2.20.2011

Minimalism - When Less is More

For a while now I've had the desire for a more minimalist lifestyle, and although my dedication to minimalism fluctuates based on life chaos, I always come back to certain things. I want to be less superficial, consumption-oriented, overwhelmed with things to clean/maintain/move, bound by material things. I want to be more frugal, clear-headed, in the moment, and focused on values instead of things. I want to show Reese that it's our relationships and our actions that matter, not what we own. One can only spend so much time telling clients the importance of slowing down and finding joy in day to day life before being convicted to focus on this in oneself! Of course, this flies in the face of what American society currently values as well as my all too human desire for more and more and MORE. And so, I'm in the infancy of my life as a minimalist, but I'm motivated to push ahead anyway!
Recently, my interest in making things by hand has dove-tailed with blogs and books to encourage me further in the direction of minimalism. Most notably, I'm currently reading "The Story of Stuff," a humbling look into the environmental and social impacts of our consumerist era. Nothing like it to challenge a person's love of Target.
Lately, when I'm feeling stalled out on making positive change in this area, I feel pulled to make a more substantial commitment to change. So I've decided that outlining some of the things I want to change here on the blog might hold me accountable and organize my thinking on something that feels so fundamentally important to me lately. Today I'm posting some changes I'm proud of and some areas where I need some work!
Progress
Owning one car
Buying second-hand (I love you craigslist!!!)
De-activating my facebook account (to focus on relationships in the here and now)
Living in a reasonably sized home for our family size
Only buying Reese a few things for his bday (and trying to get others to do the same)
Constantly trying to donate clothes, household items
Taking full advantage of our library (borrowing rocks!)
Making things homemade (less likely to make too much when each piece/meal takes work)

In need of help
Resisting the siren-song that is Target
Finding a way to keep the memory (but not the item) of things that are highly sentimental
Spending less time online "window shopping"
Reducing how much I want "stuff" all the time and halting my ability to justify any purchase

Anyone else out there working on this?

2.10.2011

Never a Dull Moment

How did we get from here...
To here...
to here...

to here...so quickly?!

We've had no shortage of big boy moments lately, as Reese masters the potty, started at his new preschool, and turned 3. It's exciting and heart-wrenching at the same time. I can't believe how fast time has flown...

First day of school


At his bday party w/Bella

Jim, Marco, & Bella

Balloon fun

This year's cake

Geoff, Reese, Sam, & Alli

Playing with presents from Aunt Court

Toby's windmill! From Aunt Katie

A drum from Nana & Grandpa Chris


1.07.2011

Merry Christmas 2010 and Happy 2011!

Happy New Year! We had a busy few weeks and although it was chaotic at moments (on a certain Southwest airlines flight for example), it was full of special family time.

We spent our first few days off, Christmas included, in Phoenix with the Smitham gang. It was wonderful to have Courtney here not only for the holiday but to get to join her in wedding dress shopping. Reese enjoyed seeing her in her "princess dress." I am also thrilled to say that he adores his "kitchen set" and proudly announced on Christmas morning "now everyone has their own kitchen." He has been busy cooking since!

Dinner Christmas Eve
Silly Goose
Funny face w/Aunt Courtney
The kitchen arrives inside...
Christmas morning, the chef in his kitchen
Opening presents
The second part of holidays were spent with the Redford/Prellwitz/Phillips gang in the midwest. We spent most of our time in St. Louis, but made a brief New Year's Eve jaunt to Bloomington/Normal, Illinois to see my sister Katie and her family. It meant so much to get to see everyone this trip.
Visiting the Tangeman's; little Ava!
Joel & Mary at the Children's Discovery Museum
Grandpa Chris and the boys
Nephew Tom opens his Christmas gift
Mom, Dad, & Mary
Reese does some "work" daddy style
Cousin Angelica at Monkey Joe's
Me and my mini, Cousin Lucy Reese living it up with Nana and Grandpa's piano

12.21.2010

Play Kitchen: Week 5/Festive Fun 2010

Wow, looking back over the last few weeks, my exhaustion makes a lot of sense! Even with Reese having had the chicken pox and Geoff and I having our share of illness too, we've gotten to do a lot of fun things in preparation for the holidays. I hope you all have too!
Current state of the kitchen! Just needs touch up paint here and there
Side view w/chalkboard

Side view w/apron & oven mitt Reese playing with his manger Zoolights w/Grandma (beautiful!) Only in Arizona, a scary scorpion! Making Christmas cookies with Mama Polar Express up north in Williams, AZ Mmmm, chocolate chip... Silly goose

Looking out the window at the North Pole Getting his gift from Santa (not scared!!!)

12.05.2010

Play Kitchen: Week 4

Forgive the delay...I've been hard at work on the kitchen, but haven't had the camera out there with me. It's nearly done, I'm just changing out the backsplash. Most of the accessories are even ready!

We all loved having a little extra time to relax over the Thanksgiving break with the Smithams and our AZ friends. Now, we're spending our time watching Reese get into the spirit of the season enjoying festive decor all around him. We hope your holiday season is equally fun!
Personalized Apron
Chalkboard for the side of the kitchen
Cooktop
Nearly done!

11.21.2010

Play Kitchen: Week 2

We've entered week 2 of kitchen construction and I'm more excited every step of the way. Check it out...
The lucky recipient
Our living room a few days ago...hmmm, I wonder if he likes to cook...
Second mock-up, post priming/painting
Granite countertop, "installed" yesterday :)
Current state...check out the new oven door (still have to add glass/frame), countertop look, and shelves
Inside the oven