Shared Closet

One of the tips from professional organizer, Amanda LeBlanc, was that when it comes to closets, open wall space equals wasted space. I kept this in mind when merging Brooke and Maddux's clothes into one closet. I don't have a before picture (because I kind of dive into projects not thinking), but here is the after.

 So the break down of what I did... I added a second rod for each of them ($9.69 each @ Target), got a shoe shelf for each of them ($10.49 each @ Target) and replaced Brooke's old hamper ($9.99 @ Target). I also got four packages of kids hangers at (you guessed it) Target, they were $1.17 each and will be shared between all three kids. Once I had all my gear in place I organized each child's clothes on their own side. Tops on top, bottoms on bottom. After they were separated by season I lined the clothes up based on the rainbow (another trick I learned from watching "The Amandas" on Style Network). Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet; or ROY G. BIV. I paid attention in elementary art class :)! I have to tell you that I was a little stumped when it came down to Brooke's side because there are so many sub-categories for a girl. Do tunics count as dresses? Do sweaters go with light jackets? Are dresses on the top with tops or bottom with bottoms? But I put everything up as best as I could and then shifted where I needed to. I am happy with the end result though. I do plan on painting in there just to liven things up a bit, but that will wait until we decorate the main part of their room. The kids love it, especially Brooke who can now reach some of her clothes to get herself dressed. Just about $55.00 was spent on this portion of their room but considering the cost of a full closet system, I would say it was a pretty good deal!

Can Neat Freak Be Learned?

There are two types of messy people. The first type lives in chaos and thrives in it. They swear they would never be able to find anything if it wasn't spread out and right in front of them. The second type are the ones who live in chaos and hate it. They look at organized people like they have some sort of powers only certain people possess. They long to have everything together but either can not figure out how or can not keep it up. I am the second type. I long to have my home color coded and alphabetized, a place for everything and everything in its place. But, from childhood I have been overwhelmed by the notion of tidiness and  therefore lose motivation. That is not to say that we are a "dirty" family by any means. We do our dishes everyday, we always have fresh clean clothes, I mop at least once a week... it's just the clutter that gets me. My sister on the other hand is a pro and always has been. I am sure when we shared a room it drove her crazy to see my mess. Even now that she works a full time job, cares for her family and maintains an active social life, her home is spotless at all times. Even when she swears her house is a mess I come into a home that looks like mine on its best day. In all honesty I am jealous! So my question is, Is the neat freak born or learned? Is it hopeless for me to think that my home will one day be a well oiled machine? If the skill can be mastered, can it be done before we welcome our little Elle? I am putting forth the effort to at least try, it is all I can do to stay sane. I need this for myself and my family. I am doing lots of research online for ideas and tips for methods I can keep up with in the long term. Maybe if I document my progress it will keep my on track. Do you have any secrets? Do you struggle with the clutter wars as I do?

Well Color Me...

Tickled. I just ordered big-huge-honkin'-poster sized pictures of Brooke and Maddux. I am going to hang them in their room over their beds. This is the first step I have taken towards their shared bedroom, probably because it is the cheapest. I will hit up HomeGoods and Target tomorrow for some inexpensive bedding. I haven't decided if we are going to go thrift store shopping for their beds or just go pick them up from Ikea. Anyway, here are the pictures I took today to have printed. I wanted them to be very candid and fun.

It's a girl!

Just a quick note to let everybody know that we will be expecting our second little girl, Miss Elliot Grace Ham, August 10th (or somewhere around then). So excited to finally be able to get started on the nursery. Hint: it wont be purple or pink! Here is a first time look at the little one I have already nicknamed "Elle". We were split between two girl names going into yesterdays ultrasound but after seeing how spunky she was, constantly on the move, we decided Elliot was the winner. We know she will have no problems keep up with her older siblings. We can not wait to meet her in person.

P.S. the Dr is already asking if we are "done"... I think we may have to level the playing field but we shall see!

Linguine A'la Brianne

Alright, so that's not the real name of this dish but in the Goode house it is. Super cheap and easy, and feeds a large family.

1 package linguine noodles
1 package diced ham
1 bottle Alfredo sauce
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 package croutons
Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta as directed on package. Slice bell peppers and saute over a little bit of olive oil (don't overcook or they will because soggy in the oven. After draining the pasta, mix with Alfredo sauce, half of the ham and half of the croutons, in a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle top with remaining ham and croutons, followed by Parmesan cheese and bell peppers. Cook in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes.

I omit the bell peppers because we aren't very big into peppers, but Matt loves this stuff... he has even been known to eat the left overs cold!

Let Go and Let God

Matt and I have been "not trying but not preventing" getting pregnant since earlier this year. We have gone back and forth on whether we would like to add to our family or not. Then when the tragedy of losing our niece happened earlier this fall, we realized how precious life really is and that we do not want to prevent any blessings God has in store for us. We knew then that we want more children, and not just one more. Those of you who know me, know that when something as big as adding to our family is decided, it tends to consume me! But then my heart was torn... I didn't want to cause grief to my still mourning sister by announcing that we were seriously trying. My head was saying "you can't do this right now" and my heart was saying "I really want to grow our family". I was constantly looking at the calendar, stressing. We have to get pregnant this, this or this month, or we will have to stop trying for a few months because I don't want to be due on Desi's birthday or due date... it wouldn't be fair to Desi or the other baby. I would call my best friend, who lives 20 hours away, crying, asking for prayer, asking for reassurance. Finally I realized that I was wearing myself out for nothing.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Not only does God call me not to worry, but also to have faith in His timing.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28


So I have had to let go of my controlling attitude, and let God do what He wants for our life. I need to love on the two children I already have and continue to pray for Meagan and Derrick. God knows not only when Matt and I will be ready to welcome a new baby, but also when Meagan will be ready. And with that my heart and mind are at peace.

Pulled Pork Loin

OK, so my cousin asked for more recipes and I was going to post a few last week but I was out with a cold/flu thing... we even missed dance class because of it! So here I am today trying to fill the order for easy, delicious dinners. I just winged it with this newest one. I bought a HUGE pork loin a Sam's club and cut it into four chunks. When that day came where we had been eating chicken in some fashion all week and needed to change things up, I thawed a loin only to discover Matt wasn't in the mood for pork chops, so I got creative :).

1 lb. Pork loin trimmed of excess fat
2 tbs veggie or olive oil
salt
pepper
paprika
garlic salt
cayenne
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup chicken  broth
1 cup juice (apple or grape work best)
1to 2 cups BBQ sauce

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Rub loin with seasonings. Brown in skillet on each side for about 3 minutes, you want to lightly crisp the outside to lock in flavor. Remove from heat and place in crock-pot. Top with brown sugar, broth and juice. You can cook it at high heat for 3-4 hours or on medium heat all day while you are at work (6-8 hours). Add BBQ sauce 30 minutes before serving. remove the loin from the pot and shred in a bowl or platter. Top with some of the juices. serve on a bun or baked potato.

Both time I have made this we have been out of juice so I used Diet Dr Pepper, don't you judge me ;). So yummy and makes more than enough food for our little family of four. Sorry, when its a Kelli original recipe you dont get very detailed meaurements on the spices.