNESS IS PILES AND JUNK DRAWERS. Identifying where you are weak is a great help in overcoming. If you can identify your weakness, you can get to the root of the problem and work on resolving that issue. My biggest weakness in keeping a clean home is piles; piles of clothes, piles of dishes , piles of paper. If I can prevent  those piles from starting I can be closer to my goal of a clean and organized Home. 

Organized home criteria of success : NO JUNK DRAWERS OR PILES ANYWHERE. a place for EVERYTHING, lots of empty space and peace when I open my cupboards.

Success plan:

Daily I will tackle piles as they are forming. 

I’ll PICK ONE ROOM PER DAY to purge:

Girls 

Braden

Laundry

Mine

Carport

Kitchen and living are finished!!!👍👍👍

Once I’m finished w the inside of my house I will move to the garage and 2 sheds where we have been storing our items from our original homestead. 

For 90 days I will give myself 90 minutes per day to work on this. I’m confident that I will have made an extensive amount of headway at the end of my 90 day Sprint. I’ve already grown leaps and bounds and I’m excited to see where we are at the end of this. I hope this helps you see a concrete idea of how a 90 Day Sprint works. I plan to post photos at the end of the 90 days. 

Thank you for reading. 

Grace and peace,

Adoring Family. 

When Clutter Creeps In...

In 2015, I remember going through the painful process of trying Marie Kondo’s KonMari method. It was hard to make the decision to let go of things. I saved quite a bit in storage but got rid of about 50% of our possessions as we downsized from 2800 sq feet to 400 sq ft. We lived in a camper for a year and it quickly became clear to me what my biggest purchases are. Books are number one and clothes are second. Not too surprising since we are a homeschooling family and I’ve been a bookworm since I learned to read. 📚 🐛 I could always be found w my nose in a book as a kid and I’m thankful to pass that on to my little ones. If they express even a hint of interest in a book, I will buy it. Of course there are six of us and we all need clothes. Especially the growing little ones. We have been given a ton of hand-me-downs which I’m so grateful for. It did surprise me to see how much we accumulated in the process of living in our camper and then a small, 2 bedroom home. I was flabbergasted when I gazed at how much was left after we moved everything we wanted into our new home. When I went back to the old home, it seemed like new stuff appeared. 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ We filled up half of a garage w our left over items. I still need to go through these things...

Again I’m talking about Carrie Simple and the wisdom she shares in this video...

 

I lamented to her about all of the clutter that accumulated after my first big purge. Here is what she had to say...

“Let me say one thing to that discouragement: I actually am starting to see where my frustrations with minimalism lie. Particularly, it’s in the shaming of excess. It’s not intentional and it’s often steeped in all sorts of encouragement so I think the good of the message balances out most of the time. But I have dealt with that same discouragement SO MANY TIMES over the years, and it’s not helpful at all.

Seeing the excess stuff is not a loss for you- it’s a win! It’s not the stuff that is the problem- that stuff probably served a purpose that you prioritized in that moment, and that doesn’t have to be something you feel bad for. I think what is more important than simplifying is being mindful or conscious of our consumption, AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE DOING. By noticing you have more, and by making that move, you see excess. Learn from it, but don’t be embarrassed or ashamed by it. Count it as a win that you see it, because that’s really what this ENTIRE thing is about- being aware.”

I love everything about that message and asked Carrie if I could share it w all of you. This blog is a chronicle of our journey. It’s a learning process in so many ways. I’m thankful to share all of this with you and I appreciate your patience as I’m writing g all of my posts from my phone these days. Unfortunately, that makes editing near impossible once I’ve published a post so please forgive the typos 🤦🏼‍♀️ they are not uncommon on this blog anyway😋

I’m looking forward to sharing more of our simplifying journey with you. I’m so thankful to have gone through this before because I know how freeing it can be to have this weight lifted. I also feel the process gets easier each time I do it. I know it can feel painful at first but in the end, I know that these are all temporary things in our lives. I’ve seen things come and go and it’s much easier to get rid of the excess than it used to be. There is peace in less. There is joy in simplicity. There is freedom in letting go. 

Thank you for reading. 

Grace & peace,

Adoring Family

Simple Luxury

To create a thing of beauty sometimes you need to take away instead of add to.

When we stay in our favorite VRBO located in Bourne, Tx we always marvel at how clean and functional this home is. There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. There is no clutter, no multiple items shoved into a drawer. Even the miscellaneous drawer is organized and tidy. The owner of the property lives in the house, it’s actually a luxurious bardominium turned wedding venue. I’ve asked her several times how she does what she does. How do you keep such a beautiful home? She has one storage closet that is locked and that is where she puts her personal belongings. She only buys the very best she can and keeps it minimal by only buying what she uses on a regular basis. She decorates minimally anwud tastefully and keeps only the functional and beautiful, only the best for her guests.

My goal is to set up home in this way. I am slowly doing the  Kon Mari method as I unpack. If it isn’t useful and if it doesn’t spark joy, I will not bring it into my home. If it isn't a sentimental item or if it isn’t something I would buy today then I will not bring it into my home. 

I hope it is clear when I say luxury that does not equate to expensive, I am referring to high quality and increased comfort. 

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

Too many choices equals a sense of being overwhelmed. When I look into my cupboards I want to see a lot of empty space and only the very best of what I need. Less truly IS more. When I look into my drawer to find a cooking utensil, I want to see what I love and what serves a purpose. Anything more than what is useful is excess, clutter and a waste. It wastes my space and wastes my time. I’d rather wash my favorite spatulas and enjoy using them rather than dirty them up only to stick them into a dishwasher and then use the ones I don't like that take up extra space. That is a waste of all of my precious resources. Water, time, real estate and head space. There is peace in less. 

I have followed Carrie Simple's journey to simplicity on YouTube and I'm thankful to correspond with her on IG. She is a beautiful soul who desires to help others on their path to Simplicity. I love what Carrie had to say in . She said that she had a social engagement to attend and went into her a closet and couldn't find a thing to wear, instead of shopping for more clothes (which is what she wanted to do) she started taking things out her closet. She took out anything that didn't make her feel fabulous. This created a beautiful wardrobe that she felt good in. The fact that she created a wardrobe she loved by pairing down is such an inspiration to me!

I love the quote from Coco Chanel, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." If I ever feel like something is not quite right with an outfit, remove something...a necklace, scarf or bracelet etc... That usually does the trick. Chanel also says that if it isn't comfortable, it isn't luxury. I love surrounding myself with things that quiet my soul. When I look at my belongings I yearn to feel a quiet, peaceful joy. That is what brings me comfort and gives me a sense of luxury. 

Constraints can be positive. When I am bringing things into my home I have been putting my items into a pile and then saying, how can I simplify? What can I cut away from this? Do I need this or even want this? Does this bring me peace and quiet joy or does it add to the noise around me?

Limiting options is actually freeing. I find My children have enjoy playing in our new home immensely but they have yet to unpack their toys. Instead, they have been creative and drawing tea cups and making dishes with what they can find. It's been an incredibly liberating experience. I find great comfort in knowing they can be happy with less.

One of the wonderful things I have discovered during this long journey of camper life and small home living is that it takes very little to make me happy in life. I find that as long as I can have a good cup of coffee and some quiet time alone in the morning I can pretty much be happy anytime, anywhere. If I know my children are provided for, my husband is well rested, we are filled with joy and peace.

What are the things in life that quiet you soul? What brings you joy, comfort and peace? How can you surround yourself with those things and peacefully eliminate those which don't? 

Thank you for reading.

Grace & peace,

Adoring Family

Adoring Simplicity

 

Hello everyone. Today I would like to share a video with you that has greatly inspired me. Our family has been on a journey of simplicity for a little over a year now. We are purging items in our life that do not promote joy or peace. It is an ongoing process and it has been interesting to see what this journey has morphed into. I cannot wait to share some of the further details as plans progress but for now, please enjoy this video.

 

 

Grace and peace, Adoring Family

 

Am I Busy Doing The Right Things?

We are in an insanely busy season right now (isn't everyone?). There is so much in this life to distract us. There are trips to take, home projects, schooling endeavors, church plays, gardens to tend, baby chicks that need attention, playdates, field trips, grandparents who need to hold our babies and graduations. 
 

When our schedules are so full we must ask ourselves, "Am I Busy Doing The Right Things?"





Evaluate the items in your day and determine their lasting value. What are the most important items that need attention in life? I ask myself if there is any eternal significance in what I am doing? Am I tending to relationships and cultivating friendships? Am I solidifying my children's self worth and deepening their knowledge of the Savior? As much as I love doing dishes, laundry, decluttering and cleaning the house (ha!), can I stop for a game of chess with my daughter or to put together a Lego man for my son? Am I doing the things that I will be be thankful I did when I look back at my life twenty years from now? Life is but a vapor and it is too short to live with a long list of regrets.

 

One of my personal prayers is that I will always remain teachable. I find the Lord uses unique teachable moments in my life.  I was not prepared for the sobering moment that struck me during Mr. Banks and Bert's song the first time I saw Mary Poppins as a parent.  It saddened me to think that it could ever being too late to give that spoonful of sugar to my little ones. Of course I will always be available for my children in whatever capacity I am able. I just don't want insignificant pursuits to interfere with what is most important in my life and that is my family.

 

A man does have dreams, as Mr. Banks so eloquently articulates (and mommas do as well) but at what cost? Perhaps we can build these dreams together. It may take a smidge longer but what is that in light of eternity? What do you want to be remembered for? How can you make each moment count?

Life will always be busy. Are we busy doing the right things?

 "So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

Grace and peace,
Adoring Family

2 Keys to Success

My dear husband is the inspiration for this post (and let's be real, most things in my life). He possesses a unique wisdom, character and integrity. I cannot tell you how many times people have called upon my husband for his perspective which he graciously offers with humility. I am so thankful the Lord saw fit to make me his wife. They say you become like the one you are with and I couldn't be more honored than to become like my man.
 

Manly men :)

 

We recently discussed two things that were on his heart:
Be intentional and deny yourself.
He believes these are the keys to success in all areas of life.

Face your day with intention. Deny yourself, press on with diligence. This applies for home, church, school, family, friends, work and health.

Be intentional

My husband always says to begin with the end in mind. Luke 14:28 says, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" 

Think of the end of your day, what would you like to have accomplished?  My husband says, "Failure to plan is a plan to fail." Write your goals down. This ensures you will not forget them or get distracted. Create a schedule and fit those goals into time slots throughout your day. Pray for strength, grace, and discipline to carry out your tasks. "Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

Being intentional is not only reserved for our "to do" lists. What attitude will you exude? Determine before the days starts what type of character you will display. Same goes for health and fitness.

A healthy strong body requires nutrient dense, healing food and a steady workout schedule. 

At the end of the day, I want to lay my head on my pillow knowing that I served my family joyfully and healthily. I begin my day with the end in mind (actually my plan usually starts the night before but that's another post)."Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." Psalm 16:9

Deny yourself.

To be intentional we will be faced with the decision to cave in to our desires or deny ourselves and press on to reach our goals. Luke 9:23-24 says, "And he said to them all, If any will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."  

We are called to deny ourselves. We are not to be weary in well doing for we are promised to reap in due season if we press on as promised in Galatians 6:9.

There is a glaring difference between writing goals, making a plan and actually following through and putting that plan into action.  Believe me, this momma struggles to sit and indulge my flesh. "I discipline my body and make it my slave," as 1 Corinthians 9:27 says. If I begin with the end in mind it will be easier for me to push myself to put the dishes away when I would rather snuggle up and watch "I Love Lucy" or deny myself something to eat that I know will make me feel sluggish and instead, opt for the healthy treat that energizes.  

I believe as parents

we are called consider our children's needs before our own.

 Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

This calls for self denial. We are to serve our families as a whole before serving ourselves. This does not mean we neglect our own needs but we must plan carefully to ensure all needs are met.

 This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. So we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 

 

Deny yourself. Be faithful in the little things. Be steadfast, abound in the work of the Lord and know that your labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10)!

 Please understand, there is balance in all things. This doesn't mean we never have down time or enjoy an occasional slice of cheesecake. We merely understand that in order to achieve our desired results, we must face life with intention, self discipline and a preference for others. I hope my husband's wisdom is impressed upon your heart today and that you find the same value and inspiration in his words as I do.

Grace and peace,

Adoring Family

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Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night!

Hopefully you were able to read about our morning routine and know that we approach our daily lives with grace. I am so grateful the Lord saw fit to bless us with a fourth baby and during this season of life our routines do not always flow on schedule. I am good with that :) I remind myself that we have a new baby and thank the Lord for this blessed season. if we get off track I am ask Him to redeem the time as stated in Ephesians 5:16 and remember that God is my help and He will sustain me (Psalm 54:4). So onto the afternoon...

Is it naptime yet?

Finish any schooling that we missed before. I will typically have a math lesson to teach while the other two work on handwriting.

2:00 Books on bed: A friend of mine introduced me to this concept and it is the perfect transition from school to play. It gives each child some quiet time to themselves and hopefully instills a love for reading. If a nap needs to take place for any of the children this is the perfect time. I use this time to pay bills, answer emails and phone calls or make appointments.

2:30-4:00 is craft time/ free play time. I will finish up and work I need to accomplish and then organize a craft or, if it is a beautiful day the children will play. I will use this time to work on home projects, sew, bake, meal prep or the really fun stuff...laundry :D

3:30ish I will start to prepare a snack for the children and my husband. My husband usually gets home at 4:00 and he is usually hungry :) This is a great time to relax and talk about the day. The kids usually eat a quick snack and are off to the playroom or outside with the chickens.

6:00 I prep dinner and we usually eat at 6:30

Bath time

Family time

8:00ish Family Devotions where my husband reads a story (we are reading through Missionary Stories with the Millers. I cannot review this one yet but we have enjoyed the other Millers books) prayer. Lights out and I will sing them a song or two.

Mommy and Daddy time!

Several of you said you wished you could get a morning workout in but it doesn't always happen. If I find I cannot get a workout in that morning I usually sneak little things in here and there. I will do squats while brushing my teeth (and hope no one is looking) or mini squats while chopping veggies, and just sprint around an scare the little ones for a little while. It is funny to see the kids mimic me while I do these things. One day I was sprinting in place with any "support" so I had my arms across my chest and all three children started doing the same thing! It cracked me up to see them sprinting with their little arms crossed over their chests and it was also quite sobering. I am constantly reminded that more is caught than taught! This is our ideal routine and I love it when things happen this way. I also love it when they don't. I won't even go into our morning routine on CC day (quick, grab a banana and jump in the car). I hope our family's routine is helpful in some way for you. I always enjoy hearing how others manage their day so please leave me some comments sharing how you run your home.

 Grace and peace,

Adoring Family

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