Hey Nicole! I am posting a blog after many months! The kitchen, living room, and both girls' rooms have been picked up and straightened for 2 nights in a row! Yea me! My bedroom and sunporch are the worst rooms and I will work on them. I am just trying to keep up with the house, kids' homework, kids' activities, my outside the home obligations, cooking, Christmas everything. etc. I have yet to wrap any presents. I have bought many but I have not wrapped them.
I need to do my morning routines now and start dinner. I am making chili in the crockpot since it will be a cold day today. I am using a recipe in my Fix it and Forget it cookbook. I also need to make my wreath for my door. It is December 13th and I have no wreath on the door! I can't believe it! I usually make my wreath the weekend of Thanksgiving or at least the Monday after! Oh well!
Take care,
Becky
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hello Again
Hi Becky,
Well, I got up this morning with motivation! I wish this motivation was something that I could draw on anytime I needed it. I just felt like I wanted to get things done! This was very surprising to me because I feel terrible (allergies). I did my morning routine and I am getting ready to straighten up the downstairs and marinate chicken for dinner. I am very excited about this weekend. I can't wait to see you and Caroline.
Have a great day! Love, Nicole
Well, I got up this morning with motivation! I wish this motivation was something that I could draw on anytime I needed it. I just felt like I wanted to get things done! This was very surprising to me because I feel terrible (allergies). I did my morning routine and I am getting ready to straighten up the downstairs and marinate chicken for dinner. I am very excited about this weekend. I can't wait to see you and Caroline.
Have a great day! Love, Nicole
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Caroline's room
Hey Nicole! I am finally posting something on our Blog! Yea! Do you want to change our name? I like your name of Friend to Friend.
Well, I have been continuing to work on decluttering our house. I keep thinking about the Hoarders on A&E! I can't let us get like that! It is scary that I can understand some of their behaviors. Ugh!
I have been feeling guilty that I have not been following Flylady's Zones and Missions but while I was vacuumming Caroline's room today (Yes, I finally got her floor picked up!), I was thinking that I should not feel guilty because I have been creating my own zones lately - dining room (china cabinet), sunroom, shed, attic (still needs lots of work), clothes/shoes switching, and master bedroom! I have to get our house where I can work in Flylady's zones. I plan on next week to get into the Flylady Zone Routine and Missions. Caroline's room is the last room that needs major decluttering. Not every room is perfect but they are finally where a mission would make a difference at least I think.
I have decluttered and organized Caroline's cabinets, closet, under the bed, on top of the bed, and window seat. She straightened up her bedside dresser this afternoon at my suggestion. It looks great. Tomorrow my goal is to go through the 2 paper bags and 1 VB duffle bag of stuff that I dashed and stashed this past Fall. Then I need to tackle her drawers and shelves on the bookcases. They may have to wait until zones or decluttering times. Caroline was not as irritable going to bed tonight - must be the clean room and bed. Imagine that! :) Good night!
Well, I have been continuing to work on decluttering our house. I keep thinking about the Hoarders on A&E! I can't let us get like that! It is scary that I can understand some of their behaviors. Ugh!
I have been feeling guilty that I have not been following Flylady's Zones and Missions but while I was vacuumming Caroline's room today (Yes, I finally got her floor picked up!), I was thinking that I should not feel guilty because I have been creating my own zones lately - dining room (china cabinet), sunroom, shed, attic (still needs lots of work), clothes/shoes switching, and master bedroom! I have to get our house where I can work in Flylady's zones. I plan on next week to get into the Flylady Zone Routine and Missions. Caroline's room is the last room that needs major decluttering. Not every room is perfect but they are finally where a mission would make a difference at least I think.
I have decluttered and organized Caroline's cabinets, closet, under the bed, on top of the bed, and window seat. She straightened up her bedside dresser this afternoon at my suggestion. It looks great. Tomorrow my goal is to go through the 2 paper bags and 1 VB duffle bag of stuff that I dashed and stashed this past Fall. Then I need to tackle her drawers and shelves on the bookcases. They may have to wait until zones or decluttering times. Caroline was not as irritable going to bed tonight - must be the clean room and bed. Imagine that! :) Good night!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Have you sent in your Census?
Hi Becky, How are you doing? Well, have you sent in your Census yet? Ours sat on the counter for about 2 weeks. Fred would tell me to fill it out and I would tell him to fill it out. Fred stuck it in my computer bag to take on vacation. So, I filled it out and it is ready to go. Now, someone has to find mailbox. Haha!! Love, Nicole
Family Census 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Ugh! I am driving myself crazy, Nicole! This week is about switching fall/winter clothes to spring/summer. I finished Sarah and now I am working on the older girls. I could not even get to their bins because I have bags and bags and boxes and boxes of clothes in front. So I have been going through these bags and boxes and watching the girls and getting groceries that I ordered online. I took the girls on a bike ride which was fun but I still have clothes everywhere and the house has fallen apart! Ugh! Once I get these clothes organized. I am not going to put bags of clothes in the attic again!!!! I have to put then in the correct size bin!! Oh well, here goes nothing - going back to work. Sarah is napping. Caroline and Lydia are playing outside with Emma and Harrison. Wish me luck!
Monday, March 29, 2010
I love the background, Nicole! It is cute! Easter is coming! I am still working on Sarah's clothes. We went outside for a little while - until they got too muddy! I have a feeling that I am going to fall apart with my routines this week. I am proud of you that you completed your weekly blessing 2 weeks in a row! Gotta get back to sorting!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tomorrow's Friday!
Hi Becky, How are you doing today? I am doing good but not doing much. You know what I mean!! I worked late this afternoon to assist in packaging test for the other counselor. Fred took 1/2 day off so he was able to pick up the kids and start their homework. Joy. Joy.
I am boiling 6 dozen eggs to dye tomorrow. My friend Karen and her daughter will come over for the afternoon/evening. We will have a meal and work on Easter Egg creations. Karen's son is busy tomorrow night so Charlie has invited a friend over to play and keep him company. Hopefully, the kids will disappear into the outdoors and enjoy the wonderful weather and Karen and I will get to visit and watch something on the DVR.
Speaking of the DVR, I watched the end of Dancing with the Stars last week. Kate looked ridiculous in that pink flowing dress thing. When the judge said that her partner looked like he was pushing around a grocery cart. I was thinking, that grocery cart is full of Pepto-Bismol. That was a terrible dance. It was so bad that it made me laugh.
Routines: I guess I should mention that I did part of my morning routine. (Dishes, laundry, and bathroom). And, to be quite honest the laundry is still in the dryer. I promise I will do that before I go to bed :). On a positive note the super pink birthday flowers are still beautiful. Do you think they would go with Kate's dress? I'm just sayin?
Peace Out! Love, Nicole
Hey Nicole! I struggled yesterday with my routines. I almost finished going through all the boxes and bags from the attic yesterday. I still have 1 box. I ended up working outside while the girls played yesterday afternoon and then after dinner. I did straighten up the patio area - pruned my sasanqua camellia and raked and sweeped the patio. It looks great! I still have work to do around my baker's rack and grill area. May work on it later if the girls want to go out.
Now I need to straighten my whole house. I just finished the kitchen and now onto the living room and the girls' rooms.
We have Brownies today. I'm in charge since Holly had surgery yesterday. Her surgery went well but she is emotionally and physically drained. Talk to you later!
P.S. I love your photos. I need to clear out my memory card and take more photos!
Now I need to straighten my whole house. I just finished the kitchen and now onto the living room and the girls' rooms.
We have Brownies today. I'm in charge since Holly had surgery yesterday. Her surgery went well but she is emotionally and physically drained. Talk to you later!
P.S. I love your photos. I need to clear out my memory card and take more photos!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hi Becky, I took a few pictures in January when we did our first house blessing. I thought you might enjoy them!
I am glad that we have started working on our weekly blessing and our routines. Love, Nicole
FOUND!
My coupon book from Target. This find made me happy in January. Now the coupon book is in the trash because I realized that coupons are a lot of work!
Released!
Magazines to be recycled. I recycle 2 ways. Feed the Bin and Love the Neighbor. I toss my catalogs ASAP as to help the budget. I give magazines to my neighbor after I read them.
After!
I am glad that we have started working on our weekly blessing and our routines. Love, Nicole
Release
Release! Release! Release! I am trying to get rid of stuff but I am tired. I have gone through everything that I brought down from the attic yesterday. I worked up there about 20 minutes this morning and brought a couple of bags, 1 box, and 1 bin. I think that I am finished with the things that I bagged and boxed up from the girls' rooms during many dash and stash sessions. I have bags from my hot spots, bedroom and living room during dash and stashes still left in the attic that I need to go through. I feel good about the attic but no one else would even know that I have worked hard because they would have no idea how really terrible it was before! It still looks junky but at least I can start to walk around up there without stepping on stuff, and climbing over boxes and bags. :) It can be discouraging but I am just going to keep encouraging myself and tell myself that every little bit I get out of there helps!
Then next week I need to start switching clothes for spring and summer from fall and winter for all 3 girls and myself. I am going to donate stuff and get things ready for the Fall Consignment Sale. (We are going to stay home next week. DH says that the President and Owner of his company wants to ride with him. That works out great for me because I am on a roll! I can't work in the attic during the summer because it is way too hot and it makes me feel faint and nauseous!
Then I look toward the back of the attic (deep dark cave) and see all of my school stuff! Ugh! I have a sense of dread and feel panicky just thinking about that stuff! It will be difficult but I can do it! (In 2 weeks!) :) I am going to work on that area while DH is in England.
You are right Nicole! It has not helped me that we have not moved in 13 years! I am starting to think that if I get rid of stuff then it will free up time and space and show DH that I am serious about wanting to add on to our house. We just can't think about it because of all of the junk and financial reasons. If the house is ready for remodeling then we can get ready for saving money. At least that is my hope!
Release! Release! Release! :)
Then next week I need to start switching clothes for spring and summer from fall and winter for all 3 girls and myself. I am going to donate stuff and get things ready for the Fall Consignment Sale. (We are going to stay home next week. DH says that the President and Owner of his company wants to ride with him. That works out great for me because I am on a roll! I can't work in the attic during the summer because it is way too hot and it makes me feel faint and nauseous!
Then I look toward the back of the attic (deep dark cave) and see all of my school stuff! Ugh! I have a sense of dread and feel panicky just thinking about that stuff! It will be difficult but I can do it! (In 2 weeks!) :) I am going to work on that area while DH is in England.
You are right Nicole! It has not helped me that we have not moved in 13 years! I am starting to think that if I get rid of stuff then it will free up time and space and show DH that I am serious about wanting to add on to our house. We just can't think about it because of all of the junk and financial reasons. If the house is ready for remodeling then we can get ready for saving money. At least that is my hope!
Release! Release! Release! :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Congratulations and Routines
Hi Becky,
Routines are the name of the game. Right?
This morning I was able to take care of my morning routine before school. I had to work late to cover a meeting for the other counselor so there was no afternoon routine. I need to figure out what that is anyway. I will have more housework to do tonight to get ready for tomorrow. I want to spend a few minutes in the kitchen and when I finish the load of laundry in the dryer I will be caught up on laundry. Tomorrow, I will start with one load of laundry per day. That works out well for me. Sometimes, I need to do 2 loads due to sheets and/or towels otherwise I am good with one load.
Routine overview:
Morning--going pretty good (laundry, dishes, bathroom, and bed
Laundry--very good (one load per day)
after work--need to develop (dinner...)
evening--need to develop (kids snack, dishes, sink...)
Why is this so hard? I have less to declutter than you do. We have purged with each move. After we moved from our first house DH has not allowed me to put any "junk" in the attic. From time to time DH will ask me "Nicole, what is in the attic?" The only items in our attic now are the stuffed animals and suitcases. I can toss a lot of things...but I have never met a stuffed animal that I did not love. DS and DD each have a container for stuffed animals. We put the stuffed animals in the attic that will not fit in the bin. Occasionally, we will get all of them down and rotate. This usually happens because DD is missing one of the animals that is hanging out in the attic. When we were shopping this weekend, did you notice that I refused to look at the stuffed animals? Anyhoo, I still need to work on many hidden areas of clutter. You would think that my house would be House Beautiful with my new job and all!! I wish. So frustrating.
I know the benefits of having a straight and clean home. I feel better. I do not feel stressed out. I can relax. I can breath. And this when the house is straight when it is clean it is a bonus!! When I am really doing well in my routines...this happens. But, I never remember having it last more that a few days in a row. DH said that he would prefer a clean house over food. Clean house OVER food. Really? I think I have a theory on that but that is another post all together.
I am going to do a few things tonight to help me tomorrow. Tomorrow will be day 2 of routines. Love you, Nicole
Congratulations on all of the trash you have made this week. Becky, let it go and keep it going! You can do it!
Routines are the name of the game. Right?
This morning I was able to take care of my morning routine before school. I had to work late to cover a meeting for the other counselor so there was no afternoon routine. I need to figure out what that is anyway. I will have more housework to do tonight to get ready for tomorrow. I want to spend a few minutes in the kitchen and when I finish the load of laundry in the dryer I will be caught up on laundry. Tomorrow, I will start with one load of laundry per day. That works out well for me. Sometimes, I need to do 2 loads due to sheets and/or towels otherwise I am good with one load.
Routine overview:
Morning--going pretty good (laundry, dishes, bathroom, and bed
Laundry--very good (one load per day)
after work--need to develop (dinner...)
evening--need to develop (kids snack, dishes, sink...)
Why is this so hard? I have less to declutter than you do. We have purged with each move. After we moved from our first house DH has not allowed me to put any "junk" in the attic. From time to time DH will ask me "Nicole, what is in the attic?" The only items in our attic now are the stuffed animals and suitcases. I can toss a lot of things...but I have never met a stuffed animal that I did not love. DS and DD each have a container for stuffed animals. We put the stuffed animals in the attic that will not fit in the bin. Occasionally, we will get all of them down and rotate. This usually happens because DD is missing one of the animals that is hanging out in the attic. When we were shopping this weekend, did you notice that I refused to look at the stuffed animals? Anyhoo, I still need to work on many hidden areas of clutter. You would think that my house would be House Beautiful with my new job and all!! I wish. So frustrating.
I know the benefits of having a straight and clean home. I feel better. I do not feel stressed out. I can relax. I can breath. And this when the house is straight when it is clean it is a bonus!! When I am really doing well in my routines...this happens. But, I never remember having it last more that a few days in a row. DH said that he would prefer a clean house over food. Clean house OVER food. Really? I think I have a theory on that but that is another post all together.
I am going to do a few things tonight to help me tomorrow. Tomorrow will be day 2 of routines. Love you, Nicole
Hoarders on A & E
OMGosh! I watched Hoarders on A & E late last night! It was so shocking, sad, and interesting all at the same time! I hate to say it but I can understand some of their behaviors - not all. I can see how the clutter and stuff/junk can be overwhelming to deal with! I do not want to become a excessive hoarder!
This show and Clean House on Style (especially Messiest House in Country 3) is motivating me to clear out our house including our attic! I have to get rid of things we no longer need, want, or love! I have to get rid of a lot of my school teacher things! That will be hard because I think, "Well, when I go back to teaching I will need that." But, I tell myself that if I need it, I can get it later, but more than likely I will have no use for most of it.
I have been asking myself this morning, "Does this item improve the quality of my life?" Mostly NO it does not! I do not want to live the rest of my life worrying about stuff and about keeping stuff! I want to spend my time with my husband and children, extended family, and close friends, like you, Nicole! One of my fears is not getting control of my clutter and letting it take over or getting sick and being unable to get rid of it! I must do it now while I am young, healthy, and able!
Dear God, Please give me the strength to let go of objects and only keep the items that I need and love! Amen.
Thank you, Nicole for encouraging and supporting me!
This show and Clean House on Style (especially Messiest House in Country 3) is motivating me to clear out our house including our attic! I have to get rid of things we no longer need, want, or love! I have to get rid of a lot of my school teacher things! That will be hard because I think, "Well, when I go back to teaching I will need that." But, I tell myself that if I need it, I can get it later, but more than likely I will have no use for most of it.
I have been asking myself this morning, "Does this item improve the quality of my life?" Mostly NO it does not! I do not want to live the rest of my life worrying about stuff and about keeping stuff! I want to spend my time with my husband and children, extended family, and close friends, like you, Nicole! One of my fears is not getting control of my clutter and letting it take over or getting sick and being unable to get rid of it! I must do it now while I am young, healthy, and able!
Dear God, Please give me the strength to let go of objects and only keep the items that I need and love! Amen.
Thank you, Nicole for encouraging and supporting me!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Cleaned all day but others can't tell!
Hey Nicole! I am sorry that I couldn't talk long. DH had recently gotten home from his meeting. I feel the exact same way as you about all of the work I did today - can't tell - but I know what I did. I am just trying to tell myself that I am cleaning for me! I think and hope that if we just keep up with our routines every day then we should be able to tell a difference in a few months. I need to aim for doing my routines every day this week.
I had brought 2 boxes and 1 bin down from the attic. By the time Andy got home, I had already cleaned out, threw away, and put away the things from the 2 boxes. I was in the middle of the bin. I got through half of it. I hope to finish it tomorrow. I have to get our attic decluttered as best as I can before it gets too hot. It just weighs on me having all of that stuff up there. I look at the ceiling and think OMG there is so much junk up there! I also need to go through clothes - the girls - and switch out the seasonal items.
I am thinking tonight that we are going to stay in home next week. I'll see how I feel tomorrow. We could leave my parents'house on Saturday night. DD1's choir is singing on Sunday - she doesn't really have to go but it would be a good excuse to stay home. Also, our church will have a donkey for Palm Sunday which would be neat seeing the kids following the donkey with the palm branches. Anyway, I am rambling. I think that I am taking DH to work in the morning so he can leave his car at home. I like having his car at home for security reasons.
I am going to try to have all of my morning routines complete in the morning. Do you want to try to do a mission or clean up from the kids coming home in the afternoon? DD1 has drumming from 4-4:45. How do your kids do with doing their homework while trying to beat the timer? DD1 likes it but I always forget to set the timer for her until she has a breakdown. We'll talk tomorrow!
I had brought 2 boxes and 1 bin down from the attic. By the time Andy got home, I had already cleaned out, threw away, and put away the things from the 2 boxes. I was in the middle of the bin. I got through half of it. I hope to finish it tomorrow. I have to get our attic decluttered as best as I can before it gets too hot. It just weighs on me having all of that stuff up there. I look at the ceiling and think OMG there is so much junk up there! I also need to go through clothes - the girls - and switch out the seasonal items.
I am thinking tonight that we are going to stay in home next week. I'll see how I feel tomorrow. We could leave my parents'house on Saturday night. DD1's choir is singing on Sunday - she doesn't really have to go but it would be a good excuse to stay home. Also, our church will have a donkey for Palm Sunday which would be neat seeing the kids following the donkey with the palm branches. Anyway, I am rambling. I think that I am taking DH to work in the morning so he can leave his car at home. I like having his car at home for security reasons.
I am going to try to have all of my morning routines complete in the morning. Do you want to try to do a mission or clean up from the kids coming home in the afternoon? DD1 has drumming from 4-4:45. How do your kids do with doing their homework while trying to beat the timer? DD1 likes it but I always forget to set the timer for her until she has a breakdown. We'll talk tomorrow!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Name that blog!
Hi Becky, It is time to name our blog. What are you thinking? Let's try to get a name on the blog this week.
- Forever Friends
- Besties
- Friends and Family
- Becky and Nicole Best Friends est. 1988
- Peace Roommates and Friends Forever
- Hello, my name is Nicole, and I am a messoholic.
- Flylady Failures
- Flylady want-to-be
Have a great night and I will talk to you in the AM! Love, Nicole
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 Resolution
Hey Nicole! I have several 2010 New Year's Resolutions. My first and foremost resolution is to clean and declutter my house! I am going to do it the FlyLady way again. I just need to do exactly as she says. Why do I keep thinking that I can modify it to my specifications? I obviously do not know how to maintain a clean house! The only problem that I have with FlyLady is that I cannot keep up with the emails! I guess that I get so many anyway each day that adding more drives me crazy! But I am going to try again - after Caroline's Birthday party on Wednesday! Now it is time to Stash and Dash! :)
I did get all of the girls' room cleaned this weekend! Yea! They look great! (Andy even mentioned how the house is already looking better!) Now the key is to get them to straighten it every day! Caroline wanted to make her bed this morning before going to school! I love it! Now, I have to make mine, but I so want to get back in it! It is 19 degrees outside! It is too cold for me! I am not equipped to handle the cold! Also, I was born in the middle of July in Alabama! I like hot weather not cold! :)
The Christmas tree is undecorated and outside. I am going to put all of the Christmas decorations in the attic today even though it is cold up there! Luckily, I did not get very many out this year!
2010 Resolutions
#1 - Declutter my House and Maintain it!
#2 - FACE my Finances and become Frugal
#3 - Lose weight
#4 - Write on our Blog. (We must name it soon.)
I think that is all of the resolutions that I am going to be able to handle for now!
Bye for now!
I did get all of the girls' room cleaned this weekend! Yea! They look great! (Andy even mentioned how the house is already looking better!) Now the key is to get them to straighten it every day! Caroline wanted to make her bed this morning before going to school! I love it! Now, I have to make mine, but I so want to get back in it! It is 19 degrees outside! It is too cold for me! I am not equipped to handle the cold! Also, I was born in the middle of July in Alabama! I like hot weather not cold! :)
The Christmas tree is undecorated and outside. I am going to put all of the Christmas decorations in the attic today even though it is cold up there! Luckily, I did not get very many out this year!
2010 Resolutions
#1 - Declutter my House and Maintain it!
#2 - FACE my Finances and become Frugal
#3 - Lose weight
#4 - Write on our Blog. (We must name it soon.)
I think that is all of the resolutions that I am going to be able to handle for now!
Bye for now!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Hey Nicole! I hope that you are having a Happy New Year! We just stayed here at my mom and dad's house and threw confetti! :) Mom's idea not mine! Dad was not too excited about the confetti because he is the one who vacuums the house, but he was overruled and was the one with the most confetti on his head and clothes. Compliments of his 3 granddaughters and his wife! LOL! It was funny! Andy got a lot of confetti on him too! So that was our excitement for the night. Mom and I took Caroline and Lydia to see The Princess and the Frog Disney movie at noon. We all enjoyed it! There were a few scary parts where Lydia was scared but overall it had a good message of being yourself, reaching for your dreams, working hard, and of course finding love.
Happy New Year!
Becky
Happy New Year!
Becky
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