It Only Took 3 Years!

We are coming up on our 3-year anniversary in this rental and last weekend, after the yard sale, Ben and I took to the garage for a little "clean-up".

I had put the old grill out on the front lawn with a FREE sign on it and it wasn't out there for an hour when someone picked it up and carted it off.
I had already loaded up the leftovers and took them to Goodwill.
I had placed the bags of clothes in the back of my car to take to the MPCA Clothing Trailer.

I started by moving our riding lawnmower to the cut-out area near our fridge.  That left a huge space in the middle of the garage and I started to see "potential".....potential to actually park in our garage for the first time, potential for better storage options for our stuff.  

So, I started to work on the boxes that were in the middle of the garage.  I wish I had taken a before picture!!!  It was a full garage and a messy garage.  I often thought we would never get to this point.  

Ben came out after his shower and helped me start moving the boxes and other stuff around. I found several Rubbermaid bins that were half full or empty and put them in the driveway to get them out of there.

I went through a few Rubbermaid bins and threw out old college textbooks that I wouldn't need. 

You know the ones I am talking about....I betcha you are holding onto yours in your garage/basement/attic/crawl space.  The electives that you took or the core classes that you don't use much in your day to day life: sociology, student wellness, student study techniques, psychology.  Yep, I kept them from back in 1994-1997 (now I am showing my age) when I was in college in Canada.  They have made the move from my parents house in Ontario, to our first home in Ontario, to our second home in Warner Robins, GA and now to our home here.  Why?  They just took up storage space and were heavy as heck to tote from place to place!  Why?  WHY?!?!?!

I digress.....

Here is what we have come up with so far and I have to admit that there are still a lot of boxes that we need to go through and figure out what to do with the stuff: 

• sell it
• donate it 
• "file 13" it

But at least we can park in there now!!!!
Before we pulled the cars in....

 My car in the garage......

 

Both cars in the garage and my handsome hubby who helped!

Not bad eh?  

I think it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself!  

Until Next Time,

SCRAP ON!

~Cyn~

Gotta Love A Deadline......

A great way to make money in a short period of time is to participate in a yard sale.

My neighbour and I talked about doing it and we set a date.  There is nothing that lights a fire under you than a deadline.  

That was the kick-in-the-pants that I needed to get started with piling up items for the yard sale.  

• I already had all the outgrown clothes on hangers and in rubbermaid bins in the garage.  So, I literally pulled them out of the bins and hung them up on the clothing racks that I borrowed from a friend that does a lot of clothing consignment (thanks Dawnie).
• The next thing I did was go through the toy box for any items that the children didn't play with anymore and put them in a box in the garage.  I started doing this earlier in the summer and didn't finish (adult ADHD - isn't it great?).  So, I just continued on with this task.
• I also went through our closet to get out anything we weren't using anymore.
• I went through a bunch of boxes in the garage.

You know those items that you just feel weird about throwing out or even giving away?  You know the ones.....they make every move with you, even though you have never used them or have used them once and never again?

Well, I had a few of those and I put them on the tables to sell.  

I made a promise to myself that whatever didn't sell would be boxed up and taken to Goodwill after the yard sale.  Everything that went in the garage/yard sale would NOT come back into the house......

That didn't happen......

Sophie brought one of the shape sorting toys back into the house.  This is just a small item and I am sure that it will "disappear" in the coming days.  

By the time I was finished cataloging all the items for the clothing donation for the MPCA Clothing Trailer, it was 5:30 and I was starving.  

Dawn helped me bring the tables into the garage with all the items that did not sell.  I promise NOT to bring them back into the house!  The garage held them until I cataloged everything before taking them to Goodwill this afternoon.

My neighbours have decided that they will do it again next week.  I may put out a few items next week to see if they go, but I am even considering going through the house again.  

It feels GOOD to purge and get rid of stuff that just sits there!  The extra cash in your wallet is nice too!  I made $215.00 and I cleaned out my garage!

You know what the best part of my day was?  There are SEVERAL!!!!

1. A lady came who was from Haiti and she bought all my summer outfits to send home to her people.  I gave her all the items for 50 cents a piece because I know that Haiti needs all the help they can get!  She was a super sweet woman!
2. A woman named Doreen and her hubby walked over to have a look and she saw a Xyron "X" sticker maker.  She said "I know what this is!!!"  We got talking about scrapbooking and how it is hard to get out stuff to scrapbook when you don't have a space.  I took her inside to show her my "scrap haven" and we got to talking about all the new scrappy stuff and CM and CTMH.  She mentioned going to Perry and I asked her if she knew Lisa Mosely and she said YES!!!  The world got a little smaller!!!  
   The then went on to tell me about Fran Washko and I told her that Frannie was my side-line sister for Creative Memories!!!  The world got a whole lot smaller!  We exchanged numbers and emails and plan to get together to scrapbook sometime!  FUN!!!
3. Talking to everyone that came to the house - if you really don't believe that everyone has a story, you really need to have a YARD SALE!!!
4. Hanging out with my neighbours and meeting their daughters (they live in SC).  

It was FUN!!!!

Not only did I make a little money, I cleaned out the garage a bit AND made a new SCRAPPY friend!  

Awesomesauce!!!!

Until Next Time,

SCRAP ON!
~Cyn~

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 12

I am thankful for a Productive Monday! 

Today is 12 of 12.  I try to take at least 12 pictures on the 12th of every month, but I tend to get more than 12 just so that I have options.  It is only 2:00pm and I feel like I have already done a complete day's worth of stuff!

• I dropped my parents off at the airport - sad. I wish they could have stayed longer, but they had to get home.  
• I took Sophie to Preschool.
• I stopped by CVS to pick up my photos I printed yesterday and they STILL weren't done.
• I made a TO DO list for this week and it looks like I may only get to the gym 3 days this week.  Bummer!  But, I plan to knock out a LOT of stuff on this list throughout the week.  
• I spent the morning finishing up Christmas shopping for my kidlets and a few things for Ben with my friend, Dawn.  She and her hubby are sharing a car and she had a few errands to run too.  So, I took her with me.  
• I called the gym this morning to put my membership on hold starting 11/30/12.  I am having surgery on the 26th and I am doing as much organizing and preparation for it that I can.  
• We went and picked Ethan and Sophie up at Preschool, then I took them home. 
• Sophie went down for her nap and I ate a bowl of cereal.
• I am here paying medical bills and catching up on filing and other paperwork.  
• I have already uninstalled a bunch of programs on this laptop in preparation for the new laptop to arrive.
• Today is also the day that my new computer arrives from DELL.  We'll see what kind of impression Windows 8 leaves on me.  From what I have experienced so far, it isn't my favourite.  

So, as you can see, it has already been a productive day and I am very THANKFUL for that!  After reading this post, are YOU tired yet?  My head is pounding right now, so I may have to have a little 15-minute nap before the laptop arrives!  

How has your Monday turned out?  Busy?  Crazy? Just right?

Until Next Time,
SCRAP ON!
~Cyn~

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 18

FOR TODAY - Monday April 30, 2012

Outside my window...it is sunny and gorgeous out.

I am thinking...my scrap space needs to be re-organized so that I can maximize my output.
I am thankful...for my girlfriends.  They save me from going insane staying home all day with the kids.
In the kitchen...I can hear the dogs munching on their food, coffee brewing and Sophie playing with her shopping cart.
I am wearing...my black capri pants and a scrapbook t-shirt (I seem to have a lot of these too.....not much "dress-up" stuff)...ah, the life of a stay at home mom!
I am creating...some layouts for a Sketchapalooza class, afterall, I am on the design team (forgot to mention that on my last post about Feeling Scrappy). 
I am going...to take apart my scrap area and see where the inspiration is....
I am wondering...how Ben's class in Michigan is going.  I hope he enjoyed himself up in Canada.  
I am reading...smut....romantic and almost erotic fiction!  Some of these freebies I got on Amazon for the Kindle.  I love that Kindle!  It is the best thing since sliced bread!
I am hoping...dinner tonight with Jessica will be good, we aren't really adventurous when it comes to eating ethnic food.  So, we will see.
I am looking forward to...a trip to Ikea with Laura sometime soon to pick up her Expedit Shelves for her scrapbooking room.  Should be fun!
I am learning...my mood changes if I am hungry. I turn into a grizzly bear if I don't eat!
Around the house...it is all quiet.  Sophie is having a nap and I am sitting here writing this post!
I am pondering...going back through the years to get the photos put into a family album for each year.  Should take me a while, but using the We R Memory Keepers page protectors will make it easy.  Project Life has really opened my eyes to this "easy" way of scrapping!
A favorite quote for today...another quote found on pinterest: 

One of my favorite things...my scraploft.
A few plans for the rest of the week...pick up Ben at the airport tomorrow night, finish a few layouts for the Sketchapalooza 7 class, head to Michaels for some special deals (thank goodness for coupons) and hanging out with my family in the evenings.  Planning to eat at home all week after tonight's trip with Jess and her kidlets to Zab-E-Lee's.  
A peek into my day...reorganizing H-E-double hockey sticks!

********************

Want to join us? Go here
Until Next Time,
SCRAP ON!
~Cyn~

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 16

Tuesday April 17, 2012

Outside My Window....it is overcast and a little dreary!
I am thinking...the slots for Skyline are going FAST this time.  This is #10 and kind of a big deal and with only 30 slots available, the scramble begins!
I am thankful...for coffee this morning.  I didn't sleep well last night.  So, coffee is my best friend today.  It is so hard to get out of bed when the weather is overcast.  
In the kitchen...I have sinks full of dishes that haven't made it to the dishwasher yet.  I hate this...it is a huge pet peeve of mine.  But, whatever.
I am wearing...jammies.  
I am creating...a new blog post about Project Life 2012.  
I am going...to the market to get some things for a special 40th birthday scrapping party tomorrow night at Jessica's house.  Amy turns 40 today but can't get together until tomorrow night to celebrate with us.
I am wondering...how Ben's day at work is going. I hope it is a good day for him.
I am reading...a few books on my Kindle right now.  One is about WEARY MOMS and Lord knows, I need it!
I am hoping...Sophie takes a nice long nap this afternoon.
I am looking forward to...date night with Nathan this weekend. It will be just the two of us and we are both looking forward to it.  I think sometimes Nathan thinks he gets lost in the shuffle with the 2 year old and her antics/temper tantrums.  So, it is time for some mummy time, just Nathan and I!
I am learning...that my mood sets the mood for the rest of the house.  
Around the house...I have piles of laundry that need to be put away, dishes to be put in the dishwasher, phone calls to be made and a bunch of shows I have on the DVR that need to be watched.  
I am pondering...the video on YouTube that Becky Higgins did about organizing her children's school work.  It is 29 minutes long and it is pure genius!!  Check out the video:

  

A favourite quote for today....

One of my favourite things...my DSLR Camera - Canon Rebel T2i

A peek into my day....Mowgli spends most of his day on our bed.  He is 14 years old and it was his birthday yesterday (the 16th).  

************************************

If you are interested in joining in with the Woman's Day Book Entries, click the link below:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Until Next week, SCRAP ON!!!

~Cyn~

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 12

Tuesday March 20, 2012

Outside My Window....it is sunny and gorgeous!
I am thinking...I need to get unpacked from Skyline, but the energy it takes is non-existent in me right now.  
I am thankful...for the ability to spend time with my Skyline Sisters without feeling guilt.
In the kitchen...I have a dishwasher with dishes in it but not quite full enough to start, a pot of coffee calling my name and two dogs lying on the floor keeping cool.
I am wearing...black capri pants and a bright blue shirt
I am creating...a power layout...for a good friend's gift album I am doing for her.
I am going...to relax, sit in front of the tv and NOT MOVE!  It is a LAZY day for me today.  
I am wondering...how Nathan's testing is going for the gifted program.  It will be going on until the first week of April.  
I am reading...The Hunger Games Trilogy
I am hoping...Ben is learning a lot on his training course this week in Michigan.  
I am looking forward to...Ben coming home Friday night.     
I am learning...perceptions can be misleading and sometimes the people that you THOUGHT were your friends really aren't.  :(
Around the house...Sophie in her bed for a nap, the washing machine humming along (3 more loads to finish) and the fans in the bathroom running as white noise for Sophie's nap.  
I am pondering...what to make for dinner tonight.  I am thinking BBQ Chicken, baked french fries and Salad
A favourite quote for today....Kind of a mantra for my life right now.....
"it is better to be content with what little you have. Otherwise, you will always be struggling for more, and that is like chasing the wind."
Ecclesiastes 4:6 NCV

One of my favourite things...my iPhone....
A peek into my day....still not unpacked from Skyline....

************************************

If you are interested in joining in with the Woman's Day Book Entries, click the link below:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Until Next week, SCRAP ON!!!

~Cyn~

Today is the Day!

I get to go to Lowe's, Brandsmart, Home Depot to pick out my new DRYER! Woohoo! Who knew that I would be excited about a dryer? I mean, seriously?!?!?! Come on!
You know that you are getting old when you get excited about appliances!
It has been taking me 6 hours to dry a load of towels or sheets, over 7 to dry jeans and Ben's work pants. So, it is time to get a new dryer! I have a few that I want to look at but I get to pick it out tomorrow and pay for it on Thursday! Woot! Woot!
If I can get both the front loading washer and the dryer for under $1000, I will be VERY happy. But, I am not in dire need for a washer right now. It is the dryer that holds me back on Monday when I start the laundry from the week before. It took me 4 days to get all the laundry done last week. PATHETIC!!!
So, keep your eyes peeled 'cuz mama's gettin' a new dryer today honey! WOOT! WOOT! I will post pictures later of my choice!
~Cyn~

Day 17 of 365

We are half way through the month of January and I am sticking to this challenge. I may be a little late with the blogging. but at least I am taking pictures everyday of everything that I am doing! Today is LAUNDRY DAY.....can you believe it? Boring old laundry.....well, I take the time while the laundry is washing to do all kinds of other things throughout the house - sometimes cleaning, sometimes I even take a nap. spend time with Ben and the kidlets and sometimes I scrapbook. It is probably the only chore I really don't hate all that much. It is the folding and hanging of the clothes I really don't like. So monotonous and then it sits there waiting for Ben or Nathan to take it upstairs....or me to take it up there to put away. I dread that part....putting it all away.

Friday Fill-Ins - Friday June 5, 2009

1. In 12 days we are headed home to Canada to bury Ben's Grandpa Jackson, catch up with family and head to the Cottage at Lake Rosseau.
2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been Spaghetti with meat sauce and romano cheese on top (I call it stinky cheese). YUM!
3. I am so sick of hearing the dog at the house behind us all hours of the day and night....bark! bark! bark!
4. A nice long walk would probably do me in right now. I have been so inactive. Stupid heart rate being elevated has the doctors worried about the baby...so no cardio for me.
5. I could really use some good news right now!
6. When all is said and done, I am still ME and always will be.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to ripping up the carpet in the baby's room (Nathan's old room) and installing a curtain rod in Nathan's new room and maybe catching up with my reading of magazines, tomorrow my plans include going to a scrapbooking function at a local church to get out of the house and then taking care of my little man while Ben goes into work from 5pm until 2am and Sunday, I want to head to church, maybe ask Ben to start working on installing the flooring in the baby's room and going for a swim!

Long time no blog eh?

Life has been taking a front seat at our house instead of being online! Sure, the re-cap of Skyline has taken a while along with the chore of unpacking! Life has been VERY busy!
Nathan has been off this week for Spring Break and we have been doing some activities here in the bonusroom.

After 2 weeks of stuff sitting on the futon and not in their original places, I finally got everything put away from Skyline - one rolling CM tote is left full of stuff. But the rest is back in it's respective place. Yay! Planning for Fall Skyline is DONE with the attendee list full and a waitlist.

I spent one day this week catching up on laundry, another day sweeping and mopping the kitchen and vacuuming the rest of the house. I have a new task that I planned to start today - CLEANING OUT CLOSETS....yuck! This will be the first run to GoodWill for the year though! :)

Now, to just get the rest of the house cleaned, laminate installed in the spare room and Nathan's bedroom and get the rest of the house ready for baby in October. We have a to-do list a mile long!!! Speaking of baby....I am 12 weeks and 2 days along and I am already starting to POOCH out! NOT FUNNY!

My next task other than the closets is to find the layouts I did at Skyline and get them posted! If only I could remember where I put them!!!! Darn pregnancy brain!