[organize chaos] the truth: my house is a disaster

In November of 2010,  I started a blog called "organize chaos," in an attempt to create accountability for organizing my home.  This blog never saw the light of day again, and in August of 2011, I converted the original blog into "happy campers."  Ironically enough, the first blog isn't even listed in my archive anymore.  Blogger.com must have known that the initial post wasn't all that important.  Or maybe I deleted the original post because I was too embarrassed by it and now honestly cannot remember doing so.

Either way, here I am starting a blogging series on organizing my home.  FOR REAL.  Because quite honestly, my house is a disaster - and I really can't take it anymore.

I have several theories about how and why my house is in the state that it is.  But in reality these "theories" are really just called "excuses," and it's time for me to do something about it.  There are days I feel that I am thisclose to a "Hoarding:  Buried Alive" nomination.

The sad part is, I love to organize.  I love to be organized.  So what I have allowed to happen in my home the past three years is inexcusable and a little frightening.  I am really great at shutting doors... and shoving things behind closed doors when we have company.  But very rarely do I take the time to deal with the stuff behind the closed doors.  I don't like people to see it... and to know that my house really does look like this:

 my side of the closet...

...verses david's side of the closet

office take one... 

 take two...

 take three... (see why i keep the door shut?)

 christmas and craft clutter...

...this room was clean two months ago!

And so there it is.  I have my work cut out for me, but I know I can do it!  And I'll keep you all updated along the way.  (I can't leave you all to think my house will look like this forever!)

I plan on using a few resources to help me out - "Organize Now," "Fresh Living by Sara Snow," and am pondering purchasing "Organized Simplicity."  I am also open to any organizing advice anyone might have for me!

Time to get busy!  Until next time...

2013... here i am.

"New" Resolutions... 2013 Goals

1.  Organize house FOR REAL.  (Major organizing done by July 1st)

2.  Blog more, read more, journal more... (Stay tuned for a blogging series on Goal #1)

3.  Work smarter, not harder.  (Not a concrete goal)

4.  Start a container garden.  (April)

5.  Should I even mention exercise and healthy eating?  (Luckily I've got some girlfriends on board with this one!)

6.  Eat more meals at home.  (This is the tough one - Tackling Phase One in February)

7.  Paint house!!  And shampoo carpets.  (Taking place June/July)

8.  Complete one craft per month.  (And blog about it too!)

9.  Keep addressing spiritual life.  (My journey with Christ has always had it's ups and downs.  I would love to work through another in-depth Bible study (or two or three!), find better ways to volunteer and continue learning how to trust God with the big stuff and let the little stuff go.)

(If you would like to read the inspiration for this post, visit my friend Kelsie's blog here.)

happy birthday, beautiful

Margaret Jane Lansdown was born on January 1, 1923, making today her 90th birthday. If you have never met my Grandma Lansdown, you are missing out. She is a treasure - one of my favorite people in the whole world.

She loves to read, do crossword puzzles and watch Jeopardy!  She uses mental math to balance her checkbook, and never misses an opportunity to send a card to a friend (or granddaughter).

She is feisty and loving and polite and kind.  She is godly and loves her Savior.  And she is one of the strongest women I have ever known.  She has faced all of the trials this life has had to offer with dignity.  Her faith really could move a mountain.

If you want to know what a Proverbs 31 woman looks like, you need to look no further than Margaret.

posing with her 90th birthday cake

There are a few verses in the Bible that I have often hoped I could live out.  When I think of my Grandma Lansdown and what she means to me, they come to mind.  I can only hope to live them out as beautifully as she does.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."  Proverbs 31:25 - 26

"You should clothe yourselves from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.  This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful.  They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands."  1 Peter 3:4 - 5

Happy Birthday, Grandma.  At ninety, I'd have to say you are more beautiful than ever before.