My Non Apology....

I have not posted anything since last Friday I believe. Tuesday I posted something on my Facebook page about some finds at Dollar Tree. 

I wanted to apologize, but at the same time not. Things have been crazy around our house since Saturday morning. Our youngest got sick with strep throat and both ears slightly infected. He's been on antibiotics and he's pretty much back to normal now. 

Our oldest son many know was born with hypotonia or "low muscle tone". His doctors feel like he has autism and maybe ADHD. He will be seeing a specialist soon. 

There are some days he gets into his own little world. I can work with him and by the end of the day I can help him get out. Not always is it like that though. Sometimes it last a couple of days, sometimes it last a week. We are now going on 4 days. He has moments of "being there with everyone else".  But they don't last very long. He isn't misbehaving because that's what he wants to do. He honestly doesn't know that he's doing something that mommy has told him not to do a million times. 

We are slowly but surely making it out of the tunnel. I've been putting his essential oils on him morning and night. We have a routine in the evening with him that we've done pretty much since birth. So we have to make sure we keep it.

With his low muscle tone one of the side affects that can happen is not much sleep and he has that. He went to bed at probably 1am and was up at 7:30ish this morning. He doesn't take naps in the day. And by the late afternoon he has dark circles under his eyes. I believe he just can't calm his little mind down and can't sleep. 

So my non apologies being, I wish I could post something every night, but when things are happening like this, my family comes first. 

Thank you for understanding and still following my blog and what I'm doing. You're so patient with me! 

I think I may take him sledding today since the snow is still powdery. I think he would enjoy it. :) 

Have a wonderful day and God bless!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

The Laundry Can Wait.....Literally

Today has been one of those days. It's rainy outside. Our youngest is getting his molars in. Our oldest is tired of being inside. Today was suppose to be my big cleaning day. Mopping floors, scrubbing bathrooms, dusting and doing laundry.

Nate (our oldest) kept begging for my attention while I was cleaning and Jordan (our youngest) kept pulling things out and making messes and was very fussy. I was about to go crazy.

Finally lunch came and we cleaned up. I put Jordan down for a nap & he fell asleep almost right away. I was thinking,"Oh yay! I can get a lot accomplished now!". Not so fast Mama! :) Nate was still wanting my attention.

I finally told myself to just forget every thing! Not to much longer down the road my boys won't be wanting me this much.

In my devotions I feel like God has really been speaking to my heart about spending more time with them. To put the chores aside, forget about people texting me, leave social media alone and spend time with them. Because now is when they need it the most!

So I got Nates toys out and we sat down and played. It felt pretty good to forget about every thing and focus on him.

(Our sweet Naterbug at 3 months old ☺️)

I can't believe how fast my boys are growing! Time flies!

Spending time with your children is worth everything!

If some one stops by and dishes are in your sink, who cares?? They can get over it if it's bothering them! And I'm sure it will bother you more then them anyhow!

Read books to your children. Build a car/house out of Legos. Play trucks/baby dolls with them. Let them help out with chores around the house! My boys love it when they get to help mommy! They think they are big stuff! :)

At the end of the day pray with them. That is one thing that will stick in their minds when they're older!

Now to get to my laundry and supper dishes done before I go to bed!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

P.s. Remember to kiss their slobbery cheeks goodnight! Or if your children are older, still give them a kiss goodnight! ;)

*Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any store, product or person mentioned above.

Falling In Love With Your Spouse Again

If every one of us were to be honest about our marriage we would say we have all had hard times to over come. No marriage is perfect. No matter what Facebook says. No matter what Pinterest says. No matter what Hollywood says. 

We can all tell by the fact that how many marriages did we see dissolve before the year 2015 ended in Hollywood?! When we see a relationship status change on Facebook. When we see memes posted on Pinterest about how husbands could do a better job being faithful or good to their spouse and a comment is added saying,"I need to tag my boyfriend/husband in this!!"

I've been told many times that I have the perfect life and I have no right to talk about hard times. When in reality that is not even close to the truth! My husband and I have disagreements. My children drive me crazy some days. Me and my sisters have disagreements in the way we do things. Me and my brother-in-laws have disagreements about how I/we should do something. I have a normal life! Things happen to me that isn't fun! But I have chosen not to share them with the world on social media. 

I understand that what I post on social media may look like I do have a perfect life, but I don't! When has it become okay in our society to put down our spouse down on social media? When has it become the norm to post hints and tag them in a status to "tell/show" them that what their doing is wrong?

What happened to good 'ole communication? Have we become a society so stuck in social media that our marriages are falling apart so fast because we miss what their truly feeling because our nose in stuck in front of a electronic?? 

I have caught myself many times with my nose stuck to the screen of my phone checking social media while my husband is trying to hold a conversation with me. And he gets very annoyed with me. And I with him if I was in his situation! 

One of the things my husband and I decided to do was to try our best to become as close to each other no matter what the world thought about us and what we did. So I went out and bought "The Love Dare". It came from the makers of the movie Fireproof. It's an amazing book for married couples going through hard times. It will definitely help if you want something to help. 

Another thing to do is find your song. We never really had our song until sometime last year. One of my favorite Christian singers, JJ Heller, posted "Meant To Be" in a video on Facebook after they wrote it. As soon as I heard it I shared it almost immediately with Justin! I ran into our bedroom and said,"Honey! Honey! I finally found our song!!" He replied,"You know, I think it is babe." Ever since, when I'm feeling a little blue or upset over something I play this song. It for sure lifts my spirits! 😘

Find something fun to do together! My husband and I don't get to go out a lot, but when we do we try to give it our best shot to have fun together! We love to go laser tagging, put put golf and go carting! We enjoy each other's presence and we leave our phone on silent. (Every once in a while check it to see if we got a text about the boys. 😉) 

Most of all, pray for your spouse. This will make the biggest impact of them all. A few months ago I really started buckling down and praying for my husband. And it has helped in so many ways. Not only did he change in areas but I changed in areas. And also ask God to show you ways to love your spouse. I just found a area 2 weeks ago. He has become even more softer towards me. Not that he wasn't anyhow, but when you find your mans Love Language, it changes a lot of things! 😉

Whatever you do, try your dead level best not to give up on your marriage when everyone  else AND the world tells you it's ok and they push you to give up! You can make it! I promise if you give it your best and with God on your side, He WILL help you!

I pray God blesses each of your homes!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

*Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any person, product or store mentioned above. 

Tips For Shopping At Second Hand Stores

I love finding a good deal at Goodwill! I don't really like the fact that they seem to be raising their prices on their clothes. Their prices are almost to the point where you can find just a good of a deal or maybe a dollar more for brand new clothes.

Normally I don't do a whole lot of shopping there for my boys clothes. I go to Once Upon A Child where I find Amazing deals on clothes!

Saying all of that, you can pick all kinds of reasons why you don't like shopping at second hand store, but you can normally always find a good deal there!

I'm wanting to make my kitchen and living room more rustic/primitive style. I've been keeping an eye out for old tin cans. I just haven't found any I really like until today!

And anyone that knows me, knows that I prefer squared things over circled things. I feel like they look more attractive and I can organize them better. I don't know, I just like squared things! :-)

I also found brand new vacuum bags in my vacuums size! The package hadn't even been opened. I was super excited!

Tin can: .99¢

Vacuum bags: $1.29

I do not always get this lucky! Last time I was in there it was just literally a bunch of junk. 

Just because you shop at second hand stores does not mean you have to get whatever is the cheapest or a bunch of knick-knacks. 

 That is what makes homes, I think, look so messy. And then people get overwhelmed with all the mismatched items. 

Go back once or twice a week to find something if you're able too. 

When you pick something off the shelf or rack, have a plan in mind of what you would wear it with or where you would have this setting in your home that goes with your other decor. 

Make sure it works before you buy it or see what their return policy is. Some things are worth waiting on to buy brand new when they go on sale. 

The only time I buy jeans for my boys at second hand stores is if their priced good and not worn out. And thats hardly ever. 

At Once Upon A Child I feel like their jeans are  ridiculously priced. 10 or 12 bucks when I can buy them on sale at Crazy8 or Children's Place for $8.00. 

You've just got to ask yourself if its worth the price.  

I hope these tips help you out in some way! 

Happy Shopping!! :-)

The DIY Mom Blog,

Mindy

*Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any person, product or store mentioned above.

The Truth about House Cleaning

Can I just be down right honest with you guys??

I. HATE. CLEANING.

(shocked face)

I know, it's true. I am not a natural house cleaning person.

There will be some days that if you stop by my house there will be some dishes in the sink. A load of laundry on the chair. Toys all over the living room floor. You get the picture. :-)

Even though my house gets messy and sometimes laundry piles up, I still try to keep it clean and messes at bay. And I try my best to keep things organized.

When my husband volunteers to do the dishes because he sees how hard I worked during the day or he tells me different times how good it feels to come home to a clean house. That makes it worth it!

Things won't be perfect. Ever. As long as you have children or pets in the house, your house will not be perfect.

I hear women all the time tell me how upset they get because when they are doing the laundry or cleaning whatever room, that their kids are destroying the toy room or living room.

Learn this now. Life is going to happen. Things are going to get messy. Give yourself room to breath and realize the amazing reality that you were able to have children or to have a pet in the home! Not everyone is as lucky as you! But most importantly, remember that you are doing an amazing job!! Let people think what they think! You're amazing! 

Remember why your doing what your doing. You're not doing it for others. You're doing it for your self and for your family.

It's hard to remember that in the craziness of life, but try anyhow! :-)

When you're having a hard time getting motivated (even on sunny days) try to find something to motivate you! Join a organizing Facebook group, read a book about cleaning house or watch hoarders! Something to get you going!

And remember that you're not alone! :)

Have a well rested and relaxed evening tonight!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

Home Organizing Tip For The Kitchen

One of the tips I wish I would've taken seriously from Toni (A Bowl Full of Lemons) last year, is to stick everything you can in categories in baskets.

The systems that worked from last year were the ones that had to do with baskets, bins or some type of boxed storage.

So my greatest tip for you would be to get baskets/bins and label them. Whether it be diaper boxes spray painted or bins from dollar store or something from your local organizing store. Either way, organize with baskets/bins or small containers!

I've never loved my "junk drawer" until now! I think every home should have a organized junk drawer! :-)

I hope your Home Organizing Challenge is going great! I am finished with my kitchen already. I don't have a pantry so I will be skipping that.

I use to have my canisters on top of my microwave, not no more! I have leveled my "home" sign since this picture ;-) )

 I am going to wait till later in the week to go to the 3rd challenge though. There are some things around the house that I need to tackle (like my laundry and unpacked suitcases;) ) before I start the next challenge!

Post your comments or pictures below or leave a comment on my Facebook page!

Good Luck!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

*DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored by any person, store or product mentioned above.    

Home Organizing Challenge: Week 1 - Day 1

I can't tell you how refreshed I feel after today! Clutter gives me anxiety really bad. I was certainly in need of decluttering again and reorganizing some places in my kitchen that the systems weren't working.

I got all of my cabinets done. I plan on finishing the rest Monday. Sunday is church and our dayof rest. SO I should be recharged Monday!

How's your Kitchen coming along?! Post your progress in the comments below!!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

Here we go!

If you have kids, married, animals in the house or other things to do, do not push yourself to crazy! Some things come before organizing. Just take your time. You have a week anyhow. :-)

I have finished my morning routine, fed my boys, put my youngest down for a nap and getting ready to start in on my first section of cabinets!

Post your pictures or comments below to show your progress!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

Home Organizing Challenge: Week 1 - Kitchen

It's here and it's time to start!

One thing I do recommend is to get your morning routine finished before you start in. If you do not have one, here is mine:
  1. Devotions
  2. Put away dishes in sink/dishwasher
  3. Sweep/mop kitchen floors
  4. Start laundry (I do a load a day to keep up)
  5. Make all beds
  6. Take a shower/dressed

Here we go!!

The Details
   Week #1 Check List

1. Clean out and organize all cabinets
2. Clean out and organize all drawers
3. Purge everything that is not used, expired, doesn't belong, collecting dust
4. Clean out & organize the refrigerator and freezer
5. Mop, wipe down cabinet doors, clean counter tops and tables
6. Take everything off the refrigerator door. It makes it look messy
7. Clean all appliances

The Process

1. Clear off the kitchen table. This is your dumping grounds.
2. Empty all cabinets & drawers. Place ALL items into "categories" on the table.
3. Wipe down the cabinet doors, shelves & drawers. Add a new liner if needed.
4. Discard (trash) old, expired and no longer used items and food. Check the date.
5. Place all items that are able to fit, into baskets.
6. Place everything back into cabinets and drawers. (In categories)
7. Take everything off the counters and place on to the table.
8. Wipe down the counters and back splash.
9. Wipe down ALL small appliances and large ones too!
10. Put back items you use on a daily basis, onto the counter top.
11. Mop the floors and wipe down the tables and chairs.
12. Empty the fridge/freezer. Wipe out. Put back in an organized manner.
13. Clean and organize under the kitchen sink.

Tip: Keep all clutter off the counters at all times. If you take it out, put it away! 

Don't move ahead until you are completely finished! 

Side note: I do not have my fridge completely cleaned off. I have a white board, list notebook and a magnet my son made this past summer in VBS. I try to keep it minimal though.

Here is the link to her blog if you want the printable work sheet: http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2016/01/2016-home-organization-101-week-1-the-kitchen.html


I will be posting updates as I go here and mostly on my Facebook page: The DIY Blog Mom

Good luck!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

*DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored by any person, product or store mentioned above.

A Bowl full of Lemons: 14 Week Home Organization Challenge

Some time last year I found this amazing group on facebook created by Toni Hammersley. I love her 14 week challenge. I did it last year and I plan on doing it tomorrow when it starts.


How can I not share something so wonderful?! If you would like to join me leave a comment below or comment on my Facebook page The DIY Blog Mom!

You do not need a lot of money to do this challenge. You don't need Toni's new book. You don't have to have a huge house. And you don't have to worry about what people think! :-)

I have stated in previous post that I get a lot of my organizing bins from Dollar Tree.

There are a lot more options then the ones pictured above. But, my point being that you don't have to have a ton of money to be organized! Trust me when I say I know what its like to be on a tight budget! When I couldn't even afford these bins, I would use diaper boxes and spray paint them black and add cute labels that I drew myself and put on the front.

I also live in a 980 sq. ft.  mobile home right now. So I can relate when you say,"I have no pantry! I don't have a laundry room!" I know. ;-)

Its all in what you want to do. And how bad you want to do it is what I've come to learn.

I personally do not have Toni's new book, but I would Love to eventually get it! So, this is what I'm doing now.

I made a label to go on the side of where I'm starting in my notebook. And then on that page I made a list of where I am every week. I take one page per week and write down my tasks.

I will post the new challeng every week, but I will post her link to her blog below. 

I hope you join me in the organizing crazy fun! Leave a comment below or on Facebook!

The DIY Blog Mom, 

Mindy

*http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/blog

*DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored by any person, product or store that is mentioned above.

My Dollar Tree Store Haul

You will soon get to know that I LOVE Dollar Tree! And that is an understatement! I get some of my kitchen supplies there, gift bags, stocking stuffers, children learning books, organizing bins and much more from there! I could spend all day in that place.....well not quite, but sometimes I feel like I could. 

I did not buy a whole lot of stuff today because I've been trying to only buy things on my list when I go in. It saves me more money that way! But, I did take some pictures to show you some amazing things! 

So here we go!

These expanding coupon folders are amazing! I was planning on buying one for our envelope system, but I didn't want something so big in my purse. I did end up getting a smaller one that you will see in just a bit. 

I bought one of the tall circle vases. I use it to hold our Q-tips, (that I get from Dollar Tree ;) )  I will post sometime later in a different post. 

This is my selection of bins right now. They have red and pink ones up front. I think they are still getting all of their spring selection in so I don't have to many options right now. 

These sticky pads is another greal deal! They run for 3 & 4 bucks at other stores in town. Its totally a steal! The highlighters are the same. There's no need to spend a lot on something just for a name when you can get just a good marker or some other product for a smaller price elsewhere! The expanding coupon folder, I ended up buying because it was the perfect size! 

This is my haul today. The basket I plan on using in our master bathroom to hold our hand towels and washcloths. And I'm pretty excited to try the expanding coupon folder for our envelope system. 

I was a little dissapointed in their notebook/paper product section. They did not have a whole lot of options. I was looking for a ledger notebook for our budget. Ive been writing our budget in a normal notebook since the beggining of time! I just wanted something a little different. I did end up just getting this notebook though because it flips from the top and it has a dividing line in the middle. I will let you know if I enjoy it or not. :-)

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! If you would like to see a future post on something else leave a comment in the section below or come over to my Facebook page The DIY Mom Blog and leave a comment also! 

Have a wonderful evening! 

The DIY Mom Blog,

Mindy

*DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored by any store or product that I have mentioned above.

Strive for a good system, Not perfection

The New Year is here and everyone is starting organizing challenges and trying to get their houses decluttered. Sadly less then half way through alot of people give up because most generally they have the wrong mind set.

They want perfection. They strive for perfection. And that's where you go wrong.

I can not tell you how many times I have been one of those people! And still to this day I catch myself striving for perfection.

I've given up so many times because its not staying a certain way. But, what I have had to learn is my system is not working. And it never will work if that's all I'm striving for.

You have to find a system that works for you. Start with the little things that effect your every day life.

Our master bathroom has Always drove me crazy! By the time the morning is over everything is here and there, because once again my system was not working. 

I found a small caddy at Dollar Tree that I absolutely love. I also found a DYMO label maker at Goodwill for less then three dollars! So I created a "station" for things we use daily in our bathroom. So far it has worked wonders for us. Hopefully it will stay that way!

Don't start out making drastic changes to your home or they will not work. I don't mean to put a damper on your organizing party, but I'm just telling you what I have learned over time. I know, its so tempting to! You want to change everything! But dont set yourself up to crash and burn! Start small and I promise you will see progress!

I wish you all the best! Feel free to post your progress in the comments below!!

The DIY Mom Blog,

Mindy

*DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored by any product or store I have mentioned above. 

Opening Myself Up

When I decided to start my blog, there were so many things going through my mind. I had started a blog several years ago and different discouraging situations came up and things were said so I just completely let go of everything. I didn't feel like the drama.

I was expecting our second little one and our oldest was in therapy and my husband was a youth pastor at the time. I got cussed out by a family member that thought I was speaking to them in my blog. (They weren't even in my mind when I was writing it) And then another article I wrote I was told that I did it wrong and I needed to watch what I said. I got done and discouraged really quick.

So about 3 weeks or so ago I set down with my husband and we talked about everything that was on my mind. I told him what I wanted to start and asked him if he was okay with it and if he would support me in it. I knew I was opening myself up to criticism again. I feel though now that everything that my husband and I have gone through has helped me get a thicker skin.

One of the questions he asked me was,"What are you going to do when people tell you what your doing isn't good or cuss you out again?" I told him in so many words that I would let them know that its my life, its a dream of mine and they can take their ideas else where. His words,"Honey, I'm so proud of you for finally sticking up for yourself."

That made my heart so happy! So here I am opening myself up to others and letting them willingly come into my life! Its a scary thought, but I'm very excited about the future!!

Have a wonderful evening!

The DIY Mom Blog,
Mindy

Mini All Inclusive Binder

Thirty Handmade Days put together a awesome organizing binder together in time for the new year! 



Go check it out!!

Mini All Inclusive Binder





The DIY Mom Blog,

Mindy