Maya's Mama

Giveaway at A Bowl Full of Lemons.

2011-02-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Toni at A Bowl Full of Lemons is having a giveaway, go check her out!

You could win a tote from Thirty-One!

Have you heard the news?

2011-01-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

There's a new challenge over at A Bowl of Lemons.!

Toni is having a new weekly challenge starting tomorrow January 30th!

I can't wait, how about you?

Day 21 of 21

2011-01-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

I did it!

Here's my last challenge of the 21 day challenge. Don't worry, I'm not quitting because I might be a little addicted!

My Favorite Organizing Idea

The Basket of Better Homes . . . the never ending, once a month, for the last four years, keep because I might need one day Better Homes and Garden Magazine. I love this magazine, I anxiously await the mailman's delivery of this little baby every month. I love the decorating and recipes and have even tried to duplicate a few myself. That being said, do I need the WHOLE magazine? I say I don't think so!

Here's my before:

The Basket that sits under my coffee table. It looks quite nice if I do say so myself.

Apparently I collect PBteen too.

I threw the magazines onto the floor . . . 4 years people!

Got some sheet protectors and 3 ring binder

Made some labels . . . (although I didn't think this one completely through . . . the sheets are larger than the dividers. Still looks pretty!)

Ripped out the pages of the ideas I liked, put them in the sleeve protector and filed them under the appropriate heading. Then I recycled the magazines! All the ideas are now at my fingertips . . . I like it!

I can't thank you enough Toni! This was so much fun!

Day 20 of 21 Days of Organization

2011-01-24T17:24:00.000-08:00

Sadly, it's Day 20.

Gladly, Toni is going to continue weekly challenges!

Day 20 Organizing Your Photos

I started with seven boxes of photos. This has been a difficult challenge for me, I have two boxes of "before Maya" photos. Most of these photos are of her biological father and his family. I've always wanted to keep these for Maya but have never been able to sort through them to decide how many or which ones to keep. So I decided to keep them all and she can decide. I dedicated 1 1/2 boxes to "Pre Maya" and then sorted through the rest.

I sorted through all of the photos, matched the doubles and stacked them all on the floor by event or time. There were a lot of pictures! It was exhausting.

I then loaded almost all the photos up and separated by each chronological event (tried to remember!). I know have the majority of the pictures (pre-digital) in these totes.

Although it's not complete, it's a good start!

21 Days to Getting Organized!

2011-01-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

Day 19 Master Closet

Oh Boy! Here we go!

BEFORE:

Not too bad, but not too good either!

Look what I found in my closet. That's my mom, my dad and me!

I threw everything out onto the bed and the floor.

Naked

and wiped down

Looks like this needs a good painting

I have several canvas containers. Some are his, some are mine and this is ours ;)

His side all loaded back in. I started with his containers, I tidied up his jeans and shorts. Then I moved to the shirts where I put all the long sleeve shirts in first, then the short sleeve button up, long sleeve pullovers and t-shirts, mock collared golf shirts, collared golf shirts and t-shirts. Lastly slacks and belts. After the clothing, I moved onto the shoes. I took everything off the shelf, cleaned it and then stacked the keepers back on it.

Then I moved over to my side. I started with my containers, jeans, shorts & capri's, pj's and swimsuits & cover ups. Then I worked on my shirts. Instead of long sleeve to short sleeve then color like I have done in the past, I just did like colors. My slacks were arranged by color and then capri's by color as well.

I should have taken a picture of the 3 garbage bags of clothes and shoes that didn't make this cut!

What do you think?

21 Days of Getting Organized

2011-01-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Day 18 Keepsakes

OK this one has been set up already. Remember my Closet Office and the baskets. I just realized you can't see the top shelf in that post . . anyhow it looks just like the bottom shelf with the white baskets and red & white liners. The ~~very hard to reach~~ strategically placed basket holds all of Maya's school keepsakes. I've already organized each year with folders and it looks like this:

Here's the basket with all of Maya's school keepsakes, there's a photo album my mom made for me years ago - out of fabric if that tells you how long ago! and a finger print kit. Everything is stacked on top of each other, files first and then the album.

Here are all the folders, starting with Preschool going to 5th Grade. I remember making these while she was in 1st grade not knowing how many folders to make. I made enough to go to 5th grade but that seemed SO far away. She's in 4th Grade now. Sigh.

Some of her Preschool things.

Oh the dang flash! Every day in 3rd grade I wrote her a note with her lunch . . . and she kept them all!

Awards

Certificates

Drawings

Reports

Assignments

Tests

Gifts for me Mother's Day (that says massage!)

Christmas Love Messages for me!

Ribbons

Those are some of the things I keep in my keepsakes! This was a fun challenge to look through her accomplishments and how much she has grown!

21 Days to getting Organized Day 17

2011-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

Day 17 The Mail Station

OK Here it is . . . The BEFORE:

So believe it or not this black thing collects a lot of crap. Hanging crap, filing crap, ledge crap, and coat-purse-sweatshirt-backpack-anything with strap crap.

As you can see the TO BE FILED is quiet full . . . and needs to be filed.

I took everything out of the TO BE FILED and sorted into stacks.

Found this from a year and half ago. Isn't she sweet!

Got these from my "office space" and started filing all the paperwork into the labeled folders.

This was all the random paperwork that I HAD to keep but now realize I DON'T need.

Empty and wiped down.

Here are the labels I had before and I think it works pretty good.

AFTER

I need to work on training my husband better, he always stacks papers on the counters or buffet (I think he wants me to sort everything in his defense) which causes a little chaos but can be tamed with practice ; ) You're reading this right Hubs? I think if I trained myself to file on the first of every month then I wouldn't feel so overwhelmed filing 8 months worth of paperwork.

That's all, any suggestions?

21 Days to Getting Organized Day

2011-01-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Day 16 Cleaning & Organizing The Fridge

I think I cheated on this one. When Toni's challenge started I stalked her blog for days and after seeing her fridge, I decided mine needed to be completely cleaned out too!

Although I didn't take before pictures . . I can assure you it was yucky! Now I've just been trying to stay on "top of it" for the last two weeks.

So here's this morning's BEFORE:

Inside the Front & the Door

I took most everything out and wiped out everything. It wasn't bad at all, two weeks ago that's another story! I tossed whatever had expired, I have to be honest I was starting to get confused on what year it was!

I'm still torn on the fridge containerizing. I'm not sure I want containers in my fridge. If I do, I want clear containers. Until then, I just put lunch meats, cheeses, and tortillas in the deli drawer.

Veggies in the Veggie Drawers

Do you refrigerate your tomatoes? How about potatoes? How about onions (all colors)? How about bread?

Then in the door, I put condiments most used in the top left shelf ketchup, mayo, mustard you get the drift.

Then dressings and sauces below that. The shelf on the right has everything else except the milk and husband's creamers on the top right shelf and all of my daughter's lunch juices in the bottom.

P.S. If you have seen the clear containers, will you left me know where? Thanks!

21 Days of Getting Organized Day 15

2011-01-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

Day 15 The Medicine/Vitamin Organization

I already did my medicine cabinet and medicine tubs the other day, do you know how much stuff I tossed? A lot of expired medication! That got me thinking about my mini first aid kit in the car. I bought that years ago and who knows what is still "good" in there!

BEFORE:

Like I said, it's a mini First Aid Kit

I took everything out and wiped down the case

Checked everything for expiration dates. Then sorted like items with like items.

Then loaded it back in. This is not meant for a serious accident, jut a few bandages and aspirin. Which got me thinking again that perhaps I need a bigger First Aid Kit in my car? Just in case!

21 Days to Getting Organized Day 14

2011-01-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

7 Days To Go! What? I can't tell you how sad that makes me. I LOVE this Challenge and I don't want it to end! P.S. I'm sure my husband doesn't either.

Day 14 Under the Bathroom Sink

On Day 13 "The Medicine Cabinet" I got a little carried away, mostly because I relocated some things to under the bathroom sink. I couldn't help myself and HAD to do that space too!

Here's what I showed BEFORE:

The Cluster

I took everything out, cleaned the cubby, tossed junk, and realized I need to use what I have before buying something else. Then I grouped like items with like items, stored what was used most up front.

This was a little cleaver and dorky all wrapped up into one. I re-purposed the tampon dividers that come in the multi-pak with like items. The cubby is large and all the tubes were hard to load in and stay put. Thank you Tampax!

The AFTER

OK now directly to the right of UNDER THE BATHROOM SINK is MY HAIR DRAWER

BEFORE:

Not too bad, just a little messy and a ton of long dark hair EVERYWHERE. If it hadn't been so early I would have got the vacuum out first, that's my my first step in cleaning the bathroom.

All cleaned and wiped down.

All hairbrushes and combs cleaned, whatever those clipper thingys are & rubber bands all orderly.

AFTER: Just needed a HAIR label.

And under that drawer is my TEETH drawer. Technically that's under right?

BEFORE:

This wasn't SO bad either, just a little jumbled.

Clean & Naked

AFTER

I organized, threw out some berry floss that nobody liked, relocated those DENTEK picky things (I hate those things they hurt my teeth but my husband like them, let's move them to his side!) and labeled the drawer.

So there is one more drawer which is directly under the bathroom sink.

BEFORE:

This drawer holds hair utensils, eyeglasses, nail stuff, my razors, his razors, his clippers, and one of his overnight bags. Oh yeah and a little face powder.

Shiny Clean

This drawer has movable dividers in the larger portion of the drawer. The first are is HAIR where my hot rollers and blow dryer go.

Next area is NAIL, where I tossed a bunch of colors that were icky and then just tidied up a bit.

This area holds his overnight bag (this is where I threw those DENTAK things), his razors and my razors.

EYEGLASSES . . . really? Do I need 5 pairs? I have an appointment next month, I'll donate half of them then.

Last area is for my IRONS

AFTER:

It looks a lot better!

1st Basket Ball Game

2011-01-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

I played basketball in middle school and then city league my freshman year of high school, but I have NEVER seen that much intensity and aggresion in any of the games I played from the opposing 4th grade team. I was a little nervous at first because Maya is so soft hearted but she did great, she kept up and really tried hard to "get in" and "stay in" there. If this is a prelude to what the upcoming games are going to be like; I'm sure the WNBA will be scouting soon.

Great Job Baby Girl!

21 Days to Getting Organized Day 13

2011-01-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Day 13 The Medicine Cabinet

This was a fun one for me. I have few different places that are "medicine cabinets" to me so here's the tour:

BEFORE:

Here she is in all her glory, stuffed full of all sorts of beautifiers.

Clean

During my cleaning, I decided to throw on a little of this since I found it . . .

AFTER

I group HIS BEAUTIFICATIONS and HER BEAUTIFICATIONS together.

Then grouped my Philosophy in another container and left the rest in "clusters" of his and her areas.

My little love note from Maya, she wrote it a couple years ago and I look at it every morning and smile.

Next "Medicine Cabinet"

When I lived in an apartment I didn't have a medicine cabinet so I bought this tubs and labeled them . . . we've been in this house for 6 years now!

BEFORE:

These tubs have worked great, except the two that are labeled MEDICINE aren't very specific. When I have a cold the last thing I want to do is rummage through tubs finding the NyQuil.

I started with the CHILDRENS MEDICINE because I've been ignoring this one for awhile. I knew there was some sort of purple liquid medicine spilled on the bottom and it was a super sticky mess. I just never took the time to clean it.

This is me holding the bin upright and all the stuff stuck to bottom and sides . . .ehhh! Shame on me!

I cleaned the tubs, wiped off all the medicines, found out that BAND-AID has braille on each box (who knew, how cool is that!) and tossed everything that was expired. This is what was left. Beware if you try this at home, make sure you don't throw anything away that isn't a top to say your temporal thermometer cause then you have to dig through the trash with the ooey gooey sticky purple stuff.

This was another BEFORE tub, mostly stomach medicines but not all.

Once again I cleaned the tub, wiped the medicines and tossed the expireds.

Ooohhh on a side note, have you ever used this? It's the best for burns. Stops the throbbing right away! LOVE it!

The last MEDICINE tub, mostly cold medication but a lot of other junk too.

Cleaned, wiped and tossed. Whew that was fun and really pretty easy once I got over my anxiety of throwing away unused expired items. Dumb I know.

BEFORE Label

AFTER Label

All done!

Lastly: The Under Counter Medicine Cabinet

BEFORE:

Cluster

I took everything out, cleaned the cubby, tossed junk, and realize I need to use what I have before buying something else. Then I grouped like items with like items, stored what was used most up front.

AFTER this is still a work in progress since there are SO many items that are almost gone but I couldn't bare to throw them out!

That's all for my MEDICINE "CABINETS"!

21 Days to Getting Organized Day 12

2011-01-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

Day 12 The Spice Cabinet & Drawer

OK this one was easy! I have one cabinet shelf in my pantry and then a spice drawer. I thought the spice drawer was pretty clean so I knew this challenge was going to be easy peasy.

Here's the BEFORE:

The Cabinet After the Pantry Challenge

The Drawer

The drawer after I emptied it and gave it a good washing.

Remember how I thought my spice drawer was clean? Blehhh disgusting! A toothpick? Where did that come from? And how long has it been in there?

Washed the dividers.

Tossed several early 2K spices and seasonings . . . who knew they had expiration dates. Obviously NOT me since I had a bunch to throw away! Yuck!

Here's the after. I thought about labeling each divider but since most of the spice containers are tall, you can't see where I was going to put the label. Instead I group like spices with like spices. Then I had an empty divider for envelope packets of random seasonings or mixes. There's even a little room left in the drawer!

That's it for now! Happy Friday : )

21 Days to Getting Organized Day 11

2011-01-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Day 11 The Freezer

Well this was a weird one for me. I'm not a very good cook, I try but I'm still learning. I also not a very good planner, I try at that too but fail miserably. We are usually the type of people who shop for a week's worth of groceries at a time. I'm not sure if that's because our cabinets and freezer are so small or if it's just lack of planning, I assume the latter. That being said . . . here is my less than full freezer.

Before:

Inside

Inside Door

So like I said, empty. There's not a lot to organize. So I just emptied everything and gave it a warm water & soap cleaning. Toss a few items and loaded it back in there.

After:

Inside

Inside Door After

So like I said, empty. There's not a lot to organize. So I just emptied everything and gave it a warm water & soap cleaning. Tossed a few items and loaded it back in there.

I do have another freezer, we'll call her "The Jam Freezer". Why you ask? Well last summer we decided to pick berries to make freezer jam . . . fast forward 17 lbs of raspberries and 20 lbs of strawberries. I had a whole lotta jam but not enough freezer. So what's a girl to do, I gave away a bunch but I still had a ton of jam. So I long story short, I made the most expensive jam ever. Enter "The Jam Freezer", which I have great plans to fill one day with all my cooking and planning. Plus she makes me feel older and more mature. You know, all old people have freezers right?

Before:

After:

That's all!

21 Days to Getting Organized Day 10

2011-01-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

Day #10 The Laundry Room in the Garage

So when I read this challenge last night it was about 9:30pm. I knew this was going to be another HARD challenge for me so I wanted to get started right away. My laundry area is in the garage, it's open to everything and I've struggled with making it both functional AND easy on the eyes. That being said, last night it was 29 degrees, so I pulled on my Uggs, threw on a coat and stocking cap and dug in.

Here's the Before:

My washer and dryer is right smack dab between the furnace and the freezer. It's not a pretty place, nor is it a functional space. I love laundry, I just hate doing it! That's not true, I like sorting and stain removal but I HATE putting it away.

Here are my cleaners, stored right on top of the dryer.

Cleared off and ready for a good cleaning. Look at all that LINT!

Did I mention it's freezing out here? So I plugged this guy in to warm my toes.

Here's my washer and dryer all clean. I don't think I've ever cleaned them before, sure I've wiped them down but I cleaned them.

I found this wooden cubby and placed my cleaners in it. I stepped away and thought not too shabby, went inside and knew there was no way I was going to post this . . . I could do SO much better! I had every intention of running to Target after work and finally making a decision on function and decor.

Then I got there . . . I seriously walked around in circles for 67 minutes. I put things in my cart, out of my cart, in my cart and finally just walked away from my cart and out the door. I was so disappointed. I really want this space to the Super Hero of garage laundry rooms. I want this space to have its' own identity but yet "match" the rest of the garage. So where do I start? I'm paralyzed with decisions.

Aside from cleaners and a basket, what are your "have-to-haves" in a laundry room?

21 Days to Getting Organized Day 9

2011-01-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

Day #9 Toy Organization

The Play Room

(a.k.a. the spare bedroom, the computer room, the guest bedroom . . . the room where everything lands that doesn't have a place)

Before:

Here's the work horse shelf that holds the TV/DVD, Cable Box, Board Games, Wii Games, Crayons, Playing Cards, Flash Cards, and . . . a Recorder. (I hope she has forgotten this just like I did)

Before: Wii Games & Accessories just shoved in the basket.

After: Wii Games and Accessories all nice and neat. I just emptied everything out of the basket, put all the paper inserts in the correct case, put extra batteries in the bottom and then alphabetized the games.

Game Basket:

There's just a couple of games in here. I emptied the basket, dusted the games and put them back.

After: Look at the transformation ; )

Here are the baskets and board games on the shelves. I just straightened the board games (I can't believe I am admitting this but I lined them up by title and age facing outward, making sure they all were the same size - darn operation!) and put the baskets back.

Here is the middle shelf cubby: this has card games, dominoes, flash cards, pick up stick and play-doh.

After: Once again I took everything out and wiped down the cubby and arranged things by size.

The other cubby: The Recorder . . . . Let's just put this back right where we found it mmm-kay?

Crayon Jar. This summer we really weeded through this jar and gave a bunch of the crayons away.

Here's what we have left. I don't like the smell of crayons or play-doh for that matter.

After:

I'm sort of torn on labeling these baskets. I really like cute chalk board labels on baskets but the baskets are so tightly woven that I wouldn't be able to thread anything through, plus I really like the liners. I'm drawn to red, can you tell? As far as the cubbies, I could use chalk on those but I still need buy some chalk (it's only been 4 years since I bought the shelf!). My question to you all, to label or not to label, that is the question?

Happy Tuesday ; )

21 Days of Organization Day 8

2011-01-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

Day #8 The Coat Closet

When I saw this challenge appear I groaned . . . I knew this would be a big one for me (what is it with me and closets)? Tomorrow is another crazy Monday for me so I figured I rolled up my sleeves and dig in.

P.S. Jana this post is for you! You'll see why I need this challenge so bad. Keeping it really real ; )

Here's the Before:

In this itty bitty closet there are coats, hats, scarves, pillows, linens (Oh! that's where the linens were that are really supposed to go in the linen closet. I knew I was missing something the other day!) a sewing machine, purses, 2 old laptops (I can't tell you how heavy & thick they are!) laptop bags, a couple of totes, OSU magnetic darts, pillows (like 8 of them - not kidding) AND an OSU foam finger. What? You don't have a foam finger in your coat closet?

And here she is naked, vacuumed, wiped down and I must say smelling better. Do down pillows stink? Or maybe it was all the dust bunnies? Musty ehh.

And the After:

I put all the coats back in the closet (all facing the same way, zipped up and in like colors), then I put all my scarves on a hanger, then I put all the bags on the shelf (laptops bags, picnic bag, and then a tote (I filled the tote with the random purses, wallets and my pool hat). Lastly I stacked all the hats one on top of the other.

Look, there's nothing on the bottom! Which reminds me, when I did the linen closet we never replaced the carpet and I know we have extra. So I'm adding that to my "to-do list" carpet and trim . . won't that be pretty!

We might be Beavers fans . . just maybe. Hmm 7 OSU hats and 5 OSU jackets. Could be!

Go Beavs!

All done!

It only took me 45 mins to purge, toss, donate and relocate. I did cheat a little, I threw all the blankets and pillows into the spare bedroom so I can wash and hopefully put away in my newly transformed linen closet.

And the winner is . . . .

2011-01-09T19:15:00.001-08:00

After a very complex selection process . . . sticky notes, folded in quarters, placed in a pink bucket, then beloved husband put it on top of his head and drew:

Carri @ Carri's Crafting Corner

Congratulations Carri! Email me your address and I'll get your Starbucks out to you right away : )

21 Days of Organizing Day 7

2011-01-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Day #7 The Pantry

Have a mentioned that we have a tiny house? Like 1,000 square feet tiny. There isn't a whole lot of wiggle room here! Sadly, we don't have an official pantry. I dream of the day when I can have a pantry like this:

or this:

or even this:

When I look at these photos I can tell that these pantries aren't anything spectacular but they do make my heart go pitter patter! I think it's because everything is lined up perfectly straight and all color coordinated. I do LOVE that! I might be a little compulsive about arranging things.

For example, in the movie "Sleeping With The Enemy" I really didn't see what the big deal was with arranging the towels on the towel bar perfectly or arranging the cupboard with the labels just so. I mean, really Julia I don't see the problem!

Anyway . . . These are my ~~pantry~~ cupboards cabinets and counters.

Before:

Counter "snack station" (mainly for lunches but there's treats in there too)

Left cupboard cabinet for spices, canned goods, side dishes and sauces

Above the microwave cabinet for cooking & baking oils and all sorts of random stuff

Right cupboard cabinet for snacks like crackers, popcorn (I like popcorn can you tell), peanut butter and other random stuff

Counter storage, ha! You can't tell but there are pasta canisters behind all the crap on the counter!

Lower right cabinet filled with cereals hold & cold

After:

I cleaned all the glass containers, the stand and the lids

A little peek inside the "snack station"

My new favorite treat!

Basically just tidied up a bit

I have always had labels but wanted to give you a closer look

I really wish I had a larger area for canned goods . . . then I could really get those lined up!

Top Shelf

This cabinet now holds cooking/baking oils, and things for hot drinks (all sorts of teas, latte mixes, and a little sugars for them).

Snack cabinet a little cleaner

And the pasta canisters

Last lower right cabinet

I really didn't do anything but straighten the boxes in this cabinet. I went shopping last Sunday and took everything out of the cabinets and wiped them down so they were already in pretty good shape.

Ahh now I can have this!

Yesterday was my 100th post & a giveaway. You can leave a comment there or here and be entered to win a $10 Starbucks giftcard!

21 Days of Organizing Day 6

2011-01-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

Yay! It's My 100th Post & Giveaway!

Leave me a comment below and you could win a $10 Starbucks Giftcard because sipping a Starbucks while reading blogs is my way of celebrating!

I'll randomly draw a name on Sunday night at 7pm.

Day #6 - Dresser Drawers

Another long day for me, boy am I glad it's Friday! I made a goal to complete each task by 9pm and I barely squeaked this one by!

Before:

Top Drawer

My Panties, Bras and Special Saves

2nd Drawer Trouser & Athletic Socks

3rd Drawer Camis & Tank Tops

4th Drawer His Unders

5th Drawer Dress & Athletic Socks

Not too bad but certainly not very pretty!

After:

What? You don't save your daughter's drawings in your panty drawer?

Everything was already labeled I just purged and refolded.

That's All!

21 Days of Organizing Day 5 . . A little redemption!

2011-01-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Day 5 - Under the kitchen sink

When I saw the new challenge last night I was SO excited! I was a little discouraged about my linen closet (aka the nemesis). I drifted off to sleep with visions of beautiful linen closets! When I awoke this morning I was eager to get started on the "under the kitchen sink" project since I knew I didn't have too much to do : ) I like to keep that area pretty clean and tidy, the hubs always teases me for washing the garbage can!

Before:

I keep the trash, cleaners, garbage bags, and magic erasers under my kitchen sink.

Toni, are you cringing at all the harsh chemicals and cleaners? I didn't realize how many cleaners I have, maybe I need to take a closer look at your shaklee!

Naked and wiped down.

I cleaned out my cleaner holder and put everything back in. I like the "traveling" holder since I bring the whole thing to the bathroom to clean as well.

Cleaned the garbage can, and then loaded everything back in and under. I should mention, that at this point (even though the choices of contact paper are so cute and versatile) that I didn't want to cover my newer cabinets just yet.

Then decided to add some labels because it makes me happy!

I forgot how happy a label maker makes me : )

Here's my after:

Challenge complete and feeling accomplished with a little redemption!!

21 Days of Organizing Day 4

2011-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Day #4 Challenge (The Linen Closet aka The Nemesis)

Let me just ~~give excuses~~ say that I was at work by 7am and didn't get home until 6pm, so needless to say I was a little tired and dreading the ~~nemesis~~ ahem I mean linen closet. I have been thinking about this closet for years! It's the weirdest shape, very narrow and super deep. It has two very deep shelves and a super wasted under carriage (I got that term from The Bachelor). So I emptied it, cleaned it, some-what organized it, tried to pretty it (totally not what I had pictured in my mind) and I promise a "DO OVER" to it.

Before:

After:

Please send me ANY & ALL your ideas : )

21 Days of Organizing Day 3

2011-01-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

Day #3 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (The Messy Tupperware Cabinets)

I was a little bummed I couldn't get this finished last night, but I couldn't pull myself away from The Bachelor or Castle . . you understand, don't you?

So here I am at 5:30 this morning organizing my plasticware : )

I have a very, very small kitchen. That being said I have one cupbard that holds my baking, colander, salad spinner and pasticware.

Before:

If it fits . . . shove it in there!

During:

Naked

After:

Better! Still have the salad spinner, colander, baking and plasticware . . .but that it's it! I found homes for everything else.

All labeled and finished! This makes me happy, thanks for the challenge Toni!

21 Days of Organizing Day 2

2011-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

Challenge #2 - Your computer desk (top only)

I was really excited to see this post on Sunday Evening (PST) since I know this week will be a busy one and I wanted to get a jump start on Monday! This challenge was pretty easy as well, I don't have an actual office or desk for that matter. A few years ago we decided to use the spare bedroom closet for an "office space". We mainly use the laptop in the living room and kitchen but this space still gets some use every once in a while!

Before:

I mainly just put things were they belong. I previously had all the baskets organized so I just put everything in the rightful place and then moved a few items to other rooms where they belonged (like my new canvas!).

During:

I left the top two rows of baskets and then removed everything except the computer, speakers, mouse, keyboard and phone. Then I gave everything a quick cleaning.

After:

Well that's it! Day 2 Complete!

21 Days to Getting Organized Challenge at A Bowl Full of Lemons

2011-01-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

Here I am as one of my New Years Resolutions . . more blogging, more organizing and less weight! Let me just say this is my FIRST linky party. I hope I do it correctly and I've already learned I need to take more "during" pictures.

Day #1 Challenge (Organizing the "junk" drawer)

Here's my kitchen junk drawer: BEFORE

It has: Foil, Cling Wrap, Wax Paper, Sandwich bags of all sizes, Straws, Stickers (for lunch love notes), Plastic Spoons & Forks, Coffee Filters, Lighters, and a Remote Control for a portable a/c unit that we haven't used since 2009. Nice! P.S. Did you notice the drawer is already labeled?

I took everything out, cleaned the drawer and then put almost everything back in.

Here's my kitchen junk drawer: AFTER

Front View

Side View

This was an easy task for me since I really didn't have too much junk in the junk drawer (my kitchen isn't big enough for a junk drawer - my kitchen is barely big enough for the sink let alone anything else!). I removed the Christmas Stickers and the A/C Remote since we haven't used it for over a year! Then just straightened everything else. I think the thing that took the longest was closing the foil and cling wrap boxes.

1 down and 20 more to go!

The Horner Family Christmas Day

2011-01-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas was really special this year! With most of the family here for the holidays (we missed tou Dustin and Lukas SO MUCH) we had an amazing dinner, opened presents and sang karaoke. YES, I even sang! Mom if that doesn't say love, I don't know what does! We had a fabulous time. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning

2011-01-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2011-01-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

Maya

Papa & Maya

Grant, Maya, Jaren, Lukas, Aubrey, Sierra, & Emma

One present on Christmas Eve

What is it?

Pajamas

Sleep Tight Sweet Girl

Primasing Family Christmas

2011-01-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Grant & Maya

Kelly, Kelly, Addie & Matilda

Maya Elizabeth

Grant & Kristi

Casey & Emma Kay

Kristi & Me

The Parents & Joey

I want to eat her cheeks!

Merry Christmas

I'm sure they <3 each other!

Divided House

My Super Niece Emma

My Super Niece Addie

My Super Girl

A is for Super Addie

Beaver Jams

I <3 Her!

Traci & Kyler

Scooby Dooby Doo!

Velma

"This is how you do it Ky"

"I'll show you"

My Supers

PBteen Peace Beanbag

Grant, Maya & Addie

New Jams

Grandma Bonnie & Matilda

Grandpa Gene & Matilda

Tis The Season

2011-01-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Graham Cracker Houses

Storybook Land

Maya and Mama

Our Tree

The Girl

Look at her eyelashes

Pajama Day and Christmas Party at School

Fourth Grade Friends

His Happy Birthday

2011-01-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Fall Y'all

2010-11-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

2010-08-08T09:04:00.001-07:00

Lincoln City Kite Festival Day 2

2010-08-08T08:56:00.001-07:00

Lincoln City Kite Festival

2010-08-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

His Golfing Buddy

2010-08-08T08:23:00.001-07:00

Last Day of 3rd Grade . . .

2010-08-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

Bring On Summer . . . Finally

2010-08-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Maya's Un-Birthday at School

2010-08-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Life is Ruff!

2010-08-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Albie King JR's life is RUFF!

SAHS Dance

2010-08-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Catching Up . . . Again

2010-08-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites that day.

2010-04-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hydraulic Bounce

2010-04-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Rock Climbing

2010-04-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

She makes me so proud when she does things that I'm afraid to try myself.

More from the tulip fields . . .

2010-04-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

She cracks me up!

Woodburn Tulip Festival

2010-04-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday

2010-04-13T21:38:00.001-07:00

April Fool's Faux Fish Sticks, Peas & Sundae

2010-04-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sring Break Fun

2010-04-13T21:11:00.001-07:00

A Lot of Green for St. Patrick's Day

2010-04-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

A Little Pixie Dust

2010-04-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

The Land of Oz

2010-04-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

A Terrific Kid

2010-04-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

A Little Christmas

2010-04-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

His Birthday in December

2010-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Catching Up . . . .

2010-04-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I posted anything . . . . I'll try and catch up.

North Plains Indian Tepee

2009-12-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

2009-12-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

The Witch

2009-11-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

Catching Up On October

2009-11-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

Davis Family Farm

Moments with Maya

2009-10-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Maya's Fitness Fundraiser at school. She decided she was going to ride her scooter as much as she could for an hour. While we were getting ready in the morning this is what a Maya Moment sounds like:

Maya says: "Mommy how long does school last?"

I reply: (thinking, lets make this a learning moment) "Well, let's thinks about this, school starts at 8:40am and ends at 3:07pm". So we start counting on my fingers and come up with almost 7 hours.

Maya says: "Great! My deodorant only lasts 24 hours".

Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure

2009-09-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

For the last surprise we had up our sleeves we took Maya to Ariel's Grotto for dinner to meet the Princesses.

Disney's Golden Gate Bridge

Can you tell we are all tired?

Some day her Prince will come . . .

She met with Ariel and they talked all about her birthday.

Ariel got caught on one of Maya's many bobby pins . . . could you imagine? What a close one!!

Princess Aurora

Isn't Mulan cute!

Belle

I have always wanted to her to like Snow White, no such luck.

We had a 3 course meal and when they brought out dessert they also brought out a special cake and sang to Maya.

It was chocolate heaven!

Even Ariel was edible!

After dinner was over we ran to the Electric Parade.

Standing room only . . .

This was as close as we got to Cinderella the whole week!

Happy 8th Birthday Baby Girl!

We didn't get to see Jasmine at the dinner but luckily we saw her the next morning at Goofy's Kitchen!

Bibbity Bobbity Boutique

2009-09-08T17:55:00.001-07:00

I arranged for Miss Princess to get a make-over on her birthday, she had no idea!

Very excited to get Princess Jasmine-ified!

She's hates this one!

All the details . . .

This was cute, the fairy godmothers were sprinkling their magic dust on her.

Almost ready!

The Godmothers then turned her around to see a sparkling mirror and her new look!

BJ's face is priceless.

How cute is that!

Off to a "photoshoot" in Cinderella's Carriage.

The Birthday Princess

Her BIG day at Disneyland!

2009-09-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

In front of the hotel.

On our way to the monorail.

In front of City Hall getting her free admission giftcard!

Because I had to have matching Disney shirts . . good thing you can see them so well.

Everyone needs some Mickey ears.

For Grandma Kay

I wonder if the Queen is really smiling??

Rosetta in Pixie Hollow . . who?

Stinkerbell & Tinkerbelle

Briar Fox

Can anyone say Purell??

Need I title this one??

2009-08-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

The 2nd I wanted to do . . .

2009-08-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Neverland Pool

We paid big bucks for those limes!

The first thing she wanted to do . . .

2009-08-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

Downtown Disney's 2 Story Build-A-Bear Workshop

The Arrival

2009-08-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Waiting to board the shuttle

In the shuttle . .

In front of the Disneyland Hotel

How we told her . . .

2009-08-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Maya's 8th (well a week before)

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

A card that read "Maya Elizabeth, Pack your bags we're going to Disneyland!"

Yay!

Spring Hill Swimming

2009-06-18T21:40:00.001-07:00

Having fun in the sun!

Hi Mom!

Aunt Kelly & Addie

Where's the lifegaurd Addie?? She loved the lifegaurd, Brianna. : )

2009-06-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Enchanted Forest May 2009 . . . yes I'm slacking!

BJ & Maya

This was cute . . .

Every year I get a picture of us at the witch, somewhere I have one of me was I was young with my mom and sister.

All smiles!

Before the log ride . . .

During . . . I screamed like a little girl the whole way.

Look at how big she is!

Aren't they cute?

We packed a picnic in our new picnic backpack!

My phone was hijacked!

2009-06-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

So my darling daughter decided to change my ringer on my phone, without me knowing! The other day I was at work and heard "Mommy, pick up the phone". I couldn't figure out what was going on, then I realized it was her voice as the ringer! Then I take a look at my pictures and thought I would share a few of the random shots she takes . . .

Maya's Eye

Followed by a stuffed Jack Russell

Not to be outdone. Orange Maya toes . . .
There were about 3 of my tush. . . . but I'm not sharing those!

Maya's Sharing Day at School

2009-04-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

Maya wanted to "show & tell" Albie today for sharing so she and BJ walked to school this morning and showed Albie off!

Maya & Mrs. M

Albie does this dance when he wants you to pick him up . . .

I think they both had fun!

RE/MAX's Family Pizza Night

2009-04-23T11:15:00.001-07:00

She's a "bunny"

Gosh she looks old!

We don't have a Nana but we do have . . .

2009-04-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

an Albie King JR

This was so funny! She could never go to the bathroom because he was always attacking her feet!

What? He likes his shirt!

And his sweater too!

What do you mean you don't wash your dog in a flower pot??

Thanks Grandma Kay

2009-04-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

WAHS Dance Clinic

2009-04-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

I finished . . .

2009-04-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

I took as long as I could to finish Breaking Dawn. Stephenie Meyer sure does know how to write a good vampire love story! Bella, Edward and the rest of the Cullens rank pretty high on my most favorite vampires of course they can't compare to my very favorite . . .

Meatloaf Cupcakes

2009-04-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

Mommy says: "Maya I've already fooled you during breakfast & lunch, since you've been such a good sport you can have dessert first. Go ahead and have a cupcake."

April Fool's!!

April Fool's Breakfast

2009-04-02T17:55:00.001-07:00

6am Ostrich Eggs & Toast

"Umm what's this?"

"Ostrich Eggs?? Seriously?"

"You want me to eat that?"

If I smile for the picture, can I have some Special K with berries?"

Swimming Lessons . . .

2009-04-02T17:48:00.001-07:00

Three down . . .

2009-03-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am so sad. I finished Eclipse last night, I tried to prolong it as much as possible but I couldn't put it down! I'm going to Borders to get the last book in the Twilight series today, what will I ever do without Edward & Bella?

On to the next . . . .

2009-03-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

So I finished the book . . . .

2009-03-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

and because I "couldn't get enough" I had to watch the movie too. Let's just say . . . the book was better! Of course, when is the movie ever better than the book?

I tried to resist the unresistable . . .

2009-03-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I fought it as long as I had but now I can't get enough.

Some call me RED

2009-03-20T13:00:00.001-07:00

Without my camera posting isn't as fun!

2009-01-25T09:53:00.001-08:00

So my camera had to be sent back to Nikon to be fixed and I've been without it for awhile now. It kinda stresses me out to "miss" so many memories. But here are a few from Christmas for you (KELLY)!

Wii . . . are having so much fun!

2008-11-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

Maya Ali boxing . . .

Halloween Pics of Princess Vampira

2008-11-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

For Kelly . . .

2008-10-30T22:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Just a few of my favorite Princess . . .

2008-10-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

2005 Ariel

2006 Belle

2007 Tinkerbelle

Not too shabby . . . .

2008-10-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

For two girls that gag at pumpkin guts!

Look what Jill sent . . . ; )

2008-10-27T19:35:00.001-07:00

How cute are we??

High School Musical Weekend

2008-10-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

High School Mucical On Ice

Ahh isn't this cute?

Her new HSM hat ; )

And then the movie . . .

Let's just say senior year is good to Troy Bolton!

http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi2387280153/

Pumpkin Patch Last Weekend

2008-10-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dave Farms Pumpkin Patch

October 18, 2008

My 'lil Pumpkin

Driving the tractor . . .

with the Farmer

Baby Pumpkin

BJ & Maya

I love her!

My Terrific Kid

2008-10-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Did I ever tell you I have a Terrific Kid?

What a BUSY week!

2008-10-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

I like Sarah Palin, plus she was in heels the whole time. Props for that alone!

Go Beavs!

"Officer, I can explain" . . .
Fake Office Trees Don't Always Look Like Fake Office Trees!

Where I've been spending about 10-14 hrs a day all week, our new RE/MAX building. It's gorgeous (yes, the dumpster and portapotty have been removed)

Funny things I see while driving . . . (note the bumper sticker that says "HOW'S MY DRIVING?" & the big dent on the back of the car. DUH, I'd say "Not Very Good!"

I thought this was such a cute outfit!

Grey's Anatomy Tonight!!

2008-09-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

If you were Meredith would you really have let Derek go "tell Rose" . . . I think not! I mean think about it, do you how long it would have taken to light all those lanterns? I can barely light candles on a cake let alone 2500 square feet of pretend house!

The Apple of My Eye . . .

2008-09-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

I took this before school this morning, CUTE . . . except she wouldn't wear the rainboots!