Move 'em on, head 'em up

That is right, tomorrow we "move 'em out" to deliver my sisters "stuff" to her new home in another state. Dad was unable to secure the smallest size truck from Penkse, however, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We ended up filling the size we got-- a 16 foot truck!! It is amazing the large quantity of items one little lady can possess! Loading took 2 1/2 hours for 3 1/2 adults (Mom was on the phone for half of the time). It was 2 1/2 hours of problem-solving, weight lifting, and laughter. After loading, the four of us celebrated with sparkling cider (we didn't have Coke and the bottles had been taking up shelf space since 2006) and a delicious, homemade tri-tip salad.

Hopefully, when I get back, I will have some pictures to share. Wagons ho!

Tidy Tips

Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your room/s so that you can fully enjoy that your summer. After all, we all work, think, and serve more effectively when we are unencumbered by clutter:

1. Close the closet door/s. This is such a simple act that makes a HUGE difference in the appearance of even the messiest of rooms.

2. Make you bed BEFORE you leave the room. This is one of the best things I have ever done when it comes to tidying up. The temptation to never make the bed is so much stronger after re-entering after breakfast. Plus a bed that is made does wonders psychologically as you go and start your day.

3. Put your laundry away. Seriously, it takes a wopp'n minute or two (perhaps 5 if you have a sizable stack of procrastination). No one likes wrinkly clothes anyway. Do everyone a favor.

4. Put things in your room/ space that you love. If you have an item that you just love (a picture, trinket, or collection) you are more likely to spend some time caring for it. Sometimes putting a flowering plant in your room is incentive to pay attention and and to give it some TLC. If a wilted and dried-up poise doesn't make a body feel guilty I don't know what will.

5. Do the 5 (or 10) minute pick up...once a day. I normally do this at night so that I can begin the next day without the confrontation of clutter. I actually don't time myself because it has become such a habit, however, if this is not a habit of yours, the timer is your best friend!!

I love my room. There is is just no getting around it. My little green room is my oasis and I love keeping it clean because it signifies that it is very own special space. Check out how many different items I have with my name on it!

Here Comes the Bride

Although I am biased, I have to say that my sister is by far the most radiant bride I have ever seen!! Our photographer, Kristen Rogers, did an incredible job! Check out her blog!

A Wedding Blessing

As I think about my sister's wedding tomorrow (Saturday), I can't help but feel the need to send a blessing along with her and her soon-to-be-husband as they begin a new life together one state away. I have been reading in Colossians for my devotions and I honestly cannot think of a better blessing than what is written in verses 9- 13 of chapter one. Just as Paul prayed these words earnestly for the church of Colosse, so I too lift them up again to our Father ...

So L and L, my prayer for you is that you may be filled with the knowledge of [God's] will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That as you live the rest of you lives as one, you may walk worthy of the Lord in a manner fully pleasing to Him. May you be fruitful in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. May the source of your strength come form [God's] glorious power in order that you may be patient, [and] longsuffering. May all that you do be done out of joy and thanksgiving to God as you remember the truth of your inheritance and His eternal deliverance into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Amen.

I love you.

Guess Who...or What

I had some fun with the camera the other day (the other month, rather). Perhaps you can tell me precisely what I was pointing my camera at? Anyone?

or this

Happy 4th of July!!!