Update for March Challenge of the Month

As I mentioned in my previous post, we had a virus on our computer, but it is now fixed. So, here is my update for Angie's Challenge of the Month for March.

15 - tossed another pair of shoes & a leftover bike wheel from the garage / also went through the boys' underwear & sock drawer

16 - gathered up a few of the munchkins' shirts to donate & tossed The Princess' old tennis shoes that had become open-toed tennis shoes

17 - I returned a LARGE stack of library books that I was never going to be able to get a chance to read.

18 - recycled some misc. papers / cleaned out my coupon box, recycling outdated ones

19 - cleared of a bunch of junk that was cluttering the front of our fridge...left lots of space for the munchkins' artwork!

20 - lots more clothes, misc. household items, & books loaded in van to donate

21 - went through The Princess' clothes & does it count if I vacuumed all the dust bunnies from under our bed? There were a LOT!

22 - cleaned out part of my desk

23 - went through the boys' drawers (I keep telling these kids to stop growing, but they just won't listen to me...LOL!)

24 - gave my mom an outdoor cushion that's been in our crawlspace for years

25 - cleared out one of the fridge shelves & tossed some items that were beginning to look like science experiments

As you can tell, some days are better than others. But like Angie said, it only has to be one thing that you get rid of for this challenge. Only six more days of the month left & I've got a ton of items/areas that still need cleared out. I think I'm going to continue through the rest of Lent once Angie's challenge is over.

March Challenge Second Week Update

So, we've ALREADY finished the second week of March...my, how time is flying by! Here is what I accomplished for Angie's Challenge of the Month:

8) Boys' pant shelf in their closet - took out items that are too small or too short

9) Went through my binder of scrapbook ideas & cleared out stuff I won't use if & when I ever get back to scrapbooking

10) In just one section of the basement, I filled 1/2 of one bag w/ trash & 1/2 of one bag w/ recyclables.

11) I cleaned out both my Bible case & my makeup case

12) Tossed two pairs of 11 yo shoes (not shoes for an 11 yo, but shoes I've had & worn for 11 years!)

13) Recycled a bunch of misc. paper / cleaned out the kids' candy buckets / went through my CDs & DVDs

14) Gathered up four more items of clothing to donate

March Challenge First Week Update

I am off to a great start for Angie's Challenge of the Month for March. So far, these are the things I've cleaned out each day:

1- drawers & cabinet for our downstairs bathroom

2- linen closet & drawers in our master bath

3- phone book & catalog cabinet (Can you believe I had a phone book from 2008 & catalogs from 2009?); I also cleaned out my purse.

4- gathered up a garbage bag of clothes, toys, & videos to donate

5- tossed some bubble baths (Our tub has been out of service for several years & most of the bubble baths were quite old. Don't worry...we're not carrying out several years' worth of stink! We still have a functioning shower!)

6- tossed some old medications (I usually do this several times a year anyway.)

7- two kitchen drawers

I figure that if I just do a little bit each day, it won't seem so overwhelming to me. A drawer here, a cabinet there...it will all add up to a great deal of de-cluttering!

Angie's Challenge of the Month for March

February's Challenge was to try something new. I decided to give Pilates a try. I did like it, however, as I mentioned before, my back started to bother me again. I'm not totally giving up on it, but I am going to take it a little easier. (BTW - Congratulations to Angie's winner for February.)

So, now we are on to Angie's Challenge of the Month for March...a shortened version of the 40 Bags in 40 Days that has been going around the blogosphere the past few years during Lent. I was planning on doing this for Lent again this year, so I don't think starting a little early would hurt...especially w/ all the clutter in our home!

Our Daily Schedule Goal (2nd Post Today)

As I said in my Small Successes earlier this morning, I came up w/ a schedule that I'd like for our family. This is what it looks like. I'm sure we won't follow it exactly every day, but it is nice to have something in writing to use as a guideline or goal for each day.

MORNING

5:30-6:30am Mom’s Quiet Time

6:30-7:00am Mom’s Shower

7:00-7:30am Mom’s Breakfast & Computer Time

7:30-8:00am Kids’ Breakfast / Mom – Laundry

8:00-9:00am Free Time-Kids / Mom’s Chores

(8:45am – Kids final call for morning chores)

SCHOOL DAY (Average 5 hours schoolwork)

9:00-9:30am Prayers, Read Aloud, Hymn, Stretching

9:30-10:15am Schoolwork (Core Subjects)

10:15-10:30am Morning Snack

10:30-Noon Schoolwork (Core Subjects)

Noon-12:45pm Lunch & Free Time

12:45-2:00pm Schoolwork

2:00-3:00pm Quiet Time for All

3:00-3:15pm Afternoon Snack

3:15-4:15pm Remaining Schoolwork

AFTERNOON / EVENING

4:15-4:30pm Clutter Drill

4:30-5:45pm Free Time-Kids / Mom-dinner prep

5:45-6:30pm Dinner & Kitchen Clean-up

6:30-7:30pm Free Time

7:30-8:15pm PJ’s on & Bedtime Snack

8:15-9:00pm Evening Reading & Bedtime Prayers

(8:30pm – The Saint to Bed)

9:00pm Kids to Bed

9:00-10:30pm Parents’ Time

10:30pm Parents to Bed

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I decorated some boxes for the bookshelf in The Princess' bedroom: See Pictures Here

2) I've been getting up about 1/2 an hour earlier this week to spend some quiet time w/ the daily readings & mentally prepare for our school days.

3) I am "EMBRACING" the munchkins more...playing games w/ them, going outside in the snow w/ them, & just taking the time to listen when they want my attention.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

I'm back after getting our computer repaired...it caught a virus in answer to my prayers to back off on my computer time! God has a wonderful sense of humor, doesn't he?

I was hoping that one of my successes would have been to avoid the colds a couple of the munchkins had this week, but that didn't happen! Thankfully I didn't get it too bad, but I am definitely wiped out! Now for the actual successes...

1) I finally went through all of the munchkins' clothes, including those in the crawlspace, to see what they had for fall & winter. All the excess is being donated to a center that helps those less fortunate in southeastern Ohio.

2) My mother bought us a large bottle of fabric softener. I usually don't buy any so I decided to use it just for sheets & towels. So, Tuesday & Wednesday I spent washing the munchkins' sheets, mattress pads, pillows, & comforters. WOW! Their rooms smell incredible!

3) I finally made an appointment to see our family doctor about my lower back pain, which I've had for over a year. I have a high pain tolerance, so I kept putting it off (mostly to save money) until it just got too bad. Thankfully it's nothing serious & a little physical therapy (along w/ minor changes in my sleeping & sitting positions) should be able to help it.

Has it been a good week for you? Please share at Faith & Family Live.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Yesterday I was quite the little homemaker! I made a new batch of baby wipes, another batch of crock-pot applesauce, chip dip & a few dozen chocolate chip cookies to share w/ friends who came over, AND kept the downstairs straightened up! GO ME!

2) I rearranged the living room furniture so that the munchkins wouldn't argue over who sits closer to the TV. Now the couch is even & they each sit the same distance away!

3) I rearranged The Princess' room when she asked me to do it.

Care to share your successes? Check out Faith and Family Live every Thursday for this great exercise in celebrating those small things that make a big difference in our lives!

Small Successes

Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I went through all the munchkins' games. I made a note on top of each box that was missing pieces so that we could keep an eye out for them as the basement gets cleaned up over the next few days.

2) I took all the munchkins shoe shopping & did not lose my mind (or temper!) Someone else posted something similar on their Small Successes last week, so it must be catching!!!

3) I cleaned the top of the refrigerator.

Have you had any successes this week that you'd like to share? Stop by Faith & Family Live today to add yours & check out others' successes.

Small Successes

Oops! For some reason this posted Wed. instead of Thurs.



Danielle Bean says, "It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I went through all of our crayons, markers, & colored pencils to get ready for school this year. I tossed all those that didn't work or were too broken to use. I even have some crayons from when I was a child, some 30 years ago. They were a much better quality back then, weren't they?

2) I condensed our family medical files from 5 hanging file folders to 2. Do we really need 10 info sheets on the vaccinations the kids & all those multiple copies of privacy policies? I think not!

3) I said yes to each of the munchkins at various times this week even when I didn't really want to, whether it was for painting, baking a dessert for the family, or sleeping in the basement (although that one didn't last the night!)

What's gone well for you? Share & check out others at Faith and Family Live.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I finally sewed/repaired a few items that have been sitting in a pile for a bit too long.

2) I said "Yes" to the munchkins playing in the rain, not worrying about the mess they would be making of themselves & their clothes. Plus, I had them all showered & in their jammies by the time Casinodad got home!

3) I read something recently & have used it as my new motto: "Leave each room a little nicer than when you entered it." So even if I'm just putting a pillow back on the couch or tossing a piece of paper in the recycle bag, something is getting done.

They may not be much, but that's why they're called "Small Successes!" Have you had any that you'd like to share? Check out Faith & Family Live to share & read others.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I deep cleaned our bedroom...dusted, swept, reorganized stuff, removed unnecessary things, etc. It's almost the sanctuary it should be (about 98%) & is so welcoming to walk into now.

2) Yesterday, I noticed that a sippy cup of milk had spilled in the fridge. In only 15 minutes, I cleaned the four larger shelves. I removed all the items, scrubbed the gunk off of them, & used bleach spray to disinfect them. And surprisingly, there wasn't a lot of outdated food to discard...that's a success in itself!

3) Also, yesterday, I washed, dried, AND put away all the munchkins' clothes. That last part is the toughest to complete & the clothes usually sit in the basket for several days...at least!

How's your week been? Check out Faith & Family Live to share your successes & see what others have been up to.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Seems I'm on an every other week run for Small Successes! Must be the end of the school year :)

1) Yesterday, I washed all the bed sheets & comforters, then put them all back on the beds too!

2) I've been slowly working on straightening/cleaning out/organizing my bedroom. According to all those home shows, the bedroom is supposed to be like a sanctuary...peaceful, calming, etc. Well, ours is anything but! It has managed to be the "catch-all" for our clutter & the dust...well, I won't even go there! So, each morning, I've been doing about 10-15 minutes of something in there. By the end of the year, it just might resemble a bedroom again...LOL!

3) Last week, Casinodad mentioned a meal I'd made several months ago that he really liked. Guess what I made for dinner last night! (It was cooked linguine, tossed into a skillet w/ a clove of garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, a can of pinto beans, & some frozen broccoli.)

So how are things in your world? Share your successes & check out more at Faith and Family Live.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) Thank you, Lord, for the over-abundance of STUFF we have in our home. As I try the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge, it gives me a chance to donate many things to those in need.

2) Thank you, Lord, that the munchkins have been illness-free for at least five days...a record in our family this winter! (And I pray that they will not get sick since I just put this in writing.)

3) Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful conversations our family Lenten devotions have sparked each night. The munchkins are so full of love & understanding of your word, sometimes even more than I am.

4) Thank you, Lord, for vision insurance (& one of the best, at that)! With four of us in glasses & two others who most likely will need them), it can get expensive to purchase new ones each year. Thank you also for great eye care professionals. I've been going to mine since I was in 4th grade & the rest of the family has joined, going to one of his partners.

5) Thank you, Lord, that I am finally beginning to "hear" you in my daily life. Since I've consistently been reading the daily readings & other spiritual books in the past few months, I've noticed those gentle nudges. Yes, I know you've always been there...I just haven't opened myself up enough. I still have a long way to go, but I feel I'm off to a good start.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I've been doing well at getting up between 6 & 6:15 each morning to read the daily readings. In addition to them, I started using the Coming Home Network's list for reading the Bible & Catechism of the Catholic Church in one year. It breaks both down into daily increments to make it manageable.

2) I've seen numerous places around the web regarding "40 Bags in 40 Day," a program to declutter during Lent. (I think the idea originally came from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.) Each day, pack one bag or box of equivalent size of things that you just don't need anymore. You can donate, recycle, or trash items. I decided to start a bit early. Heaven knows we have more than enough to get rid of! Tuesday I started going through our files...getting rid of excess paperwork that we don't need & filing those things we need to keep. Yesterday, I went through our bath towels. Do we really NEED to have 20 towels for six of us?!?! I read somewhere about donating used towels to an animal shelter or hospital, so I think I'm going to look into that. The towels are not decent enough to donate elsewhere, but they're not bad enough to throw out.

3) In an effort to reduce my computer time, I've set myself up on a regular blog schedule. I spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME each day going back & forth between different blogs & felt it was high time I cut back. I printed off a daily schedule, posting it near the computer, & have certain bloggers I visit each day. Some only update their blogs a couple times a week while others do it daily. So far, I've done well keeping to it.

BONUS - I got a job! Starting this weekend, I will be working on Saturdays from 9am-7pm as a receptionist for a nursing/rehabilitation center. My neighbor is in administration management there & needed a weekend receptionist. The days will be long, but it will only be one day a week & I am confident that Casinodad will be fine w/ the munchkins while I'm gone.

How's life for you? Share your successes & see others at Faith & Family Live.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) This morning, I (by myself) took all four munchkins to get flu shots & they all did great! The Archangel volunteered to go first. Now, this is the child who jerked his leg a few years ago & snapped the needle off of the syringe. His comment afterwards today was, "That was so fast, I didn't even have time to say OUCH!"

2) I decided to not try to control something & leave the decision in God's hands. What a tough thing to do!

3) Since putting up the Christmas decorations, I've been doing pretty well to keep the house somewhat uncluttered & clean (the downstairs at least...the upstairs I think needs a demolition crew!!)

Your turn. Go to Faith & Family Live to share & check out other Small Successes.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

What a productive weekend we just had!

1) Friday, The Archangel wanted to help me w/ household chores during his quiet time. (Yes, I know he was just trying to get out of it, but he wanted to clean, so I let him!) He helped clear off the island, wiped down counters, swept the floor, & other stuff I can't remember at the moment. Casinodad came home to a nice, clean kitchen! The picture below is to prove that the island was cleared off (sorry it's kind of dark - I think we need a new camera).

2) On rainy Saturday, with the munchkins help, we cleaned & organized most of the basement. We still need to clear out under the stairs & who knows when I may get to the crawlspace, but that's not a priority at the moment. They now have plenty of room to play & we've been making sure that they put things away before getting something else. How long this will last...I do not know.

3) We took advantage of Sunday's beautiful weather to do yardwork after Mass & PSR. The Prophet mowed the lawn w/ just a bit of Casinodad's help. While they did that, The Archangel & The Princess helped me weed & clear out the flower beds on both sides of the house.

Wow! I'm tired just typing all our weekend accomplishments! What have you done this past week? Check out Faith & Family Live to share yours & see what others have done.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Still working on the kitchen (it's taking a lot longer than I expected - basically I'm just plain lazy at times!) Anyway, I'm still keeping up on the dishes each night, cleared off most of the island (that is the worst part as we always just dump stuff there), & sorted through a stack of recipes that have been sitting by the fridge for months. Maybe I'll actually use some of them!

2) I created a five week meal plan (yes, I said five week & only 3 meals are doubled w/in that time). All seven days of the week are included & I even gave thought to the evenings we have plans (my Small Church Community gatherings every other Wed. & Cub Scouts on Thursdays). I planned stuff that Casinodad can't have (due to his GIRD) for nights that he works later. Now to create the shopping list - perhaps a success for next week?!?!

3) Finally started reading my newest book to review for The Catholic Company. My goal is to finish it w/in the next month, if not sooner!

What are your successes? Inquiring minds at Faith and Family Live would love to know!

Small Successes

1) I decided to focus on the visual parts of the kitchen this week. So far I have rearranged the kitchen table to make the space more open, kept up w/ the dishes each evening, cleared off some clutter on the counters, & put up some Halloween decorations. It's all about getting rid of the clutter & opening up space.

2) Got all but a couple fall items up for my decorations. Wow! I could really use some more. The munchkins did help out & created their own pictures to hang around the house - spider webs, ghosts, mice, & pumpkins.

3) Prior to putting up the decorations, I got the living room cleaned up - including going through some files on the computer desk that haven't been touched in ages.

So, what have you been up to the past week? Check out Faith & Family Live to share you successes & see what others have accomplished. Remember, no success is too small! Those are the ones that help me feel like I've accomplished something.

Small Successes

Oops! I missed Small Successes last week! We are in our fourth week of school & I'm still trying to get us organized & on some type of schedule. At the rate I'm going, we might be on track by Christmas!!

Anyway, here are this week's Small Successes...

1) I went through all the boys' clothes in the crawlspace, decided what to keep & what to send to my in-laws for their garage sale.

2) No matter how much I've wanted to stay in bed lately, I've been making myself get up, go downstairs, start coffee, & read the day's readings. On Sept. 1, I also started working my way through Proverbs - one chapter per day. My plan is to continue this each month.

3) Casinodad & I had a night to ourselves last Saturday. My parents took all four munchkins overnight. We rented a movie (Pink Panther 2 w/ Steve Martin - very, very funny & clean too!), had a nice relaxing dinner (chicken, green peppers, & pineapple in soy sauce, rice, cheese wontons, & coconut-crusted shrimp w/ mango chutney sauce), & just enjoyed each other's company. We slept in the next morning (we'd gone to Mass Saturday evening), went to Tim Hortons for breakfast, & stopped at a couple garage sales. We really needed this time to focus & spend w/ each other.

What are your successes? Share them at Faith & Family Live & while you're at it, check out others!