Living a RICH life

I CHOOSE to live RICH! "Poor" is a mindset. There is a HUGE difference between 'poor' and 'broke'. There is a HUGE difference between 'wealthy' and 'rich'. We are living RICH, we are living life with a heart of gratitude, focusing on the blessings in life. Wealthy is a matter of money, RICH is a matter of the heart.

We are living RICH by living life to the fullest enjoying all the wonderful blessings God gives. Life is 'rich' when you choose to open your heart to all of the little things that make life so sweet. Cherishing simple things like breathing in fresh air, receiving flowers from a child, relaxing in a warm bath, sinking in to a freshly fluffed pillow, driving a paid for vehicle, soaking up a beautiful sun set, eating a meal fresh from the garden.... Experiencing and reflecting on special times spent with family and friends. Mary, the mother of Jesus, 'stored up these things in her heart' (she stored the experiences of Chirst's early life in her heart to reflect on later). Life's greatest treasures are not things purchased at the mall (or even at Target... gasp....), the greatest treasures are the every day blessings of life.

Choosing to be RICH means slowing down, FOCUSING on the positives, SPEAKING gratitude and slaying the "gimmies" (children are not the only ones that get these). Choosing to be rich requires a heart of contentment. Thankful for all we have, not restless for things we want, realizing that having more will never satisfy the deep longings of the heart. The heart longs for things that really matter, trying to fulfill these longings with stuff only deepens the need.

I AM rich! I CHOOSE to focus on the little blessings in life that add up filling my life to the brim with true treasures!!!! Count your blessings and name them one by one!
My 'Frugal Friday' tip of the week is: Think about the longings of your heart. Can they really be filled by that next purchase?? You are not poor because your budget does not allow you to spend freely on all you want. CHOOSE to be rich by living a RICH life... a life lived enjoying the simple things! Challenge yourself to LOOK for the many wonderful simple things that make your life RICH!! Dwell on these, not on any lack. For more Frugal Friday ideas visit LifeAsMom.com

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

I'm excited! The UPS man just came!

My Lands End order arrived! Now I can actually look forward to trips to the pool and beach with my kids! I got this suit and LOVE it!!!!!!! I have a hard time spending money on myself like this, but after living through the past many summers with a suit I HATE I decided it was high time I did something about it. This one should last for several years.... It fits great, has wonderful support (as I get older I need this more and more!) and the shorts make me feel covered (I do not like the feeling of my b*t hanging out)!!! I also was able to use a coupon code to save 20%! Keep your eyes out, there might be another one available..

Ok, I am enjoying TODAY!!! Living in the moment, but looking forward to warm summer days at the pool!


Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

101 ways to CHOOSE SIMPLICITY (6-10)

Choosing Simplicity... 101 ways to make baby-steps to a more simple life. Read the first installment of this series here. Some of these are very practical ways to simplify your daily life, others are matters of the heart and attitude.


#6 Live in the NOW, not in the "when", "if" and "someday". Enjoy the season of life you are in now... don't wait to live life to the fullest some time in the future. Life is a journey, not a destination!!! What is your favorite thing about today?? Focus on that. Take time to live in the moment of TODAY! Spend a few minutes really focusing all of your 5 senses on an experience today. Stop to smell the roses! Don't let time slip by without LIVING!

#7 Keep a flash light by your bed and in other designated locations. The power never goes out at a convenient time.... being prepared will prevent stress and probably a few stubbed toes! Keeping a flash light in your "Safe Place" (where you go during a tornado warning) is a very good idea. It is very common to loose power during bad storms and there is nothing like being stuck in the (creepy) basement with all the kids during a storm in the complete dark! YIKES! (Don't ask how I know about that!) It is also a good idea to keep a flash light in the car. Just know where the flash lights are (and loaded with batteries).

#8 Have one area in a room you decorate for the seasons. Create a focal point in the room and keep it simple by not decorating the whole room! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy decorating for the holidays, but it can be a lot of work, cost a lot of money and be cluttered. Choosing one area in designated rooms to focus on is very freeing!


#9 Establish a "LIBRARY" zone in your home. We have a basket that we take to the library with us and when we get home library books stay in it. We take a book out to read and put it right back in!!! It really helps keep track of library materials. Also writing the due dates on the calendar is a big help. (I know from experience the fines that mount up when you forget to take the dvd's back on time!) From now on the dates go on the calendar!!!

#10 Keep an on going list on the side of your fridge for food and household items that you are running low on. Teach your family to add to this list. It will make creating the shopping list a sinch and nothing says 'I love you' like never running out of toilet paper! Being organized with shopping will save you both time and money.

Come back next week as I cover 5 more ways to Choose Simplicity!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Practicing Gratitude

Practicing Gratitude requires just that ..... PRACTICE! We have to TRAIN ourselves to live with a content and grateful heart. If you don't believe me find a 2 year old that is naturally full of gratitude!

An amazing thing happens when you CHOOSE to live with a heart of GRATITUDE: peace! A heart full of longing for more and discontent with today is a heart in turmoil. Gratitude is the key to living a content life, a life of peace! I think that this is the first key to Choosing Simplicity for your life.

Practice Gratitude today: Grab your journal (or a piece of paper), set the timer for just FIVE minutes and start writing down things you have to be thankful for. TRUST me.... as you start writing more and more things will come to mind. When the five minutes is up re-read over your list.... CHOOSE to spend the rest of the day thanking God for the blessings you wrote down. CHOOSE to stay in gratitude mindset... if you start to sway SWITCH back.

When you live with a heart of gratitude you live a life of contentment. Contentment keeps you from spending money on things that you don't need... your focus on the blessings you HAVE keeps your mind from focusing on what you don't have. So, my frugal Friday tip of the week is KEEP your heart/mind focused on thoughts, words and actions of GRATITUDE!!! Count your blessings, name them one by one. For more Frugal Friday tips visit LifeAsMom.com.

Please try this activity.... I have done it and it is POWERFUL!!! Puts things into perspective. It also works with relationships as well.... feeling frustrated with a spouse, a child, a friend?? Set the timer for five minutes and write down all the GOOD things about that person!!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Happy Birtthday, Chris!

Happy Birthday to my handsome husband!
He is pictured here with his prize Turkey that he got last spring. He is VERY ready for this spring's turkey season! I'm glad he has such a passion for living and that he shares this passion with us! He loves to include us in his hobbies.... wants us to spend time with him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS!!!!!!!!!


Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Monumental enrollment!

The "Special Plate" was out for dinner last night! Ethan ate his dinner from the 'Special Plate' to celebrate Kindergarten Round-up (enrollment night). He is SO excited..... We held Ethan back from school last year, so he will be one of the very oldest in his class. We are so glad we made that decision... he will be going in strong! Ethan just doesn't want to wait till next August to start... he wants to go NOW!

We had an all around fantastic day yesterday. It was WARM!!!!!!! High in the 70's!!!!!!!! I couldn't bear to spend the day inside, so I called a friend and we met at the park for a picnic. My kids (the two youngest ones that were with me) actually got a little pink from the sun.... It never even crossed my mind! A front is coming in this afternoon that will bring temps back down to normal. I have a serious garden itch!

Over the weekend we worked in the yard.... we got the rest of the sticks picked up (they just kept falling from the ice storm we had back in December). I also pruned our fruit trees. We have 2 producing peach trees, and the other 22 trees are still "babies" that we planted over the past few years. We also trimmed back the bushes and cleaned out flower beds. If was wonderful to spend the afternoon working as a family... the yard looks great!

Hanging clothes outside has begun for the year! I hung my first 2 loads on the line on Monday (I was too busy playing to get any laundry done yesterday! LOL!). Hanging clothes on the line marks the start of spring to me!!! It is the one part of doing laundry I can say I enjoy.

Today I have another busy one... especially since I "played" all day yesterday!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

A close call with coyotes!

Country life is full of excitement..... sometimes just not the kind you want!
Hubby and I were woke up at 2:30 in the morning to sounds of our dog barking on the front porch (right by our bedroom window). His bark was then joined by at least the yips of 3 coyotes, and some fighting sounds. I JUMPED out of bed and ran to the front door..... the coyotes ran off.... but I couldn't find our dog, Copper (a small ratterier) . I called and called and called.... nothing. Quiet.... I went back to bed and couldn't sleep. I was SO mad, so SAD! About an hour later, I had just drifted back to sleep and much to my relief Copper was at the front door barking!!! He seems fine! Praise the Lord... Ethan would be crushed to loose HIS dog. From now on, no matter how nice it is, Copper MUST come in to sleep in his cage. This is a good reminder why we don't go too far from the house after dark. We have never had them be so bold as to come to the front porch!!!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

101 ways to CHOOSE SIMPLICITY (1-5)

Modern Life is WAY too complicated! I am on a mission create a SIMPLE and joyful life for our family. Over the weekend I wrote down a list of 101 ways to CHOOSE SIMPLICITY. I will be doing a weekly series covering these easy ways.... we can baby step our way to a more simple life! Most of these 101 things I already practice, however, some of them I need to implement or re-implement. The 101 ways are not listed in any particular order... just how they flowed out of my brain. Some are philosophical of nature and many are practical.


CHOOSING SIMPLICITY: ways #1-5

1) Admit that having a more SIMPLE life is a DELIBERATE choice that you have to CHOOSE! This is why I call my blog "Choosing Simplicity"..... it is a daily, moment by moment choice. It is a way of life. One of my favorite sayings is: "If you don't aim at a target you will miss it every time". CHOOSING simplicity means that you make daily choices through a simplicity filter. It must be a DELIBERATE choice... simplicity requires active participation... life is not simple by nature!

2) "Have what you want and want what you have!" Contentment is KEY to living a simple life. More is not the answer to peace and joy. Living with a content attitude will impact every aspect of your life. I am not talking about being content to "stay the same".... learning and growing is vital. Contentment of heart frees you up from the bondage of "more, better, if only, when, someday, etc". Contentment gives you peace in the moment rather than longing for the next.

3) Create a "Launch Pad". I learned this from FlyLady... it really works!!! Have a designated place that you put things that you need to take with you when you leave. We have a place right by the door that we put things.... Put EVERYTHING you have to take with you.... Start the night before!! If you have to leave first thing in the morning having everything by the door ready and waiting is a huge way to keep life simple! Train your children to put everything they need to take on the "Launch Pad". Children will take these simple habits with them into their adult lives!

4) Teach children how to do household tasks.... "train yourself out of a job"! We are raising future ADULTS, not future children. They need to have these vital skills. "Many hands makes light work!" Our children have everyday 'because you are part of this family' chores and they have 'Pay Jobs' to earn money for their wants. I can not tell you how wonderful it is to have children with SKILLS!!! Last evening I wasn't feeling very well, so my 9 year old daughter volunteered to make Mac and Cheese for supper last night! She did it ALL and it was VERY good! I do think it is important that children have ample "Play Time" to "be children". However, it is all about balance!

5) Know what you are fixing for supper! Live with a plan. Planning menus is gaining back popularity, especially as folks are eating at home more to save money. Eating simple, healthy, easy meals at home will simplify your budget, increase your health, and build memories around the table. Do what works for you. Some families have a very detailed plan for all meals, others just plan suppers, and others just have a list of meals that they have ingredients for. Find a "meal plan" system that works for you and then USE it! Eliminate the "What is for Supper?" stress from you life! I am so passionate about families sharing meals together that I created www.SimpleFamilySupper to provide an EASY, family friendly, budget savvy plan for families. It is a good blend for me: something I am passionate about and a way to earn some money as I stay at home with my family.

So, what do you think?? Do you CHOOSE SIMPLICITY by doing any of these things? Would you be willing to share how it works for you?

Go HERE to read the next installment.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

"Pay Jobs" in detail

Doing "Pay Jobs" is how my four children earn money for the extras they want that go beyond the needs and few extras we provide for them. "Pay Jobs" are additional jobs that go beyond their normal "you have to do because you are part of this family" chores. I had a couple of people ask me for more details.....

What has worked for our family: Please know that this is what is working for our family, but remember that each family is different.

Normal "because you are part of the family" chores include:
making beds, cleaning bedroom, picking up toys, putting away laundry/bringing dirty laundry down to the laundry room, being responsible for all personal items, setting and clearing the table before and after meals, helping with preparing of meals as I ask, being my "runner"... for example running to the barn to get me ___ from the freezer, performing their daily morning and evening routines, feeding the animals, haul in groceries from the van, etc. (This list isn't all inclusive... just what I could think of off the top of my head)

"Pay Jobs"
I will divide these up by children since I have such a wide range of ages..... Wes and Robyn also did their first "Pay Job" for our neighbor last summer. They painted her fence and she paid them! It was a wonderful experience for them to learn and grow in addition to getting paid!!! I hope that they have more and more opportunities like this in the future. As far as amount of "pay" goes, that is something you have to decide on your own. We have a set pay scale for these jobs. Sometimes they HAVE to do them whether they WANT to or not (firewood, yard work and trash).

Wes (age 11)

• Helps with fire wood (getting fire wood split and hauled home is a family affair)
• Haul wood from the wood pile up to the house
• Keep the wood pile IN the house well stocked (This is HIS responsibility! If I have to get the wood in from the house he has failed to take care of HIS responsibility. He does earn more money in the winter than in the summer plus he has gotten MUCH stronger.)
  
• Trash duty (he takes the trash out daily and puts it out for pick up)
• Barn work (any thing I need help with)
• Yard work (picking up sticks, racking leaves, weeding)
• Clean out /vacuum vehicles
• House cleaning (dust, vacuum, sweep, etc)
• Kitchen clean up (unload/load dishwasher, hand wash dishes, put away dishes, wipe down counters, etc)
• Use shop vac to vacuum up under couch cushions, around the edges of the rooms, on the stairs, etc
• Wash the Vehicles
• Clean windows
  
• Anything else I need done
• Pay jobs for others
  

Robyn (almost 10)

• Help with the firewood
• Barn work (any thing I need help with)
• Yard work (picking up sticks, racking leaves, weeding)
• Clean out /vacuum vehicles
• Fold laundry
• Sort socks (you know the collection of socks with out their mate)
• House cleaning (dust, vacuum, sweep, etc)
• Deep clean the tub/shower (we don't use harsh chemicals)
• Kitchen clean up (unload/load dishwasher, hand wash dishes, put away dishes, wipe down counters, etc)
• Use shop vac to vacuum up under couch cushions, around the edges of the rooms, on the stairs, etc
• Wash the vehicles
• Clean windows
  
• Anything else I need done
• Pay jobs for others
  

Ethan (JUST turned 6)

• Help with firewood
• Bring in kindling
• help Wes haul in wood
• Barn work (any thing I need help with)
• Yard work (picking up sticks, racking leaves, weeding)
  
• House cleaning (dust, vacuum, sweep, etc) It really is amazing what young kids can learn how to do and how to do it well!
• Use shop vac to vacuum up under couch cushions, around the edges of the rooms, on the stairs, etc
• HELP wash vehicles
  
• Be MY helper (although he is really getting past this stage... he has lots of REAL skills and I can just turn more and more completely over to him)
  

Nate (4 1/2)

• Help with firewood
• Bring in kindling
• help Wes haul in wood
• Barn work (any thing I need help with)
• Yard work (picking up sticks, racking leaves, weeding)
• House cleaning (dust, vacuum, sweep, etc)
• Use shop vac to vacuum up under couch cushions, around the edges of the rooms, on the stairs, etc
• HELP wash vehicles
  
• Be MY "helper"... working along side me...
  

Different seasons of the year bring different jobs... my mind is used to "winter jobs" right now, I am sure that there are many additional "summer" jobs I have not listed! Obviously the "quality" of the job completed gets more strict as the children get older. I do not have the same expectations for the youngest that I have for the oldest. I have pretty high standards.... they are capable of doing a job well. Children live up to expectations.. set them high (not unreachable) and they will rise to the occasion!

I am raising future ADULTS not future CHILDREN!!!! They will NEED these skills!!!

If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to leave a comment. I am interested in hearing about what works for your family!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

"Pay Jobs"

"Mom, can I have ____, I NEED ___, I want ____, Jonny has ____," and on and on it goes! My kids can't be the only ones affected by the HUGE advertising methods used to target kids. Companies spend a ton of money to get your kids to WANT things so that we BUY them!!! These marketing campaigns are working. Parents do spend their money on stuff for their children. Lots of parents fork out LOTS of money on the new movies, the new gaming systems, sports equipment, extra curricular activities, electronics, clothes, shoes, etc!

Choosing Simplicity in our home: My husband and I decided toghether that we will provide our children with ALL of their basic needs. They won't be lacking in any NEED. We also have decided that we will provide a FEW extras. We are careful about what we CHOOSE because we can't do and have it all. We enjoy giving our children "extras", but are careful about keeping a balance.

What happens if one of our kids has a WANT that isn't included in our provision??? They EARN the money to buy it. PERIOD. They do "Pay Jobs" around the house. Things that go beyond their daily "because you are part of the family" chores. They WORK (shocking) for their extra WANTS!!!!

They don't have the "gimmies", because they KNOW that STUFF has a REAL price tag. They appreciate what extras they have since they have INVESTED their time and effort into acquiring that item. (and they really feel BLESSED to be GIVEN things... they do not take them for granted) They do sometimes feel frustrated and jealous of kids that get EVERYTHING from their parents..... hey, I can relate! Sometimes I feel frustrated and jealous of others having things I don't. Watching others spend money on things (or spending debt) is a LIFE LONG battle my children will face. I want them to learn from DAY 1 that things come with a price and that STUFF doesn't equal joy!!!

So, my "frugal Friday" tip of the week is to set a LIMIT to what you will buy for your children and then let them EARN the extras. Have a plan, and then go with it. You will be amazed by how much less they "want" and how much effort they will put in to attaining things that they really VALUE having. It will teach them far more than money management.... it will teach them character traits like dedication, honesty, determination, respect and confidence. They will gain real life SKILLS as they do jobs!! I am so proud of the skills and abilities my children have gained while doing "Pay Jobs". In fact, just last night I came home from an evening meeting to a CLEAN kitchen.... thanks to my 11 year old son that KNOWS how takle a messy kitchen!!!

More DETAILS about specifics and how we implement this can be found here.

For more "frugal friday" ideas visit Life As Mom.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Perfect FUDGY Brownies!

I have always preferred box mix brownies until I found THIS recipe!!!! Now we LOVE this one.... in fact I am getting ready to whip it up and thought I would post it real quick in case anyone else needs a chocolate fix! LOL!! I also made two loaves of celebration bread tonight. This time I made the dough and then instead of doing a four strand braid I rolled out the dough into a rectangle and then cut strips on the side. Down the middle I spread butter (real), sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon. I crossed the strips of dough across the center and made a "filled braid". After baking I allowed to cool and then drizzled some glaze over the top. YUMMY! I know that these are not the healthiest kinds of baking, but for a TREAT they are great!

Perfect fudge brownies:
1 1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup cocoa (could use a little less)
1 tsp salt

Whisk together the oil, water, vanilla and sugar. Whisk in the eggs. Mix together the dry ingredients and then add to the sugar mixture. Spread the batter into a greased 9*13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes (depending on your preference). YUMMY!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Weekend Wanderings...link love

Want to join me on the porch for a chat? Wouldn't that be great! I love REAL, in person, visiting! God created us to be relational and to NEED others (whether we want to or not). I had a wonderful time with my IRL friends at our weekly "Mom's Group" Bible study this week. We had lunch together after. We all pitched in the food and enjoyed, Corn Chowder, Celebration Bread Braid, Layer Salad, Grapes, Baby Carrots, Chips and YUMMY Banana Pudding and Cookies!! (I really need to take a picture next time) The kids also had PB&J's.... they weren't too sure about the soup! LOL!

I thought I would share with you some of the on-line visiting I have done this week...... Some places to wander over the weekend.....

• Her apple cake is going on my "to do" list for the very near future!!
  
• I'm glad to know I am not alone in the struggles of winter blues! I wish I could just copy and paste Valley Girl's posting! I am HAPPY to report that the last couple of days have been WARM!!!! Just this past Tuesday my friend, Michelle, and I started our weekly walk in THIRTEEN degree weather!!! Yesterday morning by 9:30 it was SIXTY degrees F!!!
  
• Jennie and I share a mutual intrigue with the people that lived through the "Great Depression"
• Respecting our husbands is so important! We could all use a little insight in this.
• Do you have an SLR camera?? Want to understand it?? Learn from this simple e-how article!
  

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Celebration Bread Braid and "Better Butter"

This bread is so beautiful and tastes wonderful! I love to make this bread for special occasions or to give as a gift. It isn't any harder to make than traditional yeast bread, you just follow the simple 4 strand braid techniques as explained in the recipe below. Let me just tell you, this bread is impressive.... both in beauty and in flavor! You can also find the recipe here.

"Better Butter" makes the perfect companion to this bread. Better butter is a recipe from the More with Less cookbook. (If you do not have this cook book I highly recommend it. In fact my neighbor blessed me with a new copy! Thank you, Peggy!) I was raised with many More With Less recipes. Simple, wholesome, frugal food.

Better Butter
Set butter out and bring to room temperature. In blender whip together equal parts of butter and oil (I use canola). Whip till very creamy. Store in containers in the fridge... will stay soft and yummy!

Variations: Honey Butter.... simply add in some honey in replace of some oil.
Cinnamon Butter.... add in some brown sugar and cinnamon
Garlic and Herb.... add in some garlic powder and herbs

Put some Better Butter in a pretty jar and give that along with a loaf of Celebration Bread and you have a fantastic and frugal gift that any one will enjoy! Home made bread is just about the ultimate comfort food! My mouth is watering just looking at the picture! I am glad that my friend, Becky, is bringing a loaf of this to our "mom's group" Bible study luncheon tomorrow! For more Frugal ideas visit Biblical Womanhood.

Celebration Bread Braid

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the butter, sugar, salt, eggs and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into four pieces. Shape each piece into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes parallel to each other on a greased baking sheet. Beginning from the right side, braid dough by placing the first rope over the second rope, under the third and over the fourth. Repeat three or four times, beginning each time from the right side. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over braid. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Remodel update

The sun is shining!!! We have been blessed with a new day. "His mercy is new every morning!" Praise the Lord! Resting in HIS grace and mercy to cover my many blunders and ACCEPTING the strength HE gives keep going another day! Choosing Simplicity: Knowing where my strength, hope, joy, peace, love and grace come from! I can ONLY do it with Him!!!!

The remodel project is coming along! If you have noticed my lack of posts, it is because I am busy with LIFE! Last night we ate IN our dining room on the TABLE! It might not sound like much, but TWO weeks without sharing supper at the table is a LONG time for us! We enjoy our "Simple Family Suppers"! Sharing time together over supper is a high light of my day. The dining room is almost done for now... I just have to finish painting the trim. I will post some pictures soon.

As I type I hear the dryer running... IN the NEW laundry room!!!!!!!!!!! The laundry room is down to the trim and hooking up the laundry sink!!!!! Next we will tackle the second bathroom. I am so proud of my husband... he has worked on this EVERY night and weekend and gotten so much done in a short time! I don't feel like much help, but I have done the painting (and been the gofer!). Today I am painting trim and sealing tile grout.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather