Organizing 101

Since it's Spring Cleaning time, I thought I would post some pictures of a few of my projects, and some helpful organzing tips that have been a great help to me in keeping everything in it's rightful place! My linen closet had been driving me crazy for weeks-every time I opened the door something would fall out!

This is an "after" picture of the closet, once I had put to use some of the organizing baskets, tubs, and other tools. I visited our local dollar store and found some awesome deals....

These tubs were $1 each and work great for collecting all the miscellaneous items that need a home, but always end up stuck on a shelf in the closet. I bought 3 of them, and assigned each one to a specific type of item- one has our cameras and other electronic devices in it; another has extra bathroom and toiletry type essentials in it; and the third one is storing small seasonal decorations on the top shelf, since they are used so infrequently.

Another great investment I made quite awhile ago was a label maker. I found this set of 4 shoebox size containers at Meijer for around $7-8, and have filled them with birthday cards, letters and correspondance, and other 'sentimental' items I can't part with. At least they're organized! Each one is labeled accordingly, and it looks great in the closet to have everything stacked neatly and boldly proclaiming their contents for all to see!

I've read over and over in magazines and books that being organized doesn't have to cost millions! This trunk was from Hobby Lobby a few years back for around $12, and not only does it look cool, it is perfect for storing odds and ends of all kinds. I first bought it to use as a sewing box in college, and now it's found a home in my linen closet! The size of it is also great for hiding all the other things on that shelf behind- a little strategic placement goes along way! The idea is perfect for any area in your home, for just about any use- CD's, mismatched socks, extra bathroom supplies, magazines, lunch snacks in the pantry-the list goes on and on!

Tune in next time....the bathroom and kitchen are next!

Just gathering for later potential usage:


Audrey
Teagyn
Carys, Karyss
Ailey
Kelcie
Fiona
Meredith

Blake
Andrew
Titus
Toby
Creed
Gabe, Gage
Jaxson
Creed

'Boomin', Babies, and Birthdays

April turned out to be the start of some very busy months for us! We have done a pretty good job of packing a whole bunch into the next 2 months ahead of us, so I'm looking forward to having lots to blog about!

Josh and I got to go to Winter Jam a little while ago in Grand Rapids at the Van Andel Arena. It was a fun night out downtown, and we got to see alot of different Christian artists and bands perform. Probably one of my favorites of the night was Francesca Batastelli, but by far the coolest was seeing Toby Mac! He did a whole bunch of sweet songs including "Boomin", which ended up being one of the only pictures from the concert that turned out decently in the dark arena!

Then on April 2nd we welcomed our newest little nephew (we have a total of 9 nieces and nephews between us now!!)....Nolan Mitchell Pikaart! He definitely looks like his dad, and big sister Kaila, and we are so happy he is finally here. Babies are so cuddly and nice to snuggle....sigh!

We're also in the middle of Birthday Marathon months in our families, with Nolan claiming birthday # 11 between the end of March and mid-May! As always, we've had lots of fun spending time with family and searching for just the right birthday presents for everyone.

Josh turned 26 on April 8th, which means once again I am not his "older woman" for the next 9 months =) We had dinner at Max & Erma's and dessert back home with some of his family, and enjoyed spending time together.

Josh

In honor of Josh's birthday today, I thought I would write the things that I love about my husband!

1. Josh makes me laugh. He has a great sense of humor, and can find the laughable in any situation life throws our way. There are many smiles and belly laughs in our home because of Josh's ability to find a joke to go with anything!

2. I married my best friend. Our paths intersected many times over the years, kind of the 6 degrees of separation. But once we officially "met" and became friends, it didn't take long to realize how much we enjoyed never being apart!

3. Josh is a caring and compassionate person. He has a heart for people to know the Lord, and I enjoy seeing him interact with people of all ages. We never go to Meijer that he doesn't see "someone" he knows or knew or went to school with.

4. Josh is very patient! He is quick to forgive and move on from an argument, and takes the high road many, many times.

5. He's going to be an awesome dad (someday-not today, do not read into this!!). Josh loves kids and at times is still a big one at heart. I know he will take pride in raising our kids and being a very hands on dad.

6. Josh rocks at helping out around our home. There are tons of times when he's cleaned up the kitchen, straightened up the bedroom, and he does the majority of our laundry. He is a huge blessing to me!

7. He is handsome! I think he's the coolest guy ever, and I'm the president of his fan club.

8. Josh is my favorite person to hang out with. We love to take off and get out of our apartment, especially on the weekends. It doesn't matter if we're grocery shopping or house hunting or just running errands around town. He's good company and I love our companionship.

9. Josh is impulsive, which at times surprises me! I've come home many times to flowers at unexpected moments, and he's always up for a last minute adventure!

10. He likes the things that I like. We love coffee and going for walks. He likes to cook with me, and find a good deal at the store.

I love you Josh! And hope you have a happy day celebrating this new year of life! I'm so happy I get to share it with you!

Ready for Spring

Hooray for the arrival of March! There is hope that winter will end soon, and it's been nice to see the sun shining outside alot more lately. Even thought it's still cold out, I'm looking forward to being able to get outside more often and enjoy the sunshine.

Josh and I had a busy February, and we're headed to Ohio this weekend for a much needed getaway and to spend time with Katie, Ryan, and Addisyn! We enjoyed the Couples Retreat over the weekend of the 6th at church. We played Buzz Word, watched Fireproof, and on Saturday heard some great thoughts from a man at Bridge to Life Ministries about the roles in marriage.

On Valentine's Day Josh came home with bagels for breakfast and a beautiful bouquet of pink gerber daisies. We had my parents and younger brothers over in the evening for Wet Burritos and a good time spending time together.

The next weekend was a looong one for us both- the Junior High All Nighter, overnight from 7pm Friday to 8am Saturday morning. We had a good time playing games with the kids and playing flash light hide and go seek in the church. Josh and I went home and slept until 4 in the afternoon after staying up all night!

The month went by so quickly it's hard to believe it's March already, but I'm thankful for the cold winter months coming to an end and can't wait to get out there and find spring has arrived. Saint Patrick's Day is almost here and Easter will be right around the corner. Enjoy the coming days of sunshine and flowers!

10 Pounds Down

Yay! Today was the first day that the scale was actually looking how I wanted it to! I've been trying since my wedding in October to start losing some weight, and have been doing really well since about the first week in January. Getting through the holidays was harder, but I just wanted to maintain- which I was able to. But then after New Year's (and Colleen got engaged!), I decided to really step into high gear.
My goal is 5 pounds each month until the wedding or until I hit my goal weight, and then to stay there! My sister Katie and my Mom have both been VERY inspiring to me as I have seen them lose weight and get fit over the last few years. They look great!!
Here's what I'm doing: Eating LOTS of vegetables and fruits
Trading chips/crackers for rice cakes topped w/ PB & Jam
I love veggies and hummus, so that's my go to snack now
Working more low-fat, high fiber and whole grain foods into our diet
Doing Biggest Loser videos from On Demand (cable)
It's exciting to see the results on the scale and a motivation to keep going!

Birthdays!

Today is my 26th birthday! I think what is the coolest thing about my birthday, is that my niece Addisyn was born just the day before....she's a pretty awesome present if you ask me!

When I found out that Katie was pregnant and that she was due on my birthday I was so excited and felt really special to get to share that time of year with a new little person in our family. I think I knew Katie would have a girl even before she told us!! Because it was kind of a difficult time in my life, I think God really used this special time in Katie & Ryan's life in becoming new parents, to also be a very neat, personal, and special blessing in my own life.

Addisyn Paige was born January 9th a beautiful and healthy little girl, and over the past 2 years she has wrapped our entire family around her finger, and holds a very special place in this auntie's heart! We share very close birthdays and the same middle name...something I am honored by! I am so thankful for the little life that God sent to use in my own life at a crucial time...his blessings are unfathomable! And even though Addie is still too little to know, I will always think of her as the best birthday present ever, because of the sweet and beautiful little girl she is!

I love that Addie is her own little person and that we can see her personality shining through at such a small age. She glows, she has the goofiest and sweetest smile, she's got attitude and spunk, she is spirited and loving, and I am awed by the way God gives us joy through little people who don't even speak in sentences yet! The way Addie runs and wiggles her bottom, the way she lines things up in a highly sophisticated and organized way, the way she plays coy are all little ways that we see her individuality come out and sparkling personality shine through. She is her own girl and she is special!

As I get older and birthdays aren't quite as exhilarating as they were as a kid, I look forward to watching Addie grow into the person God created her to be and know I will enjoy marking the years go by with each January 9 & 10 that come and go.

Addisyn, you are a sweet, special, lovely little girl and I love you! You bring joy and smiles even from miles away in your home, and I am thankful for the gift that you are to your mom & dad, your big families, and especially to me! Happy Birthday to you from me....MWA!