My New Mantra

Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Should I put it down? No! Put it Away!!

My mom has said my whole life that I leave a trail wherever I go. This isn't intentional laziness. I was never intentionally inconsiderate for the person who would have to pick up after me. I just never ever ever never realize that I do this. When I leave the living room to go to the kitchen I don't look behind me to see what else I could bring. This kind of innate organization doesn't come naturally to me.


This poses a challenge because disorganization and messiness can make me feel depressed. I feel most joy and satisfaction in a beautiful and functional home. I will work SO HARD to clean my entire house only to have it looking a shambles the very next day, or even after supper on the same day.

I first heard "Don't put it down, put it away" while listening to this series online. I will often listen to sermons or books on tape while I go about my daily doings. It really resonated with me. I started thinking - so that's how people can clean their homes and just 'spot treat' the rest of the week? So that's how I can avoid piles of stuff on my desk? So that's how I can keep the house comfortable for a surprise visitor?


Do any of you have a saying/mantra that keeps you motivated? All this to say, next time you see me - please, remind me: Don't Put It Down, PUT IT AWAY!

Wonderful Ordinary

Henry slept from 10:30pm - 7:00am!!!!! I nursed him at 7:00am, he went back to sleep until 10am, while I made a beef stew because I had leftover round steak from my Ginger Fried Beef night. Even though it's the summer, beef stew ended up being the perfect meal because it was just enough to feed us as well as to put away a portion to send to a family in need. Also, it's been raining and thunder storming today - and beef stew is great cozy comfort food.



The rest of the day was filled with folding and putting away all our laundry, ironing my husbands clothes, visiting with my brother who spent the night. Visiting with my sister-in-law who lives in the apartment below us, washing dishes, tidying our bedroom, and making some phone calls.



Also, I went for a nice long walk (just before the rain really came down) with Henry in his fancy shmancy backpack carrier. My sister-in-law, Kate, and I both bought one at the same time at a consignment store for close to half price. I purchased with the assurance that if a few months from now I didn't like it, or didn't use it, I could return it for a full refund. Henry liked the view from the pack, and I liked that I didn't have to try to park my stroller outside while I browsed the tinsy downtown shops, or squeeze in between stalls at the market, and through crowds. I have to say, for a pack that looks so large and heavy, it is amazingly light and comfortable, and if you like to hike or shop in crowds and tinsy stores I'd highly recommend it! The picture below doesn't show it, but it comes with a canopy to protect my little one from the weather, as well as a detachable backpack.

Well - my honey just walked in the door and I have yet to set the table!!

Blessings!

PS - any advice for teething babies??? Poor Henry

A Little Bit of Energy

Henry is almost 100% recovered from his cold, and I'm just out of the thick of it.

I had a little bit of energy today so, after Cory brought home our groceries (we usually enjoy shopping for groceries together, but since I was sick he offered to go for me - so sweet!) and we started to put them away I decided to reorganize my pantry cupboards. The baking and cooking ingredients were all mixed up, and I had plastic packages that needed to be emptied into their respective jars. Food items, or anything really, are so much prettier and healthier in jars rather than plastic.

Here is my before pantry cupboards (part way through the job)

And here is the after. . .

Much better.

After that I went through all my shoes and divided them into "keep". "second-hand", and "garbage" piles. I've been promising Cory I'd do this for a long time now. I was ruthless and he was happy.

Finally, my desk in the kitchen was getting a little out of hand. . .


20 minutes later. . .

I am slowly realizing that some of the jobs I put off really only take a few extra minutes, and the results are always so satisfying.

I think Cory and I are going to go for a small walk and have an easy breakfast supper tonight (he's craving breakfast sausage with friend onions and I'm not complaining!!).

Have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow!