There’s Sunshine in a Smile

Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, Laughter and pleasure, teardrops and pain. All days can't be bright, but it's certainly true, there was never a cloud, the sun didn't shine through.

So just keep on smiling, whatever betide you, secure in the knowledge, God is always beside you, and you'll find when you smile, your day will be brighter, and all of your burdens, will seem so much lighter.

For each time you smile, you will find that it's true, somebody, somewhere will smile back at you, and nothing on earth, makes life more worthwhile, than the sunshine and warmth, of a beautiful smile.

~Helen Steiner Rice~

Our Home

We have owned our old 5 bedroom farmhouse for 12 yrs. and have raised our 4 children 25 DD, 22 DD, 21 DS, and 18 DS. We currently have 6 adults including my husband and I, our 2 sons, 1 girlfriend, and my elderly stepdad. We have a 2,382 sq. ft. home with an unfinished basement which is 480 sq. ft., 3 car garage, and a shed. This is the biggest home with the most storage space that we have ever had before. In our previous homes we never had a basement, or a garage and was probably closer to 1,000 sq. ft..

We are slowly repainting every room and so far we have done all the bedrooms. I have redecorated each room as I have gone along only spending $100-200 per room except the master. I went though each room and made a list of what I wanted to fix and buy.  I decide on my color scheme based on things I already owned and added to it by shopping at thrift stores, rummage sales, and yard sales.  
 
I am working on redoing my living room and so far have repaired our old entertainment center, bought new pillows, purged decorations and added newer ones, took down a shelf above the main window. I have purged more than I have added at this point and it already looks fresher.

I pull out a small amount at a time such as one drawer, one tote, or one section of a closet. I make sure that its reasonable for me to finished within 15-30 minutes and pull out more if I want to continue working. It helps me to not get overwhelmed and make a bigger mess. It works for me.

As a young mom it was hard until someone shared with me and it changed my attitude. I'm doing it for my loved ones as an act of love and service which is the most highest calling you can have. I pray for my family as I do my work around the house. I've been doing it for over 20 years with grace and love.

We've lived small and will again after the kids are finished leaving home. Once its just my husband and I we are selling the big house for a small 2 bedroom ranch. We would like a smaller space but more luxury. We would like a master bedroom with closets and a bathroom. The bedrooms are large in this home but we have small awkward closets. We have one small bathroom for 6 people with no storage. We would like a fireplace. We would like an open floor plan so we can have our family over to our small home but not feel crowded.

Clutter Busting Challenge July 2014 Part 1

I'm playing the Minimalist Game @ The Minimalists for the month of July. In a 31 day month the goal is 496 items purged. I have purged 59 items from my home so far this month. This is my 3rd month doing the challenge. I'm excited to see if I can make the goal this month but really feeling like its going to be hard to find things. I'm nearing the end of my personal challenge toward minimizing my home so ruthlessly. I hope to be winding down by fall into maintenance decluttering.

My purge pile this week:

Junk Journals

The Junk Journals I have started are a Blessings Journal, 41 Wishes Journal, and a Celebrating the Seasons Journal. I will share the details of my journals at another time. Today I am sharing the basics of junk journaling.

 My Celebrating the Seasons Themed Junk Journal:

 













To make Junk Journals you can basically use whatever you want; buy something new, use what you have, or use recycled materials. I’ve seen journals made out of paper bags, envelopes, spiral notebooks, cardboard, cereal box cardboard, old books, and scrapbooks made with heavy card-stock. Think scrapbook, diary, and doodle pad rolled in one with no set plan.  

You will want to gather supplies such as:
staplers
adhesive- tape or glue
assorted colored paper
stamps or stickers
writing or art supplies- pens, markers, colored pencils, 
scissors

Some of the things you can add inside your journal are envelopes, file dividers, index cards, cardboard, pages from books, cut up magazines, pretty cards, calendar pages, booklets and pamphlets. You can use all junk or a lot of scrapbook supplies.

Journals can have themes or just be random they usually include quotes, scripture, prayers, blessings, and journal entries. 
 
I have a collection of ideas on my Pinterest page:

http://www.pinterest.com/awelcomingheart/hobbies-junk-journalscrapbook/

For those that do junk journals, smash journals, etc....what kind of journal do you use? What are your favorite supplies and inserts?

Prayers Are The Stairs To God

Prayers are the stairs
we must climb every day,
If we would reach God
there is no other way,
For we learn to know God
when we meet Him in prayer
And ask him to lighten
our burden of care—

So start in the morning
and, though the way’s steep,
Climb ever upward
‘til your eyes close in sleep—
For prayers are the stairs
that lead to the Lord,
And to meet Him in prayer
is the climber’s reward. 

~Helen Steiner Rice~

Brandon Class of 2014

Our youngest son Brandon has graduated from our homeschool.

The first year of homeschool and the last.

Clutter Busting Challenge June 2014 Part 4

I'm at 1,285 items purged from my home for the month of June. It's slowing down now that its getting close to the end of the month.I spend last week prepping and celebrating our youngest son Brandon's graduation from our homeschool.


My purge pile this week:

You maybe interested in:

Clutter Busting Challenge June 2014 Part 1

Clutter Busting Challenge June 2014 Part 2

Clutter Busting Challenge June 2014 Part 3