It's so cleansing to be CLEAN...

I am so sorry that this blog has not been updated in weeks.

The time that I usually spend by the computer is now being spent CLEANING!

It feels so good to clean out so many closets, drawers, and rooms.

My trash can has been overflowing for three weeks in a row...

do you leave a tip for the trash man when it is like that???

I mean, we have bags of trash outside of the trash bin!!

  

Here the kids are cleaning out their green boxes. 

These are the boxes that when I find their toys around the house I just put it in their box and then they put them all away...it's been a few months since they put them away!

Look at how full they are!

Kalie, she's so dramatic.

 Ahh...now there is actually room in these boxes. 

Now onto my bathroom closet...

there was medicine from 2008 in there...

and empty cans of hairspray...

and 12 bottles of lotion.

Really?

I don't even use lotion.

Well, not that often.

Check out the bags of trash! 

And here is the AFTER  reveal...

I have so many fun things that I am looking forward to posting...but you will have to be patient with me.

We leave for a two week vacation on Monday.

We are going to FLORIDA!!

Can not wait to enjoy some time by the pool.

40 bags in 40 days. Preparing for Easter.

Every day I visit a special blog: August Fields
It's my friend Sara's blog.

To be honest...I go to her blog before I go to my own!

Well, yesterday she encouraged her followers (that's me!) to prepare for Easter by using these 40 days of Lent, to find a time to clear the house and make more room for God.

I left some room on my list because I knew I was forgetting lots of places to purge...like under the bed.

The other list is Sara's!  She let me copy hers...but my house doesn't have as many rooms.

This is how you do it...
1.  make a list 1 through 40.  write down areas you want to go through and simplify or purge.

2.  each day go through the designated area and decide what you will throw away or donate.

3.  glorify God for who HE is.  what He has accomplished.  Love Him more and show His love to others.  its not about me.  its about Him!

So...we started purging today.  We were on such a roll we did two days worth.  We started with the kitchen pantry, the snack cupboard and then went on to the entry way closet.  My niece, Brenna, had the day off from school today so she helped too!  Thank goodness...she loves to organize!

                                      

 Here is the BEFORE picture:

                                                   During: Yes, we are pulling our hair out!!

Bag #1 in the TRASH

Get ready for it: AFTER...so bummed it's a blurry picture...but there is PEACE in there!!

And then they went onto the snack and breakfast cupboard.



This is a funny video...well, if you like to put birds on things...

Thanks Sam for showing this to me!  I thought I would share it with our fellow "bird lovers."

Layout: catching FROGS

This is the fourth layout option from the scrapbooking retreat this past Saturday.

Now not many ladies had pictures of catching frogs...

but they were so creative with changing a few stamps to make this layout personal.

We had lots of fishing, camping, and hiking layouts...

and even a great one with pictures from the Hard Rock Cafe!  Who knew?

Just wanted to point out my amazing sister:

Tammy...she won the trophy for most improved frog catcher!

I've wanted to use these caption stamps forever...it was the perfect layout to add a few fun quotes!

Scrapbook Retreat and another Layout

This Saturday was a perfect day of scrapbooking.

41 creative ladies all in one gorgeous place.

12 hours of uninterrupted scrapbooking.

My day: PRICELESS

Here the ladies are creating their "Make and Take" layout.

My super sister-in-law, Erin, my mother-in-law, and a few great friends.

Thanks ladies for making it such a great day.

Welcome Wreath

I love wreaths. 

I love how it welcomes you into a home and sets the first impression to say,

"We're glad you are here, come on in!"

I found the base wreath at a garage sale and then I added my favorite...birds!

I found this little iron bird and the keys at Hobby Lobby.

This cute little nest with eggs in it makes me happy.  I love little details.

I'd love to have you over!!

Setting up for Spring

The sun is out...but the snow is still here.

Hopefully in a few days we will start to see signs of spring, but until then,

I will set the table with flowers and birds to help lift my spirits.

A few new Layouts. SPRING 2011 Catalog

The following are a few of the layouts that will be available to make at my next all day crop on March 5.

This first layout is from the paper packet: SOPHIA.

Each of you will be able to change the layout title to be whatever fits your photos...

so don't worry if you don't have a niece named Joy!

This next layout is from the new paper pack: MAYBERRY.

I used it to show great summer photos at the cottage, but you could use this page for so many different photos...family, kids, spring, summer, a get together with friends, or save it for Mother's Day. 

I love this layout because it can use just a few photos or a whole bunch.

I love this new paper pack: FANFARE.

It is so bright, colorful and perfect for photos at the beach, birthdays, or any type of celebration.

Instead of "Field Day" picture the title being, "Happy Day!"

Make each of these layouts all your own with a personal title.