My latest obsession ...... ORGANIZATION, Decluttering, and cute ways to do it !!!!

As some of you have noticed from the past few years, I have been determined to get Organized !!!! Buying the magazine's, reading blogs, and going to websites. Here are a few I love to read.

http://www.momsmarbles.com/

http://orgjunkie.com/

My favorite Mag's have been Better Homes and Gardens, and Real Simple.

They have been giving me the stepping stones to get me where I want to be in Life! Some have been very inspirational and encouraging that I CAN DO THIS too !!! Took a while for it all to sink in and I think the Move pushed me to put most into action. Nothing like having your household goods boxed up to re-examine what all you have to reduce it, getting rid of stuff you no longer need or use !!!! You also need to understand I had over 4 years of STUFF I ignored and collected that needed to be sorted and tossed !!

The results have been LIFE Changing for me !!!!

Feels so good to NOT have piles of clutter everywhere for me to Figure out where it belongs. I boxed up extra nicknack's to go through a later day. (only 2 small boxes) And when I have time I will go back through that box and decide what I want, what I need, and What I can live without ! ( I LOVE having a garage.)

So far it has reduced our crap by half. And now our bookshelves are less cluttered and now can display items that are important to our family and use often. ( I also boxed up Ralph's special cookbooks) One day we can display them again. I have noticed also having extra cabinets in this house has help store more of our everyday and other kitchen items. And now my buffet is used to store other things, like the families games, art supplies etc. I also put current projects I am working on inside the large drawer, it keeps it out of site and I feel better it is not staring at me everyday to DO IT.

My mission lately is to simplify my life ! I have been to so many of my friends house and noticed they have less, which gives them more time to do others things, and takes them no time to clean house. Since I have reduced the clutter and found a way to organize my stuff, I see the same thing happening to me Yippee ....

I am now able to spend more time with my kids, and less on the house. And when I wake it nice to walk around and not have as much to do everyday. Feels so good when I walk into the boys room and it's so nice and when they go looking for THAT one toy they don't trash the entire room !!! Also it's so much easier to clean when they do decide to dump ALL the containers !!! It feels great to walk down the hall and NOT see boxes or containers of STUFF to deal with and organize later ( stuff I don't know what to do with). You know the stuff you put in a basket and say you will put away later and NEVER get around to so it sits and your family trips over it for weeks !!!!

I think one of the best things that has helped during this process is that I am reusing what I already have, but just for a different purpose. I took Seb's old chalk board and now use it for my meal planning. What I once bought to store Seb's large toys , is now our laundry room hamper. What I had in my bathroom as the hamper and shelve is now for his large toys and sports equipment in his closet. I also bought us all new closet organizers ( I am a FIRM believer in them.) I also took the larger containers that had lots of similar stuff grouped together and separated the stuff inside got rid of some of it. Then placed the items into smaller ones. It actually takes less space and easier to find items. I LOVE IT !!!! Dont get me wrong, I do have a weakness for Target and I did buy a few (over priced ) decor containers. I also bought a monthly dry-erase board to write everything down and I can read daily to keep me on track.

This process that I am choosing to do is a VERY long process. I am going through EVERYTHING. And each time I empty a box, I either find a home for the stuff or toss it, it feels GREAT.

Now that it feels like I have gotten the nicknacks and toy clutter under control, it's the paper clutter that is killing me !!!!! Stuff to file, manuals, bills, and other paper items. Every time I think I found a way to control it, it explodes again, lol. Well one day I will find a way that works for me.

Ok enough blogging, need to spend more time with my boys !!!

FRUSTRATED !!!!!!!

Well for those who do not read my facebook page daily or talk to me on the phone then you have NO Ideas about all the CrAzIness that has been going on since our move. As you can read and noticed I am NOT AFRAID to talk about what goes on in my daily life. It is what it is and I deal with it the best I can. It is upsetting when those of you that choose to read about it and talk negativity about my life and do NOT Support me in what I have to deal with on a daily basis !!! I do have to say it HURTS when you call yourself a FRIEND and yet you do nothing to show support ( in any shape or form) to me when I am going through a hard time. Now that I have vented I will start my latest blog .........

Valentines and Presidents Day Weekend Adventures !!!!

Last year for Valentine's Day Ralph and I took the boys to pick Blood Oranges in Sicily. This year after I discovered he had a 4 day weekend, I decided to take them to Joshua Tree National Park.

After I had my heart on going I started to do the research and was getting a little dis-encouraged to go. The reason being that Friday both Seb and I had to get blood work done + Seb had another Dr appt. that day. Sat Seb had his first soccer practice and assessment. So I couldn't miss those things. So it looked like if I was going to take the boys it would be Sunday night and come back Monday. Well Sunday was Valentine's Day, and Places were booked and a little higher than what I wanted to pay. After looking for 2 days, I just went for it and booked a place.

Money well spent !!!!!

Saturday I had a few things planned for the boys and I, but things seem to go sideways. We were running late to soccer ( big surprise ) and that set things off a little. When we got their I forgot that I would need a chair or blanket for Finn to play on. To my luck Marcello spotted a park connected to the field and both boys played while Seb played soccer. Bonus !!!!!!! That is going to make Soccer practices so much easier on me with the 2 little ones.

After it was all over I loaded them back up to go shopping for supplies we need for the trip. What a mistake waiting today to do it instead of doing it when I had the nannies Helppppppppp..... LOL. I was quickly reminded WHY I hired her and to NEVER go shopping with all 3 again. To my surprise Marcello was extremely well behaved. Why is it when you enter a store your kids are possessed by some kind of Un-know force !!!!

After I survived going to the commissary , I started to clean the car and pack for a fun filled weekend. Making sure I have everything: cameras charged, layers for the changing weather, good walking/hiking shoes, swimsuits for the pool, snacks, lots of water and don't forget the first aid kit. One item I did forget was sun block, but knowing we are now in the states I know we can get it where we are going.

Ok we had an extremely late start to getting on the road. I decide to sleep in some (need my rest) and then of course the boys added to my TO DO list before loading up and hitting the road. After that was all said and done we finally got on the road around 10:30 am. The GPS says we have a little over 2 hours drive. Wish that was true !

We didn't arrive until 2:30 !!!!! After road detours and me realizing I forgot the battery to my GOOD camera, we had major delays. But now at least a have a second battery and a charger for the car to charge electronics .

We didn't make it the park until almost 4pm and I needed to get a map to plan out the next day. So Happy the ranger told us we still had time today to see a few things today.

Here is the first place we went, Skull Rock. I let the boys run wild here and climb on everything. They needed to release energy after being in the car ALL day.

I then took them to the next spot called Jumbo Rocks. And I think Seb had to climb each and every rock. Marcello followed him.

"Look at me MOM" !!!

I love being outdoors with my boys !!!

After Seb whined and complained that all he wanted to do was go to the pool at the hotel, he finally realized that the park was fun and didn't want to leave. After all this is a little boys dream, right ??? ALL THESE ROCKS !!!


One of my favorite photos of us from the trip with Finn on my back. The sunset that night was beautiful. The boys and I had so much fun walking around in the cool weather.

When the sun began to set, we drove away watching the beautiful colors fad as we exit the park back to the hotel. I made a promise to Seb to take him to the pool. I knew we couldn't do it tomorrow since we will check out and spent the entire day at the park.

A very Special Valentine !!!!!!!

Here is a photo of a few things I received from my wonderful thoughtful husband !!!!!

I was sitting at home having a rough day, more things out of my control dumped on my shoulders and the weight was getting too much to bare. I vented out loud for everyone to read on facebook, and on my poor husband. Decided I was going to have a pity party and whine about it all when my door bell rang and I had a package on my doorstep. Of course its right before I am running out the door in the pouring down rain to my class I am taking on Tuesday nights.

I always have time to open it, before I jet off. Class can wait right !!! I open it to find a box of candy in it from my husband. But I am late and I don't want the kids to see it yet, so I put it away until later. Of course after being at class for several hours and I am now totally beat, I forget about it and just crawl into bed.

The next day I am chatting with Ralph and he asks if I received the package from M&M. I told him I got it last night, but didn't have time to open it. He told me he had special messages put on them !!!!

So I go and get them and opened the box and to my surprise it has photos of us and special saying on each one. I had to wipe the tears from my eyes on how much thought went into this and how I have been "Too Busy" to do what I normally do for others. I normally bake Special cookie and make gifts way more thoughtful and meaningful than what I have been doing lately. With 3 kids and everything else going on I just haven't STOPPED and TAKEN the time to DO IT !!! Wow what has happened to me.

Here is a photo of one bag I opened.

And of course that was not ALL I got !!!

Two days later Of course I am running late again !!!!! My Door bell rang, this time it was a box that read Fresh Flowers .... Of course once again I must open it before I leave !!!!

I open the box to find Beautiful Roses, a box of chocolate and a small teddy bear !!!

Now I am spoiled !!!! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful Husband .......

MISS YOU, LOVE YOU BABE !!!!!!

No Babe YOU are the BEST !!!!!!

This Kitchen was made for Baking !!!!!

While the rest of the world is watching the Super Bowl, I am in the kitchen baking Valentine cookies for my deployed husband. Since mail takes a while, I have to hurry and get packages together and to the post office in advance And pray they make it before the Holiday.

I laid all the ingredients out and was prepared to start baking !!!! The boys were ready also with their own rolling pin and baking sheet (Thanks Aunt Kimmie )

Yesterday I decided to bake the pre-made Sugar cookies and today I baked Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cookies and Heath Bar Toffee Cookies. I was planning on making more + Bar cookies (which are his favorite ) But I ran out of brown sugar. And Because I am on a time crunch and these are baked goods, I have to get them in the mail tomorrow. This time I am using my Food Saver and we will see how fresh the cookie are when they arrive. If this turns out to be a great way to send baked goods, then I will start sending the Fresh Loaves of Banana Bread, Blueberry Bread and other tasty treats.



Marcello and Seb are playing in the flour excited about COOKIES !!!!



The final product all sealed from the Food Saver !!! Hope they are as fresh when Ralph Opens them as they are today !!!

COMING TO AMERICA !!!!!

WE MADE IT OVER THE POND !!!!

And got to say the flight it self wasn't that bad, it was after we landed in Norfolk where the pain was. Try 2 car seats, 3 kids, 2 small strollers, and luggages !!!!! UGGGG What a pain to wait in line for over an hour to clear customs with very antsy cabin fever kids. After that was all said and done, it was pouring down rain and impossible to get a cab to our hotel. We even had 2 cabbies fight over our luggage !!! that was our Welcome to America !!!!

We finally arrive to the hotel, get the kids settled and passed out. I swear I slept for 12 hours straight. We even missed dinner with friends of ours. After we refreshed, ate and loaded to car we were on our way to visit family. Our first stop Ohio.

Originally we planned to stop half way to Ohio and get a hotel, but since we were up at the crack of down and made such good timing we decided to keep going. We caught family off guard and had to stay at a different house due to many people being sick. But I think it worked for the best.

I will post another one with all the family visits from our trip to Cali.

PCS'ing is hard to do !!!!!!

Our tour in Sicily finally came to an end. What a wild and crazy adventure it was !!! We were there for 3 1/2 years and had 2 more boys. Traveled to many other counties, Met some incredible Military families and also made the mistake of allows others to get me down.

Really been thinking back on everything and how life does pass you by if you don't grab ahold and enjoy every minute and Appreciate what you have around you. I hit many rough spots while over their and over came many challenges. But I am alive, have 3 healthy boys and now living in Cali !!

I remember when I received the phone call about possible new orders. I was on travel with a friend and all 5 of our boys. I was getting out of the car and headed to dinner on the Almafi Coast when my husband announced where we might go next !! He asked what I thought about Australia. I was in total shock and in disbelief (still am). He also broke the news we would have to move quickly , and he was going on another assignment as soon as we move !!! UGGG. But I would get to choose where to live while he was gone. After reviewing all the different options, I asked a friend in Cali if we could stay with her while Ralph was away. I thought I was making the best choice after reviewing everything Ralph's new orders included and didn't. And our family was very ready for change !!

The PCS'ing process was overwhelming , part of me wasn't ready to go because I didn't do everything on my list. And our house was NOt organized, and the stress of the move during a school year began !!!

Our PCS was not a smooth one and we are still dealing with issues from the move, Its been stressful and challenging , but I still try to make the best of everything for the boys sake. This is the first time I am having to deal with everything myself, Ralph is helping with what he can, if I cant resolve it. I will not go into details with EVERYTHING that has gone wrong, lets just say it would be long.

Enjoy a few silly photos of the boys during the move !!!


Marcello in the cooler , he always like to sit on small boxes, ect !!! He is just sitting there enjoying TV.










The boys in the Navy Lodge, only 2 days to go !!!!