My mom kept all those toys and turns out the hair gets all funky and the plastic gets weird and well in the end only the wooden cradle my grandpa made me and one questionable coffe pot are all that were worth giving to my kids! My brothers had some legos and solid metal cars ( not like the cheapy ones of today) that lasted well in the 15 years of storage over the garage. So don’t feel bad and don’t “save” any toys that aren’t heirloom because in 10-20 yrs when you go to get them out I learned the hard way 98% is only suitable for the trash! Even the baby dolls clothing was all starting to deteriorate. Yikes. Books held up pretty well but of all the ones my mom saved maybe 5-8 are ones I wanted to get duplicates of for my kids. She saved everything because when she was away at college her mom and dad got rid EVERYTHIG with out asking her if she wanted anything and went on missions trips for a few year. So she wanted to keep stuff for us…. Needless to say when I clean out different areas I usually ask myself if it is something I would like to pass on, how best to preserve it so that a future generation would also want to pass it down. It helps set things in perspective!

Hey Maureen! I’m sorry for the delayed response – I saw this comment and laughed over the lying part, and then was totally distracted by something else so I just didn’t get a chance to respond. I guess we have had our cabinets painted for three years now? They have held up great. Make no mistake – they will always need to be touched up every now and again, just like anything you paint. We’re to that point with three small kids and a dog that it’s time to cover up a few little nicks, but it’s nothing that isn’t worth the total transformation with fresh, not-lamintate cabinets. ;} Go for it. You won’t regret it.

You’re hitting home with number 1 on the garage category. uh, let’s say its the zone that we haven’t fixed yet, and its on our list this year. Oh to have that garage pretty and organized! stay tuned. Stay tuned.

I am sorry for number 2. Thinking of you and praying for you. I’ll be thinking about that one!

Happy New Year!

I can’t think of an answer to #1. I do know that homeschooling posts are a bit difficult for me to read (past tension with good friends, etc.) and relate to, but you should continue posting about them anyway. I’m a big girl and can skip those posts and come back the next day.

My greatest struggle in my home right now is that certain projects back up waiting for a bigger project to be completed or even started. For example, we need built-in shelves in our TV room in the worst way. We are overrun with books, and they need one home rather than eleven makeshift homes. But it makes no sense to start bookshelves until we redo our floors, which will be sometime this year, but in the meantime, have I mentioned the books?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in simplifying is that one or two sentimental items can have just as much meaning as 20 or 100 sentimental items. I have several things that belonged to my mom, but I’m finding that what I love the most are her turquoise necklace and cross-stitch burlap pieces. I’m ready to let go of the rest.

Thanks for your prayers. It means more to me than you know.

Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. I really appreciate them.

Bethany – I totally get that battle! Listen, with what we do, it’s even made sense to hold on to a few pieces, because we’re constantly styling and re-styling. It saves money in the long run. So I’m with you!;} It can be hard, depending on your phase in life + current situation.

As far as experiences: This year, instead of a lot of little gifts from one grandparent, we all went on a trip to a place not too far away. And on that trip, they were able to do an extra curricular activity as part of their Christmas. (Staying in a cabin + an animal safari.) And most of their gifts from her were centered around crafts and projects they could do. Not many toys to mindlessly fill up our home with tiny pieces…(OVER it.) and the toys they DID receive were super fun and thoughtful, like games, catapults for the boys… really thoughtful additions.

From us: Jamin and I gave the kids a trip. {See: our family vacay just came a little early this year} I think there’s definitely a balance there, and while it’s not “there” yet, we’re getting closer. We can’t always do a trip, and this year was honestly bigger than it will ever be because we knew we should seize the moment while we can. But other examples would be like, a zoo memberships, or art clubs or lessons of some sort. A camping trip (ther-ma-rests and s’mores and water bottles as clues} are a starting point.

The important part is, that we’ve started the convo with both sides of the family, and this year, we noticed a big difference. It was a major relief. So between that, and focusing on giving our children a wider world view, making them aware that their little worlds don’t end with just them… we’re working on it. I hope that helps! ;}

This was my question so THANK YOU for the justification! I have two boys (under two!) and we “think” we are finished but I can’t bear to get rid of too much stuff yet! It’s so refreshing to read your blog posts and the way you share your thoughts with just the right bit of wisdom infused!

From a mom/coach’s wife(in season!)/teacher, thank you for pointing out reality!

I love reading your blog!
~Amber