I enjoy reading the mundane, normal, real stuff on my favorite blogs, sometimes more than the helpful ones.
But I still get so caught up in writing posts that are helpful. Or the posts that are pinnable, shareable, stumble-upon-able, likeable, search engine optimized, traffic bringing gems.
Pouring your heart out feels good so here we go: five tasty little bits of our life that I might not have told you about.
one
I found this gumball machine a year ago at a garage sale (more of those finds, here) and am finally putting it to use for bead storage. These are a mix of pony beads and Melissa and Doug wooden beads. We started reading the Little House series with "Little House in the Big Woods", a chapter a night, and are now on chapter 4. Just a bit of a warning, the first chapter was very hunting/food related. While we are pro-meat (especially on the issues of bacon or steak), I had to edit as I read out loud to my 5 and almost 4 year old. 🙂
two
Luke, my 9 month old is eating a spoon off of the floor right now. I should probably go take that away.
...okay. I'm back and he's upset.
In the last week he's gone from "meh, okay (chew chew)" to yelling at us the second that either sees me eating, sees someone grab a fork, or sees any sort of food. It's not a cry, more like a deep, throaty yell-grunt. It's pretty hilarious and I'm going to need to catch that on video. You know, to show his future wife and kids one day so they can yell-grunt back at him.
three
I'd like to work to...
be more: kind, positive, intentional, focused (this can apply to goals, the family, and of course, laundry)
avoid: negativity, complaining, over apologizing (oh I'm so bad at this), gossip
And not only on the outside but in my thoughts as well. I won't get anything out of it; no one will even notice a difference or commend me on it (sarcasm right there). I feel a difference when I follow through, I notice it in my kids, and even in how the house looks. I'm guessing that God notices too, and he's important so yeah.
four
We've got our house for sale right now and I think that deserves a post of its own.
It's been tough with kids, but not as tough as I thought. The 40 Bags in 40 Days helped out a TON and I'm still going. We don't have as much to put away, if we do it has a spot, and everything else is basic cleaning, dishes, toys, or laundry. At one showing, someone asked Doug if I was a professional organizer, which made me smile/spontaneously burst into laughter.
If you are curious, here's the house tour. If you're looking in the west suburbs of Chicago (Saint Charles) and want more info, comment or send me an email. I'll send you a link to more information and can answer any questions. This house has been good to us, so we might finish the upstairs and stay a bit.
five
Even thought we are selling, I am constantly thinking about things I want to change up decor wise. Maybe it's spring fever. Tell me that it's not a good idea to go buy a handful of throw pillows in pink and purple and blue and green... mmkay? 🙂
Here's a sneak peek from the kids' room, last month the trim was painted and the room redecorated. And I finally just took pictures of it all because no one was napping in there and the beds were made.
(one more)
six
This is kind of fun, maybe I should post like this more often? You should try it too.
Have any little updates you'd like to share?
I'm listening. 🙂
home renovation ideas
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Chel
Great post! i love it!
Amy Jones
I love your posts as well. Your family is beautiful and so is your home. Like you, I enjoy documenting every yell-grunt-ish moments as well so that I can show them when they grow up and possibly embarrass them on their wedding day. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your stories, they're hilarious!
Lori
Hi Ann, I like your ideas for decluttering & home organization. Do you have any suggestions for decluttering baby/kids clothes & shoes. This stuff seems to accumulate fast! How much should you keep back? I am able to part with hand-me-downs and garage sale clothes, but struggle to get rid of clothes and shoes that I bought new, gifts from people, or clothes that I'm sentimental about. What are your thoughts? Thanks!!!
A White
Great post with nice little tips. Seeing "Farmer Boy" in your shelf revived good old memories.
Gentri
I loved this post! Definitely do more. I'm living w my sister and her kids, and my 10 month old nephew is being the same way right now. His yelling can be a lot to take. Haha I love that him all machine, so cute! And I'm working on being those things, too. Always. 🙂
Rebecca
My 5 year old and I are reading Little House in the Big Woods too. We just finished Charlotte's Web (irony!) so after chapter 1 I got a lot of questions about "Why didn't a spider save that pig too?"
Jennifer. A
I love your posts..they motivate me!! And I love the pictures of your home! The way you have decorated it gives you the instant feeling of being relaxed and happy!!
Ashley D
*You 'may' need those pillows. 😉
*You should stay in the house, because I have been waiting like 4 years to see how you are gonna finish that awesome upstairs. You can't leave me hangin' like that. Haha
*I love these type of posts as well. 🙂
Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I love posts like this that let you see the blogger behind the blog! Keep on keepin' on! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrye's
Carla
My new time management is that I only allow myself to sit at the computer 15 minutes at a time.....then work on clutter for 15 minutes.....I am getting much more accomplished
Scargosun
I saw those Little House books and immediately remembered that I wanted to re-read them. No kids, just cozy memories. 🙂