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Mary Chris
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I think this was Theresa's idea. It has been brewing in my head for a few months now. 2008 is hopefully going to be my year of finally figuring out how to be an adult  . I really want to get my act together. I don't want a set schedule, but a framework would be good.
So this is a bit of what simplicity is going to look like for me........
Clearing out the clutter, I want less clothes to wash, less toys to pick up, and less homeschool resources, and craft resources making me feel guilty for not using them.
Two children playing the same sport at the same place in the same two hour window. If by some great miracle my ds10 soccer team folds then all three will be swimming.
Easier meals and wasting less food
I finally have realizied that it takes planning to have a simple life. You can't always fly by the seat of your pants and expect things to turn out.
What is simplicity to you? How have you gotten there? Where are you on your journey? I really would like figure this out......
If you have blogged about this, or know of good resources, please link ...
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Blessings, Mary Chris Beardsley
mom to MacKenzie3/95, Carter 12/97 Ronan 3/00 and wife to Jim since 1/92
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missionfamily
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I really want to talk this out with you guys. It's on my heart too right now, but I have not had time to really reflect yet. I'm taking this with me to my adoration hour though. I know this is what God wants for all of us in order to find joy and peace, but I need Him to fill in the details for me! I'd love to hear other's thoughts and I will share more when I know more.
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Colleen
dh Greg
mom to Quinn,Gabriel, Brendan,Evan, Kolbe, and sweet St. Bryce
Footprints on the Fridge
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guitarnan
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I simplified the kid activity thing long ago...if I can't handle the entire transportation plan myself, in a realistic way, the activity doesn't happen.
I really need help convincing myself and my family to get rid of excess stuff. We're just drowning in it. Clothes, books, shoes, kitchen toys...I've tried the FlyLady thing and it's too hard for me to implement a system like that...or maybe I just think it is?
With homeschooling, kid activities, a part-time writing job and Life in General, I'm really looking for easy-to-use ways to simplify my life. I am truly looking forward to this discussion.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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~Rachel~
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Funnily enough, 'Simple' is many a person's theme this year  , I know of at least 3 others.
I chose the 'theme' (an idea of a friend of mine, instead of resolutions we have themes), of 'Simple, Beautiful' and this is what I have so far.
Quote:
I know what the first part of my theme is going to be. My theme is Simple, Beautiful.
"simplify through planning"
--There are so many things I want to do, and I never remember. I was most successful when I planned, but having a planner doesn't work for me. So instead I am going to use my calendar. I am seriously considering buying a really nice one to use. I loved my calendar, because it sat right next to my computer and did the job. I think I can make it work . There I will plan some fun stuff I will probably steal from blogs like Dawn's and Serendipity and others . I need to learn to do just ONE AT A TIME though. hence the simplify part
"use themes"
--Dawn used a theme for Christmas... woodland Christmas. It was really cute. I figure with themes, you can make a seasonal celebration, much like at Serendipity, come together. This definitely speaks to the beautiful part too
"create good habits".
--This speaks for itself. Some things I need to learn to do at appropriate times, like fold the laundry RIGHT AWAY so I don't end up with a huge basket of it to fold. My least favourite chore Again this is to be a ONE AT A TIME thing.
One at a time is to be my new motto. I always want to do so many things!
Also I have a plan to involve my kids with other homeschoolers. DS will be taking archery lessons next year, and we'll have a monthly nature club I started |
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I am still working on it though
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~Rachel~
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Cheryl
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This is a great topic, Mary Chris. I was in bed with my Mrs. Sharp book again last night. I started out looking at ideas for the winter (on Christmas night  ), but of course, I wound up rereading the Art of Domestic Bliss. Here are some quick ideas of how I'd like to simplify.
focus on sticking with routines
declutter and find places for everything
try not to make too many social plans
I may write more later, and I'll definitely be back to see all of your ideas.
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Cheryl
Wife to Bob ('97)
Mom to Matthew 13, Joseph 11, Sarah 10, Rachel 6, Hannah almost 4 and Mary 1
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Waverley
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One thing our family will do again this year is what we call "values living." We try in everything we do - before we make a purchase, before we open our mouths, before we make plans - to ask ourselves "By making this choice, are we living our values?" Our family even sat down and identified our values. We cut out a picture of a house, wrote our values on the house, and then hung up the paper house in the kitchen. By keeping our values in mind it has helped us declutter, not overbook on Sundays, speak to each other more respectfully, etc.
Good luck to everyone and I look forward to hearing everyone's suggestions.
Waverley
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Willa
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Mary Chris wrote:
| I finally have realizied that it takes planning to have a simple life. |
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That's very good, Mary Chris. I think you are so right.
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AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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Matilda
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Can't wait to read what you ladies have to say about this thoughtful topic!
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Charlotte (Matilda)
Mom to four (11 , 10 , 9 & 5 ) an even split for now
with bookend boys and a double girl sandwich
Waltzing Matilda
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Maryan
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Mary Chris!! Yes, yes, and yes... especially to wash less clothes. I just keep bagging and taking away.
I'm just not a grown-up and can't completely break ties right away... it has to be done gradually. It would save a lot of extra trips to Good Will if I would just bite the bullet!! (Like I think I'm ever going to be a size 8 again at 5'8"?????? Get rid of it already!!)
I'm spending my "nesting" time decluttering the Laundry room (aka the-everything-gets-thrown-in-there-room) and the kitchen (where we keep all our homeschooling stuff) so when baby #5 comes we are well on our way to the "simple" life.
Looking forward to hearing more great ideas!!
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Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
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stacykay
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~Rachel~ wrote:
Funnily enough, 'Simple' is many a person's theme this year , I know of at least 3 others.
I chose the 'theme' (an idea of a friend of mine, instead of resolutions we have themes), of 'Simple, Beautiful' and ....
.......[I am still working on it though |
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Rachel, count me in on that total! I really like the themes you have planned!
Mary Chris, alot of what you wrote sounds like me! I have been working at whittling down our clothing inventory, going box by box (we have sizes 8-adult,all boys,) in my laundry room. So far, I have been able to remove some items that are beyond repair and a couple of things my dss would never wear. But, at this point, I am just going through each container, writing down all of the contents on an index card, and setting those aside until I get all done. Then I want to tally the items for each size and talk to dh about what he thinks is a reasonable number of articles to keep, and donate the rest. Our guys tend to be pretty tough on clothes and have a lot of outdoor play time, so we probably need to keep more than the average person. But, that is just one thing I am working on. I am looking forward to hearing what you all are planning.
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
six dss, men's xxl, men's xxl, men's L,boy's 14, boy's 6/7, and boy's 4/5 (or 19yo, 17yo, 12yo, 9yo, 6yo, and 3yo  )
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SeaStar
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Simplicity was my theme last year... but I am carrying it over to the New Year because for me, there is still a ways to go.
At the beginning of last year I set some guidelines for myself:
1. No buying more clothes for the kids... I had bags and stacks- enough to last them 3-4 years each. Hand-me-downs, sale items, garage sale finds- I had too much of everything. Last winter my son had 20 pairs of jeans! All of them were either garage sale/hand-me-down, so total amount invested was about $5, but, still, no boy needs 20 pairs.
I spent all year weeding out, passing things on and evaluating what we really need. There is still room to improve, but the clothes levels are much more manageable now.
2. No new toys. I had a huge stockpile of new toys in my closet from the twice yearly Target clearance sales- enough for a toy store. I sold a lot of them in a consignment sale and used some for this Christmas, plus birthdays. And you know what... the levels are down, but I still have new toys in my closet- enough for dd's next birthday at least.
3. No more garage saling every week. Yes, I got tremendous deals and beautiful clothing, but I overbought and overbought. The great deals became a burden. I scaled down to once every few weeks, keeping in my mind that I could only buy things we really needed.
Those were my main areas of focus. I did pretty well- not perfectly, but I bought very, very little clothing and only was weak once and bought toys.
In the meantime, we decluttered like mad- gave away tons of coats in January to an outreach center. The jackets and coats we brought in were worn out of the building before we even left. That was humbling... seeing how great the needs of others were.
I am still decluttering and learning to pare down. I can't believe how much I have given away and how much is still left. I have found that doing decluttering in stages is easier for me than making one mad dash through an area. I often go through an area 3-4 times, and each time I find I am ready to let go of more shoes or socks or whatever.
I did give myself one "splurge" area- that was buying used childrens books. We read so much, and the books bring a lot of joy into our house.
It's all a work in progress. I frequently ask St. Francis to help me pare down and let go. He is very glad to help.
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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Cay Gibson
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Wonderful thread!
And, Rachel, I think the reason "simple" comes up so often at this time of year is because we all see too much and spend too much and overdo too much.  It's on everyone's mind.
In the Husbands at Christmastime thread I mentioned:
Cay Gibson wrote:
A new year is fixing to start.
What ways can we simplify our spending habits?
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This is where I'm focusing my efforts this year. And the only answer I can find is to stay home more. My husband wants us to. At the same time, it conflicts with his desire that the children get out and do things.
I've twisted this up and down in my head and there is just no way I can justify both. The older two are out and about but they both work and pay their own gas and expenses. My middle child is very involved this year and it's what his daddy wanted for him as he was becoming a bit of a recluse. But, to save money, we would need to cut some of the activity out.
I can't seem to locate the fine line here. But I do think the "simplified" mindframe is important enough to discuss, discern, and pray over. But action must follow. We must practice what we preach...mainly me.
I also wrote:
I'm not sure I like this book. It came in Christmas Eve and I've been reading sections of it. I'm not sure if I'm on the same plane as the author. She seems to lean towards the liberal side.
I'd like to see a copy of the book Ellie mentioned:
Happy are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom by Thomas Dubay and see if that would guide me through the year a bit better.
__________________
Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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mary
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simplify does indeed seem to be the motto going round.
i have been reading it's all too much it's a wonderful book for helping to keep only what you need/love. i've always been a purger, but i find that with generous relatives and 4 children, it's an uphill battle keeping the house uncluttered. the amount of gifts that enter the house is staggering. i'm in the process of following this book to purge some more.
here is what simplifying looks like for me:
only toys that fit in the spaces allotted. this is the hardest for me because it involves the kids. i find tossing items to be pretty easy. they of course, are much more attached to their junk, i mean treasures. what i struggle with is getting the kids to put away something before they get out the next toy. i keep telling them that we would never have to pick up again if only they would put away their stuff when they are finished with it. so far, i'm just talking to myself.
i use a list for clothes and only buy those items that are needed. it's hard to stay focused when hanna is having a sale, but i try! all clothes are sent to relatives when we are finished with them.
weekly menu plan that changes seasonal. that keeps us eating locally/seasonally. it also keeps me from scrambling at 5 to figure out what's for dinner.
i cut the activities that we didn't love. instead of doing something because it's available, we are doing only what we really enjoy.
i use mrs. sharp's monthly, my liturgical calendar and our activities to plan the month. i try to plan one month ahead - so i'm currently working on january/february.
books - i order every book from the library first. i have 4 bookshelves. everything has to fit on them or something goes.
another book/video that i found to be so helpful was organizing from the inside out it really helped me to understand that my stuff needed a home.
another source of inspiration comes from my simpler life i enjoy getting her weekly suggestions. she also has a free declutter calendar.
rachel, i love the way you've summed up your goals for the coming year.
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JenniferS
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I have never been good at getting rid of things, but right now I am feeling called to remove all of the excess from our house. Maybe it is the nesting instinct with baby #7 due to arrive anytime in the next month, but I have been going through piles and piles of clothing(that people have generously handed down to us, but it is more than we need or can possibly store). Unfortunately, our good will is not taking donations at this time, so I don't know what to do with it.
Dh and I really simplimfied our Christmas with the kids, which was good because our extended families did not! We are weeding out old toys to make room for the new, and the new are more numerous than the old, I think.
I really want to purge a lot, but my tired, pregnant body isn't allowing me to do very much. I hope that I still feel this way after baby has arrived and I have healed. My life(and my families' life) would be so much more peaceful if we did this.
I am looking at scaling down our school for the next year, too. Instead of doing so many things, I want to do a few things really well. I always think I will do that, and then I freak out at the last minute and do too much.
Jen
Jen
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hylabrook1
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I am SO with you all on this. Right now I don't really have enough time to reflect on this, or even to read all of your posts in detail. Over the next few days, though, I'll make it a priority to come here as I think through specific actions that I want to put into place for a simpler, calmer, more beautiful, more appreciative 2008!
Peace,
Nancy
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SeaStar
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I really need to focus on the simplicity of good meals this year. I am so hit and miss- we waste food even though I try hard not to. When we moved I did not plug my standing freezer in at the new house. It's unplugged in the garage. I found that I was freezing food and forgetting all about it out there- and that was causing huge amounts of waste.
I definitely need help and prayer in this area.
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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chicken lady
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Cay, I really loved this book!
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~Rachel~
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I would like to know what other books people out there think are essential for the 'Simpler Life'
I made my first step today... I purchased my calendar for planning on. I got the Susan Branch one because I knew I'd enjoy using it!.
Now I have to start filling it in
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~Rachel~
Wife to William
Mum to James 13, Lenore 8
Lighting a Fire
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lapazfarm
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Excellent! I started thinking about this over the summer while I was away in Kodiak and couldn't actually DO anything about it because i was so far from all of my clutter. I got home and started making excellent progress with purging and developing routines to simplify my day, and then I got the boys and they kind of took over my life for awhile. Now that they are becoming more integrated I am anxious to get back to simplifying.
I now have approx 6 months until moving time and we need to really pare down.
Here is my plan so far:
Picture books: I am going to read-aloud my way through our picture books. As I finish reading each book I will decide right then if it is keeper or a giver. The keepers get packed into a rubbermaid tub, the givers go straight into the give-away basket. Once the tub is full it is packed away and either shipped or put into storage for the move, and the next tub is brought out to fill. I will keep doing this until I have gone through all of the picture books.
Chapter books: most of these will go to charity. I will keep only a few hard to find books and special books of the children's.
Non-fiction: Keeping many of these, but weeding out the overlap. Do I really need SEVEN books on butterflies?
Clothes: I am going to pare us all down to the bare minimum. I am pretty much already there myself, and although I have made significant progress with the kids clothes, they still have way too many. New clothes will be our reward for keeping moving costs low.
Christmas decor: I am doing a major purge as I take down and pack the decorations this year. I am keeping only the unique and special items. Lights and glass ball ornaments can be easily replaced at less than the cost of moving them. I hope to pare down to one rubbermaid tub.
Toys:Christmas was fairly simple, but still...lots of new stuff came in. LOTS of old stuff needs to go! I am going to be particularly harsh with anything that is plastic. The nice thing is that with all of the new toys in, the kids are less reluctant to let the old ones go. I was just able to convince JBug to donate the huge pink Fisher-price dollhouse she had since she was 3 and hasn't played with in a year.Hooray! Now there is room for her new train table which will be used by all three littles daily!
Kitchen: Don't have very much clutter here. I keep my kitchen pretty efficient. Today I just got rid of tons of mismatched plastic containers and lids and all of the plastic plates and bowls. Next to go is the plastic cups now that the 2yo is becoming steadier with handling glassware.
School stuff: not ready to go there yet. Pray for me!
Keep it up, Ladies! You are inspiring me to renew my efforts!
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Chari
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I guess this is a topic on all of our minds........
Last night, I mentally came up with a 12 step-plan  (one for each of the 12 months) for things I need to get done...........and have for years, in some cases. I was feeling a bit overwhemed. I needed bite-size pieces to approach this.....(actually, these are NOT bite-size............they are the whole muffin! ).......I was thinking about committing it to my blog so it would be stored somewhere for me to look at.
These are things that are making me nuts, making my mind distracted. Kind of like a hamster in a wheel??
Here is what I was thinking about, picking BIG chores, that I want/need done for my sanity........and just using any "free" time each month, trying to get it done, maybe giving the first weekend of each month to use as a big push to get started:
January-prepare my room for painting
Feb-Paint room (I have had the paint for over two yrs now .......it really needs to happen)
March- prepare master bath for painting (not a little job, unfortunately)
April-paint bathroom
May-, etc..........
among the choices:
declutter pantry area....needs better organization and decluttering
organize the hundreds of Book of Centuries papers that need to be put away in appropriate notebook
declutter drawers in my room
reorganize boys' room
reorganize laundry room
you can imagine others, of course
we will function so much better when these things are taken care of.....it will SIMPLIFY our lives here.
I just thought it may be a good idea for me to have a focus area for the month, instead of fretting over ALL that needs to be done, and then not doing anything.
Know what I mean?
Blessings for all of us and our efforts.
__________________
Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11
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Topic: A Year of Simplicity
