Y’all. You can just laugh at me. Because I clearly am overly ambitious.
I guess that can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon how you look at it. 🙂
I had every intention of getting every thing on my Morning Plan done today — at least by early afternoon. And, once again, that didn’t happen.
The good news? My house is cleaner than it’s been in a long time tonight and we got a LOT done today.
The bad news? I didn’t exercise or get my hair washed today. And don’t even ask me how many days it’s been since I washed me hair. We won’t even go there.
I woke up t-i-r-e-d today. I’ve been getting a lot of sleep (like 8-10 hours most nights) for the past 4 nights as I’m trying to recover from being sick, but despite all that sleep, my body still seems to be wanting more.
So I went back to bed for another hour this morning… which meant that I started my day behind. But at least I got a great night’s sleep!
I let the kids sleep in a little while I finished up my morning blogging work and then I got busy on my Morning Plan.
I’m almost finished with Addicted to Busy. It’s not the best book I’ve read on the importance of slowing down, but I’ve found some thought-provoking nuggets in it.
It was our day for oatmeal this morning. Everyone can fix their own oatmeal themselves — except for Silas needs a little help with it — so that made breakfast really easy.
I oversaw morning chores while cleaning up the kitchen and doing some laundry and then helped Silas with his Kindergarten lessons while the girls got started on their morning school.
Jesse had two morning meetings, but he popped by for a bit between meetings to grab some breakfast and check in to see how things we’re going.
It was Kaitlynn’s day to get her hair washed. She is growing her hair out (“to her knees” she tells me — we’ll see!!) so it’s always a rather big task to wash and brush through it. If I put detangler on it, brush it, and then braid it every day, it’s not too bad. But if I skip one day, it’s not so good!
After I was finished with her hair-washing and fixing, she got back to her school and I did some more clean-up, made my bed (!), and worked on the laundry.
I made a snack for Silas and me to eat (I typically eat small meals/snacks every few hours and Silas is happy to join me… he’s usually always up for eating! I think it’s a boy thing?? ;)) and then sat down to read to the kids.
They made bracelets and other creations with loom bands while I read to them. After a morning where there had been some attitude struggles, it was so nice to see them all getting along nicely and having fun creating together.
After our reading time, Jesse got home and I went upstairs to the office to work while he did lunch, devotions, and more school with the kids.
I had a podcast interview, two phone calls, and then it was the usual emails, blogging work, answering comments, overseeing social media, scheduling posts, and so on.
Before I knew it, it was 6:00 p.m.! I headed downstairs to help pick up before dinner and then we sat down to eat (Jesse made a delicious new recipe tonight — Cincinnati Chili Dog Bowls. I love all this experimenting he has been doing in the kitchen!)
After dinner, we finished putting the laundry away while Jesse cleaned up the kitchen. And then we all got started in on the Kids’ Room. After opening their closet and a few drawers, I could tell this was going to be a job that was going to take longer than my allotted 45 minutes. Oh well, such is life!
Kathrynne got busy going through all the CDs and DVDs and organizing them while I worked on the closet and cleaned out underneath the bed.
After about an hour and a half of work, we had this whole trash bag full of items to get rid of. Can you believe it??
While it might not look that much different, knowing that I’ve gone through every nook and cranny and organized everything in this closet feels so good.
And the CDs and DVDs got picked up…
And all organized! We also created a system and rules for their use and organization — to hopefully prevent them from getting so disorganized in the future.
Leave a Comment & You Could Win This Stack of Books!
In my cleaning today, I found some more books to get rid of, most all that are ones I’ve loved and just want to pass onto someone who could be encouraged by them! Plus, I threw in a copy of both my book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and a copy of my new Choose Gratitude Blessings Journal!
Who wants to win them? To win, just leave a comment on this post and I’ll choose one winner tomorrow evening and will mail them to you so you’ll have them in time for Christmas. Some of these books are brand-new or in like-new condition and would be great for gifts for people on your Christmas list!
Did you work on cleaning your house today? If you blogged about participating in this Clean Your House For Christmas Challenge, leave the direct link to your post below that is specifically about this challenge. Or, leave a comment telling us how your cleaning went today.
The winner of yesterday’s stack of books is Kim (threekstrio@) — I sent you an email tonight to ask for your address.
Terry says
Nice stack of books. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
jenny h says
Today, I cleaned off the front porch and decorated it for the Holiday Season.
Beth says
I love your fresh, honest sharing of life! It is relatable and fun.
Candi F says
I love your honesty & transparency. Sometimes things just take more time than we thought they would and it’s okay! Keep up the good work! Organizing & cleaning make life just feel better!
Pamela J says
Would love to have some good reading material handy. Need to clean my little kids’ room, too. Inspiring!
Jessica says
You are ambitious!
As an aside, I know that you go for the minimalist wardrobe but do you do that for your children too? That closet had barely any clothes hanging in it, so I wasn’t sure if you have a mountain of kids clothes hiding in dresser drawers or if your children have a minimalist wardrobe as well. I have lots of family who are very generous in gifting us clothing but our closet and dresser drawers are overflowing! And my children definitely have their “faves” which means that the same clothes get washed week by week with a very occasional variance.
Those books look awesome.
Crystal Paine says
They have more clothes/outfits than I do, but we still keep their wardrobes pretty simple — around 12 outfits each or so.
Anissa says
I really want that book by Ann Voskamp. I am on the waiting list at the library and I just don’t think it will ever be my turn. Great job today!
Leia says
Thank you for always being real. That’s a huge thing in ministry… You don’t needyo air dirty laundry for the world to see, but, let others know you’re still human 🙂 Youare always an encouragement.
Brandi N says
Your house looks so empty, It would take me hours to go through a closet….maybe if I move I could get rid of a lot of stuff!?! 🙂
Cathi Carpenter says
I started deep cleaning yesterday. Worked my way thru a TON of rubble yesterday and today!
Charlene says
It is probably past evening and you’ve already picked the winner… but i get this on email, and am just getting a chance to go through it. That looks like a great stack of books and would be so fun to have.
It is so interesting to see your house. You see it as messy and needing to be cleaned up and decluttered. I see a house that has so little stuff in it. I know I need to get rid of some stuff… but I don’t know if I could live with as little as you have. I am trying to not be a pack rat. I can see the obvious perks of being a minimalist as you are… but whew… I’m not there yet! Thanks for the inspiration though. Over Christmas break, I am hoping to get some things pared down…. and work on that in the new year.
B Landis says
One of these days I will get to cleaning and organizing. Thanks for another offer at books. I love to read!
Leanne says
Good job. You inspire me to continue on with my cleaning/decluttering!
Melissa says
You inspired me to tackle my son’s bedroom today with him & get some organization and decluttering that was greatly needed done! It was such a big thing to see him be peaceful in the process as we sorted through things and he really asked himself as he looked at each toy/game/etc if it was something that brought joy in his life or if it was a good thing to pass along to some other child to play with. At the end of the day, he was so pleased with the outcome of the room he couldn’t wait to show his daddy & demonstrate that everything had its own place now! Next room – the girl’s room! Whew!
kathy wallace says
You got a ton done today. I love to get books.
Vicki Sprain says
Love to read and those books look great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Renee says
well, you are way more ambitious than I am. today was a very down day for me as we’ve been traveling (Fri-Mon), then back to school and appt, gymnastics, unpacking, etc…and I needed a break. I would love to read these books. Thanks
Christie says
I’m impressed. We moved in April and there are still 2 bedrooms with lots of unpacked boxes.
Emily says
I cleaned for 13.5 hours today!
Emily says
I cleaned for 13.5 hours today! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Woah! I’m impressed!
Emily says
My fitbit 21,000+ steps is… my back surely is not! 🙂
Kaylee V. says
I would love to win! Several in that stack on my list to read!
Ashley says
No specific room was tackled in our house today, but we are caught up on laundry!
Rebecca Y says
Crazy day- no time to clean- but I did make a homemade meal and snuggled with my kids. Can catch up tomorrow 🙂
Kimberly says
Thank you for sharing both your challenges and successes, you are very encouraging!
Heather says
You inspired me (as usual) to actually clean my closet out today. I still had things boxed up from our recent moved and I just kept putting off cleaning and organizing it. Happy to say I finally got it finished today and feel much better! Tackling the hall closet tomorrow 🙂
Tracy says
Wow, great job on being so productive today!! I would love to take those books off of your hands:)
Brooke says
I wish I had the energy to do this along with you!
Annette Chase says
I have been on a cleaning out the house kick, and give you credit for being able to get so much done so efficiently. I have the tendency for starting the cleaning out, getting overwhelmed, then doing a rush job to get finished. Then being frustrated that the job didn’t get don well. This is especially true when I clean the kids rooms and closets.
karen b says
wow looks good…….I did my weekly cleaning jobs that I have to help make a little extra money.
Sharon H says
We moved this summer, and I did extensive de-cluttering – seriously. I am embarrassed to say I got rid of 165 pieces of clothing in my closet and cupboards. I went through every nook and cranny in my house and garage, and it was shocking how much I was able to get rid of. Still, trying to keep my house clutter free, and clean is still difficult!! Go figure.
april says
I cleaned out and organized by sons’ dresser and closet. Thanks for helping us stay motivated!
Crystal Storms says
Your ambition inspires me. Things always take me longer too : ) Good job pressing through and getting it done : )
Michelle Harrison says
Wow, great job! That stack of books looks awesome!
Suzanne says
I worked today = no cleaning
🙁 But I did vacuum and get some grocery shopping in!
Rhonda says
I got more done today than yesterday. I just wanted to sleep but had a Dr appt. then got busy. I can’t focus on one room. I kinda bounce around. I’m making dents but have much more to go.
Karen says
Not much house cleaning going on here this week since one daughter has strep and reacted to her first two antibiotics and now another daughter has come down with it. We will have to catch up on our house cleaning once everyone is well.
Jen H says
I am OCD about organization/a clean house. Sometimes I think it’s bad thing, but I guess I should be glad in a way that I love a clean house!
april edens says
Kudos to you for wanting to do this publicly! My dust bunnies are way to big to share via the internet!z2
Julie says
What a fun idea! Thanks for encouraging simple cleaning and generous giving!
Dita says
I need to start doing this each day! Thank you for always pushing yourself and inspiring the rest of us with your goals and goodness. I need to tackle my kitchen tomorrow. Good luck everyone!
Alex says
Great job!
Anne Hall says
Thanks for this challenge to clean things up in the house before Christmas brings more into the house! And thanks for the link to FlyLady to explain getting dressed to your shoes. 🙂
Joyce Bulmer says
I have to say that I really love this blog and how honest you are!
Ruby Showalter says
You are inspiring with all the cleaning you are getting done!! Great job! 🙂 And that stack of books looks pretty great too 🙂
Deborah Fisher says
I started deep cleaning along with you. Bedroom done, linen closet done. We are now watching santa claus 2 together right now but in the morning i tackle the bathroom. Would love those books.
Kimberly in NC says
Great job!
Barbara says
It’s wonderful you get yours kids involved in de cluttering. So important to start early!
Emi says
I never seem to have any time actually devoted to cleaning. I just pick things up when I am moving from one place to another. I have a box or basket in each room for items that do not belong there and a box by the front door for donation stuff.
Amber says
I am feeling motivated after reading your post. During Christmas break I’d like to tackle a room per day and get rid of a lot of junk and stay more organized. Thanks for the inspiration!
Reva says
So glad to see everyone working together to organize and clean up
Robin L. says
I wish I had knee-length hair…just sayin’. 🙂
Heather Vankooy says
I would love the opportunity to have some great books to start the new year off with!!
Sarah says
I think it is so cool that you are giving us your hand-me-downs. I LOVE hand-me-downs. Thanks for all the cleaning inspiration.
Laura J says
I would love those books!
Jen says
I see an Odyssey in there! I’d love to win the books and one of your journals:-)
Christie says
Would love to get our house organized. We are renting a much smaller space than we had before while we wait to buy a house. I am learning a lot about simplifying and needs vs wants. Thank you for the inspiration!
Ruth in N Z says
That looks like a great stack of books! A flying one day visit from the children’s grandmother this week helped me get the house much tidier!
denise says
I love how your family works together to do everything!
Anne Y says
Thanks for the encouragement! Wish I could get as much done as you…..my list is so long!
annie says
I vacuumed and mopped my floors today, even scrubbed the front door boot tray clean.
My favorite takeaway of this post was the ‘Time Budget’. For some reason, this time the concept really clicked with me. I don’t have to have a to do list 100 tasks long. All I need to focus on is a small block of time allocated to cleaning. This will be so grace filled for me. Thanks for the reminder!
Lizzy says
You are always so inspiring Crystal! And I noticed your Jonathan Park CD’s–we love those too!
Crystal Paine says
My kids have LOVED that series!
Nicci Ramirez says
This is hard work LOL 🙂 But oh soooo worth it! We are all so truly blessed! Now….I made room for these books just in case I win 😉
Alyssa says
I’m saving these posts for when I have the energy! I’ve heard a good trick is to make things a habit, one thing at a time, in five-minute increments or less. So take that extra minute to wipe out the sink after you brush your teeth. After a week, pick another room, add another small thing, like folding blankets or washing dishes (for 5 minutes!), and keep adding week by week–then, eventually, it’s not so overwhelming!
Thanks for the encouragement/inspiration. Your positive approach to everything keeps me reading.
Suzanne Edwards says
I’m trying to get as organized as you! I love your suggestions and am really trying to complete them with you 🙂 Thanks for everything!
Tracy Stevens says
I enjoy reading your posts. Just know you are not alone when planning on cleaning and it taking you Much longer than planned. When you post such things I feel like you are talking about me! Thanks again for all your hard work and sharing. Merry Christmas!
Nicole says
I LOVE the feeling of going through every nook and cranny even it if it doesn’t look much different it definitely FEELS different! Thank you for the motivation and the chance to win!
Julie says
I would love these books!
Jean G says
I love reading your posts and how you keep everything in perspective and so real! You encourage me not only in your organizational gifting but also in your love for others. Bless you dear Chrystal!
angie says
I am always inspired by how uncluttered your house is.
randi white says
What an encouragement it is “watcHing you go through your day” as you tackle this challenge! I am learning so much! I am curious, how does the reading to them while they do loom bands work? Are they silent the whole tim or are you really patient? I’ve tried reading like that to mine while there hands are busy, but it frustrates me when they start to talk over my reading…I’m trying to figure this out. Books on tape win. It doesn’t have a short fuse like mommy.
Crystal Paine says
They are — for the most part — good about being quiet while I’m reading to them. We’ve been reading aloud since they were babies, though, so they are pretty used to it. 🙂
Maria says
It’s always an encouragement to see that other mommies are busy, too.
Laura Oller says
I need to do this. Now is not the right season tho. 5 kids 6 yrs and under during Christmas season….just not smart 🙂
Julie says
The only cleaning that went on today in my house was lots and lots of dishes! It’s cookie baking day today for a cookie exchange party tonight. 🙂
pamela j says
I started pulling things out of the basement-oh my! Thanks for offering your books in a give away!
Elizabeth S says
No I did not clean or organize but I am going to start here in a bit. 🙂 Thank you for keeping us motivated!
Carrie says
I would love to win the books! And thanks for your inspiring posts–I enjoy reading about your cleaning projects. 🙂 Not much cleaning happening here since we have a 4 week old baby, but hopefully soon we’ll get back on track!
Jenny says
Look like great books! I would love to win them!
Jennifer says
Your cleaning and organizing post always inspire me to clean thru what I have and get rid of anything not needed. I’m amazed you all can live a truely minimalist life in your home. I’m not there yet!
Megan says
I wish I could clean and organize in 1 and 1/2 hours. I guess that means I have to much clutter. Thanks for the chance to win!
Kate says
Would love to win that stack of books! And maybe I’ll clean…. tomorrow! : )
Sarah Ann Wong says
Even if it’s too late to enter the giveaway, I just wanted you to know that I think it’s great you’re emphasizing organization to your children in addition to cleaning. They are probably well on their way to becoming great stewards.
Tina S says
I am trying hard to purge and organize my house. Seems like I have to do it two or three times a year.
Michelle says
I would love to win these books!
Angela J says
I would love to win this stack of books! I’ve been wanting to read Say Goodbye to Survival Mode for a while now especially!
Mimi says
I will just take the one about being Worn Out
Brenda says
Thanks for the chance to win this great pile of books.
julie zep says
Pick me
Annie says
Looks like some good books! I would love to win!
Michelle O. says
I had a goal to read 100 books in 2014 and I’ve exceeded my goal by 53 books! I love love love to read and since I’ve specified time in my day to read, well, let’s just say that I could never have read 153 books (so far!) in 2014 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win!
Crystal Paine says
That’s AMAZING!!! Way to go!!!
Kristen says
It is amazing how often you purge and still find stuff to get ride of!
Jill Smith says
Master bedroom and kids’ room are clean and organized. It feels great!
Laura R says
Okay… my momma brain now understands the part above with the linky thing. So, today I’m tidying up the post Thanksgiving and Decorate the tree messes that have our living room not as cozy (clutter free) as I’d like/try to have with a 5 yr old in the house. My plan is get laundry put away, start more laundry and finish restoring the coziness to the living room. 🙂 I’ve been working on the purging of excess stuff for the past month here & there… so this is extra motivation to do more & keep up. Oh – to keep up, my biggest challenge! Love your posts! Love to have that stack to read.
Cheryl Rogers says
I was able to clear out some very old and to small pajamas for my daughter. I have a nice stack of those, however I do need to go through the linen part of her closet, so many older items in there are not needed. Thanks for all your motivation this week!
Kristin A. says
Yay for you for getting these chores accomplished! Thanks for the chance to win!
Jessica says
I love to clear clutter! Way to go!
Cathy M. says
I would so love these books. Have been so down lately.
Vanessa says
I would love to win the books.
Amy Marshall says
I’d love to win those– especially the journal!
LaTanya says
I love reading your posts on organizing and cleaning. It definitely motivates me to work through one room at a time at my house. 🙂
Becky F says
I’m inspired by your kids’ closet! Would love to win a stack of books 🙂
LindaG says
This post encourages me to take on my children’s closet, it is super packed with things to toss, sell or bless others with.
Venesha says
Your posts always motivate me to do better and show me that the little things can add up very quickly!
Susan in St. Louis says
Thanks for letting us peek into your life! 🙂 So fun to see how another family does things.
Another day of settling in over here…but we got our Christmas tree decorated without knocking it completely over, so that was something! This has been our most “difficult” tree ever, starting with when my husband cut it down. I think we’ll be happy to get through the season with no major mishaps!
jennifer A says
With six kids the cleaning never ends. Scrubbing indoor aggregate flooring. Eww.
Alison S. says
You are inspiring! 🙂 I had a work meeting this afternoon, but I’m planning on cleaning out my car (it’s bad! lol) and going through the kid’s toys.
Emma McArdel says
Only minimal cleaning today, dishes, laundry, and general pick-up!
danielle says
Not cleaning today but doing some christmas shopping! Would love to win the books. I already have two ppl in mind to share a couple of them with. 🙂
Audrey says
Great job! I’d live to know what your kids morning chores are!
corri says
Cleaned my room, but need to work on my dresser. It amazes me how a picked bedroom can change my attitude. If I could just keep it this way that would be good.
Stacia says
I cleaned the baseboards today. Any amount of cleaning feels good. As does reading…
Sarah Luce says
I just got a new dishwasher and it is such a huge blessing in my life. All my kids had a stomach virus yesterday but my kitchen still got cleaned! Yay!
Melanie says
Enjoying these posts!
Marie says
You are beyond amazing! I am hoping to finish Christmas card list and gift list today
Elizabeth says
Those are some of the books on my to read list! THanks for the giveaway!
Heart and Haven says
I didn’t get any extra deep cleaning done yesterday, but I did my part to not ADD to any clutter either. The laundry was washed & put away, in addition to the “normal” cleaning of cleaning the kitchen after meals, general pick-up of the house and kids cleaning up the downstairs playroom before bed.
I participated in a 6 week challenge, Project Simplify, years ago…decluttering/organizing every area of my house. It was sooo much work, and I thought to myself “never again!” would I allow it to happen. With that in mind, I try to keep every area organized with simple systems and only keeping necessary items we actually use. It’s not perfect (we have a family of 6 & 2 dogs!), but it doesn’t get too overwhelming either.
The other thing that has really helped our house is to have no toys in the kids’ rooms. All my boys share a room, so I use the downstairs bedroom as the playroom. It makes keeping their bedrooms much cleaner (with the exception of the occasional rogue toy going on a recon mission, ha!)
Pam says
Well, I did dust and vacuum which was really needed, but I didn’t get through everything in the main rooms. My son has a putt-putt course set up in our hallway, and since I’d rather encourage active play than have a perfect house, I just did what I could around it!
Natalie Schroeder says
I did MAJOR cleaning yesterday before noon, all my floors, my fish tank, and my bathroom, made bread with a friend and put up the Christmas tree! Thanks for all the encouragement to clean it up! I needed it!
Brandy Fisk says
I’m sick but, I did get all the laundry done and activities done with the kids. Tomorrow I hope to be feeling better and wash down the rest of the walls in the house and do a deep clean of the bathroom.
Valerie says
this is such a great challenge. thanks! I would love more books
Esther says
I am amazed that your kids help you when you clean out their rooms. Usually I have to sneak into my kids’ rooms and purge when they are not around. My 8-year-old wants to keep EVERYTHING he’s ever gottten or made (last summer’s VBS crafts, old stuff he built at Lowe’s, etc.) He gets very dramatic when I try to throw that stuff away. How can I foster a healthier attitude in him about releasing old stuff? Btw, I’m not a hoarder, so he didn’t learn this from me!
Michelle O. says
I ask my kids if it would be okay to take a picture of the item, then throw it out. Sometimes they want a print copy of the photo but 95% of the time they are fine with just looking at the picture on the computer. Even if they want to print out a copy of the picture, it sure takes up way less space than the original item 🙂 And you could always purchase a small inexpensive photo album that he could look through whenever he wanted.
Crystal Paine says
That’s creative!
Luda Hines says
Crystal, you are always such an inspiration to me. I like to keep my house clean and clutter free and it takes lots of work every day. I have three little kids ages 6, 4 and 2. So, our house doesn’t ever look perfect. But I learned that it is okay and is part of life. Thank you again for being such an inspiration! I need it!
Amy P says
It feel so good once it’s finished! It also feels great to get rid of things! Thanks for the chance to win that great stack of books and dvds!
Heather Schneider says
I’d love that stack of books! Good job on cleaning, wow could our house use it!
Rebecca says
I woke up not feeling well yesterday, so I didn’t get anything cleaned because I spent most of the day on the couch. After lots of rest, liquids, and some essential oils, I woke up feeling much better today. I’m hoping to help my daughter get her room organized today.
Deb says
I would like to win that stack of books! However, we rarely get rid of books ourselves. Tidying up a room always takes longer than I expect! (But it does feel good.)
Sarah says
It’s such a great feeling to have a room clean and de-cluttered. Girls can really stash a lot of trash…err treasures…in every nook and cranny!!
Luba Bowden says
Not sure if it’s too late to enter this giveaway, but can try anyway ))). You are an inspiration to be organized, intentional and real. Thank you for that, Crystal.
Jenn in Indiana says
I think this is a great challenge and it always amazes me what kids can hide in their rooms
Tay R says
I got some laundry done and cleaned out the hall closet.
Kaylee says
I did get a few Christmas presents wrapped yesterday, which has been a goal for the past several days.
Deana says
I did two loads of laundry and made a nice dinner. Good enough for me today!
Star says
I’ve been doing a similar deep cleaning too! I’m expecting #4 and everything fell apart during my first trimester. Right now I am feeling great and so I’ve been catching us back up. I’ve cleaned out and reorganized my pantry, coat closet, and master bedroom. I made and laminated new labels for all our toy bins. The other day I was spot cleaning my dinning room wall (with 3 kids it gets all sort of nastiness on it). I ended up cleaning the whole wall, then the baseboards, then the next wall, and the next… It was a whole lot of work, but felt so good. I’ve also been having our kids (age 6, 4, and 18 mo.) help more. Last week we worked together to clean toilets, sinks, windows, mirrors, light switches/doorknobs, dust, and vacuum. I’m learning that I can’t do it all, even when I try really hard, and to expect more from them because they CAN do it. We work together and try to make it fun! They are learning to work hard and if they don’t like cleaning, don’t make it messy! I kept reminding them about how good it feels to have a clean home. Keep up the good work Crystal! Cleaning out the clutter is soooo fulfilling!
Jenny says
I was excited to paint the trim in my house yesterday. Last night I started a smoky mess in my kitchen- and got a headstart on cleaning… today I’m doing more smoky mess. Wait til you see how this turned out.
Kelly S says
I am inspired by the minimalist environment in the kids’ room. We didn’t whittle down that much, but watch out kids! I know what is going on my goal list for 2015!!
Catherine says
I’d embrace that stack of books! I so rarely read for myself these days and I would be thrilled to tackle those titles.
Rhoda says
It was encouraging to see how few clothes are in the closet. Do you actually get by with such a small amount, or do you store in the dresser? I know I need to really thin out how many clothes we all have.
JJ says
I cleaned two kitchen drawers. Does that count?
Jamie says
I love the challenge and really need it at my house too!
Cari says
Looks like you got a lot done. I’m feeling motivated to get straightening my house! 🙂
kim says
today’s task is the closet when we finish school! clean spaces feel SO good!
Linda Martin says
Thanks for the great giveaway. I love your blog.
Elizabeth says
Congratulations on your cleaning and organizing! My room could use an overhaul but I haven’t made the time to do it yet.
Mel says
Thank you for the decluttering inspiration. I have three GIANT boxes of old baby clothes to go through, but it’s such an overwhelming task for me. You gave me the motivation to just take a small step. Thank you!
Mitzi Limburg says
Love to read and I would love to share some of these with younger Moms!
Olivia Mullins says
I wanna win them!
Amy says
I would love to read those books! I already have your 2 books, so I could give those to my sister. 🙂
Jenni says
No cleaning for me today…I am down with another virus, but we managed to get a decent amount of homeschooling done in spite of me being sick, so that is a victory.
Carla says
I actually did the kitchen today and hope to do the dining room tomorrow!
Hannah says
It’s always super fulfilling to find stuff to get rid of when cleaning. I’m going to tackle cleaning my bedroom I share with my sister today. Hopefully I can find some things to toss too.
Kristina says
Would love some new books for Christmas ! Also I really enjoy these “day-in-the-life” posts with photos.
Lauren says
You are so inspirational! Seriously – you just motivated me to get my butt off this couch and make a dent in my cleaning! Thank you for the kick in the pants that I needed today. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Yay! So glad that I could be an inspiration!
Judy says
I would love to win 🙂 I’m always looking for new books to read. Thanks for offering, Crystal!
Kristen Zannino says
You’re ahead of me even finishing behind schedule each day – I’ve done no additional cleaning this week!! Still appreciate the challenge though, and would love to win the books. Thanks for all you do!
Rebecca says
DVD’s and one year olds do not mix well. They are pretty pictures to look at, not things to stay organized. 🙂 I do like the baskets you use to organize your CDs and DVDs in.
Julia says
I would love to win! I’m a bit of a book hoarder but that’s what you get with an English degree I guess. I’ve really enjoyed your blog and book (though I am slowly working my way through it). Both have been a great encouragement to me right now in the chaos of work, a 2 yr. old, and life.
Amy says
I spent some time taking work stuff back to the office and organizing there. Always good to sort and organize. Saves so much time later.
Keli says
It is amazing how messed up those DVDs and CDs can get. I hope they can stay organized. 🙂 My daughter will follow the plan for a bit and then the mess returns lol.
Denise says
This is a never-ending job!! Kind of like shoveling while it’s still snowing…LOL!! I do know the years go fast, and one day {like the song says} “I’m gonna miss this {mess}! I’m gonna want this {mess} back!” So somedays I choose to ignore it, other days I go “crazy momma” and make everyone help me clean up clutter!! On the days I ignore it, I love to read!!!
Rachel says
Loved spying “Adventures in Odyssey” and “Jonathan Park” in your collections. I have long hair and have started putting a little bit of conditioner on the ends of my hair and leaving in after washing. It seems to make it easier to comb later.
Jessica says
Great job on the closets!
gloria says
Looks great! Now relax
gloria gouse says
Not sure where you get all your energy from!
Deanna says
I’m in the middle of re-reading “Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life” and wow is it thought provoking even the 2nd (or 3rd) time around.
I love the “spring cleaning challenge” I’m doing my bathroom today since our bedrooms were cleaned over the weekend.
Katie says
Books make awesome gifts!
Heather says
Love this, progress comes in so many forms!
kasey says
love your posts!
Laura says
I was shocked to find out that it took me almost an hour to clean and organize the tops of our dressers today–yikes!
Lindsay says
I really enjoy reading the posts you do yourself.
It’s disappointing that most of the people who’ve linked their posts to this one don’t seem to have written anything about the challenge – I think you’re being taken advantage of here!
I would love to win the books, but I’m in the UK, so won’t rate my chances – hope whoever gets them will be delighted.
Blessings
Lindsay
Crystal Paine says
Thanks for mentioning that. I’ll go check the links posted and delete those that aren’t related to the challenge.
Diana Campbell says
I would love to win.
Carrie says
Would LOVE to win. This post is a real inspiration.
L.L. says
I just moved into a friend’s house and helped her husband unload the dishwasher and learned where everything goes!:)
Michelle Reed says
I would love to win that stack of books…Merry Christmas to me!
Meredith says
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement with these posts!
Crystal says
I dont even want to attempt to clean my kids’ rooms like that right now! Is ignorance really bliss?
Heather Watson says
You inspire me to do the little things around my house and in my life. All these little things add up. Thanks for what you do!
Terri White says
I love, love, love how you involved your children in this project! I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and today we are going to work on cleaning and organizing their rooms!
Megan says
Thanks for the giveaway and the cleaning inspiration. I’m tackling my fridge today!
Julie says
With no school for the second day—tomorrow doesn’t look to like they will go either—we are just doing the basic cleaning and enjoying the snow day by playing,finishing up decorating the tree and doing some school work. Hope to win the books–I love to read but don’t always get time or opportunity to get new books !
Lisa says
I love the post and the photos of the “before” and “after.” Thanks for the motivation and encouragement!
Sara says
Cleaning right along with you. I would love to win the books!
Kim J. says
Thank you for sharing your posts. I got ambitious this fall and cleaned out my closets and purged a whole bunch of clothes and such so I’m pretty OK other than the pick-up of unworn clothings and shoes back to the closet. I would love to win books… I need some new reading materials.
Becky says
Thanks for the opportunity to win. I’m really hoping just for the gratitude journal, everything else would be a bonus!
Charity says
I love a clean and organized house!
Jen Smith says
Today was tackling the two travel bags that have been left unpacked since before Thanksgiving! 🙂
Jen says
You are so inspiring! Would love to win some books. We are getting back on our feet today after a stomach bug, so I’m still working on my list from Monday!
Mallory says
This stack of books has several titles that I think my sister-in-law would enjoy – and I just drew her name for Christmas!
April says
I have to say how much I love this blog, mostly because it reminds me that I’m not the only woman in the world that gets lost in clutter sometimes! I have two littles (ages 3 and 2, youngest with special needs) so I get too busy at times to keep up with everything. Thanks so much for encouraging me to get these things done that I know I need to do!!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so grateful that this series (and my clutter!) is an encouragement to you. You are not alone!
Jessica says
I just love your honesty! I’ve had family in town for the last week and have more coming in tomorrow. Small goals like this help make “eating the elephant” a bit easier 🙂 And that gratitude journal…I’d LOVE to win that!
Nikki Strong says
Wonderful job today! I need to get in and help my kids get their rooms organized. We moved in a month ago and it seems like we will never get unpacked. Would love to win the books!
Kristi Gestl says
Thank you for the inspiration! Decluttering in my home is a continuous process, but I love doing it before Christmas.
Summer says
You have inspired me! I am onto my kids room. YIKES.
Sonya J. says
l am loving this series. We are trying to clean up for Christmas. My kids are on board and really helping out. They are a bit older than yours but training them from little up has been such a great help. My daughter (14 years old) deep cleaned our bathroom and got every nook and cranny! It is so nice that they can just jump in a tackle those bigger jobs. My son is 12 and his legs are hollow! He could eat ALL-THE-TIME!!! He is skinny as a pole! I have no idea where he can put all that food! Thanks so much for encouraging us to clean up!! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
KristenW says
Would love to wIn those books!
Mary says
Thanks for the entry. Would especially enjoy the journal!
Deanna says
Love it and great stack of books!
Mary says
Looks like a great set of books!!!
Jennifer says
We are in the process of decluttering, too. It’s a process, but feel accomplished with every baby step!
Kelly Hess says
I would love some new reading material!
rhonda kovacs says
Thanks so much for sharing. What is so special about what you are doing is not really about today but what an impact you are making on your children’s lives forever. Including them in the cleanup and helping them to take pride in their room ( stuff ) is life changing. I have been involving my son ( who is now 14 ) in cleaning his room since he was very young. I never get rid of anything without his approval whether to donate or throw away. I have taught him to take responsibility and pride for all of his stuff. We always start out with the same conversation, if you aren’t using it someone else could use it and God wants you to share what you have with others. IWe discuss that everything comes from God and it belongs to him on loan to us and it is up to us to use what we have wisely and share what we aren’t using ( our stuff, time, talents ect ) Hopefully alot of people will see your website and get their children involved helping clean their rooms and their homes and take pride in what God has blessed them with. I would love to win those books, but if not they were meant for someone else. Have a blessed and highly favored day. Thank you , Rhonda
Crystal Paine says
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
Crystal says
I know that you wrote once what you were using for homeschooling now but I cant find it! Can you tell me again 🙂
Thanks!
Lorenda Oberholzer says
Noticed that less is very attractive and manageable! Your pictures inspire me.
Beth says
I just did a big swap night with friends. We were all purging before the holidays, so we met and raked through each other’s items before we donated all the leftovers. It was AWESOME!
Brenda Nyberg says
Would love new books I will share!
Jennifer says
I’m going to need everyday between now and Christmas to finish cleaning my house. But, considering in-laws are coming next Thursday, I/we better kick it into overdrive!
Amy S. says
Thanks for the chance to win.
Jen Arnold says
Thanks for the inspiration and for being so real and encouraging to better ourselves!
Rachel says
Nice work again! And wow am I excited to see the T-Tapp resources in the stack – I would love to win! Those and your book and journal, as well as Ann Voskamp…. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Carol@simple_catholic says
I don’t need the books but I had to respond to your comment about Silas. I totally think the frequent eating is a “boy thing!” Ever since my son was young, he has needed to eat something every two to three hours. If he doesn’t, he comes to me, quite dramatically, and announces that he is absolutely starving to death! LOL! He is nine now and he still eats every couple hours. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Glad to know I’m not the only one with a boy who seems to always be hungry!!
Leslie says
I need to get through my kids room. This is great motivation! Thanks!
Jamie says
I’d love to win those books! Great job on the house. This is a challenge I really need to jump into myself right now.
Beth says
I love your site. You have so many great ideas and useful tips. Would love to win those books. Thanks.
Rose says
Thanks for this; I didn’t even think about precleaning for Christmas. It’s the perfect time to clear out the unwanted toys and make room for the new stuff. I have three kiddos so it gets pretty cluttered around Christmas. Thank you!
Tina says
I would love to win the stack of books.
Kathleen says
I just found this but will jump in. I need to start somewhere!
jeannie says
I was only able to get my living room vacummed and the kitchen straightened up.I had a busy day helping my mom with her Christmas shopping and cleaning her apartment for her.
Sherri says
Worked in the closet and got a huge bag of clothes to donate.
Tracy S. says
Wow! I need you to come to my house! Lol
jenn says
Pick Me! 🙂 I’d love to win what you read!
Krista says
Great job, crystal! I love how your whole family helps with the chores!
Sarah P says
Being 8 months pregnant cleaning is tough. But when I woke up at 3:30 this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep I got up and loaded the dishwasher. That counts for something, right?
Crystal Paine says
I’m impressed! And that totally counts for something! Way to go!
Ashley says
I would love some new reading material!
Meagan says
I didn’t clean yesterday, but I did get a good start on my Christmas cards. I’ll be home tonight and will get the kitchen cleaned.
Diana says
Looks like a great stack of books!
DelRae H says
OOO I see so many things in that stack that I would love! Thanks for the giveaway!
Christine says
I have hair very similar to your daughters and the brush shown has tiny little balls on the ends of the plastic bristles that get caught in my hair. I use a brush without those. They sell them at Wal-Mart and you have to look because most of them have the tiny balls on the end. Thought this might help.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for the tips!
Yanira says
Oh this would be great!! My oldest just got married, and there a few books here that will greatly help her. Thank you for all the encouragement. Sometimes, it gets to be so overwhelming, but even in your struggles you encourage.
Christine says
I had two appts. and spent about 6-1/2 hours in town doing errands, etc., so didn’t get much of anything done on the home front.
Shanna B says
Thank you for being so real! 🙂 I am truly inspired to tackle a closet or two…or more! (I too am overly ambitious at times!)
HoosierMom says
Since we just moved, my decluttering and cleaning consists of tweaking the closets I just organized and finding a few items to get rid of. Too many baby clothes, mostly.
Today I was shocked at the happy surprise of finding a completely empty smaller cupboard in my kitchen! How could I not have known this?
Debbie says
I NEED to join this Christmas house cleaning, but still have progress reports to complete (for our homeschool cover), appointments and I am preparing my son to take the ACT on Saturday. Next week should be less busy. 🙂
Connie C. says
I love this series, and how you are keeping it real! Thanks for sharing and inspiring me!
Tina Sawyer says
I always love hearing about others cleaning and organizing, inspires me to do it too!
Ann Marie Knapp says
I’m loving taking the time each morning after breakfast to work on our home. I work from home too, and I tend to get caught up and immersed in working, while neglecting myself and our home. No more! I printed one of your daily schedules and must say I really like crossing things off! Thanks for all you do Crystal – PS I saw you in All You magazine yesterday . . . how fun! The recipe looks amazing too – i have several jars of dried black beans to use up so this was perfect timing. God Bless you! Ann Marie 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
LauraLynn says
You are such an inspiration! I enjoy reading your posts!
Millicent says
Would love to have these!!
Christine says
I decided I was going to organize the kitchen/pantry the weekend after thanksgiving. Turned into a week long project! But it is such a good feeling and so much more pleasant to prepare meals now.
Rachel says
I love how minimal your kids’ room is. I would love to have our house to be clear of stuff, but I think that my hubby and kids would revolt. I am not following along right now as we are dealing with a new autism diagnosis on my 2 year old and the some school issues with my 5 year old, so life has been pretty chaotic. Hoping to do a big purge in January though.
Amy says
Thanks for the motivation! I need to refill my “tank” and would love to win this stack of books! “Worn out woman” is jumping out at me, as describes me to a T these days!
tina says
Thanks Crystal! This is so nice!
Sarah A says
Yesterday I commented that I probably wasn’t going to join in the deep clean, due to being in a busy season of life and giving myself grace, but seeing all these posts just might change my mind! 🙂 I love an organized closet and room. Kudos to you!
Miranda says
Such a good idea to clean out the kids rooms before Christmas! Now they will have room for new treasures! Thanks for the giveaway.
Malinda says
Following along to get my house in order! 🙂 Would love to win these, especially your Blessing’s journal it’s on my “I want list” 🙂
Bianca says
What an inspiration! Great job!
Angie says
great giveaway!
debbie says
Another Ann Voskamp and a Gratitude Journal! Thanks for the chance to win!
Sara E says
This inspired me to tackle some closets tonight after work! These books would be so great to win!
Jessica says
I would love to win a copy of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, I keep checking out the copy from our local library lol.
Katherine says
I grabbed several unloved toys to get rid of. Small step but everything helps!
Kristen says
I was inspired to get rid of some things last night and ended up taking a box of clothes to Once Upon a Child and made $43! A nice unexpected way to supplement our Christmas budget 🙂
chantel says
Would love to win those books!
Laura in NC says
Would love to win!
Rae says
Thanks for being a ‘real’ example for all of us. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Jennifer B. says
I did manage to tackle quite a big stack of dishes! We don’t have a dishwasher (well, actually we have two – my husband and me!), so it takes FOREVER to hand-wash a full sink of dishes after a good day of cooking. I washed until my back couldn’t stand it (at 4 days past my due date – any day for baby!), and my husband tackled some more when he got home. Would you believe there are STILL dishes in the sink? Oh well, it’s progress, right?
Leslie Bailey says
I started to clean house this evening after work since my Mother-in-Law offered to watch the baby. It was going great until my husband came home and suggested a date night… something we haven’t had in months! Hopefully I will get some more progress tonight after the baby is in bed!
Donna says
So what system did you come up with to try to keep that CD mess from happening again? We have that problem, too.
Laurel Milam says
I’m hoping to clear off the rest of the end table today so we will have a place to set up our Christmas tree.
I’m always up for more books!
Chelsea says
I just went through my little mans closet this last weekend and cleared out a couple things but my girls closet is scary!!! How did we get so much stuff!?!? I need to figure out a way to cut it in half! Wish me luck!!!
crystal says
Crystal,
My daughter and I both have hair to our knees, and mine is very curly so it can be very tangly at times. I usually brush mine out while in the shower while it has conditioner in it then it is a breeze once it has been rinsed.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for this tip!
Amber Jones says
I appreciate the one room a day approach. Keeps Mammas from turning into Monsters because they are overwhelmed under their own unrealistic expectations and prevents unkind words and attitudes towards our loved ones. Thanks for setting a good example.
Rachel Rose says
Thanks for the entry!
Kayla Lowery says
Love this 5 day cleaning challenge! It has motivated me more to get everything in order for Christmas and am going to tackle the coat closet today!! Thanks again for all your helpful tips!!
Jaime says
You’ve definitely inspired some winter purging here! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Susan says
Crystal, Thanks for being real!!! Thanks for your encouragement to tackle the tasks we most dread! And I noticed your post began with the word Y’all 🙂 We southern girls can now say you are one of us! Merry Christmas!!!
Denise says
Thanks for the motivation. We are deep cleaning the kids rooms soon. We just have to get through the high school exams and then we can clean on the weekend before Christmas
Dana says
As I am recovering from a hysterectomy, I can’t participate in this challenge right now. My husband and doctor would both shoot me if I started a deep cleaning project one week after surgery! However, reading this plus sitting down really looking around at my house has prompted me to start making a list of all of the deep cleaning projects I want to get done after the first of the year, when my lifting restrictions are gone! Also, I have to admit there has been something kind of nice about being forced to sit, to slow down at this time of year. Nothing like major surgery to make it easy to say no to being overbooked!
Jo Marie says
i didn’t clean a thing! I always devote January as my big month of cleaning and organizing! I’d love those books though
Julie says
I had planned to drive my husband to work so I could have his car today. But the kids (who are generally up with the sum) slept in. I didn’t want to wake them, so hubby drove himself to work and we were “stuck” at home all day (it was delightful). We enjoyed a long book marathon, cleaned up behind the computer desk (dust-o-rama!) and baked some bread together. Great stack of books!
Monica says
I love to feeling of a clean house! I just finished our garage!
Robin says
Great job keeping things clutter-free! Your children are blessed to be learning these skills at such a young age.
Diane says
Thank you so much for your inspiration. I am cleaning up the living room to have enough room for the Christmas tree!
Kandace says
We’ve been purging before Christmas. Several bags to take to Goodwill. Feels good!
Heather Clark says
Oh my goodness! These books would be such a blessing right now! I am pregnant with my third child and am on bed rest. They would sure help me make good use of the time.
Jennifer S says
I love to read new books! Would be so excited to win these books!
Tina Clum says
Great job. I love your clean along posts, they are so motivating.
Angel says
Thanks for sharing your day and for the giveaway. I’d love to get some actual books. I’ve been skimping and only getting the less expensive ebooks (for free mostly), but I do miss having a new to me hardcover…
Tiffany says
It sure feels nice to declutter. I’ve been tackling our main living spaces this week. p.s. Would love to win the books!!!
Michelle F. says
Would love to get the blessing journal! It’s fun that your doing little giveaways with your challenge! 🙂
Carolyn says
Today I cleared off our back porch or the location better known as Goodwill just closed I will take this later, oops 6 weeks have passed. Looks so much better to have the stuff really gone!
Kristi Cary says
I didn’t work on a specific room. We’ll be doing a toy pick up tonight. Since that has spread across 3 rooms now… sigh…
Tracy says
Yesterday was so busy for me that the only thing I had time for was to clean the toilet in our bathroom. My son helped clean off the Island in our kitchen. I am just glad we will be slowing way down the rest of this week and can get more done.
Thank you for the chance to win the books.
Melissa says
Haha I also find myself thinking when was the last time I washed my hair. Most weeks when I think really hard the response in my brain says,”ewwww gross its been five days!!! Maybe I should wash. Nahhh I will do it tomorrow for sure!”
Maggie says
If this is your “messes,” you surely don’t want to see my home! 🙂
Karyn Nixon says
Today was a good day for cleaning and organizing at our house! 🙂
Connie says
You inspire me to do more ! Thank you!
Melissa Johnson says
I am trying to clean up the house for Christmas but I am behind since I am feeling under the weather.
domestic diva says
Doesn’t it feel good to organize things? I love it too.
Thanks for the chance to win the books.
Stephanie says
Keep up the good cleaning work it will pay when you have a clean clutter free house to enjoy Christmas in:D
sarah says
Big accomplishment For today– plastic on two of our draftier windows
Lora says
Thank you for the chance to win the books, also for the cleaning-challenge series!
Bridget B says
Such good books. I would love to read these.
Jennifer K Powell says
Crystal, I’m continually inspired by your minimalism and keeping your kids involved with cleaning and organizing. These are things that need to happen in our house! Thank you for a chance to win the books!
Allison B. says
This might seem a strange question, but maybe other are confused as well, so it is worth asking: we always (my four small kids, husband and I) wash our hair every single day in the shower. Is there some reason/rationale you wouldn’t just wash your hair (and have your kids wash their hair) in the shower every day? I might be missing something here, so I am eager to find out….Thanks for this series of posts, Crystal!
Crystal Paine says
My kids are still learning how to wash their own hair… so I mostly still wash it for them to make sure it happens thoroughly. 🙂 We don’t wash hair every day because it takes extra time to do so and, from what I’ve researched, you don’t need to wash your hair every day — just 2-3 times per week is plenty. I’m all about cutting down on effort wherever possible. 🙂
{I have to blow dry my hair after washing it and that takes an extra 20 minutes, so I only wash my hair 2-3 per week — or sometimes fewer, like this week! :)}
Amanda says
As someone with tangle-prone hair, I’d like to mention that conditioning *before* washing (clip it up while showering) and using a ‘wet brush’ (or a clone) helps a lot. Seeing the round brush there is making me cringe a bit.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks for the tips!
Allison B. says
Thanks so much for the response, Crystal!
On another topic, have you ever considered writing more specifically about what it looks like (and the transition that has occurred over time) for you to be one of the bread-winners in your household? Based upon what you have shared about the history of your blog, the original vision of success was never as big as what it has morphed into over the years. Has that been challenging for you and Jesse, since you two are Christians and (presumably) share the view that Jesse is the head of the household? It may be too personal to write about, but it’s something I’ve wondered about. Thanks for your blog; it’s a blessing to many. 🙂
Margie says
Thanks for continuing to share your life and “real mom” moments. We’re in a super busy season with a homeschool dinner theater production this week and my daughter’s wedding next week. Yesterday was “all hands on deck” to get to the basics to keep things running this week. As a lovely friend of mine says, “Cleaning the bathrooms may not be pleasant, but not cleaning the bathrooms is more unpleasant.”
Kirsten S. says
I joined in your challenge and cleaned the kids room. Which meant the closet, the room just got new carpet so it wasn’t too bad yet. The closet was the catchall for all the stuff to go through while moving everything for new carpet. Thank you for this inspiration. I would love a chance at these books. 🙂
Melissa H says
I am most excited to win the book, already amazing.
Thank you for the giveaway!!
Tricia says
I’m taking two bags to Goodwill today also!
Keri Festervand says
I love this project! I have been kicking myself that things are piling up on me. I am going to pull a page out of your book and try this. I told my husband Monday (after stubbing my toe several times) that at least fifty things were leaving the house and getting donated this weekend.
Ashley N says
I organized the hall closet two days ago. I couldn’t believe how many old broken mops/dust mops and such were in there! And wrapping paper. So much wrapping paper lol.
Courtney says
Thanks for the motivation to clean! Today will be pretty limited for me as, in addition to a regular day at work, I have to pack for a 2 day business trip, leaving tomorrow. I hope to get the guest room ready today for family arriving this weekend. It shouldn’t be too bad, except my girls sometimes use it as a playroom, so I hope there aren’t any surprises!
Nikki H. says
We are prepping for a big deep clean starting in January and I am really looking forward to it!
Would love to win the books also!
Bernadette says
Yes, please!
Renee says
Thanks for your transparency and openness about how difficult it can be to do all that you plan, yet “regular life” gets in the way. My “decluttering” project yesterday was to get my desk cleaned off, bills paid, and all the paperwork filed. However, my daughter seemed to want to “hang out” with me yesterday, so I put her needs first, and am still working on the desk area this morning. I tend to feel guilty when I don’t get everything done. Thanks for the reminder that it’s ok! 🙂
Brittani says
I love this challenge! My day 2 was vacuuming the upper and main level of our house, laundry, decluttering packing boxes and their contents, and finishing the upstairs bedrooms. Being THIS prego it feels like a lot of work though our little guy was there to “help” (17 mo). It is so funny to see him wanting to help me so much while doing things around the house. My husband came home to a much cleaner house today and I’m feeling a lot less overwhelmed by our move into this house just 3 weeks ago! Thanks again for the motivation. I just bought and began reading your book and if I won it, I know just who is gift it to. Great book so far!! Take care and keep it coming!! (I’m on your blog juuuust about everyday – lol)
Heather says
Thanks for the encouragement to try once again!
Rebecca Scott says
I would love to win these books : )
Karen G says
I love how you detailed this post. It is motivating me to get busy and organize!
Teri Kleinsmith says
Always good to clear out the old before Christmas comes!
Robyn says
Wow! I’m inspired to tackle my closet! Great job!
Brooke Stohs says
I would especially love a copy of your blessings journal!
Krystal says
Thank you for the motivation!
Rachel says
We moved a few months ago and haven’t even touched some of the stuff (like big boxes of CDs) that we packed. Props to you! I get home from work and it’s just so overwhemling or there are “more important” things to do… one day. 🙂
Amanda says
These posts are so encouraging to me to stop thinking about time and just start and get something accomplished! Got through a bunch of stuff in my daughter’s room…finish today?!
sarah says
No deep cleaning… can I use 5 months pregnant as my excuse? After a LONG day at work I cooked meals for the rest of the week… did freezer meatballs.
Crystal Paine says
Yes, that is the perfect excuse… however, I am SUPER impressed with you. 5 months pregnant, working all day, and then coming home and making meals for the rest of the week?? You’re a rockstar!
heather says
I did my daughters closet I also want to just go through this whole house. The basement is going to be a huge project that will have to wait till after the holidays
Courtney says
I love how few clothes are in the girls’ closet! Oh, and I’ve found a wide-toothed comb works better on my girls’ wet hair than a brush. Not sure if you’ve tried that but it might be easier. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
For some reason, a comb seems to be worse. I think it’s because her hair is so thick and somewhat curly. The Wet Brush is the best solution… but it was nowhere to be found yesterday. I’m hoping we find it in our cleaning this week because it’s made our life so much easier. I think I need to put a tracking device on it! 🙂
Sarah says
Love new books! Yay!
Keri says
I love these kinds of posts-it encourages me to declutter! Would love to win!
Tracy B says
You are such an inspiration to me! I would love to win those books but especially your book! 🙂
Bethany Stewart says
My daughter is currently growing her hair out too. I hadn’t thought to keep it braided between washes. Thanks for the idea.
Joan says
You are inspiring me. Unfortunately, I was only able to tackle supper & laundry after I got home from work. Maybe tonight, I will be able to do more de-cluttering.
Wendy says
Looking great! Just when I needed some inspiration…December has started out with a few challenges!
Lori Linsmeyer says
I just love these posts, definitely my favorites! You have such a beautiful family!
Katie says
My goal tonight it to get our laundry under control. We traveled for Thanksgiving and my husband and I are both in graduate school AND work full time, so we have struggled to stay on top of our laundry.
Brandi Kovalaske says
Crystal I recently discovered your blog and enjoy reading it everyday. I just finished your book a money saving mom’s guide and purchased 3 more books to give as gifts. I found so much information in it i had to share. I have now started on the next book Say goodbye to Survival mode and love it so far.
Crystal Paine says
I am so grateful to hear this — and thank you for your kind encouragement!
Jodi says
Oh, I’d love to win these books. You have inspired me to clean my closets! And I have been wanting to purchase your “Survival mode” book.
Jeni says
I am planning to tackle my 4 yo daughters room today and I am afraid! Haha. I am sure it will take much longer than 45 minutes also 😉
Susan says
I would love to win these books for. Christmas.
Tammy says
On my list for today: laundry and kitchen cabinets and drawers. We’ll see how that goes…
Mary Anne Gilk says
I ended up getting our whole downstairs clean yesterday. Today it will be bedrooms. Thanks for the motivation. I have been needing a push to get it finished and it is helping me to not feel overwhelmed with what I need to do.
Mevitha says
We just moved into a new home..So I too am working on organizing and I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of time it takes to set things up. But some holiday music brings all the cheer.. I am listening to Peaceful holiday radio on Pandora.
Emily Nielsen says
I got caught up on several loads of laundry on Tuesday! That was nice to get done!
Would love a gratitude journal 🙂
Sarah W says
Yesterday I cleaned out my children’s toys in preparation for Christmas. I divided all of the toys up into four piles: keep out, put away in the basement (I do a toy rotation every two months), give to Goodwill, and throw away. It was amazing to see how full the bags to donate and throw away were!
Jennifer says
I love your ambition and enthusiasm! I wish I had the energy (or just someone to watch my two kiddos for an afternoon) so I could follow in your footsteps!
Amy says
I would love to win these books! I have a few of those in my Amazon wish list
Ashley says
I have been wanting to do your cleaning challenge, but have been sick the past 2 days. I thought I would start today..but now I am not so sure…lol only kidding 🙂 I would love the books! I actually just bought Say Goodbye to Survival Mode last week, and am a few chapters in and love it! I would love to pass it on to my good friend! All the others I would keep for myself! 😉
Deana says
You are an inspiration! Good job today!
Amara says
Looks like you are doing a super job with that pre-Christmas cleaning! It is always wonderful to have a clean heart-clean house feeling. 🙂
Pamela says
I should have started this project! Our closets need cleaned.
Jennifer O says
Great job getting the room clean. The one room that I dread the most is my boys’ room. Thanks for encouraging and motivating us!
Cj Strong says
Today we’re cleaning out the library. Would love to get these books to add to the library 🙂
margaret says
Day two of the house clean up before sunday school leadership meeting. I spy at least one book in the pile that I want to read! 🙂
Rachel B says
I need to declutter room by room. Thanks for the peer into your home!
Sue says
I learned that a comb works much better on tangles than a brush. A brush just makes the hair frizzy. Not trying to tell you what to do, just sharing what I learned with FOUR girls!
Jessica says
I’ll second this. I have a large toothed comb that is great at getting tangles out of wet/damp hair. Like this one
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QF4UYY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418221490&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
Also, as someone who used to have hair down to my waist, don’t skip having it trimmed. Split ends make hair extra tangled.
Danielle B says
My daughter Isabella wanted to comment on your post (we’ve recently started reading your blog together!) so this is actually her comment:
“I can’t believe you got all your CDs and DVDs organized! They look awesome! I’m trying to grow my hair out too. I like how Jesse looked up that recipe. Yesterday Mom and I made a new recipe. It’s called a “Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Smoothie”. It didn’t turn out that good, but it was still good. I also like it how your kids made those bracelets! They looked really good! My brother, sister and I are reading out of “The Jesse Tree” for Christmas. Have you read that to your kids? It’s really good. ☺️ Love, Isabella”
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for the comment, Isabella! I don’t think we’ve read that book together. Who is the author? I want to see if I can get a copy to read to my kids. And yum! Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Smoothies sound so good!
Danielle B says
The author is Geraldine McCaughrean. 🙂
Thanks for commenting back! Made Izzy’s day!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much! I’m so excited to discover that book! I’ve never heard of it before and it looks like one we’d enjoy!
Jasie says
Loved your post! Can’t wait to deep clean my house as well 🙂
Jessica Norris says
I am loving these posts! I did something similar a while back but only got through my bedroom. I desperately need to get back into blogging and get my rooms cleaned and decluttered! It actually makes me feel a whole lot better seeing your posts and knowing that even you (someone I really admire) have clutter that piles up. You’re inspiring me to go through my own!
Liesel says
Would love to win those books! Thank you 🙂
Elizabeth says
Would love to win the books!
Kathryne says
So many more fun books! Would love to add them to our collection! = )
Stephanie says
Awesome job. It looks great. I would love to be included in the drawing for the books.
Lisa says
Wow-good job!
Sharon says
Thanks again for encouraging me to declutter, and give to others!!!
nikki says
I’d love to know your system and rules of using CDs and DVDs to keep them organized. We definitely need improvement in that area!
Cheryl says
Love your site. I’m hoping you inspire me to get busy cleaning.
Kari says
Keep up the good work!
Misty N. says
Would love to win
Julia Moore says
Would love to win!
Nikki says
I’m loving these posts and getting a glimpse into your daily life. Now I just need to find my motivation to tackle my house haha! That looks like a great stack of books!
ginger p says
Would love to win the books! 🙂 Thanks for all the great posts!
Davonne Parks says
Their room looks great!
Jennifer says
I have the hardest time convincing my kids to get rid of anything. It took years for me to convince my now 12 year old to get rid of his Lego Duplo set by giving it to his YOUNGER BROTHER who would still be in the SAME HOUSE. Finally, it is a Christmas present from him this year.
sarah says
I’m inspired by your progress.
Beth Garrison says
YES! Dvd, cd, and Wii cases = nightmare. Organizing them will be a wonderful accomplished task!
Katt Conley says
Your day made me tired!! It sure is nice to get all cleaned up and prepared for the Christmas influx!
Janine T. says
inspiring. Now I hope to be inspired. ;). Finished my class Monday, work Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: today is the day!
Christy says
I have so much trouble clearing out stuff; just when I think I’m ready, I get sentimental or I think the kids will want it later. At some point I know I’ll just have to get rid of it though to make living simpler. Clutter is so frustrating…
Meghan says
Hope the cd/dvd system works!
Rachel says
I feel as though I go through and organize our closets all the time!! They just NEVER stay clean. I can organize but with my 4yr old, well, that says it all. Lol. I also share a closet with my baby’s abundance of clothes and blankets so when I’m in a rush everything usually falls over everywhere. And my husband’s closet. . .sigh. I don’t think he knows what hangers are for yet. Oh well, a mama’s gotta do what a mama’s gotta do. Service with a smile. 🙂
Jen says
I totally need to tackle my kids rooms. My girls share and it’s a disaster. And my son is such a boy, the floor is his closet. I make them pick it up once a week, but I really need to deep clean.
Danielle B. says
Good job cleaning! Books are the perfect rest and relax after an intense deep cleaning!
Jessie says
I cleaned the kitchen and dining room! So much stuff had piled up on the counters and table. Thanks for doing this series! It is really motivating me to get stuff done! 🙂
Yolanda says
Day 2 was very productive. I cleaned bathroom and laundry room (it’s been a long time since the laundry room was cleaned!). My daughter commented on how cleaned the room looked. On to Day 3…..
Beth S. says
I’m impressed. I usually just collapse after dinner 🙂 Way to keep going!
Kimberly says
Looks great!
MaryBeth says
I just finished a decluttering challenge about a month ago and thought I was ruthless but now I’m already finding more stuff to get rid of. Thank you for the motivation!!
Melody says
I love getting rid of stuff! The kids rooms look so nice!
Rachel says
would love to win and read these.
Terry says
I just love your honesty and allowing us to see the real you!! You struggle just like we do and that is so comforting to all.
Ginger Adams says
would love to win the stack of books. Doesn’t it feel wonderful to have accomplished your cleaning goals for the day!
Judy says
I’d love to receive this stack of books. I plan on implementing your weekly to-do’s after Christmas and this would be a great start to me reading list!
amanda nicholson says
Crystal, I love reading your blog daily and I have been following you since 2006! Its fun to watch your kids grow and I still reference your ebooks that I print out and keep for inspiration and guidance.
Crystal Paine says
Wow! Thanks so much for being such a long-time reader!
Kelli says
I need to do this with my younger son’s room. He always has books and DVDs scattered around. Sigh. I also need to organize his clothes.. he currently has clothes from all seasons and sizes stuffed into his drawers..not good!
Denise Terry says
Your posts are very inspiring…planning to do some cleaning of my own today!
Melissa says
Feeling successful! Cleaned my bedroom in the morning. Waited until the kids were home from school to clean their rooms. We got everything organized and vacuumed just didn’t do any dusting. Maybe I’ll have time for that today! Looking forward to another daily challenge.
Emily says
Dear Crystal,
Glad you got some cleaning done today. But please do not call your dinner “Chill Dog Bowls.” It’s probably either a three way or a cheese coney. Take it from a Cincinnatian 🙂 If you’re ever up this way to go to the Creation Museum or something, you MUST check out Skyline Chili. It’s the original Cincinnati Chili and it can’t be beat!
Tanya C. says
Today is my cleaning day – hoping to get two places done today since i’m a little behind, but we have friends coming over on Saturday so that is great motivation!
jess says
Love how you get your kids involved in clean up!!
Kelly says
Love your honesty and willingness to be real. Would love that stack of books.
Aimee says
These books look great.
If I tried to clean my kids rooms it would take at least an entire day. The boys rooms are not so bad but my oldest girl would like to save everything she’s ever touched, so cleaning there is always a large task.
Mandy says
I am tackling kids rooms today. Hoping to finish in one day too but it’s been a while
Miranda Cooper says
My daughter and I worked on her room and it’s looking much better. Still have some cluttering to do. Where does all this stuff come from? LOL
Andrea says
I’m so excited to finally be getting a new couch that the living room was tackled today for delivery Thursday,call me crazy but I kinda want to paint the room before it comes hmmm.
rachael says
I am so encouraged by this! Weve be decluttering the kids rooms
Ashleigh says
Yay way to go!
Heather says
I need to tackle both of my kids rooms too. My daughter is a “collector” of many things and it’s time to purge. Thanks for the reminder and motivation!
Emily says
Hey sometimes it’s just about getting it done at all and not getting it done exactly in the planned part of the day. I think it’s great your kids help out too!
Mary Beth says
I have just sent the kids off to school, so my day is just getting started…however, I am now inspired to get some things accomplished today that I have been putting off! We went out of town this past weekend for a wedding and I still need to put some things away. My main problem is too much stuff and little storage space. I know in my heart that I must “let go” and get my home in order, but it is a constant struggle for me. I also realize that I should get my kids more involved, and be a good example for them. Thanks, Crystal, for sharing and giving your readers inspiration/motivation!
Crystal Paine says
You are so welcome — and thank you for your kind encouragement!
Beth says
Great work! Have a great day! I did some work on our dvd shelves and our magazine rack.
Jill H. says
I love your blog!! Thanks for sharing all of your tips and tricks.
Amanda says
Last night I reminded my son how last year at this time, to make space for Christmas toys, he picked out a whole laundry basket full of toys to get rid of. I think we will do that today. I love purging! Thanks for the inspiration!
Kristin @ The Touring Camper says
Your closets look empty compared to mine! You inspire me to par down and live simpler! 🙂
Steph says
My goal today is to clean the kid’s rooms too. I know there’s things to toss and toys to donate (those under the bed they forget about) and there’s always too small of clothing items too remove. Would love a stack of books to enjoy reading once this cleaning is complete. Thanks
Trish says
I love reading your posts like this. So much honesty and “keeping it real”. I am always encouraged and it helps me in my daily struggles when I can relate to others. THANK YOU!!!
Leah says
It looks like another great stack of books! Thanks for sharing!
Pam says
Glad you found the time to clean anyway. That is my task today. The clutter is getting to me. From all over the house, not just the kids room.
alisha says
Looks great!
Annie says
Wow, the books look great. I would love some new reading material.
Kara Fyffe says
I love your honesty in these posts… and I have a question for you. With so much on your plate everyday, how are you able to get yourself to bed early to get enough rest? I leave for work at 7:15am and get home at 5:45pm. I rarely get to bed before 1am most week nights because I have so much to do and so much running through my head.
Lee Privette says
My plan is to organize my daughter’s room today, but she woke up not feeling great….we will see if it happens
Marshan Alma says
Lookin’ good!!!!!
Valerie says
Looking at your pictures makes me wish I could simplify around here. I think I’ll work on it slowly though, less of a shock that way!
Tara H says
I always love your posts about cleaning…I think because I like to see before and after pictures.
Dinah says
Organizing my closets is my goal for my Christmas and New Year’s breaks.
Amy says
I’m trying to get through the main areas of my house with the exception of my teenage boys rooms. Those are so bad – gotta wait until after holidays.
Jessica says
Keep up the good work!
Victoria says
I have seen Jonathan Park CD’s in your photos from today and yesterday. My children LOVED those too when they were small. My daughter (my youngest) still listens to them now and again. Great stories.
tiffany says
I think that’s great that Kaithlyn wants to grow her hair out! I can get very difficult taking care of long hair. My oldest daughter is 11 and she has hair that goes well below her waist! I have 2 more girls with near waist length hair and it can get tough taking care of it all. I have tried many different things to keep it from tangling so easily and the best thing I’ve found is coconut oil! I rub it in the bottom half of their hair after it s washed and partially dry. Works great!
Beth says
I need to get my motivation up and tackle my kids’ rooms, too!
Melissa says
How exciting- looks great!
Michelle R says
Would love to win this stack of books! Thanks for the inspiration to get me moving and cleaning!
Angie A says
I hate the process of cleaning/organizing. But love the final result. Also love to read when all that cleaning us done!
Laura says
Sounds like a busy day! I would love to have that stack of books. Thanks!
Crissie says
Great job!
melanie king says
i want that stack of books. 🙂 and i loved the feeling of clean and organized kids rooms!
tiffany says
I feel the same way crystal!! I did a few cleaning projects yesterday and have been posting about it and I have yet to get it posted! I guess thats how itgoes with 6 littles ones in the house! Ugh!! But instead of stressing it, I remind myself of your post to choose love! Thanks so much!
Alisa says
I worked on my craft room/explosion last night…not finished but I actually do have some floor!!
Ellie Wofford says
I’ve been having trouble getting motivated this Christmas season & your series has really been helping me to get going. I didn’t think I had time to get anything done yesterday because of a full schedule, but I managed to say yes to painting with my daughter & then she helped me to deep clean the bathroom! It ended up only taking just over an hour & we got some special time together, too!
Elly says
Thanks for sharing. Your transparency inspires me.
Jennifer says
We just had our third child two months ago, so I have been slowly trying purge/clean our house. Since I do in home daycare and homeschool, most days I don’t get much done beyond laundry and dishes. I focus small areas of one room until in get the entire room done. So far I have manage to completely clean our bedroom and the hall closet. Not too shabby since I only get about 15min per day to work on it.
johnstka says
I finally made some homemade marshmallows that I’ve been wanting to do since I saw your post last year.
Heather says
it helps me to know that even “organizing gurus” struggle with getting things done at times-thanks for sharing not just what you accomplished but a peek into the process
Ann says
We are moving in 9 days, so yup working on cleaning and packing a little every day. Thanks!
autumn says
As a mommy to a 4 day old and 2.5 year old, I could definitely use reading material for all 3 of us! My cleaning will have to wait though as the newborn is only a newborn once.
Amber says
I’m with you there! My newborn is 3.5 months and I’m only just starting to get back to cleaning… and he’s my first!
Jessie P says
This makes me realize just how much I need to clean out my kids rooms….and especially my daughter’s dresses! :/
Ann says
Cleaning always seems to take me way longer than I think too! I would love to win this great stack of books!
Cindy Earnest says
I wish I had your energy! I need to do this in my house. I am an empty nester and the kids have left lots of “stuff” behind b
Sara says
The organizing looks good. I have big brothers/big sister coming to pick up a donation of outgrown kids clothes tomorrow – so am excited to get rid of a bag of stuff.
Lori says
Thank you for your honest posts. It is really helping me get motivated to clean!
Kristina Stewart says
I’m going to tackle my daughter’s room on Sunday. Unfortunately, I think it will take MUCH longer than a hour and a half to complete…
Tina says
I NEED to organinze my kids rooms.
Rachel says
Yay for books! Would love to win these! 🙂
Kelly says
Would love to win your stack of books! Thanks for the opportunity to try!
Brianna says
Thanks for reminding me that even a little goes a long way. We host three Christmases and sometimes I get overwhelmed looking at the sheer amount of planning, cleaning, cooking, etc. I work full-time, but really, an hour a day can really go a long way if you are focused on the task at hand.
Katie says
I would love to win some books for Christmas!
Karen says
Ooh! I’d love to win the books! 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks for always letting us in to your life. It’s awesome to know us moms are not alone!
Danielle says
Love to see the progress your making. It’s inspiring! Hopring to finish both the MBR and at leat 1 childs bedroom taday!
Amanda says
You are so organized! I need to get myself motivated to do that!
Amy Dunlap says
I just decided yesterday to join a few of my colleagues at work in a reading challenge for next year: who can read the most books/pages through all of next year. These books would be the perfect start, as we’re looking to read everything from philosophy, theology, fun fiction, Christian living, memoir etc. With a new baby on the way in just 6 weeks I was afraid to commit, but I know how much my life will be enriched with more reading. I would love the chance to read what you’ve been blessed by!
Ashley says
This challenge has been a huge help to me this week! Thank you so much for posting it! I was beginning to get overwhelmed….
Abigail W says
Cleaning always takes waaaay longer than I expect it will, too, but that organized feeling is amazing!
Karen says
You make me realize that I really need to go through my boys’ room with them and clean out!
Lana says
It would be great to win the book stack and share it with my circle of friends.
Jaime says
Love your posts. I like seeing posts of yours to show that you have struggles just like all of us but you make the most out of your day.
Jacqueline says
I cleaned out my mail pile, filed papers, and deep cleaned one of our bathrooms.
Theresa Anderson says
Love reading how others spend there says – motivation and hope for me. We put the decorations on our tree.
Sarah says
Nice selection!
Kristan says
I kept the kids fed, alive and from hurting each other, bathed them all and got homework and reading and birthday cards made. For some reason simple things like this have been hard for our 4 lately, so I was happy, especially since my husband wasn’t home from work until they were in bed. 😉 Awesome that your kiddos get along so well!!
Mariah King says
You at least remind me that I should be cleaning;)
Julie Haldeman says
Thanks for sharing your real life with us….I don’t want to talk out when I washed my hair last either….
Linda says
What a fun way to get rid of a stack of books! 🙂
Mona says
We’re going to be moving in January and I really need to sort through stuff! No moving stuff just to throw it away when we unpack it.
Jennifer O says
I am in awe that you can find the time to be organizing during such a busy time as the holiday season! I’m definitely going to give it a try this evening! Great giveaway! I love love love to read!!!
Melissa says
Cleaning out the kid’s closests is on my list this week. I know it’s not normal, but I love to do it, because it’s a break from the normal cleaning routine and makes me feel like my house is more organized!
Bethany raub says
Love your website and love these daily updates. Motivates me and some days I need a little more motivation!
Mindy says
Try a WetBrush for your daughter’s hair! I got mine from a hairdresser, you you can get them at Target for under $10. It’s worth every penny for the hair-drama that has been prevented at my house!
Robin Y says
Love the photos and real life that they show! They are so motivating. Thank you, Crystal!
stephanie naumann says
Would love to read “Worn Out Woman”.
Tammy @ SkipperClan says
I’m doing a marathon cleaning session today, primarily in my office. I’ve been working lots of vendor events but they are done so all the totes of supplies need to be put away!
Charity says
My three-year old has hair down to her waist. Those tangles can bring many tears!
Natalie says
Great read! I’m now inspired!!
Melissa says
Thanks for being real! I have tried to be more realistic in my to do lists but still find myself not getting things accomplished. I have three boys, the 10 yr old is fairly self motivated and gets his school work done mostly on his own, the 8 yr old is totally unmotivated and more than a little ADD – i almost have to sit on him to get him to do school – and the 5 yr old likes school but, of course, has to have help. It seems like the day flies by and before i know it it is 4 o’clock and i need to get dinner started. After dinner and dishes and kitchen clean up i am beat and just want to veg with hubby or kids for a while before bed. Thanks for all the encouragement.
Nicole says
I’m 36 weeks pregnant, so there has been lots of organizing and cleaning out going on around here! Pregnant or not it feels great!
Ruth says
My goal today is to clean the kitchen & finish laundry. Sometime this week I have to wrap gifts for a family gathering on Saturday. I think though my Christmas shopping is done!
Dee M. says
Wonderful books! Cleaned my sewing room.
Brooke B says
Hope I am able to accomplish as much today. 🙂
Thanks!
Emily Engle says
Great job! It is great to see everyone helping!
Jen says
LOL @ “washed me hair”. It must be “Talk Like A Pirate Day”! 🙂
I went to work, made a grocery store trip where I found a good manager’s special on some meat and spaghetti squash, exercised with a mountain bike ride and chest/abs workout, showered, made a healthy dinner, caught up on some DVR shows, and readied an Amazon return.
Betsy says
I would love to win these books. Thanks for the inspiration to really deep clean some areas of the house. It felt great to get some rooms organized today!
rebecca m says
I love being encouraged to tidy up for Christmas. We have been sick so much this fall and are currently recovering yet again. I’m hoping to work on putting some order to the mess today.
Amy says
I would love those books!
Karen says
I love to read. Thanks for the opportunity to win this stack of books. I also really enjoy reading your posts on everyday life.
Mallory Hall says
Another night spent cleaning the office!! If that is the only thing I accomplish during this challenge it will be worth it! I have years of “mementos” – kiddo art, notes, souvenirs – that I’m organizing by year. After that I should be able to at least see the floor……..
Crystal Ganey says
Would love to read many of these, and yours of course!
Becky says
The hardest part is just getting started but once I do then hard to stop!
Jessica Bish says
This would be a HUGE blessing. Thank you.
Salina says
Your posts always encourage me and I revisit your site on a daily basis.
I wish my kids’ closets looked like your before pics. That looks really clean to me 🙂
And I would absolutely LOVE to win the books!
Raina says
Looks Great! How exciting!
Melissa D says
I washed 5 loads of laundry yesterday and out them away. That’s it. But I’m happy!
Becki @Running with Team Hogan says
We aren’t working quite the same as you in cleaning, but after living in our house for more than 4 years, we are working on the kids swapping rooms (and painting/redecorating). Honestly, I’m not sure what we were thinking doing this task in December, but I love that every single item in all the kids’ rooms is being sorted and organized. We are brutally cleaning out so that nothing goes to the “new room” that they don’t need or use regularly. I am looking forward to the finished project even if these in-between stages aren’t the best.
Erin verhines says
It’d be so cool to win those!
Sarah Hernandez says
Would love to win the books! I choose nearly all of my reading based on the recommendations you post. Crazy Love & Daring Greatly completely changed my attitude on life, and I feel that I’m a much more positive (rather than negative) person and that my life is more God-focused now!
Laurie D says
Kids rooms are always a big chore!
Becky says
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m in th process of “doing” our house as well as homeeding 4 and keeping on top of a Christmas schedule,(my husband is an Anglican vicar with 6 churches!) thanks for being real. And receiving a pike of books like that would be amazing:-)
Stacey says
This is a great series! I am starting on my house today. Thanks for the chance to win the books!
Carrie de says
My children share a bedroom and closet. My 9 year old daughter constantly has clothes on the end of her bed and a closet that is never put together. Their bedroom is my least favorite room in the house. 🙁
Megan says
I didn’t get my day two, aka cleaning my room done. Hopefully today!
Jerilyn Finger says
I am finding it challenging to get the house clean with a toddler running around. Trying to teach him to help with the cleaning.
Sara says
It looks like a lot of good books!
Sonja French says
I love your goals, in bite-size pieces! I have returned to the workforce this year, after 13 years home with little ones, and I need all the help I can get to keep everything going in our crazy household. Thanks for your encouragement.
Sarah says
Another great stack of books!
Lauren says
I have not started cleaning yet because it’s still really early. But I plan on doing a quick-clean of the whole house and then getting started on organizing and decluttering the whole house. My goal is to be done before Christmas Eve, when my parents arrive for Christmas!
Julia says
I swept and mopped all my floors! We don’t have any carpet, so there are quite a few floors to do!
Maple Corea says
I would love to win these books!!!
Andrea says
I am amazed at how much you’ve been able to accomplish, with not starting until after dinner! Even though things are going slower than expected, you must be feeling a great sense of accomplishment getting your house clean and organized before the Christmas season. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Brooklyn Zigler says
Would love these books! One of my biggest goals in 2015 is to work on myself! Only to be a better person than I was yesterday not to be better than anyone else!
Toni says
I filled two trash bags full of clothes to donate!!
Maura Rawlette says
Cleaning up the kids room before Christmas is a must!
Hope Meadws says
I’ve been following you for years. Thank for sharing it all – the good the bad and the messy
Mary Jo says
That looks like a nice stack of books! 🙂
Erica says
I always seem to underestimate how long it takes to organize my kids’ rooms!
Sally Lehn says
UGH! How I hate help cleaning up kid’s rooms…you NEVER know what you’ll find under the dreaded bed or hiding in the closet but…what a sense of accomplishment when it’s all done!
Kimberly says
We love books! Thanks for sharing your organizing triumphs!
Melinda says
The kids’ rooms are what I dread the most! I would do things so differently than they do. Leaving dirty clothes all over is the worst! And if course they’d rather not pick up! 😉 I’m so ready for simplicity!!
Maryalene says
Sounds like a productive day!
Jenny says
I also enjoy looking through the progress of your photos as it gives me ideas for things to organize! I painted trim and tackled a really messy catch all room in my house yesterday. Looking forward to something far more straightforward today– the kitchen maybe?
Courtney says
Love these post!! They are so motivating!
Dara says
Deacon and trustee Christmas dinner at church last night so still no time to clean! I’m off for 2 weeks at Christmas so I’m hoping to get a lot done then!!
Adia Williamson says
Thank you for showing us that we don’t have to be perfect. It’s a refresher especially for newer mommies like me. I tend to beat myself up a lot for not getting everything on my list done. But it’s not all about that. It’s always good for others to show their household so I can be encouraged. And I am!!
Meg says
Oh do I know the joy of the long hair! My 5 year old has never had a cut and there is no mention of it in this house or she will go hysterical. She has to have her “punzel” hair! We try to go for pony tails or braids cause one day of it being down means two days of fighting knots. (She’s a hard playing tomboy except for the hair, so you can imagine with two brothers what the knotted mess would look like!)
And yeah for cooking husbands! Hubby saved me after too much cleaning today by making spaghetti and letting me fall into bed at 7:30. ☺
Terry C says
Wow, thanks for the inspiration. I am going to start on my bedroom. Would love those books 🙂
Rebekah says
It amazes me how much you’ve gotten done in two days!! I desperately need to do these things in my house!! You’re inspiring me, and I’ll have to check out this challenge. Somehow I missed it. 😉
Nancy says
We have a lot going on in our family so this week is for giving ourselves grace, even though we’ll need to catch up eventually. I like seeing your progress photos. Maybe I should take some before & after shots in my living room
Nancy says
We have a lot going on in our family so this week is for giving ourselves grace, even though we’ll need to catch up eventually. I like seeing your progress photos. Maybe I should take some before & after shots in my living room
Jennifer says
We also cleaned or the kiddo’s room and found lots of items to share with another child. Looks much nicer!
Su says
I am enjoying these posts. Any tips on how to get my boys’ closet more functional? It is very, very narrow and hard to store anything. thx
Robyn says
Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been working on going through our clothes, and sending some in to Thred-up (I think I found out about Thred-up from you!).
Carrie says
Would love some new books! You have inspired me to get started on my holiday cleaning!
Stephanie says
I did get some cleaning done today. More things set aside for donations and threw away stuff that isn’t needed or not worth saving. Even trying to keep my kitchen counter clearer than usual. Of course I am writing this at 4am due to my semi-insominac 1 month old wanted to stay up and play tonight. I have been working with my kids to teach them the importance of cleaning and how to organize their things. It is a never ending struggle even for myself but with four kids now it is more important than ever to teach them. Thank you for being real about life and encouraging others!
Audrey says
I would love to win the books! Thank you for all that you do!!!
Shauna Janssen says
I’ve been working on the girls room. How do 2 little girls create such a mess?!
Kayla says
I did! Today was successful one for me. I cleaned out all of the clothes my boys have outgrown and a bunch of toys tbat aren’t be played with like I would like. Ready for Christmas!
Robin says
I have been working on selling off my stock of Thirty One items since I am going to stop selling. This process is suppposed to help clean up my basement area office/ storage / pantry but so far I think I am still in the make a bigger mess phase. I want to say once the weekend comes I will have it all cleaned and organized but I aalready know our to dos tbis weekend are going to take quite a bit of our time. Hopefully I can get at least some of it done. Trying to takle a little at a time.
Brenda Deibel says
No special cleaning today, although tomorrow my dresser is my goal, organize and get rid if stuff!
Smiles SM says
Thank you for the practical insight! I am really looking forward to the challenge!
connie says
Thanks for sharing! What a great stack of books (thanks for the giveaway!) and good job on a bag of stuff heading out the door…I always have an on-going bag for items we just don’t need anymore, sits in the garage and is often moved along quickly 🙂
Megan says
Tackled my bedroom closet today! Thank you for being so real and for your inspiration!
Lynn says
It feels like we are forever cleaning up the kids room! Glad to know we are not the only ones!
Melissa says
I made more organizing progress but didn’t find much to get rid of…maybe better luck with that will occur today!
Holly Kalton says
Love your honesty! Thanks for being real with not getting done everything you hoped for — love it! I appreciate your blog so much . . .
Angela says
Thank you for always being real. I truly appreciate it and thank you for always inspiring me 🙂
Alexis says
Thank you for being so “real!” You’re a great encouragement.
Karen says
Thanks for sharing! My girls’ room needs a big cleaning. I appreciate the inspiration!
Laura Knisely says
I didn’t get to any deep cleaning today-but I did some laundry and picked up all the common areas in our house. Hopefully soon I’ll get to those closets that never seem to stay clean or organized! 🙂
Uma @ Centsible Indian says
I cleaned the master bedroom and baby’s drawer tomorrow.
Uma @ Centsible Indian says
ha ha.. “today” not “tomorrow”. was talking to someone about tomorrow and entered “tomorrow” everywhere 😉
Krista says
I don’t so any deep cleaning just clutter pick up… Dishes away. The usual stuff!
Jessica says
Wow! You are an inspiration! I totally need to go through my kids’ closet now. 🙂
Tamara says
I am 61. 🙂 The memories of my mother washing my long, tangled hair, using Toni conditioner on it, and STILL struggling to brush it out!, then plaiting it to hopefully control the “rats’ nest” that inevitably resulted when sleeping or just daily playing, are still vivid! No other sibling had hair like mine and for years I considered it a curse! No more! I love my hair! Kaitlynne’s hair is beautiful and I hope she hangs in there until it’s “to her knees”! 🙂
Melissa says
I know you’re a minimalist, so I’m just curious how many outfits you have for each child?
Lisa Guyer says
WHat a blessing to your kids to be able to grow up with such structure and discipline. They will benefit so much from your teaching!
Jamie S says
I love your blog! It is so inspirational! 🙂
joyce says
No cleaning today. Took little one to school, got ready for work, took big kids to school, worked 5 hrs, picked up little one & took him to ST & OT. Went grocery shopping while he was in therapies. Came home & popped a pizza in the oven (it was that kind of day) & did homework with little one. Made Reese’s cup Christmas trees with the older ones. Got little one in the shower & bed, called my mom for her birthday. Whew!
Miriah says
I appreciate your blog so much! Thanks for sharing glimpses of your everyday.
Pam says
We didn’t get much cleaning done – but we did get 4 boxes unpacked and other tubs moved to where they need to be. No cleaning but a lot of progress in having an organized house!
stacy melton says
Thank you for the insight. I find myself desperately longing for discipline.
Lucy says
I’m late starting this challenge, but am planning on starting tomorrow!
Monica says
Honestly, I tried. I really did but with a teething toddler it did not work out as planned. He’s cutting four teeth and is miserable. He’s grouchy, I’m grouchy…but seeing the progress you made in one day makes me want to try again tomorrow to get beyond the quick pickup.
Crystal Paine says
Teething toddlers are HARD. {Hugs!} And give yourself grace, mama!
Christen says
Seeing the before and after pictures is so inspiring!
Charlotte says
I did some deep cleaning in the kitchen, but it needs more work. And a visit from the over the stove fan cleaner. My mother in law uses so much oil when she cooks that it gets bad very quickly.
Katie holden says
Thanks for being so honest in your posts! It’s so refreshing to see that we all struggle to keep up with our cleaning schedules sometimes. Thanks for sharing!
Tracy P. says
It must be a nice feeling to have such a clean child’s room. I’ve got a ways to go, but feel encouraged by your example.
Rhonda H. says
I realized this evening that college son will be home in 2 days for Christmas break, and his bedroom (aka storage room) is a grand mess – so cleaning and organizing was my project for tonight.
I would love to win the books to read while on vacation!
Tia Robertson says
I fell behind today too, missed my weekly Mom’s group meeting due to my daughter sleeping in (and I didn’t have the heart to wake her since we’d both been up all night.. just one of those things I guess!) While I was reading today’s post from you however, I managed to clean out our coat closet (which didn’t have a single coat in it…) and picked up my daughters toys from her day-o-play. Maybe better luck tomorrow- the rain is supposed to be atrocious!
Christine thatcher says
I’m glad I’m not the only
One starting my cleaning projects at 6pm! Better late than never
Leah Spencer says
Does cutting off bad lights from a fake Christmas tree count as cleaning? Then I’m in! 😉
Donna says
I tackled laundry and dishes (the ones that require hand washing had really piled up) today. Got through 4 loads of laundry and will have a clean load of dishes in the morning. Otherwise just trying to make it through the day.
TH says
Hiyah. I’m now stumbling across this so I’m not a part of the challenge but I did do my Christmas clean on Saturday. It took way longer than expected, did not involve actually putting up my tree but did involve 3 boys 5 and younger. My body, mind and everything else are still recovering, which brings me to the point of if you’ve cleaned your whole house my dear, you HAVE done your workout for the day 🙂 so the only thing you actually missed out on was the clean hair.
I just read the sample chapter for your book. I’ve had it sitting in my iBooks for a while but you know God’s timing is perfect. I’m very seriously and prayerfully considering taking a step back as 2015 comes around. I don’t feel like I’m doing that much tbh but i can really identify with that feeling of duress, being overwhelmed, a slave to a lacklustre life… I want to rediscover my Lord, revitalise my marriage, and redirect my energies so that I am taking the reigns on my life and it’s not taking everything out of me. And I want to write.
I don’t know of I’m still eligible to win your stack of books. That’d be lovely but even just to win yours would be a blessing because after all I’ve said above I really have no idea how to navigate the changes I wish to make. The guilt of abandoning things I’m committed to and the fear of not being fully engaged at all times is real, because then I have to think and face me, don’t I? Face the fact that all too often I hide from the secret place instead of hide in it.
Anyway thanks for sharing your experiences and welcoming us into your home. It takes a certain security to do so. Or maybe you’re just crazy. Or a little of both 🙂 which is all right. Have a great night. Er, day.
Crystal Paine says
I’d love to send you a copy of my book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, as a Christmas gift. Just email me your mailing address and I’ll pop one in the mail. crystal @ moneysavingmom.com {Hugs!}
Brighid says
Downstairs bathroom today! Really needed it, especially since we’re having company tomorrow!
Alicia says
Thank you for sharing this challenge! I’d love to win the books!
Elizabeth says
I love to hear how you get through your day, running your household and working from home. Thank you for sharing and showing that plans change.
Need A Nap2 says
I made our bed today, then my sick daughter took a nap in it. Such is life! 🙂
Elaine says
Got to the gym. Put up the Christmas tree. Watered and worked a little in the yard. Lots still to be done, but I am slowly working on cleaning and decluttering . Thanks for the chance to win the awesome looking books!
Kim says
Every time that I clean our kids’ room, we end up with a huge full trash bag too. Hubby and I can never figure out how that much trash worthy stuff sneaks into their room but I’m SO glad to know we aren’t the only ones!
Tyra says
I would LOVE to read several of those books! Thanks for the giveaway!
Julia says
these posts are so fun to read! As it goes I finally washed my hair this week… Tonight. Once my whole household was in bed.
Sarah C says
I didn’t. My husband was at home with the kids today while I worked my wage job, so he had dinner on the table. I did encourage the kids to pick up their toys before getting ready for bed, though, if that counts for anything 😀
Tomorrow, back to the SAHM thing. I’m sure I’ll clean plenty!
elisabeth says
I love your transparency and the photos of your progress.
Janine says
I would love that stack of books! I am a T-tapp fan 🙂 That 15 minute basic workout is perfect for me since I don’t have a lot of extra time right now.
Mariah says
You are an inspiration. Thanks for the real life examples – it helps so much to get ideas on how to make it work in my own life. I just love hearing what other people’s days are like!
Rachel Anna says
I didn’t get much done today, but I did clip some coupons from a stack of inserts that had been piling up, so I reduced some clutter that way! Hoping to tackle my bedroom closet tomorrow!
Lauren Tarquin says
i would love to win the books. Your reading choices always look so interesting to me.
Beverly G says
I did only a minimal amount of cleaning today, but I did hang some Christmas decorations which delighted my kiddos, especially the 3-year-old.
Jenny says
I like the idea of reading to the kids at the table while they are doing other things! I’m going to try that. I occasionally read to them while they are eating…. helps them to eat faster (I have one slowpoke), keep the TV off and not fight with each other.
Christine says
Wow! I briefly read your post on facebook this morning, and it did inspire me to start my Christmas cleaning but tonight, I totally got caught up & really into your blog. I found myself indulging in on everything. Thanks for sharing so much of your life, I’m sure your blogs help so many. You definitely have a new follower. Thanks again!
Crystal Paine says
Welcome! We’re glad to have you here!
Heidi H says
I can relate to the over ambitious. I didn’t complete my list today. Under estimated the time it takes to get out the next size clothes for 4 kiddos. One left to do tomorrow after school and a meeting. 🙂 We shall see.
Shaunta says
I’d love to read You’re Already Amazing. I need the encouragement as I’m in a rough patch in my home life. My 5 kids and I are making our way through Unwrapping The Greatest Gift…it’s wonderful. Today was day 9 and we haven’t fallen off the bandwagon. I’m so encouraged by our progress.
Nora Rodriguez says
Well it sounds like you got a lot done today! I’m working on Christmas cards for church and some homemade Christmas gifts. House is looking good here but try to keep up on it every night before bed. Plus going through something first thing in the mornings before I start crafting so I don’t feel guilty
Tracy Warrick says
Trying to do the same thing here, with Christmas coming!
jennybean says
I really need to clean the boys’ room tomorrow – we have a missing favorite stuffed animal and a tooth missing!
Robin says
Two bathrooms, picked up the kids room, cleaned the kitchen. It’s amazing how company coming makes you clean faster! Great book choices too!
Jenny says
Would love to win these stack of books, and your book and journal!
Barbie Reavis says
Your inspiring me to declutter!
Kaitlin L says
Loving these posts! I started in on our bedroom today after folding, ironing and putting away all of our laundry. I’ll work on kids’ bedrooms tomorrow!
Thia says
Kids’ rooms always take longer than I think they will.
Nichole says
Interested in starting the practice of giving thanks…read Ann Voskamp book. Learned today that it has to be practice to learn.
Courtney says
I hate that waning always takes longer than I plan! Especially the kids rooms; my kids are hoarders lol!
Busy Mama says
My daughter’s room scares me! I have tried to work with her to clean it, but she is a creative type and is forever creating something. And that, of course, results in schnibbeldy-dums all over the floor, over-flowing trash cans, disheveled craft bins, and… Why, happy songs as she works, a generous spirit, over-flowing love, endless smiles…
Why is it that I struggle so much with my daughter’s contentment and pleasure in her disaster? I need to focus more on the joy it brings her as she chooses to bring joy to others with her gifts of love, and not focus so much on the chaos I see.
Her room scares me and I worry about her ability to be a good housekeeper (she is 14), but I am thankful for the beauty I see from the inside out as she desires to bless others and glorify her Father.
Anne says
More good books. Yay!
Toni says
I didn’t get a whole lot of cleaning done today, but did get the dishes done before bed and vacuumed the main living areas. However, I had a lot of important phone calls to make and papers to take care of, and I even helped my husband fill out and submit his FAFSA application so he can hopefully start college next semester! Not sure how that will work out since he works and I stay home with the kids and homeschool (and babysit!), but I have faith that God has a plan! Your site has been such a blessing to my family! Thank you!
Staci Brown says
Hi Crystal,
My 7 year old daughter has thick curly hair and we have benefitted from using ‘The Wet Brush” on her hair. She will even brush through her own hair after washing. It is very gentle on the hair. I found it at beauty brands here in Topeka.
Crystal Paine says
Would you believe it? We bought one of those recently after hearing rave reviews and I couldn’t find it yesterday… which is clearly another reason why I need to be doing this deep cleaning of my house!! 🙂 We have found that it works SO much better. Now if I can just locate where it’s hiding in our house! 🙂
Staci says
You’re the best, Crystal. I appreciate your blog so much.
Karen Shelton says
You are always so inspiring! I love reading your blog. I’ve been making candy this week so my cleaning starts next week. It will feel good to get it over with.
The stack of books looks great. I would love to win them. I ordered 5 of your Gratitude Journals & then realized I forgot someone. Typical me.
Elisa says
You are inspiring me to clean more, for sure!
Laura says
I’m enjoying these posts!
Melanie B says
Those books all look great but I would be most excited to win your book and journal. I’ve been wanting them in particular! 🙂
Karen says
I love to see what books you and your family have enjoyed. This stack looks great!
Beth says
Glad you listened to your body and got more sleep. Health first the cleaning can wait.
Rachel says
I’m always motivated by your posts about cleaning – makes me want to get busy and start organizing!!
Beth says
Oh I wish my boys closet was that clean! I would love those books. I love books!
Chung says
I cleaned 3 bathrooms today. It’s exhausted but they are all sparkling clean now.
Karla says
Today I had a little time before work. I however, simply vacuumed and made several calls. Several I had been putting off. So, getting all of that done was a weight off my shoulders. I really do like when you blog about this stuff. It’s real life. Plus some of the little things, like dusting the lights/fans are always good reminders. I don’t always think to dust the top of the fridge and other things since I’m far from seeing those areas!
Heidi K says
I think it’s great you accomplished so much, even if it’s not what you planned. Sleep is important, though I usually don’t make it as high of a priority as I should. I didn’t get a lot of cleaning done today, but I did clean my bathroom sinks and do some laundry at the laundromat since our washer is broken.
Jessica says
OH, my goodness. It would take me forever to de-clutter my daughter’s room. She’s a “hoarder” and always collecting various items in all the nooks and crannies of her room. Recently, I slowly snuck out portions of her rock collection (which was just the landscape rocks from our backyard) over many many weeks. She had the lining her windowsills, bookshelves, desk, closet shelves. Oh my! Luckily, she didn’t notice as I removed them slowly and hasn’t asked what happened to them!
Jackie says
Nice job.. I tried to get some cleaning in today but I think I made more of a mess! haha I did get two packages ready to mail out and some laundry done, then the regular clean up after dinner at least.
Heather G says
I was bogged down by my dining chair reupholstering project, and didn’t get to any deep cleaning today, but I did get caught up on laundry, thankfully.
Kathy says
I need to work on my daughter’s room!! Thank you for the motivation!!
Carrie says
Great job with the decluttering. All the books look great, would love to win and read them all.
Jackie says
I am going room by room cleaning. Today was my day to get out. Returned a piece of furniture I was contemplating purchasing from a friend, dropped a bag of clothes for someone collecting items for needy families, finished wrapping gifts cooked and tidied up kitchen. Working on much needed order around here.
Yvonne Nisly says
My daughter and I both have hair “to our knees”. Good brands of conditioner are a huge help.
Becky Hurrie says
I’ve been wanting to read your book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Corey Lesko says
Love these posts! My boys room needs work!
Lori says
Usually by the time dinner is over I’m done for the day, I’m impressed you stuck to cleaning after dinner
Cindy says
Count me in!
Melody says
I’ve been prepping for my best friend’s wedding this weekend, so I’ve been focusing on that instead of tackling anything major. But I did get dishes done today, and though not huge, it was a victory for me nonetheless with two kiddos under 2!
Teri says
I’m so glad to see that I’m not the only one to over-estimate a realistic work/hour ratio for their projects. Our cleaning day got sidetracked by a spontaneous offer of help on a long overdue kitchen renovation, so now I need to refocus and pay attention to the cleaning again, instead of dreaming of the next fun step in our project! Thanks for cheering us on each day – and for not being perfect in the process! 😀
Katherine says
You should try ‘the wet brush’. It has made brushing my daughters hair so much easier!
Melanie says
I missed day 1 and 2 so we’re going to be a busy household tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing about your day. And thank you for the giveaway.
Miriam Gage says
Definitely inspiring to work on cleaning out and organizing all of our closets!
charity says
Thanks for keeping you commitments helps keep me motivated.
Cheryl Story says
I am so encouraged by these posts. I am slowly working through my house. Thank you!!
Kim Gibson says
You are such a hard worker! I would love to hear more about how you have such few clothes in your closet. I know mine are packed with things I might need “one day” so I would love to hear your strategy.
I would love to win those books! Especially your new journal. I am thinking of leading my Bible study to do something like that but don’t need to spend money on myself right now. One day…:)
Carolyn says
keep it up!
faith says
I always seem to underestimate the time it will take to go through and clean big projects!
would love to enjoy the books!
Lyndsay Withey says
We started in our living room tonight. I officially have my sewing table set up after waiting 3 years to find the space! We still have a lot more work but it is coming along.
Luba says
Great job, Crystal! I am slowly but surely getting some work done around the house. 🙂
Melinda says
I have been putting off my son’s room for far too long 🙁
Amanda says
I’ve been following you on facebook for a while but just started reading more of your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your day with us as it definitely helps me to put things in perspective! It’s okay to not get it ALL done? Who knew! Lol
Jennifer says
Sounds like normal life, right?
Brenda says
Such a good feeling getting part of you house cleaned.
Meagan Johnson says
I’ve been decluttering as well. Feels so great.
Beth says
Glad you’re healing and hope you continue to get the rest you need! Mornings have been challenging for me for similar reasons. The kids’ room looks great! I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from planning and hard work, even if it happens differently than I thought or in smaller quantities – any progress us wonderful to me, especially in this season of life! 🙂
Rebecca says
Inspired by your day. Hope to try this ourselves tomorrow!
Sarah says
It always takes longer than you think it will, doesn’t it? It’s such a good feeling to know that you’ve gone through everything, though.
Crystal Paine says
Yes, it is SUCH a good feeling! I was telling Jesse tonight that every time I walked into our very clean closet today, it made me so happy… and it made all the work yesterday so worth it!
Kimmie says
Woohoo for you!:-) I cant wait to be able to clean my kids rooms- was planning on doing it today- but had two of my boys come down with the stomach bug:(
Crystal Paine says
I’m so sorry you all have the stomach bug… no fun at all! 🙁
Clarissa says
Great work today! Looks like another stack of great books. Thanks!
Cambria says
My allotted time for today’s task was not enough either. Still working on getting the kitchen deep cleaned, but I did make some good progress today. Planning to finish it & start on closets tomorrow.
Crystal Paine says
You can do it! I’m cheering for you!
Kim P says
That stack of books looks amazing. Thanks for another great giveaway!
Elisabeth says
I enjoyed reading about your day! We went through our kids’ rooms a few weeks ago, and got rid of TONS of stuff!! It’s amazing how much more happy they are playing in their rooms when the old/broken/unused toys are weeded out. 🙂
Stephanie says
Sounds like a great day! And it looks like good books!
Shannon says
Thank you!