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I told someone recently that I plan to post more in 2015.   Not so much 'deep thought' stuff.... but just everyday stuff.   As most of you know, my memory is horrible.   I feel the need to keep documenting the mundane.
Life.
(I'm having memory of writing that thought before... so forgive my redundancy.)

With the process of moving in to my kitchen I made an effort to be minimal with 'stuff'.    I have a new interest with minimalism and I feel that this is my year to really purge.  
Honestly, I've never been much for clutter.   And in my opinion, I don't own many knick knacks.

Well..... the gnomes.  oh, the gnomes.  I don't count the gnomes because they are generally out of my sight, in the yard... not in my house.  (My neighbors probably think I have a problem with hoarding.)  

Clutter isn't terribly visible. But...My closets and drawers are packed.  I think of all the extra things in my bathroom closet.... lotions I'll never use, fingernail polishes, left over shampoos, etc.
The unnecessary extras in my life need to be cleaned out this year.   I have a goal of getting rid of 2015 items this year, 2015.
(I may be counting pieces of paper to reach this goal... but it could be possible)

Along with minimizing the items in my house, I am continuing with my 'less is best' attitude about things in general.    Over the years, I  have mastered the word, "No" and I don't feel any guilt about turning events down that aren't beneficial to me or those involved.
  "Ain't nobody got time for that."
My calendar squares are generally full.... but with stuff we WANT to do .....not just stuff we were suckered in to are obligated to do.

I have been intentional about taking time for myself lately.    I think I've done really well with this over the years.  Really well.  Firstly, with the help of my amazing family who would watch the kids for me to get out and socialize.   This was huge, I know.
And now that the kids are older, I am able to carve out time for myself while they are preoccupied.
I  have started walking at least 2 miles, and doing yoga, daily.   Thanks to my good friend, Lisa... who happens to be my neighbor... and keeps me accountable.   If we can keep up this routine, it just might save my life this year.    I'd like to lose 40-50 pounds.... and I need to be intentional with my time and energy.   I think taking baby steps will pay off in the long run.

I've started setting my alarm clock 30 minutes earlier each day.   This was terrible at first, until I realized I wasn't rushing around like a maniac on school days.    I take my time and the mornings have become refreshing.

I've noticed that being more intentional with things, time, and energy have been very rewarding.   I hope this is the start of a great year.
Last year I claimed 2014 as my own.   But THIS year.  For real.... is gonna be mine :)

kitchen

For those of you who keep asking... here are some before and  after pics of the kitchen.
I have since added some textiles but will add a completed picture once the new table and chairs arrive.
 I highly recommend Dawson Custom Woodworking, Inc. 
I am so happy with how it has turned out.   I've cooked at home EVERY night this week!  woot woot!

the pantry on the left was demolished and replaced with the cabinets below.

I ended up having MUCH more cabinet space.
LOVE it all!

two days

 (December 31st, 2014)

We've been unsettled over our Christmas break.  The kitchen remodel is underway and people come and go, but not daily.... so it's kind of a guessing game as to if I should sleep late or get up and be presentable when contractors arrive.    Today the boys and I slept until 9 when the floor guys came in.   I have a nifty sign on my door that notifies them of our presence and tells them to just do their thing.   So far, so good.
We've had about a week of inactivity after they found a default with the flooring and had to resolve it with Lowes.   Once the new floors get here, the rest should fall into place.
I was glad to see the floor guys today as they are prepping.

The no-kitchen thing has been fine.   We have eaten out a ton, without that extra guilt of not cooking.  "It's justified", I like to think.
And we've been fed well by others!   The Tibbs family has offered to feed us every Monday, forever.   ;).....and my folks, and others have invited us to dinner.
 I'd like to think I'll repay the favor when I get a kitchen.   IF I use the kitchen for cooking.

This project is obviously huge for our family.    Especially all at once.   If Thayer were still alive, I think that he may have remodeled our kitchen by now.   It was his plan all along.  It was our plan.
  I envision it would have been a very slow process.   A small bit at a time..... floors one year,  painted cabinets one summer, new appliances as needed.   The whole project may have been completed by now.   Six years in the making.    Lots of nagging from me, and probably lots of work from me and the boys as well.

(January 1, 2015)

So here we are seven and a half years after moving in and I'm having the kitchen remodeled in a matter of weeks.    It's overwhelming.
 Even after talking about it for years.... if feels like a dream that it's actually happening.
 I am thankful for Thayer's planning and provisions that make it possible.   I'm seeing our plans come to fruition and it's pretty exciting.

Today is the first day of 2015.
We were blessed to spend this new year's day, and evening, with several families.   And I realize how thankful I am for all of the various relationships God has provided for our family this year.   He's been generous with new friendships and providing times for old friendships to remain.
I hope that this year will be a great one for our friends and family.

 I'm indecisive of if I should set goals or anticipate events this year.
I honestly haven't processed beyond the next few days.
We are back to work and school on Monday.  
I dread having to shift our sleeping schedule again.
And no matter how much I am enjoying my class this year, I am so anxious for summer to roll around.    (I really, really like my summer sleep schedule).
 In the meantime I'll settle for some snow days.  That would be okay too.