I did a CURRENTLY post almost one year ago today, so I decided it was time to do it again. These are things I’m doing, crazy thoughts in my head, etc. 🙂
Making: A big ole cup of coffee…I’m working on this post Sunday morning long before anyone else is up. A quiet house is my favorite time to work on this little blog of mine. I’m making a big cup of coffee with #allthecreamer. ha!
Cooking: I hope I can remember to throw chicken in the slow cooker right before we leave for church. I’m not sure WHAT I’m gonna do with that chicken later…I’m thinking maybe chicken caesar wraps or maybe just chicken caesar salads?
Drinking: Coffee, Iced Tea, and Water on repeat. I’ve also added La Croix’s to the mix. Are you guys fans of those? If so, what’s your favorite flavor? So far, my favorite is lemon.
Eating: Tab was out of town all last week and let me tell you a little secret….I tend to not cook at all when he’s gone. Tab was doing dishes for me a couple weeks ago and he said the words I’ve thought my entire adult life…”It’s almost worth eating out just so you don’t have to clean up”. And all the mamas doing dishes said, “Amen”. Right? Needless to say, even though it’s January-I haven’t been eating my best at the moment. I blame it on Tab being out of town. This week I’ve meal planned and we’re set!
Reading: I just started reading Redemption, the first book in the series. When we announced Britt’s name, a reader reached out to me and told me I needed to read these books because there’s a Britt Bradford in this series. So I ordered the first one and will work my way through them. I’m not sure what has happened to me, but I’ve been blowing my way through some books. (I think it goes back to Tab being out of town and it was SO cold. We were stuck inside.) I’ve read some great ones! My new plan is to share my recent reads every Friday on Friday Favorites. I know there will come a Friday when I’ve got no books to share, but for now…I’m ahead!
Wanting: To have my entire house decluttered. I started reading Emily Ley’s Simplified Life book (and think I’m gonna love it). The first chapter was about decluttering, and that’s where I got stuck. haha! I WANT someone else to come in and tell me how to organize things in a better way. Every six to nine months, I do a big declutter overhaul-which maybe is normal with four kids bringing things inside the house? I’m just getting the feeling I’m not organizing my house-closets, cabinets, and such in the best way or I wouldn’t be doing it so frequently. What do you think? Is this normal? Do you guys do this to your house every so often? I started in the boys’ room. Who am I kidding-I’m still in the boys’ room but have already taken out four bags of old toys, clothes that don’t fit, trash, etc. AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!
Looking: Tab recently gave Nixon all his old baseball and football cards he had growing up. But now there are a ton of cards! I have no doubts Emily Ley would NOT approve of all the sport cards in the boy room right now. I told Tab we need to do something with them. And Tab insisted they were worth so much money. (Insert the eye roll emoji here.) I was immediately teleport-ed back to the sixth grade when boys in my class would discuss cards and how much they were worth. I didn’t believe them then and am not so sure about this now. So I’m looking for a baseball card dealer who’s gonna write us a check for four kiddos’ college tuition AND he’s gonna take all these cards off my hands. Win-win. Right? hahaha!
Playing: We’re in the midst of our first volleyball season and our record isn’t so good. My whole mission when I signed up to coach was just to introduce them to the sport and to make sure they have fun. But let me tell you…even in third grade it’s hard to ensure the fun will happen if the team is losing. I don’t mention the score, the time left on the clock, etc…but they’re telling me,”Mrs. Erika, we’re losing”. This week in practice I’m gonna do my best to work on our regular drills but incorporate a few that are simply just for fun.
Wasting: I’m sorry to keep discussing that book (and I’ve only read the FIRST chapter). But something Emily tells you to do is to NOT purchase a THING before you declutter your house. If you’re like me, before I’ve even stepped foot in the room I want to have all the right organizational tools from The Container Store ready. Like AS I was reading the chapter I thought, well I’ll go to The Container Store today and then I read the line about DO NOT purchase anything for organization. All this to say, I am NOT wasting any organizational bins or buckets at the moment. If it can be used, I’m using it!
Buying: All the workout clothes. I might have eaten junk every night last week, BUT the cute outfit motivates me to either make it to the gym OR at least get a home workout in.
Sewing: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! NOT a THING I can do anymore. 🙁
Wishing: For a SNOW DAY!
Loving: The Greatest Showman soundtrack…to be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of a musical so I didn’t fully understand the hype. But I watched the movie over the weekend and am now applying to be the President of The Greatest Showman Fan Club. The music was outstanding! Have you guys seen it? What’d you think? I didn’t love the “other woman” part they incorporated into the story line, but that’s the only part I would have left out. Just my two little cents, but please share your thoughts!
Hoping: You’re still reading at this point. 🙂
Marvelling: Over how much these kiddos have grown. It happens so quickly.
Needing: “Some sort of organization company to come look at all our closets and then tell me where to put things. I don’t think I have the ability to organize closets well. I’m lacking in this department.” –You guys, this was my answer to this question almost a year ago. Ha! What can I say? I know my strengths and weaknesses.
Smelling: A delicious candle burning in the kitchen…Winter Candy Apple by Bath and Body Works
Wearing: My favorite pajamas at the moment. 🙂
Praying: For a sweet family from McKinney to arrive safely home from China with their new baby girl. Adoption is amazing and getting to observe sweet babies find their forever family makes my heart so happy.
Noticing: When I took down all the Christmas decorations, I replaced some things with my normal decor and left others tucked away. I think it’s nice to have a blank slate for a bit. It looks a little bare, but I kind of like it.
Knowing: That wherever you are, whatever you’re doing God is using you for his purpose. I got a couple e-mails this week that touched my heart in big ways and were so encouraging. I hope you know the same thing. If you’re a teacher, you’re touching lives. If you’re working in a cubicle with no one around you, the people you meet in the hallway are noticing your smile and your positive outlook. If you’re a stay-at-home mom taking care of babies all day, God is using you!
Thinking: About all the Disney World vacations we’re working on for the fall of this year. We have a ton of families already planning their fall break to Disney. If you’ve been thinking about a fall 2018 Disney World trip with possibly a visit to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, please reach out to us at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com. We’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Opening: You guys are gonna laugh at me. I’m a broken record! I’ve clearly gone over the top with my organizational literature. 😉 I just opened this workbook, Cluttered Mess to Organized Success for two reasons…1. I’m working on decluttering our house and need all the help. 2. I LOVE a workbook.
Giggling: About The Bachelor last week…I joked around to Sheaffer about that dog scene being one of my biggest fears! Seeing a big pack of dogs running at me is not my idea of a good time. Like Sheaffer says, under the “fear” category on your application…WHY DON’T YOU SAY TACOS AND DIAMONDS?! haha!
Feeling: Excited about the new week and all it has in store. Hope you make it a great one!
XOXO
I love this! I'm trying to do all of the organizing too. You should make this a monthly series . . . it's fun!
I’ll try to fit one in every month! Thanks for the idea!
Love, love, loved this post!! These are my favorite to read:) Also, a friend just gave me 5 books in that Karen kingsbury series and I can’t wait to get started. I’ll be interested to see your review. And I am almost done with Marie Kondo’s book on tidying. Life. Changer. No really, it has helped me scale back so much and I feel like I can breathe deeper now! Does that sound crazy?? Ha. It sounds like the book you’re reading is the same idea!
I think I have that book in my cabinet to read. If not, sounds like I need to add it to my organizational literature. Hahaha!
1. I hate cooking, and will find any excuse to not do it.
2. I ABSOLUTELY adored The Greatest Showman (saw it last night, and going to see it again with my daughter on Tues). THE MUSIC IS STILL IN MY HEAD. Loved it so so so much.
3. I am so excited for you to start sharing your book loves with us more often.
4. De-cluttering is my life- I love it, and do it all the time. It makes me feel free and in control. 🙂
I love your blog and cute family. And you speak the Gospel even on the simple posts (which I love). Thanks for sharing your life.
Kelly
Thank you, Kelly!
I read Emily’s book and I seriously have been on a decluttering mission ever since. I haven’t bought one thing, but at any moment, I will put something in a donate pile because it’s “not the best, necessary, or my favorite” (her words!)!! I’ve organized the apps on my phone and tried to put it down a little more this year too. Her book really inspired me!!
I’m nervous I’m gonna be on chapter one for a year-still working on decluttering!
Passion fruit la croix 😊 It's the best!
Kelley!! I don’t think I’ve tried that one! Thank you!!
Yes! Passion Fruit!
Ah! I love this!!! I really, really love this 🙂 .
Thanks, Friend!
OH my gosh. Matt's mom gave him like 10 huge binders of baseball cards. They are now just chilling in our library because he won't let me give them away. Every few months, he will take an hour or 2 to go through a few and look up their values. Let's just say we haven't found our winner yet and I will likely still be sorting bball cards when we're 50. So I feel your eye roll pain! ha!
No, we’re gonna decluttering those way before we’re 50!! 🤣🤣 But my hope is we have retirement mansions next to each other thanks to those cards! Ha!
Follow and contact @theartofneat on instagram. Visit her website, too! You’ll love her!
Thank you!! Following her now!
What a fun post! I too want my house totally decluttered, but I would be OVER THE TOP excited to just get to the two junk drawers in the kitchen. 100% tempted to just throw everything out in them. I think it would be good for my heart. 🙂 Ha! And thanks for the Bachelor love!!!!
I have two junk drawers in my kitchen too? Why?? I’m getting rid of mine!!
1. Lime Lacroix is really good. My grocery store has bottles from Dasani and the raspberry lime is SO good!
2. My new favorite bath and body works candle is cactus blossom.
3. Totally agree on a closer organizer. I need so much help too!
I need to check out those waters!!
Yay for another sweet family adopting 🙂 A missionary came and talked at our church yesterday and the minute he talked about orphans, I suddenly teared up. IT was the first sign a couple of years ago that God laid adopting on my heart 🙂 I love Emily Ley's book so much I ordered her other book to read too! I love when she says organization doesn't have to be beautiful to be functional and don't organize things you can get rid of! Good stuff! xoxo ERIN
Yes!! I love that she said that! I always go to Pinterest to find a good inspiration pic but I’m stopping that now!
I LOVE all of Karen Kinsbury books! The entire Baxter Series is my favorite, but there isn't a bad book that she has written. 🙂
Am I reading the correct series? Does Britt make an appearance in this series?
I’ve read every Karen Kingsbury Baxter series book and I don’t remember a Britt Bradford. I could be wrong, unless it’s a minor character. It’s still very good… I’m biased though living in Indiana and being a huge IU fan.. the series is set in Bloomington so I naturally fell in love.
Jami-I googled this to see and I think you’re right! I remember someone emailing me or commenting and telling me to read this series BUT I was a post new baby mama and could have completely ordered the wrong series. The good news is-I’m loving it! 🙂
Kiwi watermelon La Croix (called kiwi sandia I think)
I love La Croix. My favorites are the Orange and the Key Lime. It's a perfect way to get some bubbles and some flavor with my water! Enjoy!
Oh I love this post!! I love to delclutter & organize but lately being 32 weeks pregnant I’m just exhausted! Hoping that nesting phase will hit soon!! I need to read Emily’s book! I read Ruth Soukup’s Unstuffed & LOVED sit!!
Peach pear and coconut La Croix are the best!
Love your sweet thoughts about God using everyone where they are. As a stay at home mom, I always need to hear that.
I've always loved decluttering, but I'm on a mission like you. I always start with my pantry and closets. You should do before and after shots like Amanda 🙂 Have you done the 30 day declutter calendar? So helpful!
Love this post so much! I also love a workbook, a review on this one would be awesome:).
I loved this topic-Random thoughts are the best.
I love all the y’all skinny cans of La Croix. They are all my favorite flavors! I switch flavors every time we’re out but I’ve now started to only get the tall skinny cans.
Can't. Stop. Giggling. The organization and purging dilemmas, workout clothes, cleaning dishes while wishing to go out to eat, reading ALL the books lately- ME TOO! And I can't wait to go see The Greatest Showman! God bless, I hope you have a great week.
Libby Huffines of Libby and Labels (https://www.libbyandlabels.com/) is a fantastic Professional Organizer in the DFW area! You should reach out to her – she is exactly what you're looking for! She can help you organize and declutter #allthethings so that you can go wild at The Container Store! She's also a genius when knowing the best products from The Container Store!
I almost sent out a group text this weekend asking who has read the Emily Ley book and if it's worth getting! I couldn't remember who all had read it. I think maybe Brooke has too? My car is looking all kinds of organized right now though! 😉 And Matthew has started collecting baseball cards lately. I got him a nice, thick black binder with those clear sheets that he can slip his cards into. I'll send you a pic today. That Inspired Chick
The Baxter series is 100% my favorite book series ever! Just keep reading them… there are so many and the stories just keep getting better and better. You will want to be a Baxter!
you are going to love THE BAXTERS~!!! my friends and I read these about 9 or 10 yrs ago… I have the entire Baxter Series… I've thought about going back and reading them again b/c there are a few books Karen has recently written and I am like now who was that? which Baxter was that!! hahah you will TOTALLY WANT TO BE A BAXTER… KAREN KINGSBURY is my FAVORITE AUTHOR!!!! I've been decluttering the past 2 weeks.. how do we collect so much "stuff'???
I am obsessed with The Greatest Showman soundtrack as well. I love every song!
Always love a currently post! I'm with you, I want someone to come in a help me organize the proper way! Thank you for the reminder that God is using us however he needs to 🙂
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Loved this "currently" post! Would love to see more of them 🙂 Sometimes these are just the best types of posts to read!
Keep the baseball cards! My brother and Dad collected them and sold them on Ebay. Tons of buyers from Canada and Europe. Cards from 80s and 90s are super valuable now!
You must try both the "Pamplemousse"(grapefruit) La Croix and the Cran-Raspberry. They are my faves. I think La Croix's are an acquired taste but for the past few years I've stayed away from other carbonated drinks because these have taken their place. It took some time but I actually crave them over any other drink now.
The "pamplemousse" (grapefruit) and cran-raspberry La Croix's are my favorites. I think La Croix's are an acquired taste but they've taken place of my Diet Coke and I actually crave them now. So glad I gave them a chance!
Coconut Lacroix is amazing!!
Going to see TGS-man for the 3rd time this week! I love it!
Love seeing my sweet family featured! It was so fun dressing up for the Hallloeeen party. I'll be in touch soon for a late fall or early December trip.
The one thing that totally changed my organizing was totally emptying the space first. I always tried to just do a cabinet at a time or one shelf in the pantry. Once I pulled every single thing out and ditched what I no longer needed it was easier to see what items really worked best together and pair them back up in the right cabinets. My kitchen and pantry are so much better now. Next up…my closet…I'm trying to be brave! haha
Haha…the dogs scene definitely would have had me running…but only because the smell would have killed me! And I eat out so much more when Ryan is gone too. I definitely agree with Tab that dishes make eating out worth it. Ugh.
I only loved Lemon La Croix for the longest and just tried the Grapefruit and OMG! It is BETTER than the Lemon! The can says "Pamplemousse" but it is SOOO good!
The greatest showman soundtrack is giving me life right now! I totally agree and am not a musical person but that movie is amazing! I didn’t care for the other woman storyline as well but the song she sings is fabulous!!!
Also you might enjoy this page I follow on Instagram that is ran by professional organizers. It is one of the coolest things to see the way they organize even junk drawers it’s called @lifeinjeneral