I switched up my post for today as there are several little things I’d like to share with you (some of which are time-sensitive) so I thought we’d do a little “housekeeping” on the blog today!
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First things first, I wanted to share a fun video clip of our local FOX 17 News meteorologist that went viral last week — it even made it onto Jimmy Kimmel!!
And speaking of the weather… due to the unseasonably cold, winter-like blizzards, hail, and ice storms we experienced over the weekend, our family was cooped up inside all weekend long (which isn’t exactly ideal with 4 energetic children).
Our church was canceled yesterday and school is canceled today due to ICE… in APRIL!!!
Thankfully, I just purchased several new games from our local thrift store last week (only $0.50 each!) so we played those for a bit of new fun. Also, Dave was a gem and kept the kids upstairs for extended periods (see picture of their fort above) so I could do a little deep cleaning on the main floor.
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Some Literal Housekeeping:
I vacuumed under furniture I don’t normally move, dusted baseboards and door frames, sanitized door knobs, hand rails, and light switches, got down on my hands and knees to mop the kitchen floor (something I don’t do nearly as much as I should), and washed ALL the bedding.
I also did a bunch of baking for the freezer, gave both boys a haircut, and cleaned out the van.
It felt good to tackle several of those housekeeping projects that are so easy to put off week after week, month after month!
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Home Renovation Updates:
Dave and I spent A LOT of time talking over our upcoming bathroom renovation — thanks to all the amazing ideas, tips, and suggestions from YOU!
Wow, seriously… I got so many emails, comments, Facebook messages, and even photos from readers who shared what they did in their own bathrooms, or what they think would work well in our bathroom. We sort of feel like we’re “back to the drawing board” a little since you shared several new ideas we hadn’t thought of yet.
Thanks again for your help! We hope to come to a final decision soon so we can get started on demo before school is out for the summer! I can’t wait to share the “after” pictures eventually!
If you haven’t weighed in with your opinion yet, we’re still taking suggestions!!
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A Quick Update on the Kiddos:
We had a few brief moments of sunshine last week, before the weekend ice storms, so Nora got a chance to ride her new-to-her bike (seriously, isn’t it SO cute!)
I found her bike at a thrift store last fall and we gave it to her for her birthday, but she never really got to use it over the winter. We added this pink wicker basket and Dave’s parents gifted her this pink vintage bell!
Simon started a 2-morning-per-week preschool program through our local Early Childhood Center and he’s having SO much fun.
The first day, he cried for almost an hour before we had to leave. He said it was because he couldn’t decide what to wear, but then later said, “I’m just so ‘nerbus’ for school.”
Sweet boy — he did great and had an amazing first day!
James managed just fine without his best buddy around for a few hours — he even told me to “go back downstairs” because he just wanted to play by himself!
Both boys are on a mission to help Clara sit up — she still has a ways to go!
It also looks like her top front teeth will be popping through soon.
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Next on my list of ‘housekeeping’ duties… The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle!
You may have heard from the mass number of other bloggers who are also sharing… but the 2018 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is for sale right now, and TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to get yours!
Although I’ve always gotten the bundle (and alway shared it on my blog) I wasn’t planning to share it this year, just because I had so many other posts I wanted to write.
However, I’ve gotten several emails from readers asking me to share it so they could buy through my affiliate link (seriously, thank you so much!)… and since today is the last day for the sale, I figure I better get my act together and share it on the blog!
I’m sort of a homemaking junkie, but I really am quite impressed with everything in this year’s enormous collection of homemaking resources — 62 eBooks, 34 printable packs & workbooks, 3 membership sites, 30 eCourses, several video & audio files, and a bunch of bonus offers.
Some of the topics covered this year are:
- Goal setting
- Fashion
- Self Care
- Finances
- Time Management
- Weight Loss and Nutrition
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Organizing & Decluttering
- Working form Home
- Homeschooling
- Decorating
- Marriage
- Motherhood
- Chores
- Faith and Bible Studies
I know it’s a lot of resources, but I just pick and choose the ones that pertain to me, my family, my home, and my stage of life. Even if just 3 or 4 of the resources are helpful for me right now, I still consider it a great deal since it’s only $29.97!
Oh, and the Ultimate Bundles team is definitely top-notch. They offer a no-questions-asked, 30-day happiness money-back guarantee. They will refund your money for ANY reason, so there’s really no risk in trying it out, especially since this is your last chance to grab it until a new bundle goes for sale NEXT spring!
Ok, I think that’s it for my bit of “housekeeping” on the blog today!
I hope you’re gearing up for an exciting and productive week ahead.
I’ll be back tomorrow, talking about sleep and stress (so get to bed on time tonight)!
Alissa says
Thanks for sharing the link! I was on the fence about if I wanted to get it or not. I got it two years ago and was so overwhelmed by how much there is I don’t think I really used it to its full potential. How do you wade through everything? Do you download to your computer? Thanks Andrea! I am tempted to go back and read all the comments about your bathroom remodel, but I should wash the dishes and get ready for tomorrow first 🙂 (because that’s what Andrea Dekker would do)
Andrea says
Sorry I didn’t respond to this last night — hopefully you got the bundle if you decided you wanted it!
Yes, I usually download to my computer or iPad. Then I often just delete a bunch of stuff I know I’m not interested in. It really is TOO many resources (in my opinion) but it’s a great price so I usually get it every year 🙂
Alissa says
Thanks for your response! I did get it. I am thinking about looking at one resource a week during nap time (and just putting it as a to-do for the day in my planner) if I like it, I can download it and if not, I can move on. Hopefully that will help me digest the great resources and not give into the feelings of being overwhelmed.
Andrea says
oh good — glad you got the bundle!
Also, that sounds like an amazing idea in terms of how to fairly quickly go through all those different resources! I’m sure you’ll be able to weed out several right away too!
Birthe says
Dear Andrea, thanks fpr sharing the bundle – I just bought it.
Here in the northern part of Germany we hat snow untill 10 days ago – now spring is here 🙂
I’ve been reading your blog since Nora was only a few month old (my daughter is just a little older) and have read every single post since then! Keep up the great work and thanks so much!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Birthe! It’s still snowing here today too! WE NEED SPRING!
Debra Martin says
Ha to the weather video, love it!!! The look on his face! Here’s to more pleasant weather for us all!.So sweet about Simon being ‘nerbus’…and ‘what to wear’. He is adorable. Your productivity continues to amaze me. I thought I got a lot done in a pretty short time frame, you have me beat, very motivating! I am enjoying reading all the comments, in-put re: your bathroom remodeling project. What creative readers you have!
Andrea says
Thanks Debra! And yes, some people have shared some VERY creative ideas for the bathroom — I just keep going over and over them in my head. I have SO many ideas that might work now!
Avia says
That video is hysterical! We are having a colder than normal “spring” here on the west coast but NOTHING like you all in the upper Midwest. I hope you have the most glorious summer to make up for the nastiness!!
Andrea says
yeah, it’s crazy over here! Our whole yard is covered with snow and our driveway was pure ice. Fun to have a day off of school in April though!
Jenny says
It’s STILL snowing a little here across the lake from you, so you’ll get that tomorrow, I guess. I remember how magical snow and snow days were when I was a kid, and it looks like your kids are having a great time!
Andrea says
we should have had a snow day today — the roads were much worse today (and yes, it’s STILL snowing here too!)