Purging Update

"We actually use 20 percent of what we own 80 percent of the time," 

I have spent the last week focusing on PURGING!!  I have been using many websites and strategies to help me, but when it comes down to it, I have come to understand that 

I just need to RID my home of STUFF.  

As I have shifted my ways from "save it" to "toss it" (with using a straight head in knowing what is junk and what is memorabilia) I have made headway every day... 

EVERY DAY!  

I have implemented organizational tools and stations and worked hard going from room to room, cabinet to cabinet, drawer to drawer, floor space to floor space - purging and organizing.  In the last two years that I made the shift and the CHOICE to change our living space, I have accomplished SO much.  I have to admit, it is very encouraging to look around and see the difference my hard work has made.  Two years is a long time, I know, but with the amount of stuff, and the little time I have to commit towards this goal, I am quite pleased.  I used to sit around my home and desire it to be different.  I desired it to be clean, organized and... well, perfect.  While perfection is basically unattainable, I am happy with (almost) perfect - and I am proud to say that it's on it's way :).  

Here are some inspirational images that grow my desire towards an (almost) perfectly organized and clean home.  :)

via

via

via

martha stewart

Here's to Organization!

The 1st and 2nd

Happy 2012!

I meant to start this post yesterday, but after church, my husband and I went to my parents and dropped off the kids for the remainder of the day and night so we could have some alone time! Whoo hoo for us! We were so excited to watch the Bronco game at BW3's and to go bowling (where I kicked butt the first game!) So, today's post will hold my January 1 and 2 posts.

I am easily motivated and encouraged by lists and plans that others have already created to help me in my journeys through life. Recently, I have discovered http://mysimplerlife.com/ and her super fun decluttering calendar. I am basing my 2012 resolution on her calendar and the daily "to do's". I plan on documenting my success here :).

January 1

Today I have thought about what I want to accomplish in 2012. This year I resolve to complete my mission that started about 18 months ago - to simplify, clean and organize my entire home (including the garage). By trait I am a pack rat. I save everything. Everything. Or I did up until the beginning of this seemingly unattainable mission. However, taking it day by day, I have accomplished so very much and have come closer and closer to being about 70% of the way done. I plan on tracking my progress right here (daily or weekly) in hopes of motivating myself!

Here are some goals:

1. Post daily or weekly

2. Do something every day, even if it's putting away 5 things from my "junk" area

3. Reward myself after huge milestones

4. Continue with daily housecleaning and upkeep (aside from this project)

5. Create a "plan of attack" with a checklist ( I heart checklists!)

6. Not to become discouraged if my plan doesn't work perfectly

7. Involve the kids and encourage them to live in simplicity and with organization

8. Have a garage sale and use the money to pay down debt

9. Post more expensive items on Craigslist

10. Every room of the house will be completely organized and simplified, as well as clean

11. I will have "stations" and processes in place to continue my organized living

12. I will complete this 2012 resolution

Here's to a beautiful home!

January 2

Today's task is to create a "Donation Station". I love it! Right now, I just pile all the donation items on my dryer, so the idea of having a place for the family to put their un-needed items makes my heart happy. One of the largest pieces of this over-arching goal of simplifying and organizing my home is by purging! And while I have already purged tons and tons of stuff, I STILL have a ton of stuff to get rid of! So, this being my first task actually is a big deal, as simple as it is.

Here is my "Donation Station" - located by the front door (so that it is a constant reminder and won't be forgotten about).

Whoo hoo for Day 1 and 2 completion.

Simplified.  Organized.  Clean.  

Erin

simply lovely

I am certain by now that you have also fallen quickly and madly in love with Pinterest.  I know I have.  I love the ORGANIZATION and the EASE and the COLLECTION of my ideas in ONE place.  Simply Lovely.

There is, however, one itty bitty problem.  I am not doing anything with all my valuable finds.  That's right.  They are just sitting on their pretty little destined board.  Looking all cute next to their friends.  It's almost like they are BEGGING for me to create, make, bake, or buy them.  I actually believe they are desperate for me.  As I am for them.  

So, what's a girl to do?  Begin.  That's right.  I am not going to resolve to make 2 a week, or even 1 a month.  Instead, I resolve to begin with one item and to see it through to the end.  Will I choose baking? crafting? perhaps art?  I can't wait to see....

Happy Creating

xoxo,

Erin

Here for an update?

If you are looking for updates on our mission trip to Africa, please go to our family blog at 

www.wiensies.blogspot.com

THANK YOU!

Lovely Kitchens

I think I am slightly obsessed with kitchens.  The decorating part.... (I really, really work on the cooking obsession, but honestly - would rather decorate than cook!) and I have been loving these ideas from Pottery Barn.

Check out this Farmhouse style Dining Room

and this Cottage Dining Room

This Coastal style...

and I absolutely heart this Jar Pendant light - it is at the top of my wish list!

Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Mozambique Update

If you are here looking for an update on our Mozambique, Africa missions trip, please check out our family blog at

www.wiensies.blogspot.com

This is where you'll be able to follow us on our journey....

Love,

Erin

Mozambique

Mozambique

Jon and I are BEYOND THRILLED to announce that we have been given the amazing opportunity to be on the leadership team heading into the country of Mozambique, Africa. 

This will be our very first missions work together and we can't wait to see the many ways God will use us in Africa.

We will be providing our services by building latrines (outhouses) and assisting in other village building projects.  I (Erin) have the amazing opportunity to co-lead a VBS style children's ministry program to the children of the village!!  

Alongside our friends, we will bond together to build....

faith. love. and hope.

 Amongst the people of Africa.

Please take a moment to watch this video from the previous Mozambique missions trip.  

Here

Donations are Tax Deductible.

Payable to Radiant Church with an indication that the money is to go towards our account.

Jon and Erin Wiens

15433 W. Cottonwood Cir.

Surprise, AZ  85374

jwiens03@gmail.com and ewiens13@gmail.com

We appreciate your prayers and support as we embark upon this new journey!!