What I've been up to...

I've been away from blogsphere. I've also been slow to answer e-mails - so I'll get back to reading/commenting/e-mailing soon, but we had spring break last week, and this week I'm doing state required standardized testing. But we had a great and BUSY break (more pics to come to join the below posts) and I've been going strong on my 40 bags/40 days Lenten challenge. I even wake up at 2am and have to attack something in order to back to sleep (nesting? lol). I think the extra time at Spring Break put my 1 bag a day (though some days this Lent I haven't done it, and then do catch up bags) into hyper mode.

I'm hoping to go to sleep soon and stay asleep (unless the monster storm hits and wakes us all up) but I can't tell you how GOOD it feels to bring more peace and soul cleansing to my home. My garage looks like a storage unit as it serves as a holding room for outgoing items, but I have a guestroom again (oh...it was so full of clothes I pulled out from closest and the attic), Gift has a painted bedroom instead of a storage room, lots of toys are donated, TONS of clothing has been sorted, stored, loaned, or given away, a friend borrowed my baby swing to help me have more room downstairs for her upcoming baby girl. I worked on the learning room, and have made a goal for things downstairs to have a "place" - so I'm not having to declutter and put things in our bedroom when family comes over. Our bedroom has also been decluttered, cleaned, and is more of a sanctuary than dumping ground - though it still needs work. My counters in the kitchen are still not clean and decluttered...but it is on my list too. I also need to redo my pantry.

When things feels settled in the main rooms, and I can rest up and enjoy the peace - I'll start phase II  - closets, storage areas, and under the beds. Some things from phase 1 filled those places to the brim, and are not functional (or are scary! HA!). Since doing that will create a mess, I want a wait a bit and have a break from constant "stuff" anywhere.

I was telling someone I feel torn between feeling so blessed that our family and children have things to enjoy in their home and having pride in my home, to wanting to move to Africa and join a village where the focus is on community, and there is a lack of owning material goods. I don't want to be materialistic....I want balance. I don't want to hoard. If I'm not using it - I need to try and share it, bless other with it, etc. But I love my home, my house, and want it to reflect our spirit!

Housekeeping and deep cleaning are just not my things. I like the peace that comes from it, but I don't like doing the work involved. I'm hoping that this Lenten practice will translate into new habits so my focus, soul, and mind can be in a better place to be of service to God and my family, as well as my loved ones, and to ENJOY life. I have far too much anxiety....(another post for another day) and deserve to feel lighter in my home, not constantly feeling smothered by it. Let's see how long this lasts.

How are your Lenten practices coming?