I’ve been in that mood. You know the one. Let’s just call it “reverse nesting”. Not an urge to clean to get ready for baby – but rather an urge to clean to make room for baby. Quite the difference – especially now that you know just how much space they consume.
Over the past week I’ve reorganized my closet, kitchen cabinets, pantry and bathroom drawers. The fridge even got a nice sprucing up. And boy did I find all kinds of goodies. You know the ones. That empty pasta box hiding on the bottom shelf for heaven only knows how long. That bottle of salad dressing that expired 3 ½ years ago. That questionable carrot. And there I was, sitting on the kitchen floor, truly swimming in a haze of Clorox. There is no question that a clean, organized home feels good. The real question is: How long will it stay that way?
I really needed this. Our family really needed this. Our home really, really needed this. Life with a seven-month old is hard enough. Easier is the only way to go. I have come to the realization that things just aren’t going to work if we aren’t what I like to call “flexibly organized”. You can not live in a small space and not have some rhyme or reason to your daily life. It’s taken me too long to think of this concept. But no more staying up until 4:00am doing laundry, no more “What’s for dinner?”. A simpler lifestyle – focusing on the important stuff – is bringing me – and us – so much joy.
So, my cabinets – for the moment – are organized… stocked to the brim with jar upon jar of baby food.
My fridge – for the moment – is squeaky clean… and free of toxic waste.
My counters – for the moment – are spotless… after the candle wax incident cleaning my counters was a matter of top priority. Maybe I should explain this one: I was getting a cookbook off the shelf on the counter… I glanced at the leaning bunch of books, the burning candle below, and thought, “Oh, it’ll be okay for just a second.”. Well, a second later… oh, you can guess the rest. There I was, scrapping an unimaginable amount of wax off the counter and floor, and dumping it back into the jar. Brian gave me that why-are-you-doing-that look. I gave him that there’s-no-way-I’m-wasting-Yankee-candle-wax look. Memories… and lessons learned. Thank heaven for Pampered Chef scrappers.
On another note, I’ve had an overwhelming urge to create lately. Truth be told: I have a passion for paper. And all the things that fall into the sphere of paper creativity make my heart pound. Creating with paper brings me joy. I crave it – not the same way I crave office supplies or kitchen gadgets. Not the same way I crave shoes, Christmas and good classic films. Or even popsicles. No, this is a complete desire to make something out of nothing. I am always being swallowed by inspiration – drowning in a sea of irresistible thoughts. I look at everything – clothing, ads, packaging – and try to figure out how to turn it on its head and create something spectacular.
For instance, I was at Michael’s the other day just browsing the isles, when I came across a line of products that I don’t usually even look at. While it is eye candy for me, and does provide a certain sense of stimulation/inspiration in regard to color combinations and patterns – I do not use these products as a rule. They tend to be too cutsie for me (I am not ashamed to admit that I am a craft supply snob). However, that day I did take a look at this line for whatever reason – be it my heart or my shoes – and was surprised as I feasted upon the gooey goodness of all the treats just jumping off the shelves. While I didn’t buy anything, my mind is teaming with ideas – can’t wait to get my hands dirty and just play.
First on my list, though, is that vacation post. I haven’t forgotten, I assure you. If you all only knew half of the computer issues we have been having here on South Woodburn Drive…
Last week, I was asked by my friend Becky to take her son’s first-year pictures. What a joy he was to photograph! I really did enjoy my time behind the camera – it’s been a long time since I’ve been in that photo-shoot-situation with someone other than Ammon. Not that I don’t love taking Ammon’s picture! I am so happy with how they turned out. And just for Becky… a sneak peek at what’s to come:
Over the past week I’ve reorganized my closet, kitchen cabinets, pantry and bathroom drawers. The fridge even got a nice sprucing up. And boy did I find all kinds of goodies. You know the ones. That empty pasta box hiding on the bottom shelf for heaven only knows how long. That bottle of salad dressing that expired 3 ½ years ago. That questionable carrot. And there I was, sitting on the kitchen floor, truly swimming in a haze of Clorox. There is no question that a clean, organized home feels good. The real question is: How long will it stay that way?
I really needed this. Our family really needed this. Our home really, really needed this. Life with a seven-month old is hard enough. Easier is the only way to go. I have come to the realization that things just aren’t going to work if we aren’t what I like to call “flexibly organized”. You can not live in a small space and not have some rhyme or reason to your daily life. It’s taken me too long to think of this concept. But no more staying up until 4:00am doing laundry, no more “What’s for dinner?”. A simpler lifestyle – focusing on the important stuff – is bringing me – and us – so much joy.
So, my cabinets – for the moment – are organized… stocked to the brim with jar upon jar of baby food.
My fridge – for the moment – is squeaky clean… and free of toxic waste.
My counters – for the moment – are spotless… after the candle wax incident cleaning my counters was a matter of top priority. Maybe I should explain this one: I was getting a cookbook off the shelf on the counter… I glanced at the leaning bunch of books, the burning candle below, and thought, “Oh, it’ll be okay for just a second.”. Well, a second later… oh, you can guess the rest. There I was, scrapping an unimaginable amount of wax off the counter and floor, and dumping it back into the jar. Brian gave me that why-are-you-doing-that look. I gave him that there’s-no-way-I’m-wasting-Yankee-candle-wax look. Memories… and lessons learned. Thank heaven for Pampered Chef scrappers.
On another note, I’ve had an overwhelming urge to create lately. Truth be told: I have a passion for paper. And all the things that fall into the sphere of paper creativity make my heart pound. Creating with paper brings me joy. I crave it – not the same way I crave office supplies or kitchen gadgets. Not the same way I crave shoes, Christmas and good classic films. Or even popsicles. No, this is a complete desire to make something out of nothing. I am always being swallowed by inspiration – drowning in a sea of irresistible thoughts. I look at everything – clothing, ads, packaging – and try to figure out how to turn it on its head and create something spectacular.
For instance, I was at Michael’s the other day just browsing the isles, when I came across a line of products that I don’t usually even look at. While it is eye candy for me, and does provide a certain sense of stimulation/inspiration in regard to color combinations and patterns – I do not use these products as a rule. They tend to be too cutsie for me (I am not ashamed to admit that I am a craft supply snob). However, that day I did take a look at this line for whatever reason – be it my heart or my shoes – and was surprised as I feasted upon the gooey goodness of all the treats just jumping off the shelves. While I didn’t buy anything, my mind is teaming with ideas – can’t wait to get my hands dirty and just play.
First on my list, though, is that vacation post. I haven’t forgotten, I assure you. If you all only knew half of the computer issues we have been having here on South Woodburn Drive…
Last week, I was asked by my friend Becky to take her son’s first-year pictures. What a joy he was to photograph! I really did enjoy my time behind the camera – it’s been a long time since I’ve been in that photo-shoot-situation with someone other than Ammon. Not that I don’t love taking Ammon’s picture! I am so happy with how they turned out. And just for Becky… a sneak peek at what’s to come:
2 comments:
That pic is adorable. Can't wait to see more.
And Stacy, I love to read your stories :). Love the way you describe thing. Always makes me smile :). Can't wait to see you in less than 3 weeks :)!
How did I miss this post?
If your still in the urge to clean and make room for Baby your welcome to come to my house. J/k. It's a constant battle and it sounds like you won that one. Good job.
I was sad to hear that the computer wasnt cooperating again. I can imagine how frustrating it is. Thanks for the sneak peak. It's hilarious that he's coming out with new expressions and gestures everyday. I've never seen that one before. Thanks for the great photo shoot.
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