March's Challenge--The Minimalist Game

With just two weeks left on our "No Critical Conversation to our Spouse" Challenge, I have to let you know about our next challenge... to give you plenty of time to consider joining in the fun!  Spring is almost here... and there is no better jump start to your spring cleaning than this--play the Minimalist Game with me.

We all have too much stuff.  Some of us are purgers by nature (me), so the thought of getting rid of stuff we don't need or use is exciting.  Admittedly, there are those of you who struggle a bit more with this idea.

Did you know the average U.S. household has 300,000 items?  And, did you know that United States children only make up 3.7% of the world's child population, but our kids have 47% of the toys and books in the WORLD!

So, this coming month's challenge (see my original post on the 11 month challenge) was created by minimalist gurus (info HERE) and is simple.

For the first day of the month, you get rid of one item.  For the second day of the month, two items.  And so on.  Technically, the winner is the one who can go the longest, but I am telling you RIGHT NOW that I am going all the way, baby!

Obviously, it gets harder and harder, but when I look at the toys, books and stuffed animals that my kids have, not to mention the clothes that don't fit and the dishes I don't use, I think I can do it.  Plus, let's not even get started on the garage!

So, in total, we'd be getting rid of right under 500 items... out of the house!  But, I like round numbers, so I think 500 it is!

So, are you with me?  Do I have any takers?  Even if you think you can't do it, what a great opportunity to try and, in the process, to reflect on the stuff in our lives... and if it really needs to be there!

In addition, if you are here in Indianapolis, I would like you to consider partnering with me as I partner with the Exodus Refugee Project.  I am planning on donating all of my household and furniture items to help refugees who are showing up in the United States, often fleeing religious and political persecution.  These refugees, who often travel with nothing but what they are wearing, need to be set up here with a small apartment, full of everything from glasses to bedding--and their kids need some toys too!!

So, consider joining me, and we can encourage each other along the way.  March 1=the fun begins!

Sad Day

Yesterday was a rough day for this mama: this little thing no longer uses the word "spacewhips" to talk about "spaceships."  I'm going to miss that one.

I mean... COME ON!

These are HARD!  And, to use them in a sentence... in SECOND GRADE!

Yikes!

Ortho Visit

And, so it begins... again.

In an effort to fix Grant's bite (not his teeth, mind you... that's a different chunk-o-change), Grant had to get two braces this morning (after a year with a retainer a bit ago)!  Grant settled on one blue and one gold, after he heard me DIE laughing when he said he wanted "all gold."

Here's hoping that this will do the trick... because real braces for all my kids is a not-too-distant reality!

The 11 month challenge

I was supposed to write about this in December and begin implementing with the first of the year.  But, life happened... and now, I find myself three days into February: already late.  And, I am tempted to say, "Forget it... there's always next year."  But, even if it isn't a perfect start, today's the day!

This challenge has been a brain child of mine for a bit.  The basic thought is this: what if, instead of a New Year's resolution, I committed to do something every month.  I could set out the rules of the month beforehand, and anyone who wanted to join the month's challenge could do so.  And, if I do them all alone, so be it... but I'll be better for it in the end.

So, I have devised 11 challenges: some spiritual, some practical, some physical.  I hope to tell you what the challenge is long before the first of the month so you can consider your own participation.

This month's challenge is simple in concept and difficult in implementation.  It is birthed out of the women in my small group at church, and we've already been on this particular challenge for over a week.

The challenge: simply put--no critical comments to your spouse (or someone else).  This means if Bret does something dumb, oblivious or even mean, I'm going to keep from speaking out critically.  This means that if Bret is tackling something--from driving to parenting--differently than I would, I am going to keep my mouth shut.  I find that too often I am quick to criticize and quick to correct--this will be a real lesson in patience.

I'll keep you posted on how I do, and if you're up for the challenge, let me know, and we can act as an encouragement to each other.  God is the giver of good gifts, and Bret is one of my most precious, and by the grace of God, I hope he knows that unequivocally at the end of this month.

Coming up in March: the great house PURGE!  Stay tuned!

Roller Coaster

Totally excited tonight when I realized, while doing our taxes, that Grant and Grace's college accounts have an extra $3000 than previously thought.

And, then, I finished my taxes, and I owe $2500.

Bummer.