Checking things off my list

Ever wonder what I do? I'm sure all my hundreds of readers (ha ha) think I sit around and eat Bon-Bons all day while the kids are at school, nap and play. Right! I decided in 2010 I was going to get my life and house organized. In my random moments of spare time here are some things I've done since we rang in the New Year...because I know you're all wondering.

First, I stalk, I mean I follow a blog, theidearoom, and she had a post about organization and making lists. I admit that I have never really been a list maker but reading this post inspired me so I thought I would give it a try. I had already purchased a fancy $1 calendar for my purse at Target so all I needed was a spiral. This spiral has really kept me in check! Every time I think of something I write it down and then cross it off and crossing it off feels so good. Who knew a simple task could make you feel so good? I realize that sounds silly but I guess I've been cooped up for a bit now with my two blessings.

One thing on my list of to-dos was "paint Ella's toy chest." Good grief she received this toy chest for Christmas in 2007 I think. It was purchased unfinished with the intent to paint with Brooke that spring. Hmmmm...finally, last spring we painted it blue but never got around to finishing it. I can proudly say It's FINISHED! I won't be going into the toy chest business anytime soon.

I randomly came across this blog, Tidy Mom, one day and saw these super cute picture frames. As she mentions, I too am not crafty but thought they were so cute and since I had most of the supplies figured I'd give it a shot. At Ikea I picked up a set of three unfinished frames for $1 (for the set!). The only thing I don't like and didn't realize until I got home and opened the package is that they have plexiglass instead of glass. But, they were $.33 each and it was my first experiment. This was the result. I was pretty darn pleased with myself!

Upstairs we have a playroom and off the playroom is a niche with a built in desk. This is my office space. Chris has the nice big study for the one day he works from home and I have the quaint 4X5 space that I "work" in everyday. Work you ask. Why yes, I do work....as some of you know I do have a stationery business that keeps me busy from time to time. I spend lots of time taking pictures of my blessings which means I am behind the computer editing them and uploading them to this blog occasionally or emailing them to family and/or friends and then there's facebook which has to also be updated. The only good thing about my tiny "office" is that I can keep an eye on E&B while they play if I decide to have computer time. My office needed some help. The desk was a constant pile or piles of papers because I had no where to put them. I looked at Home Depot and a few places for shelves but wasn't finding what I was envisioning. Then I came across this blog a couple weeks ago and this was exactly it. I went straight to Ikea and then to Hobby Lobby for my memo board and Chris had a project last weekend! I love the way it turned out!! Now I just need the chair I saw at Ikea....

For the past three weeks I've been taking a photography class. It's a continuing ed class at a local community college. The main reason I wanted to take the class was to be able to learn how to fully use my camera that I've had for two years and all the functions. I had no idea what ISO, white balance, aperture, etc meant. I have one more class tomorrow night and I still can't fully explain it all but I am figuring it out and can now shoot in manual and in RAW. I just love it. I'm ready to sign up for the next class but my trip to Cali kind of throws a kink in it so I'll have to wait for the next semester. I'm ready for quite a few classes actually but who's going to take of these kids for me?

I also managed to squeeze in a girls' trip to Port A one weekend with some super awesome friends. Brooke, Stacey, Nicole, Naelyn & I spent a weekend in Dallas together back in May. This time we stayed at a condo on the beach. It was so fun and very relaxing. I had no idea there was such good, fun and little quaint restaurants in Port A. I can't wait to go back sometime. I love these girls!

 Dinner at Shells

 Drinks at Bernie's

 The Pier - taken with my iPhone

The girls

Whew, as my bestie, Brooke, said the other day, "You're kicking 2010's ass!" I chuckled when I read that, but yes I am, I sure am. I'm having fun, my kids are happy and I sure hope Chris is happy too. I'll go ahead and continue to keep crossing things off my list. 2010 could be full of major accomplishments and crafts if I keep this up. :)