So I made a big mistake… I told you all that I’d be posting the first assignment this morning.
I should know by now that having three little children means I can’t make promises like that. But I made the promise and then, when 10 a.m. came and went and I hadn’t posted, I started getting all sorts of worried emails from people.
Oops.
I promise I wasn’t sitting around eating bon-bons. Actually, I don’t think I did much sitting at all!
I went to bed late because we’d had “one of those days” yesterday (you know, the kind where you’re ready to turn in your mom badge at lunchtime? Please tell me I’m not the only one who has those kinds of days!), so then I got up late this morning. Which meant that my planned early morning blogging time didn’t happen.
And then the children woke up and there were diapers to change, meals to fix, baths to give, messes to clean up, and more messes to clean up. I love these children–yes, I do!–but recently they’ve been stretching me to my limits. Now I know why my mom used to say, “I thought I was a patient person… until I had children!”
We’re going to make it through this season, by the grace of God, but I’m not going to pretend that it’s super easy or that I’m floating through it completely unstressed all the time.
At any rate, it’s almost 6 p.m. and I’m finally getting this posted. Thanks for bearing with my tardiness. I must remember in the future not to make promises that might not be realistic.
The good news is, though, that I did get my living room, coat closet and hall closet cleaned out. Here’s proof:
BEFORE PICTURES (Yes, I’m keepin’ it real!)
That’s what things look like when you give a two-year-old the basket of hats, gloves, and scarves for a minute. We’re still working on learning to pick up what you get out; it’s a novel concept. 🙂
AFTER PICTURES:
(Yes, that’s writing on our walls. In addition to learning how to pick up messes, the children are also learning that walls were not made to practice their latest art projects on!)
And, when it was all said and done, I have a whole box full of stuff from those two closets to add to my garage sale pile!
Clear Out the Clutter Assignment #1
::Go through your living room, coat closet and hall closet (or any other closets or cupboards which reside in your living room area) and then ruthlessly clear out any and all clutter and unnecessary items you find.
::Tally up the approximate amount of items you’re getting rid of. You’ll need that number to enter the giveaway tomorrow!
Are you blogging about your Clear Out the Clutter accomplishments and progress? If so, leave your direct link to your blog post below (with pictures, if possible!) so we can visit your blog, cheer you on and be inspired!
I have that basket! After my second son was born, the hospital gave us the basket with a jar of spaghetti sauce, a box of spaghetti, two glasses with “The Birthing Inn” logo, two pretty bottles of Saratoga spring water, and a baby t-shirt that says “I’m a Birthing Inn Baby”. It is a sweet memory and I still chill water in the bottles and use the glasses, basket, and will hopefully use the t-shirt again!
I loved seeing the pictures of your cleaning out the closets. I only have one closet on my main floor and it has been cleaned out. I cannot believe how much stuff I threw out–yes most of the stuff in there was old dust cloths and things like that.
When my son was around 2 years old he used crayons and colored all over one livingroom wall. I was in the kitchen which was next to the livingroom and he had been playing in his toychest and then decided to mark up the wall. Needless to say I had a neighbor over a few weeks later and she removed all the crayon and repainted our livingroom
I hope to work on our hall closet tomorrow!! Our house is currently on the market so lots of decluttering has already been done, but the hall closet is one I have procrastinated on! I’m not even sure what is in there!
Thanks for the motivation!
My task is going to be my spice cupboard. Sounds easy? Not when you’ve lived in your house for 22 years and aren’t quite sure what up on the top shelf in the back. Also, I literally cannot fit one more thing in there and things fall out all the time.
Unfortunately, I have to have my business taxes done by Tuesday and I’ve been procrastinating so I can’t tackle it until they’re done 🙁 Compared to taxes, it sounds like fun. Sick – giggle
Thanks for being so real. It is nice to know I’m not the only one who can’t seem to get things done when I say I will and my kids aren’t the only ones who write on the wall.
Like others said, this challenge motivated me to start my spring cleaning. Thanks for the inspiration and your blog!
Hi!
Opps! I accidentally linked up twice, can you delete the first link. The second link is for my series on my site called 12 Weeks to an Organized Home. Lots of pictures and ideas to share.
You cleaning projects turned out great Crystal!! Thanks for including the real life pictures, now I don’t feel so bad about sharing all of my mess with the world!! 🙂
thank you so much for this challenge it was the inspiration and motivation I needed
We are looking forward to the next challenge cant wait to keep the momentum moving
Jenn K
My kids try my patience almost daily and I only have two. I’m so glad the warm weather is finally here! The sharpie on the wall was the worst for me.
Okay…I came back & officially joined in. Come & see!
So you have having tough days too, Crystal! Well, know that another momma with three kids around the same ages is too! 🙂 May the Lord use these tough days to shape us and mold us!
Crystal, I can hear what you are saying loud and clear! My 10-month-old is teething and wants comfort constantly! My 2-year-old is now in the stage where she wants what baby brother has (holding, food, doesn’t matter what it is), so we are working on many of the same things you are!
The message I got from this blog was a good one: Take one thing at a time! I get overwhelmed easily, and by just tackling one item to clean at a time, I believe I can do it! Thanks for the encouragement:)
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers = One of the greatest inventions EVER! I think they were my very first stockpile item when my dd became mobile.
I am sorry I messed up the title of the link. I forgot to put it in and it did an older one. I put after pictures of what I cleaned out. I think I will take before and after next time so you can tell a difference. It is great to have a common goal to work towards. I plan to donate my stuff since I hate haggling at garage sales.
I can completely relate to having “one of those days”. It doesn’t matter how old your kids are, those days will still pop up from time to time. The issues simply change from a fussy baby and crayon on the wall to grumbling about school work and pride written on the heart. They all require grace, humility, and patience (a little chocolate doesn’t hurt, either!). I blogged about some of my strategies for handling “one of those days” at http://gospelhomemaking.com/2010/01/08/one-of-those-days/. And remember: Don’t grow weary, in due season you will reap….
I am currently working on the boys bedroom a.k.a the room where the girls put there stuff because they can’t find a good place for it in their room so mom can clean it. great pics.
I love this series you are doing! I won’t be following the assignments because I have been going through stuff for 6-8 months now and have gone through almost all closets, etc. We are having another garage sale in 3 weeks to get rid of more stuff. I so want to downsize everything and keep things organized. Great Job Crystal! I absolutely love your blog – you are a true inspiration!
Thank you! the before and after pictures (and the writing) on the wall help A LOT! I just had my 3rd baby (9 weeks) and we are still trying to find a new routine with Homeschooling and cleaning. Somedays I turn in my mommy card before breakfast is over. And although I try to look at each day as a gift I figure everyone has gotten a gift they wish they hadn’t right? When my middle child was a bit younger he was notorious for coloring on the walls. I keep magic erasers for that! It is the only cleaning product I still purchase (with coupons of course!)
we hung a shoe organizer on the inside door of our coat closet. the kids stuff their hats, gloves, etc.. in the pockets. it keeps the floor clean and things away from busy baby hands.
@misty, Great idea!
I had one of these hanging in a closet when I was a teacher and now it’s home with me. It holds pens, pencils, glue, stickers, stamps, scissors, notepads, crayons, erasers, rubber bands, staples etc. Basically, anything that could end up in a junk drawer and is a type of office item. I’ve considered more of these in other parts of the house to contain pieces of toys, stockpiled bathroom items, etc. I’ve been using my office supply one for 9 years now and I’ve just now seen a pocket bust open. HTH someone!
I have been going through the same thing with my kids. Thankfully God gives me the grace for each moment.
Sometimes I still want to turn in my MOM BADGE and my youngest is 19! I finished homeschooling almost a year ago and I have no idea how I got through 23 years of that! WD-40 takes most anythintg off walls-just spray and wipe. Wish I’d known that a long time ago!
I think as Mom’s we all have those days!!!! My husband just started traveling for business and it has been an adjustment. I have to do as much as I can in the hour after they are asleep to make mornings much smoother!
Mr. Clean dry eraser works magic on thos marks on the walls.
Thanks for the challenge!
Sabrina
Can’t believe no one else has said it, but I don’t think those before pics look that bad! So that gives you a clue to how my house looks . . . .
Yay! Your before pictures look just like mine 🙂 This is timely. Our neighborhood garage sale is in 2 weeks. I hadn’t planned to participate this time around but maybe I can set a few things out LOL.
You do wonderful, Crystal. The fact that you are even decluttering and hosting a garage sale next week with 3 littles is amazing.
Our entryway closet in the living room is tiny…It wasn’t too bad but it was definitely time to clear out the winter clutter!
I’m sorry you had such a rough day! I think we all have “those days”! Good job on your cleaning!! I’m going to start mine this morning 🙂
I totally agree with you “patience” perspective.
I just cleaned out a long winter’s worth of “pitch & run” in our Mud Room and lived to blog about it! During the summer we keep the door open, so something HAD to be done! My front closet is still in need of a makeover, but right now I have been working on my kitchen cabinets…honestly, do those plastic containers multiply in there when no one is looking?
http://stoneyscrew.blogspot.com/2010/03/stoneys-crew-mud-room-make-over.html
(I tried to leave a comment before, but I’m not sure if it made it!) Anyway, so glad to be participating in this challenge, Crystal!! Great timing and you are so motivating!!
Blessings to you and your sweet family,
Katie
1 Corinthians 14:40
I love the matching theme you have in your living room, with the throw pillows and curtians. I would love to do that in my house with blue… Hmmm I’m working on my living room this week, why not freshen it up with those things? Thanks for the great idea!
You amaze me with all that you are able to accomplish! And knowing that I am not the only Mom who has days that she would like to “surrender”, makes me feel sooo much better. Your after pictures look great, but your before pics weren’t so bad either!
Dear Crystal,
I am just thrilled to be participating in this with you and the multitude of ladies joining in ~ it couldn’t have been better timing! Thank you so much for your motivation and inspiration! Your home looks lovely ~ and you did a great job! (And totally understand how blogging time gets pushed aside with three littles in the house…same situation over at ours.) Thanks again for hosting this!! Looking forward to the next assignment!
Blessings,
Katie
1 Corinthians 14:40 🙂
Thank you Crystal for starting this challenge! It is just the motivation we need to get our home organized again! The timing is great as Alex was just mentioning to me that we need some organization overhaul 2 nights ago! The winter slump that collects dust and items all around!
God Bless!
writing on walls = no crayons at our house!
@kelley, We banned markers and paint, I think crayons are next. And then maybe pens and pencils. 😉
I love you so much!
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who has those kind of days! I had planned on deep cleaning my bathroom today, but instead I spent 3 hours trying to get a very stubborn 2-year old to stay in his bed and have quiet time, if not a nap!
Sounds like you had the exact same day yesterday that I had. I blame it on too many Easter activities over the weekend. I have 4 girls. The 5 year old twins fussed all day yesterday. But today was a much better day. I got some spring cleaning accomplished today and life is good 🙂
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers take the crayon off in a flash! I keep those things handy always. Your doing great, I wish I had a week off work to join in with you all!
To be honest, I’ve been having those days almost every day lately. My youngest has a temper like one I’ve rarely seen before (and definitely not ever from my other son) and to make matters worse, he is almost a year behind developmentally as far as things with his mouth (doesn’t talk yet, can’t chew even though he has all of his teeth, drools like a teething baby) and about 6-7 months behind physically (very clumpsy, horrible balance even for a baby). I love him to death and when he is not throwing tantrums, he is a really sweet and loving boy but the tantrums are so incredibly bad. He’s like the most stubborn “terrible twos” toddler but can’t talk at all (even baby talk) so he can’t express what he wants at all (I mean at all) so he gets frustrated even more than a toddler. I feel like I have tried everything and am so stressed out. He’s in jeopardy of getting kicked out of therapy because he just throws himself and screams so he’s not getting anything out of it. At home it’s fine, I just put him in the hallway until he’s calm but when we are out, I’m at my wit’s end. And wow now I am rambling. So sorry, that statement just struck something in me lol. Anyway, your livingroom and closets look much nicer 🙂
You make me feel normal. I want to hand in my “mom badge” nearly everyday at 5:00 p.m. at our house. I’ll work on the challenge in the morning and post my progress. I need a kick in the pants to get it done! Thanks!
As a Mom of 3 also (mine are older now and in school…the day will come) I can totally relate. I think all Mom’s do. No worries!!! Thanks bunches!!!
I think I turned in my Mom Badge about four years ago. Wait, my oldest is only four! I’m sure I lost it somewhere since then, but they still haven’t taken away my kids! I’m the crazy lady with a 4, almost 3, and 1 year old. I’ve given up cleaning up the potty-training accidents in the carpet, and the writing on the wall will stay there until we move and I want my deposit back! And I definitely NEVER thought I would be impatient and angry, but boy, do those kids ever bring it out in me! I told my husband he should take the older two on a vacation…and leave me home!
As for my closets….I try to keep things cleaned out as we go…those kids won’t leave me much mental capacity for spring cleaning right now. There’s definitely something in the air!
oh man, i’ve got a coat closet that harry potter could live in and i mostly use it for stuffing things i don’t feel like finding a permanent home for in. i threw away a bunch of boxes, organized the boxes i do want to keep in the way back, xmas stuff in front of those boxes, moved my sewing stuff upstairs to the office where i might actually use it, and actually have some space for my coats at the front now.
Crystal,
Thank you so much for this series. I cleaned out two junk drawers today in the kitchen. Then I got the mail and got a letter that we are having a huge community garage sale in May. I am so excited to start decluttering! Do you have any advice on how to easily store all the baby “stuff” until #2 comes along. We have a 19 month old, and we want to have another but we want to take our time. It seems like our guest bedroom is becoming to storage area for the high chair and bouncy seats and all the other stuff we aren’t using anymore.
Thanks for this wonderful post. I hope your week gets better.
@Kristen, i remember my mom used the boxes you get milk in at costco for storing baby stuff on the top shelf of my closet when i was little (i was the oldest)
Love the before and after…thanks!
too bad I started de-cluttering in January because I got rid of half my house! lol
I just wanted to say thank you for “keeping it real”. It is such a ministry to your readers, b/c we all live in the real world! People (women esp, it seems) assume that everyone else has everything all together and they are worthless. I think that is a HUGE lie from satan that you have used your blog to debunk! Take that satan!! 🙂
love your blog, btw! You’re a blessing, keep up the good work! 🙂
Thanks for keepin’ it real. Thanks for being normal. Thanks for making me feel like I’m not the only one who has crayon on her walls – or carpet – or kitchen table – or…
@Kelly, i was a crayons on the wall artist as a kid too. my mom waited until i was an adult and then guilted me into repainting her house for her a few years ago
Woo-hoo! I’m stoked about cleaning out the clutter….and I’m right in the boat with you….three little ones “helping” me out I’m sure! Yikes! The mess awaits me….and it starts here on my desk!
Looking good!!
I think anyone with kids has had days or weeks like that. That is life. Not always fun, but life it is. At least you got some cleaning done too though.
Crystal,
Whether it is intentional or not, you set such a good example even in a post like this about frugal living. Yes, we all have stuff we could get rid of, but what I appreciated the most in looking at this post was the simple manner in which you have organized and decorated your home. Your savings have been designated to BUY a home, not to have the trend-setting style of home decorating of today. So many of us expect to have what it took our parents 20+ years to create the minute we get married! We want shiny, new, nice, and up-to-date in our clothing, cars, and home decor. Thank you for showing and reminding us that a long-term goal is much more important! I love seeing your neat, organized home knowing that you’ll soon own your new home outright! And just know that you’re not alone. My hubby and I have been married 9 years, and I’m just now working on sewing curtains for my den! With real decorator fabric! Whoo-Hoo!
Those are motivating before and after pics!!!!! 🙂
Great before and after pics! And way to push on and get things accomplished even after hard days! Love that your closets contain Shaklee non-toxic cleaners!!! My favorite!
Good job! And we have the same living room furniture!
A suggestion for getting rid of the crayon marks on the wall:
Use a hairdryer to melt the wax then wipe it off. I honestly don’t know if it works but an aunt told me to try that. My daughter wrote on the wall for the first time last week, so after being disciplined for it, I pulled out the hair dryer to try the technique. But there was no plug close to the “art”! Before I could find an extension cord, my husband (love him) had scrubbed it away with bleach.
And I have a question for you:
Do you sell your kids clothes and toys in your garage sales? I’m trying to decide if I want to sell it all or save it all (for future children).
I like moonbeam! We use these as overnight diapers for our toddler–hooray for cloth diapering!
@Charity,
oops-sorry, wrong post
Oh boy, I am new to this! I just starte blogging and I haven’t been very successful making entries. I spend way too much time reading other blogs! Wish me luck, it anyone needs de-cluttered, it’s me!
I’m hoping this will keep me motivated. I started doing a room by room clutter cleaning in March and have only gotten 2 rooms done! Love your closet. I don’t have a hall closet anymore and boy do I miss it!
OK for the walls, use a paste made of baking soda & water – it will rub right off. It also works for sharpie marker on plastic kitchen sets, wood furniture, crayon on walls etc… I remember those days. I came ome once to a child covered in sharpie. Ponds cold cream removes it as does yogurt, just FYI… this too shall pass 🙂 hang in there you’ve got to be ready for those pre-pubescent hormonal times to come…..
@Mary Snow, I am totally trying that today; thank you!
@Mary Snow, I’ll have to note those tips! Yesterday I was trying to do some work at one end of the kitchen while my almost-two-year-old entertained himself with rearranging the tupperwear cabinet (a daily activity). All of a sudden I hear giggles. I turned around to find he’d pulled out the Sharpie and painter’s tape that I use to label his cups for daycare . . . and was using the Sharpie to color on the painter’s tape, just like I do. Thank goodness he kept it on the tape – but that was a close one!
I now have 3 children and it really has changed everything. My son is about 8 months old and I have 2 girls, ages 10 & 6. I honestly cant keep up like I used to. It seems like there is always something for Momma to be doing. I sure do love them though 🙂
It must be something in the air this week because my usually perfectly behaved child (really) has been NUTS this week, today especially! 🙂 You picture of your hall/coat closet scares me because just the thought of going through mine makes me cringe… but I will; I know it’s time.
OK – I had my post up earlier with my goals for the week and month but I just added some pictures of just how bad it is. Although we do have a few great excuses (remodeling a bathroom, yard sale this Saturday) the clutter is driving me CRAZY! I can’t wait to get my “after” pictures up!
Crystal,
First of all, I love your blogs~ it is so refreshing to hear from other moms who are “real”… I have 5 children under 7 (7,5,5,23 mo, & 3mo)… my house is ALWAYS messy… I had it spotless for Easter, that lasted about 5 minutes after they woke up…. they have found my walls also (agh)! My friends tell me I have more patience then anyone they know, and you know what, days like today, I rely on those nice words of my friends! However at night I pray God gives me more! So I just wanted to pass on some kind words to you! You touch so many people daily and I just wanted to say thank you! :o)
Just remember to always remain grateful for your little ones! My husband and I are going through infertility treatments, and I’d give anything to have to change diapers and clean up messes all day long.
@Alice,
thanks for the reminder. We tried for 5 years before having our blessings. We have 9 month old triplets and my days are very hard at times. Thank you for reminding me to enjoy them, even with all the diapers and fussing!
Brenda
@Alice, I hope it didn’t sound like I’m complaining–because I’m not!
I’m very thankful for my three little ones–there was a time when doctors told us we wouldn’t be able to have any!–but that doesn’t discount the fact that there are days when it is H-A-R-D to be a mom!
Thanks for giving me some perspective today.
I totally get the whirlwind munchkin thing! My children thrive on challenging my patience, and deep cleaning rarely happens before nap time! It’s nice to hear I’m not the only one!
I found 15 items to sell at our garage sale! It feels great to get rid of things we don’t need; hopefully they will be a blessing to someone else!
Most of my Monday’s seem to be like that. I think it’s just an adjustment to getting back into the weekly schedule after Sat and Sundays.
On those days, my friends and I tease that we must have been praying for patience again. 🙂
Get job on your closets! I would love to join the challenge and blog about it, but I would be to embarrassed to post pics of my closets. 😉
I have a 21 month old, and I am ALWAYS cleaning up after him!! We are also working on cleaning up after ourselves. He he! It’s insane though how fast a clean room can go to a cluttered room- it just takes seconds!
You are doing awesome. I’m a mom a 3 myself & it’s always hard to keep on top of things…we even have our house on the market so it’s keeping me on my toes! But it’s nice to have accountability as well. 🙂 It’s giving me encouragement to go back through my closets again…I already put away the winter coats for next year…and started a pile of things for a garage sale next month. Good luck! You have a pretty house so far from the pics that I see. 🙂
My 3yo wrote on her wall with a penny. Kids can get awfully creative!
I noticed you have a Swiffer Wet Jet in your closet- I love mine, but I feel like I’m never able to find great deals on the cleaner or the pads. Any suggestions?
@Margaret, Theres an awesome seller on Etsy who make reusable Wet Jet pads. here’s the link http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41635736
@Margaret,
I don’t use the wet jet pads. I actually just use some thing like a ShamWow cut to fit the pad, it sticks to the velcro and can be washed over and over again and it still works great.
@Margaret, I use old cloth diapers, microfiber cloths or old/cheap terrycloth washcloths instead of the Wet Jet pads. Also, you can hack the refill bottle when it’s empty – http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-remove-the-cap-on-a-Swiffer-Wet-Jet-cleaner/ OR you can just mix up a bottle of white vinegar & water in an empty spray bottle. Just spray the floor & then use your wet jet to mop with.
YES!!! I LOVE that you kept it real!! Great job decluttering and cleaning up!
Great Job! Thanks for keeping it real. In addition to learning that crayons were not made for walls, my 3 year old has learned how to properly use a magic eraser. I love that thing.
Crystal, this brings back so many memories of when my three were little. Some days were just utterly exhausting, and I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry 🙂 Now that ours are 7, 9 and 11, life is calmer but still very busy – just in a different way! I really do miss those baby and toddler days, though – they go by in the blink of an eye.
You did a good job. I’m afraid to say that my area has twice or thrice as much ‘mess’ as yours. But I’ll try to keep up with the challenge. Glad you posted about your real day woes.
Crystal, hope you have a better rest-of-the-day!
I wanted to let you know that your blog is one of my favorites, and I awarded it:
http://reneescoffeebreak.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-award-winning.html
@Renee, You’re so kind; thank you!
I had “one of those days” yesterday, too 😛 I’m a first-time mommy of a 3-week old, and I’ve barely found time to get dressed! I so want to join you on your clearing out the clutter challenge, but I’ll just do what I can. I enjoy reading about it, though! Keep it up! 🙂
@tina b, A shower is a big accomplishment in my book when you have a 3-week-old. Seriously! Enjoy your precious bundle!
@Crystal,
I have a 6mo old and I still find getting around to a shower challenging! And my husband wonders why I toss him the baby the minute he walks in the door!
Crystal, you’re awesome!
@tina b, A shower sure is an accomplishment! When my youngest was born, I set two goals for each day. The first was that shower, and the second was one chore, like vacuuming. I kept things simple and paced myself so I wouldn’t get burned out, but things still got done, just not all in one day. You’ll get into a new routine as your baby gets bigger.
Great job!! I have been clearing out my closets this week and am having fun delivering the items to people that will want them.
I originally was going to hold a yard sale but my husband asked me what I thought of giving away the items to people we thought would be blessed by the stuff instead of trying to make money off it… :-p I had already “spent” the yard sale money in my head but couldn’t say no to him, so what would have been sold in a yard sale is going to friends.
Good job, Crystal!! And yes, I totally understand about difficult days with little ones! I’ve bout pulled my hair out the past week or two with my 4 little ones as well! Maybe its the weather change? Na, probably just a normal God refining joyful opportunity to grow our patience and reliance on Him!!!!
@cheapolady, Yes, I think God is giving me lots of opportunities to beg Him for more grace, patience and love!
@cheapolady, Ahhh, the hair pulling. I’ve been thinking lately that I would say I’m ready to pull my hair out. But I don’t have a chance to do it – my toddler literally pulls my hair out! But he also has started saying unprovoked “I love you!” like 40 times a day, so there’s a balance for us. 🙂
I love the pics 🙂 I love it when bloggers “keep it real” – it helps us identify with each other better, I think. Anyway, great progress!!