Thinking about simplicity in 2011

Well, 2011 is here. Several years ago I realized I had a sometimes over the edge attachment to things. I started trying to simplify. In the midst, We added another child and now there will be another soon. I have that nesting thing going on. I am craving a big move. I love moving. My third child asked me this week what my favorite things were. I told him moving. He laughed because he thought I meant the ability to move. I mean moving to a new home. I love throwing out and donating as we pack. I love getting there and not opening boxes till we need them. I love putting the glasses away in new clean shelves. I love the smell of fresh paint (even the low voc stuff has a smell).

Here are some Other bloggers to help you get started:
SimpleMom has a list of questions if you are feeling thoughtful.

Raising Olives encourages you to read your Bible.

Enjoy and celebrate the seasons.

And, two of my favorite boards are holding the 2011 in 2011 decluttering challenge. Here and Here.


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Meditating on this New Year

I am not a fan of resolutions.
It makes me feel like I am setting myself up to fail.
I didn't finish that photo project last year. I guess I could try agsin this year.
I did get dreads and I love them.


I have been inspired to meditate on this New Year instead.
I am going to give praise for what is yet to come.
I have no idea what God has in store for us.
I know we are coming to the end of schooling for my husband.
I know we are depending on God's provision for a suitable job.
I know a little boy is due sometime in March.
I know I will turn 35 this year.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

We joined the YMCA this January.  It's taking up a bit of time lately.  So, blogging is a little bit behind.  Oh well, that happens.  I already petered out on my photo challenge.  I've done ok with my One Small Change Challenge though. This month I bought a case of Seventh Generation Diapers.  We had been trying to do cloth only.  But, rashes tend to develop at night.  I'm too tired to get up and change her.  Plus, my husband prefers to use them.  But, if you purchase by the case from Amazon or Diapers.com they aren't that much more than purchasing  (insert that name brand) at your big box store.

I just like to share things when I find them.

I found this Shepherd's Pie recipe through a an online friend.  Talk about easy and kid friendly.  I really have been working on doing casseroles.  My kids don't really like them.  But, I really appreciate them.  Lasagna, tamale pie, enchilada casserole are all favorites of mine.  They can all be done in the crockpot if you are going to be out and about.

Speaking of that friend.  She is spectacular.  She does a lot for her family.  She is like a mini-mom.  She is a fantastic role model for young ladies trying to pursue a Godly lifestyle.  Fun, beautiful, hip, and caring.  That is how to raise up our young ladies.

This is what I've been up to lately.  I finally got my dreads.  So, I can click that off of my 2015 wishes =).  I shot this awhile back.  The son was really shining on me, so my hair is really Auburn ++.

January Terra Organics Order 1

This is my first order for the New Year & One Small Change. I'm hoping it will get more fresh produce in our tummies and keep me from the grocery store. I'm hoping I can get in on the CSA this next month.










It weighed in at just about 22 pounds.  We never buy fresh Mango, so that is a plus.  We have never had a Crenshaw Melon, so that should be a fun new thing to try.  We are studying plants for homeschool and  the boys like to plant seeds from our fruits.  So, we will see if we can get anything to grow.

January 2010 Photo Project

Sleep
Originally uploaded by OakBlossoms

One of my New Year things to do (don't make me say the R word)....a photo project for each month. I sat down with my husband to come up with words to describe each month. I'll try to keep my pictures in correlation with those words for my project. Check in to see what the new months project is.  You can find the Flickr set here.  If you want to join in with me, there is a flickr pool as well.  Otherwise, just share the pics on your blog.  If you join from here, will you drop me a line so I can see your blog.  I would love to keep up with what others are doing.  Feel free to make a button on your sidebar from the pic to let others know what we are doing!

January means to me....
White
Gray
Sleep
Shelter
Birds

Hip Mountain Mama has a challenge that most people could complete.  Make one change till Earth Day.  That is 22 April 2010.  Go ahead and give it a try.

My change for January was already planned.  But, I'm going to share it again.  I'm ordering from Terra Organics.  Once the CSA season starts in June I will be ordering a share from Tahoma Farms via Terra Organics instead.  I'm excited and look forward to our first delivery next Friday.

Meal Planning in 2010

Monday-Soup and Sandwiches 

Tuesday-Burritos or Mexican Food 

Wednesday-Leftovers or Church Meal 

Thursday-Tofu/Chicken, rice, frozen veg or salad 

Friday-Pizza 

Saturday-Finger Foods and leftovers 

Sunday-Crockpot or Breakfast

Along with some changes in our budget, I am making a plan for meals. I don't want to have to be a slave to it. But, I've found it helps to make outlines for myself. I'm going to keep myself out of stores. I've already set us up for our first Terra Organics order. I'm working on finding a local drop point for Azure Standard. Then I can shop at Costco once a month and Trader Joes every other month. That should keep our budget low while still building up a stockpile. I don't want to go through another hard time without a pantry. That was really hard this last time. I can go without a lot of things. But, not being able to feed my family well is so difficult.