Saying "Good bye" to the STACK!

Ok-- after weeks of whittling away at the STACK--I am finished!!

Perfect time for a Word of the day: Whittle-- to reduce or gradually eliminate something :) (Just had to throw that in.)

The stack above was actually one from December 2008 (just found the picture in my files). Unfortunately (and embarrassingly)--some of the same items in that stack were in my current one! Except--the STACK I just finished "eliminating" was about......3-4 x larger than in the picture!

Oh--you all know and can relate to this (except for the few really organized out there). The stack sits there and then it gets shoved in an old Wal-Mart sack and thrown in the closet when company comes over. Then--it builds again--and more company comes over. Hence--I ended up with about 4 x that amount! It was filled with photos, items needing to be filed, receipts, things and papers I "thought" I wanted to keep, etc. etc. etc.

Now that I am finished going through everything-- I have a SOLUTION to the stack.

A long (and I mean LONG) time ago--I heard someone on the radio talking about organizing your life. They referred to a "one touch" system. You check the mail--and as you go through it--you touch it ONCE.

• You read and throw
• You read and file
• You read--pay bill--then file
• You deal with each piece of mail ONCE

Previously I have been so overwhelmed with my stack--that I felt I could never implement the "one touch" system....

But after today...... I will (that's a promise) :)

Nesting

So.... no baby yet....
but the organizing and ordering continues. I think I have made more trips to Wal-Mart lately to get organizational items--tubs, tubs, containers, more tubs.... each closet and cabinet is slowly getting organized. It seems to be all about ORDER. I like order--and lately--I like it even more.

So I did what I love--and looked up the definition of "nesting." Of course I found many, but here was my favorite:
The tendency to arrange one's immediate surroundings to create a place where one feels secure, comfortable, or in control.

From spiders, to birds, to alligators-- to humans -- all have a "nesting" instinct. It is their desire to protect and prepare for the birth of their offspring.

I guess my wonderment came when I asked myself--why couldn't I have invested this much energy over the last years cleaning and organizing my house? Why does it take a baby coming to make your home and organization a real "priority"? Those are the qustions I asked myself.

Part of the answer for me goes back to the above definition-- I think I realize that my "comfortable" and "in control" environment is about to change! And if I can only get as much "control" now (before this baby)--it creates some kind of security. We shall see.

But on a deeper note..... a newborn is a grave responsibility and it is so vulnerable. I think there is a knowing of the importance of a mother's being in control to protect it. If only we could see other people in our lives, other tasks and edicts (especially from God) as being just as great a responsibility--that we would seek to protect His purposes and other's lives as much as a newborn.

Just something to think about.

(Picture from bird's nest in my yard last spring.)

Looking Back

Yes, it's 2:24 in the morning--and I'm up. Surprised? Is this God's preparation for what is to come? :)


I've been cleaning out my photo files and figured out what pictures I need to print--and which to delete. I'm determined to get organized with a system, especially before Lydia gets here. I love digital, but so often pictures just remain on the computer--waiting to be possibly lost one day. I love putting my hands on a picture or in an album--that I can look at anywhere and anytime--regardless of technology. I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to some things.

Sooo....I came across all of my pregnancy photos, and attempted to make a collage. As much "misery" as pregnancy is right now--I think I will miss many things especially having Lydia "with" me at all times, feeling her little feet and knees pushing against my abdomen.


The day is almost here. My doctor is on call today (Wednesday)--so I told her at my appointment on Tuesday--I would see her tomorrow. I hope I am right!

Almost done...

I started knitting this blanket 11 months ago....before I was even pregnant. I've slacked off a little, but I only have a few rows left.

I had my friend take this picture because I love this scripture and thought it so fitting. The entire time I knit this blanket I would pray for my little one--even before she was formed :)

Ready and Waiting

Well--we are waiting for the arrival of baby Lydia. I am ready. I have to be honest that I wasn't ready (I was rather anxious) just a few weeks ago, but after a few uncomfortable days/nights--I'm ready :)

This waiting reminds me of 1 Corinthians 3:6 --(paraphrased) We plant, water--but God brings the growth and the increase. It's just waiting. We've done our part--now it's up to Him for the perfect timing of her arrival. May I just be patient :)

Until then--I'm looking at her little crib and sweet little dresses :) I made her bedding, after much hesitation, but I think it came out great!
I started this little gown over a year ago. I made the gown to match the lace that I made the bonnet out of. I think this will be her dedication outfit. I can't wait to see her in it!

I love Craigslist!

We have been looking for a used armoire on Craigslist for 3 months, daily! (Well, I won't say "we"--but I have :)

I have had difficulty with people returning e-mails, returning phone calls, etc.--but we finally landed an armoire that Brett and I both love! We needed the storage space desperately. It's a little large--but it fits with our house decor perfectly.

It was originally from Christian Street Furniture, and it is made of reclaimed wood. So it looks old and antique.

Now just to complete the baby bedding, recover the lime green vinyl chair, and organize everything! Phew--I have a lot to do!

Testing--making a photo larger :)

Well--It works :)