Around Here

At the start of the New Year there's always excitement for seeing the back of the previous year and then there are expectations that the New Year will somehow be different when in reality, I find that the same things that are still difficult aren't going away and trying to think positive thoughts can be bi-polar opposites.  James starts high school so a whole new routine will evolve for our family this year and having two schools to deal with paper work, events etc. will mean staying on top of all the newletters and notes to be organized.  Speaking of organization I've written out a plan for more decluttering the house this year and one that isn't too overwhelming.

I don't think you ever really finish decluttering do you, however, each week I will focus on one room however I won't spend a whole day or two doing it and burning myself out.  I've written down a plan for each room with what needs to be done so that I can pick a 15 minute or 30 minute or 1 hour time frame to focus on each day for that week from going through the bathroom cupboard drawers to cleaning windows in a room.  If the task seems too over whelming or too time consuming I soon find more enjoyable things to do instead like jumping on the internet so I'm hoping that after this plan for the next 4 months I will have a tidier, less clutter, more organized cleaner space.  Baby steps I say and we will get there.

If you want to start really small Jodi of Practising Simplicity wrote about 3 things to get you started which are totally achievable and will make you feel good.  I'm thrilled that Jodi has decided to continue and host the "The 52 Project" this year as I've done this for the past 2 years and I'm hoping to get my photo books done in January or February.  It's amazing how much the kids change in 2 years even as my kids are older now and what things they are interested in.

Sophie also wrote out a lovely piece on writing up your goals for the year along her path for Simple Living and appreciating family life and nature.

I do plan to get more into the veggie garden which was neglected last year at times however I've had some cherry tomatoes self seed in one of the beds so I have had them on toast which was a nice surprize to see something growing.  Hope you start off with a great New Year and this time next year comes things are a lot easier.  Here's some pics of what's been going on around here.

Sienna washing the car for me.

My Aunty makes this beautiful shortbread Christmas Tree for us each year.

Trying to get creative with the Christmas Tree Star biscuits and the afternoon sun light.

And Sienna and her Star biscuit.

Sienna's note to Santa on Christmas Eve.

The kids writing the note to Santa Christmas Eve.

Visiting the Christmas Lights in our local area.

Sienna having a bath.....the crutches give it away that she's in there.

James enjoying some you tube time.

Self seeded tomatoes.

My sister and I went on a little walk to photograph birds however we didn't see any this time.  My camera was on the tripod that's why it's not around my neck.

Christmas lights in our local area, this was done to music which was so cool.

More Christmas lights this street gets better and better every year.

Christmas morning.

Enjoying a gift voucher from friends at the fancy "Cold Rock" ice creamery.