Project Simplify Week 1: The Reveal

Hi All!

Well I wanted to keep my word and reveal to you all the progress that I made on my kids stuff this week. Sorry that I wasn't able topost them on Friday, but my computer had other plans and decided that it would lock up on me, so I gave up for the weekend (ugh!)  Now, I want you to know that I didn't get all of the things done that I wanted to, but I did make some really good progress on two areas that needed my attention. 

The first area is the Playroom.  This room has many functions for our family.  It is where we relax, we learn, we play, and where I craft.  This room is heavily used on a daily basis. 

BEFORE:
This is a picture of my playroom last Monday.  I tend to let this room go over the weekend because the kids have a good time playing in there and it is just pointless to keep picking things up every 15 minutes. 



Kitchen, Train table,Toys, My Crafting area is right behind this




This is my classroom area

The bookshelfs and countertops are a mess and need to be reorganized.  There has been alot of paper shoving going on here!

AFTER

The counters have been cleared and wiped off.  Books have been returned to there proper place.  Two bags of paper have been thrown out.  Dried up markers and broken crayons are gone. 

My second area was my girls bedroom.  Let me just tell you.  Having two girls in a room is a trip!  There are so many little pieces to pick up from all of the toys that girls love (My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop). This room literally requires me to pray before entering.  I can clean it up and by the evening... well.  The first plan of action for this room was to change around the beds. I did not like this configuration at all.  The girls wanted to have their beds debunked, so I gave in and did it.

Closet area, notice the toy bin.  That is a project that I am still working on. Putting all the pieces back to their original bin.  I have a solution that I'll share, once I'm done.

AFTER

Moved the beds one on each wall, giving the girls there own side of the room.  Right now we have a contest going as to who can keep theirs the neatest.  I told them that the room fairy is going to come and visit, and she only leaves treats for clean and tidy rooms. 

So happy to have her own side of the room.  I'm happy that the window is no longer blocked! 



PROJECT SIMPLIFY: WEEK 1

Some of you may not know it but I love to clean and organize my home.  Yes, it is my love language that I express daily to my family.  Cleaning makes me giddy.  I'm not sure if it's the thrill of walking into a room and being able to walk and not step over or on things causing severe foot pain.  Or the smell of fresh lemons (I love Mrs. Meyers Lemon scented cleaner ), or having uninterrupted time to play my favorite music and do my thing! I don't know... Anyway,  keeping an orderly, not perfect (I have 4 children, please!) home to me expresses gratefulness for the time and possessions that God has provided for me.  Scripture says, "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Corinthians 14:40).  God is a God of order, which is evident in the awesome beauty and order of the universe.  As His daughter's, let's strive to reflect, a small portion of that order in our homes.  By doing so, we are showing thankfulness to God, and honor to our families.  

This month I have joined a challenge over at Simple Mom, called Project Simplify.  Don't we all need to do this...Simplify?  If you would like to join this challenge with me just leave me a comment letting me know that you are in the challenge. 

This is how it works:

For four Mondays, we'll all tackle a specific hot spot in our homes.  Then on Friday, I'll share before and after photos of my progress , and you will too. You can share on your own blog, and then link to it on my post.  If you don't have a blog, just send me your picture via email and I will post it.  My email is stayinginmylane@nc.rr.com

Everyone who participates that week will be entered  to win a small prize.  Hey, even if you don't win you still wind up with a cleaner, more decluttered home.  Who wouldn't want that!  Click on the week to be taken directly to the Simple Mom blog for more tips and inspiration.
The HOT SPOTS that we are going to be simplifying are....

Week of March 5: Kid's Stuff  (toys, clothes, and the like)
Week of March 12: Kitchen and or pantry
Week of March 19: Closets, Countertops, and Drawers (oh my!)
Week of March 26: Choose your own adventure ( pick your most needed hot spot)

FYI: You can tackle each hot spot the way that best suits you. If it feels overwhelming to tackle all of your kid's rooms, just do one room.  Or just do clothes.  Please do not stress yourself out, this is suppossed to be FUN and REWARDING. For our third hot spot you can feel free to focus on just one or two drawers or just a closet.  I'm flexible. 

Remember to SPREAD the word about Project Simplify.  Why? Because the more the merrier and it will also keep you accountable to participating.  I hope that you are excited to get a jump on your Spring Cleaning!

Blessings,

Sharmin

February Wrap Up...Already?

Oh my! February has already come and gone.  As I was thinking about what to write about today, I thought that it would be a good idea to share the highlights of February 2012... before I forget them all!

We spent a day at Marbles Kids Museum. This was a lot of fun and really was a great kickoff to our track out.  They had a really awesome show over in Moneypalooza.  The basis of the show was about how we spend our money on goods and services.  It taught the kids about saving money, making wise choices with spending and making their money grow through saving.  It was very entertaining and educational.  I was so glad that we attended because Hannah was learning about money in school and it was a good springboard to our money review over track out.

Playing Hoops



Building with Legos

 
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Surfs up!




Hannah and Laura




Lillian in the pet grooming station

 

Pizza Anyone!


February is a big birthday month for our household.  We began the month by celebrating Terry's birthday.  We all enjoyed this delicious white chocolate and raspberry filled cake from the bakery.  YUMMY!

  

 



On February 15th, Denver turned 2 and we celebrated with a M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE party.  This was a lot of fun for me making all of the Mickey mouse stuff.  I used my cricut and cut the mouse ears and number 2's for his cupcakes. He was really surprised when he woke up from his nap to see his highchair all decked out in true Mickey style.   Happy birthday to my precious baby boy!

The Birthday Boy aka "The Denvernator" he can destroy a room in 10 seconds flat!



Say Cheese!



Enjoying his Mickey Mouse shaped chicken nuggets and tator tots dinner.



The Mickey Mouse cupcake toppers.




The Party Animals! (doesn't Lillian look happy!)



 Next....

Stephen started Cub Scouts in December. (yes, I know I said February recap).   On February 29th he received his Bear badge, and belt loops and he was so proud.  He looked so handsome in his uniform that I had to grab this photo. I love this boy! 



Stephen showing us his cub scout salute



Well that's pretty much the highlights.  Oh, by the way, did I tell you that I lost my voice completely in February?  Well I did, and just in time for track out!  The funny thing is, I had been praying for God to equip me with a more gentle and quiet spirit and voice, especially over track out  (God just didn't make me this way, quiet that is) and in His humor, he quieted me for a week and a half.  I think He knew that this was the only way that me being quiet was ever going to happen!  You all know how the saying goes...be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.  Well I did!

Thank you Lord for your grace and humor in providing me with the perfect voice I needed over track out. Thank you for showing me that a quiet voice can be just as powerful as a loud one.  Thank you for giving me this blessing in disguise so that I could learn a simple lesson from you. 

Your daughter,

Sharmin