Living in Small Spaces

Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for your family, in order to have a better future.  My family made a 3 year commitment that will bring about much prosperity to us, but with a lot of sacrifice.

My husband and I had jobs, and a nice modest home, nothing extravagant but in a good family neighborhood but we were miserable with what we were doing for a living.  There were always layoffs and companies buying each other out and we kept getting moved around or looking for another place to work doing the same thing.

We also felt like we were not doing enough for others in our jobs.  My husband was probably the worse off of the both of us.  While I was able to be more positive, he wasn't able to.  He felt like he wasn't able to properly help people and was tired of giving canned answers, that he knew, weren't worth much anyway.

So we sat done and he explained to me, that he wanted to go to Law School.  Our son was going on 3 and the work force was looking bleak again.  We knew it was now or never.  Law School is a 3 year commitment and we would have to move.

So the last two years we have been living far away from friends and family and in a VERY tiny 3 bedroom apartment on the university's campus in Family Housing.  Our family room in the house we lived in could fit the whole first floor on this apartment.  The first floor has the living room, kitchen and dining area.  Upstairs, is the one and only bathroom and 3 very small bedrooms.  (BTW being pregnant and having the one and only bathroom upstairs was horrible!  I was seriously tempted to wear depends, TEMPTED! for all you clowns.)  Before we moved, we had to give stuff away and put stuff in storage. We thought we had room for what we did bring up.  BARELY, was the reality.  This apartment was smaller then imaged!

We have had to bring stuff down to storage in Boise to help some.  We have gotten rid of stuff, but it's of no use.  We now have 2 kids instead of one, 2 and a half years of stuff collected plus Law Books!  Well this year, I have to get down and dirty to be ready to move.

Here is the thing, once I sort through things, I have no place to put aside the stuff that is not to be thrown out, until it can make it's way to Boise.  Therefore I have no way to get to other things and we have a mess.  So I discussed this with my husband.   We rented a small storage unit and are going to put things in there to be kept stored, and things that we will use once we move and have space for it.

I am downsizing a lot while we are in this small space.  Kyle has agreed to get rid of some toys, donate some toys, put some away for when we move, some will be stored away for Hailey and some stored for when he has kids to play with.  I have kept up on the kids clothes but that is something I must stay on top of and going to do so again.  Summer clothes that I got that were slightly big on him will be stored until next summer/spring.

I am getting rid of most of my clothing, since I have a totally different body shape since having Hailey.  I have a bunch of new things that I wear now and those I will keep.  This will make so much more room!

On a side note, We are NOT hoarders nor does our place look like anything you see on those tv shows.  We just look like a family squeezed into a small place, tripping over each other.  It's like we are pin balls in a pinball machine and are getting tilted all the time!

I am even moving furniture into the storage unit to make space to walk!  Adding all the new baby stuff, just crammed us up even more!  I am getting rid of the DVD rack and all the DVD cases and putting the DVD's into binders and on to the bookcase, as well as all the PS3 and Wii games.  All the instruments for RockBand are going into storage also since we have no room to sit down a play them in the Living Room.  I kid you not, we have a sofa and a TV and that takes up most of the room!  I had to move out the coffee Table to fit stuff for Hailey and am removing the DVD rack so the kids can have space on the ground.  This place is TINY!

Downsizing isn't fun, but you need to create a game plan!  Map out areas to work on, and start in one area first.  Work on one thing at a time and don't let yourself feel overwhelmed.

Pick a time in the day to tackle an area.  Do not try to do it all in ONE day or set a new impossible goal as your finish date.  Set a reasonable goal, so that you don't feel discouraged or like you are failing.  Setting a goal will help you remain focused and motivated.

Remember some days things will not happen as you planed.  Do not be too hard on yourself and remind yourself, that you can catch up and get things done still.  Be realistic with your goals and your busy life.

Get your family involved, in helping you.  Find things the kids can do to help you out in areas.  If you have a spouse/partner also ask them to be involved.  My husband will be taking out trash, going to the storage unit and when he isn't nose deep in law books, will be helping me out by watching the kids, or going through things too.  Don't feel like you have to do this alone.

Make sure, you pack up your belongings in proper packaging and LABEL everything.  If you use a storage place, make sure your belongings are insured.  Some items do not store well in cardboard boxes, and for them use plastic bins, and/or storage bags, (not trash bags for valuable items!),

On a quick note, have an idea of where you are putting things in the storage unit so if you need to get to them, you can.  Perhaps making a quick map, and making sure there is a path in the middle to walk through and access your belongings.  A storage unit can become a huge mess, very easily and it's best to avoid the mess, as much as possible.

So this is what I will be working on this year.  I made a list of things I need to sort though, and am mapping it out.  Lil Dude is on board and has small tasks to do to help and is excited because it will go towards him earning his allowance.  (He earns so much by how much he does and he loses money if he is does something worth losing money over.)



I can't wait till the days of feeling like a tilted pin ball are over!

TTFN

Meal Planning and To Do Lists

You know your day couldn't possibly get worse, when you start it out by forgetting to grind the coffee beans and/or even add the coffee to the coffee maker when you brew your morning coffee....

It's Monday and right about now I am just grateful I survived last week.  It was our first week back up in the Great Palouse and Panhandle of Idaho.  I admit it is gorgeous and green up here.  However unlike the rest of Idaho, this part is in the Pacific Time Zone.  Trying to adjust back to the PST has been a struggle for my family, along with having a sick lil Dude.

I am never a big fan of Mondays.  The weekends are usually so busy, running around doing things with the family.  Trying to entertain a family and get things done over the weekend can be so hectic, by the time Monday arrives, you just don't have it in you to do much.  But can you take that break?  Oh my, you sure can't.  Your family needs you to help get them ready for the day.  Even on a summer day, they got you running around.

Today was however a big day for my Husband, he started his classes for his 3rd and final year of Law School.  I am super damn proud of him.  His morning hasn't be easy either.  Plus he is trying to make sure he can go back to Boise the first week of September to do a trial, pro-bono.  Pro-Bono work is required and not many Law Students get the chance to go to trial. So far it is looking like he can go.

Kyle's teacher already said he can go, and that means in 2 weeks, we are all headed back down to Boise for a week.  Which means that I need to pack up my family again!  No I am not looking forward to packing and unpacking.  I still and going through things now.

Anyways, I usually try to set up my meal plan and my to do lists on Friday or Saturday for the following week.  This does NOT always happen.  I find it harder to find meals that my family really enjoy during the summer when it is so hot.  While we had the central AC at our place in Boise, they we more open to different meals.  Here in Moscow, ID., we do not have that luxury.  In fact it is so hot and stuff, not only do you not want to eat but you would rather stare at your to do list, then do anything.

I am eager for some cooler weather and for Kyle to start Kindergarten.  I think then I can be more active and will have more time to actually tackle my to do list.

So today, I am keeping my meals, light and simple for my family.  For breakfasts, yogurts, smoothies and granola nut bars, seem to really hit the spot, plus some fresh fruit like grapes or bananas.  Lunches are sandwiches, with cold veggies such as carrots and broccoli on the side.  Dinner, also has been sandwiches, and light fun meals, like little smokies.  I have used my crock pot to prepare meats for sandwiches for dinner.   BBQ ribs or chicken with corn and fresh bread is always a nice meal.  It can be hard to stick to a meal plan but you can rotate things around as needed.  There is no reason to be too strict and not bend things to fit your day and how you or your family are feeling.  The plan is there to help you budget out what you buy, keep track of what you have and helps you have a plan to go by for meals.

As for my To Do List.  I create a few.  There is one with normal daily tasks full of things to do to maintain your home.  I even make a list for my son.  It's simple, such as pick up toys in Living Room, put dirty clothes in hamper, etc.  And yes there is a Honey do list I make, or he makes for himself often.  I love it when he adds, to massage and pamper wife.  (He is a good husband)

 

Steps When Creating A List:

1. Figure out how you plan to maintain your lists, spreadsheets, online planners, etc...
1. I personally use  http://www.cozi.com/ 
2. Prepare a Daily List, a Weekly List, a Major Task List and Final Major Task List.
3. Organize your tasks under each list starting with Daily Tasks.
1. Daily tasks, can be picking up things left laying around, doing dishes, in other words, things that need to be taken care around the house every day.
2. Weekly tasks, can be your grocery shopping, vacuuming, laundry, cleaning out refrigerator, things that have to be done on a regular basis but not daily.
3. Major Tasks, usually are things that need to be done around the home, organizing the pantry, sorting through kids toy/clothes, cleaning out closets
4. Final Major Task List, I wish I had a better name for this list, but it is for those things you can do once the major tasks are done, such as decorating, realizing you need more storage space and getting it or getting more baskets to organize better.  If you are in a small space, getting all that stuff BEFORE getting rid of a lot of stuff, you will have no room to clean things out or you may buy more stuff then you need to organize.  Be frugal and thrifty and keep it simple. (Lessons I have learned the hard way!)
4. By sorting out your lists they are easier to tackle and manage.  
5. Start with your Daily List and move on down.  
6. Do not expect your Major Tasks to be done over night.  Do not pressure yourself.
7. Get your family involved in these tasks and have them helping out.  Kids can do smaller tasks and parts of major ones.  Be creative.

Remember when going through your belongings and your children's only keep in your home, what is being used and what there is room for.  If you have storage space, to save keepsakes, or for another child not yet old enough for some things, store them properly in waterproof packaging not just a cardboard box, that can get wet, or be torn apart or eaten buy vermin.

Later I will post more on how to create more room in your home to store your kids toys, dvds and many other things and share, blogs from some of my favorite Mom's and Author's out there.

Shopping for Kids and Saving Money!

Walking into a Macy's One Day Sale looking for ONE thing, is never safe.  I never did purchase that pillow I wanted there.  This smaller Macy's up here in Moscow, ID has such a small selection and lack king size pillows, that I did not buy what I was looking for there.

However, the sales on lil Dude's and Miss Diva's stuff was to good to pass up.  Kyle got hooked up with his favorite Nike Track Suits and shorts.  Hailey, got a bunch of warmer clothes also.

I wish that was all the shopping we had today.  But nooooooo!  We had more and I was determined to find a new pillow.  My other pillow was old and needing to be retired.

Shopping with the family can be fun and a nightmare all in the same trip.  If one kid isn't acting up a bit, then the other may start up, unless they are going at it together.  Sometimes I think they are just testing us parents and our abilities to multi-task between them both.

Yes at Bed Bath and Beyond I found the perfect pillow and yes they too were having a sale and they carry King size!  I FOUND MY PERFECT PILLOW!  And it was not over $100.  King size pillows can be so expensive and you want one that will last long and has the right support for you neck.  I have major neck issues.  Normally the pillow I chose is around $159.00 and I was able to purchase it at $79.00.

Now we are trying to make lil Dude's bed more comfy and tempting to sleep in for him.  So we purchased a faux down mattress pad, also at BBB.  Then we went to ShopKo where they were selling Micro Fiber sheets.  Kyle picked a set with strips with lots of blues.  This goes great with his favorite Blue comforter he got last Christmas at the Ronald McDonald House and the rug I put in his room.  I will get pictures later of his bed.

Yes I do get excited at a great deal on an item!  Yes his sheets had been marked down to only $9.88.  When there is something I need and I can find it at a great price without giving up on quality, I feel like I am doing good for my family.  

I did find a great lap tray for my son's drawing, and writing for UNDER $5!  He starts Kindergarten and has been wanting to practice a lot and this lap tray I found at Michael's yesterday has been great for him so far! I also purchased a few sketch books and sticker sets for him and managed to leave the store spending under $20.  I was thrilled with my loot at such a low price.

Today I want to do very very very little.  I ran around way too much and am so drained.  I can't wait until this heat goes away!

TTFN

So Are You "Buying" Summer Slam?

Oh yes, every month, before a PPV for wrestling, the internet is a buzz with the big question, "Did WWE sell  the PPV enough on their shows leading up to it, for you to buy it?"

It is amusing watching all the editorials come out many often complaining about the lack of build up, to be interested in purchasing the PPV.  Then reading the comments from internet fans soundly agreeing and then joking how they haven't bought one for years.

It is these same people, the fans who come up with all sorts of rational excuses as to why the PPV ratings are not as high as they should, with the one except of pointing the finger to themselves.  The ones who are stealing them by watching the PPV's on internet streams are part of the problem.

I find it annoying when I see wrestling sites and writers joking on twitter, about finding these free streams and being serious when asking people to message them where there is a good free stream to watch the show on. NOT ALL SITES OR WRITERS DO THIS! I have never seen, Wrestlezone, nor PWTorch ever do this and therefore I want to make mention of their integrity on this matter.  (Now some of the fans who comment on twitter or in articles on these sites do, but those running and writing on these sites, do not ask for free streams publicly from what I have seen.)

Why do I find it odd and amusing for all these internet fans aka IWC to discuss if WWE creative did a good job of selling the PPV to them?  HELLO?  Why would the WWE or even TNA try to sell the PPV to the IWC when they openly admit to not paying for them.

Yes I know they are expensive.  However that is no excuse to be stealing something.  Just because it is easy to do and you feel safe doing it, because you won't get caught or into any trouble, it still does not make it right. Still the main point I want to make is, complaining about something you weren't going to buy anyway and still watch.

If it is important for you to see and talk about it with friends, find ways to save money to watch it.  Don't buy so many latte's or forgo buying a game that month.  How about get a bunch of friends together and see how much everyone can scrape up and then buy it.  Get creative!

Yes my family enjoys watching these PPV's and guess what, we pay for them.  We have put it in our entertainment budget and cut out things so we can do this.  To help out friends, we invite them to watch it with us.  We make a party out of it and have a BLAST!

Here's the thing.  If you are not going to buy it no matter what, and be watching online from a stream, just remember, WWE is going to focus on those who pay and that is what they have been doing for quite sometime.

Also before a bunch of you start going on and on about the Attitude Era and how the WWE has been ruined and that's why you won't buy it. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF!  You are watching WWE, right?  You still hold some interest in it, then.  Plus if it wasn't ruined as you feel it is, would you really be buying it, when you have such easy access to get it free, legal or not?  For many IWC, being able to get something so expensive free through a hack is just too tempting.

So until the attitude begins to change in the IWC, the WWE isn't going to be bending over backwards to cater to your wants.  It just is NOT going to happen.

And YES MY FAMILY WILL BE PURCHASING SUMMER SLAM ON SUNDAY!!!

Finally Home, New Car, Sick Kids

This past summer has been a whirl wind. It reminded me of one of my favorite roller coaster rides at Knott's Berry Farm, Montezooma's Revenge. A whole lot of, adrenaline racing, back and forth, upside down, full of exciting fun and stressed out adventures.

It was three months living away from home in furnished apartments and trying to keep up with friends and family, my husband's internship at the Public Defenders Office and trying to keep some normalcy in our lives. I really am not sure if we truly achieved all of that. However, it feels like we sure gave it a good try and it was worth all the ups and downs. 

This is a summer our little family will never forget. Well, perhaps Hailey, she is nearly 8 mos and will not have these memories, but I digress.

Our car, our beloved Isuzu Trooper V8, 4WD gas hog, that has brought our family all over the Northwest in good and hellacious weather, is no more. Last summer we dropped in a new engine, when the transmission and alternator started acting up, my father in law looked at me, and said, it was time to get a more reliable car. Yes indeed it was time. 

So yes we now have a more fuel efficient, Eco friendly V6 4WD RAV4. With this car being more streamline and smaller in the back, it was more difficult packing stuff to return home. 

That was a whole other adventure and everyone involved is still amazed at what we achieved! Yes my in laws did follow us back up as they follow us back down with a load of stuff in the gigantic Suburban. That vehicle made our Trooper look like a speck of a car next to it!

Being back home is nice but also hectic. Kyle unfortunately, got a virus, from the swimming pool at the YMCA, he went to for Day Camp, (mind you the week and a half before we was out sick with hand, foot and mouth disease he caught from some kids there).

Having a whining, sick, tired child with a stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea is frazzling to say the least. At first you are confused, wondering why your child is so sick and full of worry and concern. Then your motherly instincts kick into full gear and you do all you can to comfort and nurse your child back to health. 

However, your child is not getting well within 24 or even 48 hours and since this is viral, you have only so much you can to to help your child. 

Your beautiful child is becoming restless, tired, and frustrated with being sick. That pleasant and respectful attitude you are so use to has been replaced by whining, snarling, frowning, mini monster, that is grating on your nerves. You find yourself looking for opportunities to get out of the house alone, even for 15 minutes.

Well for myself this has been my nightmare with maybe a 5 or 6 day break of both kids being sick free. I would say I have gained a few gray hairs, however my recent dye job is covering them up, so I am unable to honestly tell. I have been sleep deprived. It is so bad, that I know as soon as I lay down either the baby or lil dude will need me to get up for them that I am falling asleep while sitting up in bed. Don't even ask how that is affecting my neck.

(see I got new glasses! oh yeah I am styling now!)

I had hoped to get a lot of unpacking done and start a lot of prepping stuff for the fall and planning my strategy to de-clutter things around here, (remove old toys and clothes and things we no longer need or use). 

None of my grand plans have come to fruitation. I have avoided making things worse, by cooking a lot in the crock pot and using paper plates and bowls. I hate not having room to put in a dish washer. It's even worse when you are so worn out, to do a ton of dishes you must resort to such tactics, that are not so environmentally sound.

I am glad my husband has been home this week, helping out.  He has been unpacking, cleaning and taking care of the kids.  Without him as a partner, I would be buried in a bigger mess and in need of a straight jacket!