Nothing New for a Year

Since getting some organization done I've been thinking of a challenge for our family for several weeks now... to buy nothing new for an entire year.  At first I thought, "There is NO way."  But after thinking about it I think we could do it.  We have everything we need! We don't need anything new.  So, why are we still getting more and more? I don't know... 

We could go about it one of two ways that are reasonable and do-able for our family: 

1. Food, medical and house goods are all permissible. No buying anything that is "new" only previously used, thrifted or craiglisted items. And we each have a $50 budget for wanted or needed new items. Or...

2. Food, medical and house goods are all permissible. No buying of any item, we have to trade, repurpose or find free items, but we would still have that $50 budget for each person.  

I really think we could pull it off!  

Why?

That is exactly what Tim asked... followed with, "I just don't really think it is practical." (Since when is he the practical one?) I know, but neither is buying things we don't need, especially when we can get it if we truly do need it through other means.

So here is my "Why" list:

- We are being better stewards of what God gives us by not buying.

- We are being better stewards of the earth by re-using and re-purposing items.

- We are using our minds to be creative and industrious.

- We are teaching our children how to be all of these things.

- We are not being wasteful or consumers, we will use things to their full extent.

- We are saving our money for the future or giving more to the service of God and His people.

- We could give our extra possessions to others or trade to help others.

We are still thinking on it.  Honestly, I just want to see if I could do it! It sounds like a worthy experiment.  If we do I think a good start date would be October 1st... I'll up date if we do. 

Pet Peeves

So, I am normally a patience person. I really do try to see the very best in everyone, in fact, I think it is one of my stronger attributes, but there are just a few things that completely irritate and anger me, can I share? (This is my blog, so sure I can).

1. When people act one way, but think, feel or have values completely the opposite. Truly, I can't stand how so many women put on a show for each other and then are all bitter and sad inside because they feel misunderstood or are misunderstanding others. For the love! Just be a smidge honest! We'd all feel better if we did.

2. I don't like it when people think it is ok to "dislike" children. That is like saying, "I don't like people" Children are just little, untaught, immature people and for heaven's sakes you were a child... you should know what it feel like not to understand, to realize something is wrong for the first time, to not have complete control of yourself or to be shamed for an accident by adults. Also, why is it socially acceptable to not like children, but it is a huge social indiscretion to not like any other kind of person that differs from yourself? I honestly just don't get it...

3. I really dislike when strangers say, "Looks like you've got your hands full..." when they see me with my three little ones. I know you are trying to be nice. But, I don't have my hands full. My children are about as sweet as they get, and if at that moment they aren't being sweet, I really don't need comentary on it. Plus, be original. Everyone, everyone tells me that. I can hardly leave my home with out that comment! (Side note, I've tried all sorts of sweet replies to this, until a few weeks ago I answered back, "Yes, but it's better than empty." The lady actually argued with me about it... saying, "Oh, no. It is MUCH better not to have kids. I was so glad to get mine grown and out of my hair!" Seriously?)

4. Oh, and lastly. I really don't like seeing my faults in the mirrors of others around me. You know, when you look at some one and start to think, "Ugh, they are such a fool for doing that, having that attitude or acting that way..." and then you think, "Double Ugh, oh yeah, just did that...who's the fool now?" Totally the worst pet peeve there is!

Honestly that is about it.... but please don't ever tell me I have my hands full, I am not sure how graciously I can handle that right now. ;-)

Project "O"

I need to get organized. Just the thought of the work involved around this word makes me feel overwhelmed and weak kneed. I really dislike clutter, excessive knick-knacks and having to search for an hour for a key. Things have got to go...things have got to change. I've spent time researching different methods to purging, methods of organizing and what a family our size really needs in clothing and toys. Here are my findings. We don't really need much at all (not a news break to me, given our children only play with the same toys...basically trains and dolls).

However, this brings me to the next logical question, "What do I do with the stuff we don't use? Get rid of it..." Really? Give away, sell, donate good stuff that we could potentially need? Yikes! Now I am sweating. I am not a quote-unquote pack rat... If I don't need, like or appreciate something it is out the door... but when it comes to having kids...probably more kids, I fear I'll need that stained sweet smelling onesie... one more time. Yet, I am drowning in onesies, fluffy yellow booties and ugly mint colored receiving blankets! I am not even going into toys! Legos, polly pockets and wooden food are some days the bane of my existence.

Unneeded stuff isn't the only problem. How do I organize the stuff we need every day? I have walk in closets in every room, yet most times the floors of the closets are littered with the closet contents. Seriously! Screaming shelves! I am the Queen of Bins... all toys are in clear bins for easy stacking and so little ones don't tear apart their rooms. I think I need more bins... (smirking). My husband jokes me about how I love bins. If he only knew I think we need more!

Then there is all the other stuff... craft supplies, my husbands scores of T shirts, scrap booking, filing, the pantry, the laundry room, heaven forbid I open the attic door and don't even get me thinking about homeschooling next year... I am going to have to stop there! It just gets worse... it all needs to be organized. I think I need to post photos as I work on this.... little by little.

So heres some ideas I am throwing around...
- The "family closet" or having one closet for kids clothes, the other for toys...
- Organizing the attic with a file card system and numbered boxes.
- Packing up toys into 4 groups to be rotated.
- Need of shelves in closets (perhaps plastic type from home depot).
- Seriously limiting clothes to 7 play outfits, 3 dress outfits, 3 sets of pjs, 3 pairs of shoes (at least we have the shoes down).
- Getting a maid... I am really leaning toward this one.

Skunk Crossing

Two evenings ago I loaded up the kiddos in our Suburban and headed down the dirt road of our drive way going to dinner at the camp. We got to a place on our road that is flanked by a gully on each side... I assume a spring or run off is down on each side... I ought to go explore it. About 30 feet before we crossed this area I noticed a herd of skunks started crossing in front of us... yep that is right, a herd of skunks. I am not exaggerating to say that there were at least 8-10 skunks all bunched up in a little herd running with lofted tails across the road. At first I couldn't believe my eyes. Addie was in the passenger seat and I yelled with amazement, "Addie! Do you see all those skunks?" With matched amazement she said, "Yeah! That is a lot of skunks!" I got out to see the last one shuffle down the gully and into the brush. All I could do was laugh out loud! I didn't even know skunks hang out together.
Seriously, the funniest and most unusual thing I have seen since my college days when I saw a VW Bug high centered on a frozen turkey in the middle of 6th Ave.