Lacking the Character Quality of Hospitality

I had a get together at my house and made dinner for everyone.  I purposefully had it yesterday because I wanted a goal of finishing my project.  Technically I'm not done because I still have the office, but just knowing that every other room was done in the house was good enough for now.  I needed a boost to make me want to finish decluttering the bathrooms (under the sinks) and to do some detail work.  Sometimes when you've been working on a project every single day for 9 days, you can feel worn out mentally.  Not so much physically for  me because my energy level is oddly always so high.  Just a hyper person in general.  The past few days I've woken up with a smile on my face knowing that my work load has been 80% lightened because of a decluttered house.  I haven't been waking up with a sigh of heaviness having to think about the huge workload ahead.  I even had a party last night at my house so there was 5 adults and 8 kids.  Normally the cleanup is huge but this time it took me about a half hour to get everything back together again.  Whooooa, maybe I can have more of a social life again.  :)

Some things I've been doing lately have also helped.  My kids were constantly going through cups throughout the day.  I got an idea from the Duggars to just use paper stuff to throw away.  I've been buying paper plates and plastic cups. At the beginning of each day I get out 8 cups, put their name on it, and that's their cup for the entire day.  They stay in the kitchen in one spot and they get thrown away when everyone goes to bed.  Even if we had a different cup for each meal of the day per person, that would be 24 cups a day I would have to wash.  I just get them in bulk from Costco or Sam's Club so it'll last awhile.  Of course in the picture there are 9 cups because Ivy's friend was over.  :)

Another reason I wanted to declutter was I knew I was lacking in a certain character quality.

Hospitality

vs.

Loneliness

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life.

Hebrews 13:2

How could I do that if my house was never in order?  I mean, I had really busy days.  Waking up with the kids, feeding them breakfast, getting the little ones dressed, having everyone do their chores, clean, homeschool, make lunch, clean, throw clothes in the wash, homeschool, lay baby down for nap, homeschool, clean till Charles comes home, make dinner, clean up mess, get kids in bad, throw another load in the wash, deal with phone calls, lay kids down.  I mean, the process can be pretty heavy the larger your family is.  If someone called and said, "Hey, I'm in the area, do you mind if I stop by?"  That would normally throw me in a panic.  I'd either have to make up some excuse and turn them down, or stop everything my family is doing and clean really fast.  90% of the time I couldn't have them come because it wasn't enough cleaning time.  Is that hospitality?  No way.  In the middle of my Declutter One Room a Day project, my sister called.  She and her daughter wanted to stop by since they were in the area.  I paused and looked around me.  I had torn the whole house apart and literally, it looked like we were moving.  You couldn't even see the floor.  We were taking each room at a time and dragging it all out to the living room to go through.  I desperately wanted to tell them yes but I was too embarrassed and said no.  After I hung up I cried while I worked and then I was angry.  That was the last time I was gonna have to say no because my house was messy.  Even though I was so angry at myself for it, it motivated me even more to continue my daily project till I was finished.  These days people can be so exclusive and my grandma amazes me because she always has an open door.  I want to be that person too.  I don't mean allll the time, but in reality, how often does that really happen?  But when someone does call me, I can finally say, "Sure, I'll see you soon."

How to Declutter a Room FAST

I've felt like I've disappeared off of computer land these last few days because of being so incredibly busy.  Last Saturday I decided it was time to stop playing around with the idea and do some real decluttering.  I'm tired of doing it little bit by little bit.  So I made a pact to do one room a day until it's done.  Yeah, I know that's a huge one to make but I just don't want to mess around with it anymore.

On Saturday I took my sister's advice and emptied out the boys room completely, as if we were moving.  I had the kids help me and we just unloaded everything into the living room.  HOLY COW they had a lot of stuff. I never, ever would have guessed they had that much stuff till it literally filled our entire living and dining room.  I also took apart the boys bunk bed since it was never that sturdy.  I threw out the full mattress and put a queen in their temporarily till we can get 2 sets of single mattress bunk beds.

We threw out all old toys and kept the best of costumes they had.  My sister said you empty out the room completely and then only put back what you want.  That advice absolutely worked for me because you start to see how you have to make some really careful decisions to keep it looking nice.  We cleared out that black shelf they had and saved the bottom half for all of Caleb's toys.  Actually, what you see in the picture is what he has now.  We put the books on the top this time so Caleb can't just pull them all out.  We also threw out all old blankets and just kept the new ones they got for Christmas.  Their room is soooooo easy to keep clean now.

This project took me about 8 hours on Saturday and then 4 hours in between church service the next day to finish up.  We were so proud and the boys were really, really happy.  After church on Sunday night I went to the hospital to visit a friend.  After being there for about an hour I decided to just spend the night there and hang out with her through the next morning.  I finally left around 10:30am on Monday morning because I knew that I needed to start another project that day.  It was garage day and we were gonna spend all day cleaning it out and getting rid of a lot.  I have had a lot of favors asked of me in the last 2 weeks but I've had to just be really choosy about them in order to keep certain commitments I've made to get my house back in order.  For the most part I've just ignored my phone because it's rang off the hook.  Sometimes you just gotta do whatever it takes to get the job done and not be distracted.  However, seeing my friend in the hospital was a necessity and I don't regret that of course.  :)

It has truly been an exhausting past two weeks but I am really excited about some changes we've made in our family for the year 2012!  That's another post for a different day.  Happy New Year!!!!

Reupholstering Chairs to be Kid Friendly

See stained chair?

I've hated the looks of my chairs for soooo long.  I've had them about 4 1/2 years.  Whatever you do, don't buy furniture from MOR, they don't have good quality.  Well, we paid a lot of money for them so it's here to stay for a bit longer.  When I first bought the chairs the seat covers were an almost white micro fiber.  Right away I knew I needed to cover them with a clear plastic to keep them looking that pretty.  My husband said it was okay because the store people said they are easy to clean.  Yeahhhh, if you have NO KIDS maybe.  So of course right away it started getting really stained and becoming a huge embarrassment.

The piles and piles of fabric

Yesterday I went to SAS to pick out some new material for the chairs. I had an idea of the type of fabric I wanted.  Basically, anything I can take a wet cloth to and wipe down fast.  This store is cheaper but extremely unorganized.  They basically just throw everything in these huge piles and you just have to hope you find what you need.  Nothing is in order at all so I wandered around for a long time.  Just when I was about to give up I found the perfect material.  Black vinyl for $4.99 a yard.  Sounded good to me and I was crunched for time!

So then I went home and took apart all the chairs.  The kids couldn't figure out why in the world I'd want to take the cushions off. I jokingly told them it's because we didn't need them.  They just got quiet for a minute and then said, "But mommmm.....!"  I went to Home Depot and asked guy for help in finding the right staples for the staple gun.  We talked a bit and then he wouldn't leave after I got what I wanted.  I told him I needed to call my mom and he kept standing there.  So then I just stared at him waiting for him to leave.  I said, "Thank youuuuu" in hopes he'd get the hint I'm done. So he said, "Do you want to talk to your mom in private or something?"  I told him, "Okay thanks, but I got the idea of what I need."  He kept standing around and flirting and I was getting frustrated.  Okay dude.  He was soooo flirty it was getting on my nerves.  Then when I was leaving he followed me to talk to me some more.  Ugh.  Was happy to get out of there.

I headed to my moms house (which was also a great excuse to visit) and asked if she could help me.  My mom is an expert on this stuff because she'd done it so many times.   After looking at pictures online and chatting we got down to business. She made a pattern for me and I started cutting.

While I was cutting my mom was doing the stapling of the fabric onto the chairs.  It's amazing my dad could sleep through all that.  I kept yawning the whole time while working and mentioning how late it felt.  I looked up at the clock and it was only 8pm.  What the heck?  What a wimp I've become!  Haha.

Finally, I got home and put the chairs together.  The newly reupholstered chairs look amazing!  Now, all I have to do is wipe down the chairs with a wet cloth after a meal.  No more scrubbing and scrubbing.  The stains would never come out.  Don't believe people when they say white microfiber cloth is safe from kids.  Ha!

Am I Willing to Take the Time to Train?

I've been studying the newest Duggar book that is out.  Sometimes when I read a book, I like to share some things I have learned on here.  Just like my own study written here because it's easy to forget over time.  There are some things I have gleaned from them and have implemented over the last few years.  This Character Quality sheet is one of them and its my favorite so far.  I've printed it out and I have several around the house.  The kids' rooms, living room, kitchen, and homeschool room.  Feel free to print it from here!  Just click on picture to make bigger and select to print.  BUT, if you want a much, much better and clearer print out of this picture just go here: http://duggarfamily.com/data/sites/69/downloads/characterqualities.pdf

Anyway, so these last couple of weeks we've been focusing on Truthfulness vs. Deception.  Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts. (Read Ephesians 4:25).  

Well, the latest idea I got from the Duggars is they use hand motions to memorize scripture.  So we thought about the scripture Ephesians 4:25 and we found ones to use, then we said it about 5 times.  It really does help to use the hand motions!  Several times when I started to forget, I would remember the hand motions first and it would help me to remember the words.  The kids really liked participating like that also.  Kind of funny because I made the hand motions for them but it really helped me to remember also.

When I had run into that Free Jinger group last week I heard a lot of their reasons as to why they don't like the Duggars.  I think sometimes being misinformed can cause us many problems when we don't try to seek the truth.  That's why it's good to study something out or at least give people a chance to explain.  Rumor is a bad thing too.  One person can say "Oh, I think someone does it this way" and before you know it, it spreads.  This book really goes into depth graciously explaining exactly how they run and what materials they use.  One of the biggest misunderstandings is that Michele, the mom, does nothing while her kids do all the work.  Another is that the house is always clean.  Or that TLC paid for their house to be built (explained in their first book).  They are not part of the Quiverfull movement and they explain that they just love children and love God. It's really a good book to read.  I figure I can glean some ideas. If they can make it work with 19, surely I can made do with my 6!  :D 

Also, another book we use to tie in our character qualities is Growing with Jesus.  After reading the story in the bible about Jacob's deception to his father and his brother Esau, we tied it in with our character quality of the week.  Then we used Growing with Jesus to discuss confessing and asking forgiveness.  We had such a good time and the kids really listen and pay attention.  

Today I was thinking about the importance of raising my kids vs. just letting them veg, do a little bit of chores, hope they they grow up not be afraid of work.  I got from the Duggar's newest book the true importance of involving your kids in everything you do.  Instead of using errands as an escape, what a great opportunity to teach my kids about using coupons, savings, shopping wisely.  Instead of wanting to get dinner cooked fast, just start a little earlier and get everyone involved.  I have to get over my frustration of always wanting to do it myself and get it done fast.  My kids absolutely enjoy learning to do what daddy and I do and actually prefer it over their toys.  Crazy, I know.  

Ryan packing lunches for one of our many field trips

Am I taking away their childhood?  Actually, I prefer to do things myself but they constantly want to be involved.  Kids have such a hunger to learn but sometimes it's easier to pacify them with other things or even discourage them because they don't do it good enough.  (Because I just want to do it quickly).  That was something I've really worked on this last year.  

Charles helping Ivy learn how to pretend stock shelves

I often have to pray for strength, literally, I would get on the floor and pray that God would help me to be patient and slow to anger or frustration.  Trust me, I work so much faster alone but in the end, what's the purpose of that?  When my husband's grandpa died, all the things his kids said brought tears to my eyes.  He had 10 children and each one told a memory they had about their father. Do you want to know the number one thing they mentioned?  How he took the time to teach them in everything he did.  Whether it was working on cars, cooking, baking, shopping.  Anything. It always took him longer but they eventually learned because of it.  Those words of sentiments made my heart drop realizing I was doing none of those things.  Not only can I teach them, but by working side by side with them I'm also spending time with them.  

Anway, just sharing some of my (many, ohhhh so many) life lessons.  I tell people when I blog, I'm just talking aloud.  Always preaching to myself.  :D

Amazing Cleaning Techniques

Magic Eraser, Kaboom, Pinesol, Comet, Earthbrite
Scotchbrite, Handi-wipes, Microfiber cloth

My mother-in-law gave me one of the best gifts someone could give me.  She didn't clean my house for me, she showed me her amazing cleaning techniques.  She used to clean houses for a living, rich people houses, and they would always request her.

We didn't do the house, we just focused on the kitchen, floors and bathroom.  the pictures shows her favorite products, except I did forget the Clorox (Or Lysol) toilet cleaner in the picture.

I'm writing some things down to remember because she was so detailed I actually had to take notes. Ha!

Cupboards

• On the cupboards use Handiwipes to wipe down
• Use Scotts Liquid Spray w/ soft cloth to wipe down

My mother-in-law always used Pledge until yesterday when she tried Scotts Liquid Gold.  Plus it had a beautiful almond scent. The wood on my cupboards look amazing. 

Counters

• Use Scotchbrite scrubber and comet to scrub counters (or handiwipe)
• Then a soft cloth sprayed lightly with Scotts Liquid Gold.  It'll give your counters a really pretty shine.

Microwave, Oven, Stovetop

• Use Earthbrite to scrub stove, microwave, and inside oven.  You lightly rinse and then squeeze water from scrubber that comes with Earthbrite.  Then dab the scrubber on the cleaner in Earthbrite tub.  Clean in little circles like you are waxing something.  Never ever put back the scrubber wet in the product tub.

(no Scotchbrite green scrubber ever)

• Then use handiwipes to rinse good.  
• Then microfiber cloths to dry and shine up.
• On your stove is where the razer blades come in really handy.  Use a soft touch when getting stuff off your stove. You'd be surprised what you can get up with them.  I've tried getting some of the black stuff off but never could till using the razer blades.  My stove looks like I just bought it.

Bathroom

Tub: Put some Comet around in the tub, then handiwipe with little water on it to wash

Shower walls: Spray with Kaboom and wipe with a wet Handiwipe.  Might have to use twice.

Sink: Comet and handiwipe

Floor

• Fill bucket with water and maybe 1/4 cup of Pinesol
• Use Scotchbrite green scrubber
• Use scrubbing brush for grout and baseboards
• Use Handiwipe to rinse with clean water
• Then a dry towel to clean.  

I did all the steps in parts of the floor rather than doing the whole floor only one step at a time and then going back to do the second step. These areas in my house look amazing!!!

6 Ways to Save and Earn Money While You're At It

Because we're a family of eight we try to save money.  However, I would do this if I had one kid just because I love being frugal!  :)  Here are ways I try to save and earn money.

1. Swagbucks is a place where you can use their search engine like you normally would use to search a particular topic.  However, with this, you can earn points and I always use them to buy Amazon gift cards. Every time I'm in need of something, I will use the Amazon gift cards to purchase it rather than having to spend my own cash.

2. Coupon Sense helps me to save big because it tells me where all the sales are and which coupons I can use to save BIG.  I love it!  There is a monthly subscribing fee but because it tells me where in the valley to get free stuff and at least saves me half off my grocery bill, it's completely worth the $15 a month.  Please use my referral code if you decide to sign up.  I LOVE this site.  Referral code: 2017636

3. Product reviewing through Tomoson was introduced to me by Ellen Ross.  It's been a big blessing to my family for obvious reasons.  I get to receive some really neat products of my choosing and all I have to do is talk about it on my blog.  It's a win-win for them and for me.

4. The reason I decided to try Google Adsense is because I had been looking into finding a part job during the night every since we were greatly affected by the economy. My heart was broken so I tried to think of another way for me to stay home.  Since putting the ads on my blog, I can get a monthly check from Google that has really helped us.

5. I never buy clothes at full retail value. The last time I needed to go clothes shopping, I waited till major sales were happening.  My last shopping event, and I don't do it very often, was at The Limited. They were having 50% off in almost the whole store.  Then they gave me another 50% off at the register.  I ended paying $6 per shirt that were originally $35-50!  That's how I shop.  If no major sales are going on I find amazing stuff at Ross stores.  I'm picky though and won't just buy for the love of shopping.  I keep a list of needs and wants in my family organizer.  You're not saving if you're spending money just to spend it.

6. Making my Own Laundry Soap has saved me more money than I can imagine.  I haven't added it up but I know it's huge.  It cost me all of $3 to make and it last my size family for 8 months.  It's super easy so just go and check out my pics to see how simple it is to make it.  All you need is 3 items from the store, a sauce pan, and a bucket.

My Favorite Household Hints

*I have this great book with tons of hints in it. I will share 13 of them with you. I think I'll send some out once a week or something like that. These are great.

Air Freshener
Spray aerosol furniture polish behind central heating radiators. The heat will disperse the perfume for some time. Or... Wipe down radiator with a cloth moistened with a fabric conditioner.

Arranging Flowers
Never mix cut daffodils in with other cut flowers as they produce a toxin that kills the other blooms.

Baking Powder
Test baking powder by putting a small amount in hot water. If it bubbles, it is still fresh. (I'm gonna just try that for fun).

Clogged Drain
If the drain in your sink is clogged, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda over drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar over it. Leave for a minute until it foams, then pour hot or boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary. Or use soda crystals.

Cut Flowers
To keep cut flowers fresh for a longer time, mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a quart of water. Use this in your flower vase. And... Before you place the flowers in the vase, cut the base of each stem at an angle. Or...Add lemonade to water.

Dishwashing Liquid
This is great for cleaning greasy or soiled hands, after working on the car or in the garden. (In case you weren't sure, this also cleans your dishes. Just making sure you knew.)

Faded Carpets
Restore by hand painting with fabric dyes. (This is why I just installed ceramic tile instead. It scares me to think what's hiding in carpets more than how faded they are.)

Flies On Windows
To prevent flies landing on a window, rub with cold water and a few drops of paraffin/kerosene. (Um, really? Kerosene? I'm sure if my house caught on fire, the fireman would wonder why my windows are exploding at a rapid rate. I'll have to think about this one. Or I wonder what would happen if I walked by the windows with a lit candle? Hmmm. I don't know, maybe I'm just a worry wart.))

Freeze Candles
Candles kept in the freezer burn more slowly and evenly. (This works great)

Fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
Freeze in an ice cube tray. You'll have small amounts for recipes that need 1 or 2 tablespoons. Thaw in microwave or drop into hot sauces. Or... Drop a cube into a glass of ice water to freshen it up.

Heat Marks on Polished Furniture
Make up a paste with cigarette ash and olive oil. Apply to the mark and then rub off. (Yeah, that'll fly. I can just see me sneaking into a restaurant to steal a full ash tray.) Or...
Pour a little linseed oil on mark and then sprinkle with sugar. Wipe off once the sugar is absorbed. (Thank goodness for the second option. I'd hate to see what headlines would say about me if I was caught stealing those ashtrays.)

Heat Stains on Stainless Steel
Hot stainless steel surfaces on toasters or kettles stain easily if they come in contact with plastic bags. Remove with nail varnish remover.

House Plants
If you have an aquarium, save the water each time you change it to water your house plants. They will thrive in this. (Yeah. that'll work great for me being that I can't even keep my fish alive for more than 4 days).