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Confession time – this week was really easy for me cleaning wise. It was basically the bathrooms and then touch up work in the office.  Back in Nov/Dec as we prepared for Amelie to join our family I spent LITERALLY dozens of hours in our home office cleaning and organizing. We combined our home office and guest room to make a room for her. So both closets had to be completely cleaned out and both rooms furniture combined into one. I shredded the documents in 11 – that’s right ELEVEN – file folder size boxes. So many documents!  It was 9 trash bags full of shredding by the end. Now I only have the most important documents that we need and they are in nice labeled boxes. Everything in the desk was cleaned out and sorted.

I also keep everything for the KIDS HOPE USA program that I run for my church in this room. File folders, craft supplies, school supplies and other goodies are all organized on one side of the desk. Here is a photo once I did all the “home office” Martha Challenges.

The devotions this week were great for me! So many good and useful topics and really great quotes & Bible verses for encouragement. She talked about Time, making a workable schedule and more. One of my favorite things she talked about was organization. Over the years many people have told me that I am the most organized person that they know. I thrive on being busy, but so I don’t feel overwhelmed I need order. Don’t get the wrong idea, I am not OCD. But when I have opened the cabinets over the last few weeks and everything is tidy and in its proper place, I have felt peace. When I have been able to walk in the pantry and grab what I needed because all the baking stuff is together and the pasta stuff is together, I have felt peace. When I have looked at the list on the freezer door to see what’s inside to decide what to make for lunch or dinner, I have felt peace.

When you aren’t wasting time looking for stuff then you have more time with your family and the chance to do fun stuff instead of grinding away each day.

She said, “The Lord created the universe with order. Each star, planet, animal and rock has a purpose. The world is not haphazard, unrelated or disorganized.” Ah, I loved this!

Several weeks ago we had a visit from Papa and Grandma. They came to play and stayed with Nadia and Amelie while Mike and I headed out for our first dinner alone since Amelie joined our family. We had a great time and even sat on the same side of the booth instead of having to tag team the girls. The food was delicious and our time peaceful.

The girls on the other hand decided to do their best to wear out Papa and Grandma! They played games, went outside to blow bubbles and use sidewalk chalk. Papa ran to Mc D’s for happy meals (and they got to observe the eating machine Amelie is). They took the girls out for Nadia to drive the Buzz car they gave her for Christmas. What an adventure!! Everyone had a blast and Nadia was immediately asking when they were coming back to visit.

Coloring with Papa.

The finished product.

The next morning we had waffles to keep with our tradition. It was a really fun time! Thanks Papa and Grandma Brooke! We love you!

So for those who have been following my “31 days to Clean” posts you know that I spent quite a while getting our pantry/laundry room in order. Once that was done I asked Mike if he would put in some extra shelves for our arts and craft stuff, plus for the homeschool supplies. Then about a week after that I said, “Can you also put a new brighter light in?”

Before.

 

Mike said of course and we all headed for Lowe’s and picked out the shelving and a new light. It’s SO BRIGHT! I just didn’t realize how dim it’s been for almost 12 years. Now you can see stuff on the back shelves and read the labels. We also picked up a new shoe organizer.

Here is a shot of Mike with his “assistants.” (the light was installed first)

Ta Da!

I had to collect up the arts and crafts stuff from all the little nooks and crannies they have been stored in. Glad to have them UP and out of the way of Amelie who still doesn’t have a complete “safety filter.”