I posted a decluttering update.

Well honestly, I'm way overdue.

So here's the rest of January's purging:
Week 2: some duplicate kitchen utensils, paper purged from files, magazines that had been read and didn't need saved, dish towels that had seen better days, an entry console table that just doesn't fit our space well.
Week 3: a bag full of old clothes that I knew I'd never wear again, a bag of clothing the boys have managed to outgrow again already (going to their little cousin), blankets to the camper that aren't needed at home now that the kids have new to them duvets (thanks grandma & grandpa G!), a few pairs of shoes that don't and won't fit anyone in our household.
Final Week: a comforter DD has matured beyond, an ironing board holder and full size ironing board (we now have a fancy schmancy ironing board cabinet), old sheets that were thread bare or worse had holes in them, a water pillow donated to my mom (never worked well for DH or I), boots that don't and won't fit anyone in our household.

Are you taking the challenge? Decluttering Challenge 2010 @ FL&M

January's resolution (getting back to our basic routines) worked nicely. We still have a ways to go with the kiddos and their routines but we're off to a great start for the year and that's what counts!

February's resolution (scheduling me time):
Week one: Taking it a little easier this week in general. Penciling in naps. Last week was a whirlwind and I feel like I'm gradually recovering. Had a couple nights of contrax for a few hours each night. Followed by a weekend filled with birthday parties to attend and a closet project plus readying the nursery kick-off. Topped it all off with a sick kiddo.
Week two: Planning "me time" moving forward on a daily and weekly basis.
Week three: Planning a day each month to have a mommy getaway for a few hours (library/bookstore/coffee bar with a BGF, etc).
Week four: Penciling in an annual girl's getaway (probably scrapbooking retreat). I so miss those.

That's the plan, we'll see how well I do....

OK I got a bit ahead of myself or so it would seem. See I found this really neat feature where one can write up their blog post ahead of time and schedule it to post on a specific day and at a specific time. I thought: "oh how fabulous! I can have things post at the real beginning of the day (12:01 a.m.) so no matter who reads it on a given day, it'll be updated.". Nice thought isn't?!

The reality was a bit different. I think I need a calendar to keep track of my blogging. Yup, seriously. Sounds really sad doesn't it? It definitely made me rather frustrated with my new blogging love. I was so stoked that I'd figured out how to upload photos to my blog originally. So here's where I goofed. I'd write up my posts and plan them out and then life would get in the way of my getting decent photos (or any photos) to go with said blog posts. The behind the scenes of real life blogging is that to have pretty pictures one needs A- a relatively clean/decluttered space to show off whatever it is the post is about -and- B- some daylight streaming in our NE OH windows would be nice on the days that I have time to orchestrate a display or two and have said clean/decluttered space ready for a photo opp.  So here's where the calendar comes in... oh yes and a shortcut to the weather channel online. It all has to be coordinated during our wintery time of year here, something I was obviously rather oblivious to starting out.

As soon as I can get those missing photos taken, my last few blog posts will be all pretty and not so plain jane, empty looking. Yes, I'll be back to my regular posting again soon too. Real life has just overshadowed things a bit of late and this little baby has been kicking my butt and she hasn't even arrived yet.

... when you plain run out of space.
Some people up and move. (We've been these people before.) Some people add-on to their homes. (Wish we could  afford to be these people.) We're of the some who adapt and convert. No not religious beliefs, political stances or personal preferences.

We're talking space here peoples. Growing children equals new toy types. Gaming systems, yes those dreaded video games. Fitting those into the landscape of a home can be a real challenge. We know many believe that it's OK to put TV's and DVR's/DVD players/gaming systems and even PC's into kids' personal spaces (bedrooms). We're not part of one of those groups. It's our experience and belief that kiddos as a whole population of little people, don't self moderate well with additional privileges thrown at them so freely accessible. They both crave and require boundaries. Let's also face it, as parents, if they have all their wishes fulfilled, how much more challenging is it to discipline when necessary? There's no incentive if it's so easily at their disposable behind a closed door.

While we know the ideal would be to have a separate family room from our living room space. We only have one of those spaces in our home. We entertained the idea of converting our front porch into a family room or an additional bedroom remodel. However, it's a lot of expense we don't need now and might or might not pan out for resale down the road. You know the economy being what it is and all. So how do converters like us make it happen?

Here's how-
Before:

This was the original plan for linen storage: (just imagine table & bedding linens instead of the towels & toiletries)

This was the alternate plan for linen storage:

After:

Albeit small, we have a secondary space for a kid friendly additional gaming set-up. Yes, those headphones are required for any and all use. This is just off our dining room, that's the basement door on the other side. It's truly a pint-sized gaming space for our not so still pint-sized (they're growing too fast). Two or possibly three can comfortably fit at a time. At least for another year or two.

Before:

Note the great absence of windows. That'll be a challenge in and of itself as well.

The plan:
- Use trim pieces to make a faux wainscot paneled effect on the lower walls. This will stop at the height of the shortest wall where the ceiling slopes down to meet it. Wrapping all around the room at that same height.
- Paint: The lower wainscot a soft white; the upper  wall sections a softly muted, rose-pink; the ceiling a pale buttery, creamy tone; the subfloor a pale enameled tone and then we'll toss a plush queen size blanket we already have down as soft area rug. This last bit will be a temporary solution until more remodeling funds a freed up.
- Place LO's (Little One) mini crib centered against the lower wall opposite the doorway. Add some baskets/bins of some sort underneath for  additional storage.
- Place the bench to the right of the doorway. It'll get a lick of paint as well. Bench is additional storage (linens/books/clothing/toys, etc) and will double as a reading spot. In time we'll add cushion & assorted throw pillows and a KO (knock off) PB (Pottery Barn) book rack.
- Add a doll house shaped bookcase on the left side wall. Cute storage initially with bins/baskets, later for toys and then finally a true doll house to play for hours with.
- Shabby Chic floral chandelier will be hung above the reading spot.
- Some sort of tree inspired mural/sculpture to wrap one of the corners near the crib.
- Incorporate birds, butterflies and dragonflies somehow. Maybe in a mobile or some artwork for the walls.
- I'd also love to add LO's initials or name somewhere in the room as well.
- Back of the door will most likely be used to enhance storage capacity.