Christmas Takedown Round 2

I got a majority of my Christmas decor packed away yesterday and now I'm in the final "push"-the Living room tree! Its by far the biggest and most time consuming thing left to do -and I don't want to tackle it,but....Here I go! I keep thinking about tomorrow and a fresh start on Sunday,new day,new year,new memories.

Just gotta jump in..

I have ZERO desire to take down all my Christmas stuff..It is still up! I have gathered the trees into the dining room and that is it. I wake up, and clean around all of it,but now that Spring and Easter decor is out in the stores, I am looking forward to soft,pastel colors and spring! So today after MUCH procrastination I will get to it.I know I'll feel better once I am done, and that is what I will concentrate on! That is so life -isn't it? Sometimes got gotta just jump in and get
it done!

Litening to KLOVE

I am playing music on my computer, while I work around the house,and this song came on, so I looked up the lyrics-Love this song! Gotta Listen.

Addison Road - Hope Now
From the album Addison Road

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of?
When I call out your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by you
All my life

Chorus:
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok
And make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

I'm not my own
I've been carried by you
All my life

Chorus:

You've become my heart's desire
And I will sing your praises higher
Cause your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Label: INO Records

Video and song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboucW89gUU

A poem by Lily

The Bug
Hey, Whats that over there?
It's blue,It's true!
is that a little dot,
just a small pot,
or maybe it is a dot?
No, its bright green
and it is seen
by me.
It's a bug
it's not even a tiny mug.
Well,
now that I know,
that that's a bug
I guess I can say
so far,
so good.

by Lily B.

Looking Ahead...

A verse sent to me by my sister-good reminder I think!

Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See,I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you
not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

God is doing new things everyday!

A Garbage Free Day!

Received this from a friend today-thought it was a great story to tell!
Enjoy!
Garbage-free!

Law of the Garbage Truck

"One day I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for the airport. We were
driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a
parking space, right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of
the other car whipped his head around, and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really
friendly.
So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car
and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what
I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around
full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it
and sometimes they'll dump it on you.
Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.
Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home,
or on the streets."

God's people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

Who wants a clean House?

Today I went into Pier Imports because my sister gave me a gift card...I bought some great soap for the apothecary jar in my bathroom and as I was walking out -yep, I saw him, talking to a camera man, and I think an assistant,...Mr. Mark Brunetz.
I nicely said, "Hello Mark,love your show." To which he replied,"Thank you." Not exciting conversation-but I have to say,made my day.I think he is really good -he works with the clients taste,a very limited budget,and small spaces. Hummm kind of like me?!

An Easy gift

One of my favorite things to give teachers, or for older kids' birthdays-is a "movie night bucket". I get a $5 movie rental card,popcorn bucket and two large size candy boxes.I put everything in the bucket,wrap up with cellophane & a bow,and it makes for a happy family night package. I suppose it'd be good for Valentines Day with some candy hearts and chocolates! Date night bucket!

Learning to be content in Hawaii

It seems like an oxymoron to say I'm trying to be content while living in Hawaii..and I thought about some of the things I like about living here...

year round garage sales/moving sales-great deals
flip flops-I hate wearing shoes
Tank tops and Shorts-easy summer apparel
warm water,warm breezes,warm everything-I don't like being cold
Beauty-can you say green!
eating outside-feels like restaurant when we eat outside with candles
excellent fruit-mango's,pineapple,papaya
outdoor fun-bike riding,swimming,beaches!
Friends at MOPS and my stamp class-girl time!

The cons are the higher prices of everything,smaller selections of everything and not being able to drive and see any family/friends.
But as I said I'm learning...whether I have much or Little.

Change

I love to change my blog background-it's like changing clothes for the seasons.Upper left corner Cutest Blog on the Block...!

Movies I'd watch again

There are some movies Ive seen that I look forward to watching again and again.
I'm always surprised when I talk about them and people haven't seen them..
Here are a few...
Sound Of Music (the story,acting,songs-excellent!!!)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers(they SO don't make them like this anymore)
Singing in the Rain (again great songs and story)
Les Miserables (the photography,plot,acting-ending! Must see)
Hope Floats(sweet guy-better man)
Letters to Frankie(sweet guy-again way better man)
Persuasion(BBC-A&E version)
Emma (BBC or USA version)
Sense and Sensibility
Pride and Prejudice
Nell(totally kidding-just seeing if you're paying attention/hated it!!)
Facing the Giants
Flywheel
Fireproof (all christian based films -encouraging and uplifting)
I cant think of any more right now-I suppose that's a good start! I'll have to think about some comedy's I enjoy too-Let me know you're recommendations!...

A Great Surprise!

I found out next month Stampin Up! has a regional meeting here in Honolulu!!! I havent been to one in years!(they're usually all mainland) We'll see new sets and get to create and hang out all day (8-5)with the staff! There's card swaps and games,etc...can you see I'm excited to go?! I know the ladies coming over will enjoy our 84 degree weather!WOo Hoo -great news!

Disco Cave

I always have errands to do,things to pick up-declutter-organize...but today-I scheduled in stamping! All day! I'm going to take the kids to school,do my workout, then go to my "stamp disco room".I'll play loud, happy, upbeat, music and make a lovely mess. Cleaning can wait.I feel with all the bags I've donated and clothes I've washed, and folded, its now time to sit and create.Plus-I heard the rain this morning and that little "pitter-pound" sound always makes me want to hibernate,craft,and stay in. I might just have to put in a Jane Austin DVD while I'm at it.Enjoy your day!

Clearing The Closet

The "Flylady" website has tips on keeping away the clutter-this was from today's email...
1. Do you love it?
2. Have you worn it in the last year?
3. Do you look like a million bucks in it?(or feel like a million)
4. Do you have several of them? Keep your favorite.
5. Is it too little?
6. Is it too big?
Good tips! I remember another tip I heard about keeping skinny clothes from years past. The consultant said even if you lose weight & get back to that smaller size-the clothing styles will have changed and you as a person will have changed (older/wiser) Best to go out and find new deals!

a KING AND A pRESIDENT

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

This was todays verse from my online devotional "Encourament for Today"

Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Then I recalled the next verse that speaks of Jesus' role in government--an eternal government. "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:7, NIV).
"What peace to know that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords -- that is a cause to celebrate no matter what country we live in.

This month, the United States is inaugurating a new President. It's a time to observe and utilize our religious freedoms. Let's start by praying for our newly elected President and all government officials. Let's honor God's command found in our key verse"
I definitely needed this reminder.

Hows your Spice cabinet?

The new Today's Christian Women Mag (Jan/Feb) came in the mail..Here's a blurb from page 13...
Spice Up Your Relationship!
1.Don't interrupt or correct him when he's telling a story
2.Compliment him in front of his children,parents,friends
3.Be as concerned about your looks as you were when you were dating
4.Develop a genuine interest in his work and hobbies
6.Try to go to bed together at the same time every night
7.Ask yourself every day "What's it like being married to me?"

As I read the list I have to say I think I need some new spices and some of mine are "expired"!

Free Stampin Up Idea book and Catalog!

Free! Starting Feb1 -April 30- log onto my Stampin' website right up there,order any amount and get a Free Idea book and catalog! Great time to make some Easter cards!

Windy city

I thought San Francisco was the windy city-but due to high winds I think Kailua should be renamed!Schools were closed and there were a few times our power went out.
It sounded really loud at night and freaked the little ones out- I fell asleep quite nicely. As long as it"stays outside" -I'm OK.

To be...Neat

I love Helen and the TV show Neat-she helps people conquer clutter and "live" in their spaces instead of giving their clutter room to live. Here are her suggestions..I'm slowly tackling closets and cupboards and feeling lighter with each step.I actually feel more creative the cleaner it gets -free to work on projects without all the "to dos" around me.



5 Key Questions to Cut Down on Clutter

We all rationalize keeping items for a future that doesn't arrive. Here are some key excuses that simply don't cut it. If you hear yourself using any of these lines, put yourself on high clutter alert. Print out these questions, frame them and keep them accessible to keep clutter at bay.

1. I’m going to fix it someday
2. I need it just in case
3. I’ll sell it in a garage sale or online
4. This will be worth something someday
5. Someone else may be able to use it

By creating a wallet sized card with 5 Questions to Consider Before You Buy - you can prevent yourself from acquiring unnecessary items that have a high potential to turn into clutter. When shopping, use these questions to guide your purchases:

1. Do I really need this?
2. Do I have somewhere to store it?
3. Do I already have something like this?
4. Am I buying it just because it’s on sale?
5. Is it something I've been interested in for a long time, or am I buying
on impulse?

I love the feeling I get when I take a bag to donate knowing someone else will be blessed getting the items and my family will be blessed because we can live,have order and not chaos in the rooms.

Emails

Today I started off my morning by checking my emails...I receive a few devotionals and a daily verse which I read everyday. My sister sent me her verse that was on her desk calendar...what a great way to start off my morning.I thought I'd share it will you!

Your heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day.

May this encourage you too!

84 degrees

Yes -the temp yesterday here in beautiful Hawaii!I noticed I take living here for granted. I'm trying to enjoy the now, and not wish it away, while I'm thinking of tomorrow.I'm going to try and go walk on the Beach once a week. And with each drawer,closet and bag of stuff I give away -I feel less chaotic and stressed.The mound of clothes I was procrastinating about putting away -took all of 22 minutes.Ridiculous how much time I took avoiding doing it-compared to how long it actually took. Im going down my to do list and enjoying this beautiful weather around me.

Like a turtle

This has started out as a stressful new year-My van isn't working AGAIN-so close to be all payed off too!!! More money to fix- my house is a cluttered mess that needs to be decluttered and I had mice in my oven! GROSS-so its out and I'm waiting on a new one. My computer isn't working to let me attach my new camera-all those pics from Christmas!!...I prayed for wisdom &strength first,then made a list of things I can do,and I'll slowly start tackling each thing -better then ignoring or eating about it.
Slow and steady ...like a turtle.

New Beginnings!

I'm excited about the new year!-I know they'll be new memories,new experiences & friends. I'm motivated to declutter and downsize my stuff in each room. Each month I'm deep cleaning a room-giving stuff away so it will be easy to find things,easy to clean and I think it will be much easier to live.
I'm going to get healthy with my family-our own Biggest Loser competition!
I'm going to find more ways to get out and involved with church.
I've been playing board games at night with the kids.
Today my daily verse reminded me...

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Sometimes letting the past be in the past is a hard thing to do. If you're attempting to create new habits or to let old habits go, be reminded that having the spirit of Christ in you allows you to be daily transformed - press into Him as you embark on the journey of this New Year!