For Those Considering Bible Tabs for Bible Journaling

This post is too long to put on my Facebook Bible journaling groups timelines, but I wanted to give a heads up to those considering Bible tabs.  I speak from a not so good experience.

1.  Consider using Washi tapes to cover the edges of first page of each book of the Bible.  This may be a sufficient divider for those familiar with the order of the books.  The tapes also provide added support for tabs if you want to use them.  Almost all sellers of tabs warn you not to use the tabs to pull open the Bible to any book because the pages are too thin to support that stress.
2  Decide if you want the tabs to extend past the front and back covers of you Bible when it is closed.  If you do not want them to protrude past the cover, then measure just how much space you have between the edges of the pages and the edges of the covers.  If this space is less than 3/8" or even 1/2", you may not be able to read the tab letters when it is placed within the edges.  You should check the size of the tabs carefully.  (I purchased large, beautiful, laminated tabs thinking they would be easier to read and they were too large for the space.)
3.  If you have already begun journaling and already have artwork on the first page of any book, check to see if you have room for a tab placement.  On some pages, I had to cover up parts of my art.
4. Start from Revelations and work forward.  This will allow you to space the tabs to your preferences.  You will be able to see what you have already done beneath your current work.  Since I had already done journaling on some first pages, I put those tabs on first and worked around them as I proceeded from back to front.
5.  Do not strive for perfection in the placement of the tabs unless the rest of your journaling is perfect.:)  Mine are spaced randomly from the top to the bottom of the pages, some 3 deep, some 4 and some 5.  Since they are all different designs and backgrounds, it doesn't matter.
6.  Most tabs cannot be moved once in place without tearing the page.  Think seriously, measure carefully and plan ahead.  It might be advisable to practice with "cut to size" sticky notes.

If I had it to do over, I would have been more careful before I purchased and then placed improper size tabs on my Bible.  At this point, I will call it another attempt at creativity!

Good Manners: RSVP

This will be short. 
If you choose not to respond to the RSVP on an invitation, then by all means do not show up at the event. 
If you choose to go, you have a responsibility to respond that you intend to be there. 
If you choose not to go, it is common courtesy to let those planning the event know this. 
Often the RSVP will say "regrets only" and you will be considered attending if you do not respond to this.
Be nice, people.  Those who go to so much trouble to give you an invitation deserve your common courtesy in return.

Good Manners: Thank You Notes

While I realize some proper behaviors and good manners have changed since I was born, there are a few things that I believe are still important.  Writing thank you notes is one of them.  It is an important task I learned as a child and passed on to my children.

Today I received a note from a friend in a distant city.  It was a short note, hand signed and addressed in an envelop with a stamp.  It was not an email or message posted on social media to just take care of the "thank you".  Time and effort had been put into it.  That spoke volumes to me.  It made the message special.  It made me feel special.  It is a lesson I will remember.

Of course it takes time to send personal thank you notes to dozens of people who send wedding gifts, baby gifts, meals to struggling families, flowers for funerals, etc.  But even if it takes a year to catch up with the notes, it makes all the difference to the one receiving it.  Taking a short cut with a generic email on a distribution list or posting notes to the individual on social media (and everyone else sees it) is just not the same.  It may be better than nothing, but seriously, isn't what someone has done for you worth a little more than that?  Isn't their sacrifice worth a simple note?

When in doubt, take the time to do what is best, not just enough to get by.  That is a good lesson for thank you notes and life.

Making Changes with Priorities

No doubt our priorities can change.  We always keep the most important things where they are in our list, but within those broad categories (God, Family, Work, etc.) we can make changes. 

When our children are small, our priority is to give them the necessities of life and help them learn to be responsible, independent adults.  When they are grown, that is no longer an issue although our children and family still have the same place in the hierarchy of priorities.  Changes happen as we mature and experience the different stages of our lives. 

As I retired from 30 years of classroom teaching, my organizing business was just getting started.  Within a year, it grew so rapidly that it consumed as much time as teaching.  At that point, I had to make a choice of keeping it as a priority with my time or placing it below other things that were more important.  Upon retiring from the teaching career, I had hoped to spend more time in the activities of my church and with my grandchildren.  I couldn't do that with this new career, so I began to train other organizers to take most of the workload.  Also, I no longer update my organizing blogs on a monthly basis, but have structured them together with archives that keep the monthly tips available to anyone wanting them.

It is hard to let go of routines that are familiar and even more so with relationships.  It may be necessary, however, to do just that in order to keep our priorities in line.  Growth takes place whenever we are able to make those hard choices.  That is what maturity is all about.

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

If you think this situation you are in will never end, I can say with assurance, it will end.  So often we get caught up in the merry-go-round of life that we think there is no hope.  But there is a time coming when it will be different.  We all feel the stress of busy lives, but children do grow up, the life cycle continues on and we adapt.  This may not be the answer you need right now, but hang on.

There is no doubt in my mind that rearing children to become self sufficient adults is the most demanding job a mother can have.  Make that more than one child and the difficulties become exponentially.  Add a job outside the home for the mother and it can seem overwhelming.  I have been there and it is possible to think you cannot last another day.  When you are ready to give up, throw in the towel and enjoy the biggest pity party of all, stop, go to the bathroom, and wash your hands.  This may not seem like the best solution, but it will take you away from the battle and give you a moment to gather yourself and regroup.

In those few moments alone, try to remember:  1.  You have made it to this point.  2.  You can take one more day.  3.All the things you love, appreciate and are thankful for in your life.  Now force yourself to vocalize this last step.  Trust me, it will give you a new perspective as you leave the bathroom.  The situation will not necessarily change, but you will have the strength to go on.

Now here is how I know it works. 

Once when I was depressed and having a royal pity party, I asked my husband how he kept from feeling sorry for himself.  He told me he tried to maintain a thankful heart.  Since I evidently did not have one, I started praying that the Lord would give me a thankful heart.  I did this for almost a year when one Sunday my daughter, at age 5, set the downstairs bathroom on fire with a candle.  My husband put out the fire with water from the toilet and faucet but not before it had scorched the wall, ceiling, towel bar and floor. 

As I was mopping up the floor on my hands and knees, I started thanking God out loud for saving my house, saving my family, etc. etc.  I didn't even realize what I was doing until I stopped mopping.  When I realized how I had been praying, the Lord reminded me I had asked for a thankful heart.  I can honestly say that from that point God changed my attitude about all my circumstances.  While the journey has not always been easy, I have resisted the urge to complaine.  And many times since I have found myself doing the same thing I did that day in the bathroom.  It just gushes out as part of my inner self.  My last post was about our special dog dying. As we got in the car after putting Kasey down, I started thanking God out loud for letting us have her for 9 years, for healing her 4 years ago and giving us those extra years, for making her such a fun and loving pet, for healing our broken hearts, etc.  I did this all the way home.  It came as natural as talking about the weather.  While I miss her, God used my own words to comfort and encourage me.

Beth Moore, the author and Bible teacher once said when someone asked her how she learned to love God's Word so much and her answer was that she had asked the Lord for just that.  I know I got a thankful heart because I asked for it. And you can have one, too.

 

Yes, life can bring its challenging and difficult moments, but a thankful heart and an attitude of gratefulness can go a long way in making those moments endurable if not better.  Try it.

 

 

The Loss of a Special Dog

In July of 2013 I posted the story of the miracle  healing of Kasey, our border collie.  Her miracle was documented as such by her veterinarian and it became a permanent part of her health record as well as a testimony to all at the clinic.  She had been diagnosed with 8 weeks to live in August of 2010 but without any treatment survived and lived a healthy life until today.  In May of this year another inoperable tumor appeared near the site of the first one.  Since there were no advisable treatments, we could only trust God to have his way again with her and us.

We wanted God to either heal Kasey, take her quickly without suffering, or let us know without a doubt when it was time to put her down.  Tonight about 5:15 she was outside with Eddie and began bleeding from her right nostril.  When we realized we couldn't get it to stop, we called her vet at 5:25 as they were closing and they referred us to the emergency clinic. By the time we got her to the car she was so weak she stopped to lay down in the yard.  At the clinic, a precious doctor told us her tumor was bleeding and even if we temporarily stopped it with guaze and treatment, it would continue to bleed internally unless the tumor was removed.  He agreed with other veterinarians that such a surgery was impossible.  He said the kindest thing was to have her put down before she suffered more.  We did. We will have her creamated and bring her ashes here to bury in the back yard. 

 

To say we are heartbroken after having her as a part of our lives for almost 9 years is an understatement.  She was a constant companion to this retired couple who spent lots of time at home with her.  She was an integral part of each day and it will be so hard to go on without her.  We are thankful to the Lord for the extra three and a half years he gave us after the first cancer, that he made it crystal clear to us when it was time for her to go, and that we have such good memories of her.  She was a very special dog in so many ways.  She left a legacy of the grace, miracle healing and the mercy of the Lord.  Not many animals have that.  In "Heaven is for Real" the boy tells of seeing dogs in heaven.  We know Kasey would qualify.

Clean Up Your Paper Files!

Yikes, it has been a while since I posted here!   I have, however, been thinking that this would be a good time to pass on what I have learned about keeping necessary papers.  The chart below is one I compiled after searching several accounting sites and the IRS web page.  These are recommendations only and of course you should seek out professional help when in doubt.


That said, you need very few paper documents as almost all financial transactions are now stored in cyberspace and can be accessed by the institutions quickly.  I will share one personal account.  In October of 2007, I purchased a built in microwave to replace our 9 year old model that died.  I charged it to my MasterCard at Lowe's and in the process of installation, lost the receipt.  Of course Murphy's Law lives at our house and the microwave broke after 10 months--less than the year warranty.  A call to Lowe's with the model number of the unit and my personal information was all they needed to locate the receipt, make a copy and mail it to me.  This provided the proof needed to have the repair covered by the warranty. 

 Retention Guidelines for Keeping Important Papers

Taxes--Returns (With accompanying documentation of receipts, etc.) Records for tax deductions taken	Three to Seven years The IRS has three years from your filing date to audit your return. The three-year deadline also applies if you discover a mistake in your return and decide to file an amended return to claim a refund. The IRS has six years to challenge your return if it thinks you under reported your gross income by 25 percent or more. There is no time limit if you failed to file your return or filed a fraudulent return.
IRA contribution records	Permanently If you made a nondeductible contribution to an IRA, keep the records indefinitely to prove that you already paid tax on this money when the time comes to withdraw
Retirement/savings plan statements	From one year to permanently Keep the quarterly statements from your 401(k) or other plans until you receive the annual summary; if everything matches up, then shred the quarterlies. Keep the annual summaries until you retire or close the account.
Bank records and    statements	From one year to permanently Go through your records each year and keep only those related to your taxes, business expenses, home improvements and mortgage payments. Shred monthly statements and keep end of year summaries.
Brokerage statements	Until you sell the securities You need only the purchase or sales statements from your brokerage or mutual fund to prove whether you have capital gains or losses at tax time.  Shred other monthly statements.
Bills/Purchases	From one year to permanently Go through your bills/receipts statements once a year. In most cases, when the canceled check from a paid bill has been returned or statement is reconciled, you can shred the statement.  Keep only those related to tax deductions. Records for big purchases -- such as jewelry, rugs, appliances, antiques, cars, collectibles, furniture, computers, etc. -- should be kept in an insurance file for proof of their value.
Credit card receipts and statements	From 45 days to seven years Keep your original receipts until you get your monthly statement; shred the receipts if the two match up. Keep the statements for seven years only if needed for tax-related documentation.

 

Paycheck stubs	One year When you receive your annual W-2 form from your employer, make sure the information on your stubs matches. If it matches, shred all but then end of the year stubs. If it doesn't, demand a corrected form, known as a W-2c.
House/condominium records	From six years to permanently Keep all records documenting the purchase price and the cost of all permanent improvements -- such as remodeling, additions and installations. Keep records of expenses incurred in selling and buying the property, such as legal fees and your real estate agent's commission, for six years after you sell your home.
Legal Records Medical History	Permanently
Medical Insurance, Medical Records	Keep insurance records as long as premiums are paid and claims resolved. Outstanding claims records should be kept until resolved. Records documenting tax deductions should be kept with the tax returns.

 

Source:  www.Bankrate.com.   These are guidelines only.  For more information, consult an accountant or the IRS at:  www.irs.gov

Organizing Tips for October



Fall is officially here.  In some parts of our country the weather may not show it, but it is time to get moving towards the season filled with decorating and entertaining. 

Buy your Christmas Cards now while selection is best and send out “Save the Date” cards for any holiday events you plan.  Update your calendar with all the special fall events taking place, put out your fall décor and get your yard ready for falling leaves.

This month we will concentrate on getting the dining room and/or eating areas organized and ready for holiday entertainment. 

• If you have a dining room that is not used often, the table can become a dumping ground for items put there temporarily.  What starts out as the mail mutates into miscellaneous things coming into the  house.  Start today to make it off limits for the temporary put down.
• Inventory your linens and purge what you haven’t used in years.  If some hold sentimental value, see if someone in your family can use them and give them the honor they deserve.  If some are in need of repair, make the decision to take care of that or to move them on.  Remember removing those that you do not use will make more space for those that you love and use.
• Look over your dinnerware and remove pieces that cannot be used because of chips or other damage.  If there are odd pieces that cannot be used with other items, move them out, too.  Complete sets that are stored in boxes and never opened should be sold, donated or given to someone who wants them.   As with your linens, move on pieces that are simply taking up space.
• Provide adequate seating for all those eating together.  Folding chairs can be used and stored in a closet or other storage area afterwards.  Wooden posts located on the wall of the garage can be used to hang them so they do not take up floor space.
• Cloth or paper napkins can be placed in an attractive basket, bowl or tray and serve as a centerpiece.
• Placemats are more versatile to use than tablecloths and can be left on the table as decorations or stacked in the center with a napkin basket.
• Dinnerware, flatware and serving pieces should be located in an area convenient to setting the table and replacing after clean up.
• Special occasion or seasonal dinnerware or silverware should be kept only if used and you have sufficient space for it.  .
• Table cloths can be stored in shallow drawers or hung over a dowel or hanger covered with the empty roll from wrapping paper or paper towels.  Slit the roll on one side and slip it over the rod.  Hang it in a closet.  This will prevent additional wrinkles.
• Additional linens can be stored in the drawers or shelves of dining room furniture such as chests or buffets.  You may also use a linen closet if one exists.
• Consider placing a clothing chest with drawers in the dining room if no longer needed for clothing.  It is ideal for linens.

Additional Activities to make the dining room more functional

• The dining table may be a good choice for homework if the room is good for studying.  A tote with desk supplies may be used and then stored when the work is done.
• It may also used for craft projects or other art activities.  Cover the table with a protective cloth, cutting board or plastic before using it. Portable storage for those supplies make it easier to clean the area when done.
• If the family needs home office space, reserving a corner of the dining room for that activity is a good use of space.  Choose a table or desk that compliments the other furnishings.  Some items can be stored in the furniture already there or in rolling carts and file trolleys that can be moved to a nearby closet when not in use. 
• If there is not space in the family room for board games and card playing, those items could be stored in the dining room for use there..
• When not used, keep the tops of buffets, chests and china cabinets clear and free of clutter..
• Keep the table attractive when not used with a centerpiece and/or tablecloth.
• Use washable decorative fabrics on surfaces to reduce the amount of dusting.

The end of the month also brings Halloween and the Trick or Treat invaders.

·          First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe. Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight. Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc. Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours.

·         It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy. Since this is the beginning of flu season, you should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands. Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself.

·         As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors. This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.  It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.

If you have the splendor of seeing the leaves changing colors in the fall, get out and enjoy it as much as you can.  It is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

 

 

Organizing Tips for September

Family illnesses are just one of the things that can get our routines messed up.  It has happened with one of my husband's family members and travelling plus has caused me to adapt my schedule and other things.  While it can be difficult to manage, taking a step back and thinking through our priorities can make the difference in being frustrated and overwhelmed or at peace.  So even though it is long overdue, here is the update for September.

This month marks a shift in the thinking and planning for many of us.  Summer vacations are behind us, we look forward to cooler temperatures and we plan for the upcoming holidays.  Below are some strategies to help us make in organizing clothing, bedrooms and closets.

Most of us have attachments to our clothing, especially those that were expensive.  I have had great success with a local consignment store and recommend them.  It is less hassle than a yard sale and you will get some return on your financial investment. 

Of course, I also recommend donating to worthy charities.  Not only will you make your space more livable, but you will be helping those who simply cannot afford purchasing clothing otherwise.  It will be a double blessing!

o       In the closet, remove all empty hangers first.  Look at each piece of clothing and make a decision to sort as follows:

o       It fits, I wear it—leave it in the closet

o       It does not fit—donate/sell pile.  It will probably be out of style when it does fit.

o       It needs repair--if it is useful, place in a repair pile.  If not repaired in one month, remove it.

o       I do not wear it or like it—donate/sell pile

o       I am not sure--place in separate pile, label and date.  If not worn in one year, donate/sell.

o       Clean the closet area, and reconfigure the rods, shelves if needed or desired.

o       Additional hanging space can be made by installing an adjustable hanging rod.

o       Replace wire hangers with more suitable ones but save a few if needed in garment bags when traveling.  Orderly Places has a tip sheet on types of closet hangers.

o       On closet shelves, clamp on dividers can be used to separate clothing or they can be placed in suitable containers.

o       Use hanging racks for the backs of doors or on rods to store bulky or specialty items.

o       As you return items, sort the clothes you will wear and keep by type-blouses, pants, dresses, skirts, etc. Sub sort these by colors as much as possible.  Place items worn together with each other.  This makes it easier to know what you have and find items easier.

o       Look at what you have and make a list of items you really need but are not there for future purchases.  Determine to buy only what is on your list.  One suggestion is to limit the number of prints and multi color designs and use mainly solids.  This allows more flexibility in creating outfits and using accessories.

o       Clothing in drawers or chests or on shelving should be organized with the same process as with closets.  Use dividers or containers to separate categories, colors, etc. in the drawers.

o       Some clothing can be rolled rather than folded to make sorting and access easier.

o       Shoes can be stored on hanging sorters or under shorter clothing in racks or shelves.  If they are stored in boxes, use clear plastic or label with pictures or descriptions.  I also recommend sturdy under the bed containers for off season shoes.

o       Evaluate the accessories you have to determine if they are still usable.  I had quite a collection of scarves back when Oprah made them popular and finally gave them up after taking my own advice.  If they ever make a comeback, they will be different, I am sure.

Additional unrelated tips:

In the next month or so, stock up on cold and flu products.  It is often difficult to find those you prefer when they are needed most.

This is a good time to purchase a calendar/planner if you use the write in type.  I prefer one that shows a week at a glance with the days divided into hourly spaces.  This is one of the best ways to schedule, plan and use time to the greatest use since you can see available hours in each day.

As much as I hate it, now is the time to plan for the holidays.  Pencil in some activities, gifts, meals, etc. in your planner.  More tips will follow in the months to come.

Organizing Tips for August

 

This month we are concentrating our organizing on Toys and Electronics

But first:

Back to School items are now on sale and families are getting kids ready for a new year at college or school.  Take advantage of great bargains on those supplies not just for the kids but for you home and office, etc.  In Virginia we also have a tax free weekend the first weekend of August on many of those items. 

With that in mind, we need to make space for new items.  Here are some tips to guide you along the way.

Children’s Toys

• Children learn from their toys but there should be limits on how many they own and how many they can have out at one time.  Decide what that will be ahead of time and stick to it.  Encourage relatives and friends to give clutter free gifts to your children.
• Toys should be more difficult to get out than put away.  Books that are stored upright on a shelf are easy to pull out and more difficult to put back in order.  A better choice would be a dishpan, bucket or basket that makes the child look for the book he wants but will be easy for him to drop it back in when he is done with it.
• Depending on the age of the child, most toys should be kept in open bins arranged in cubes or shelves and labeled so that clean up easy.  Picture labels can be used for toddlers and large word labels for children learning to read.
• Some special toys or games can be stored on a higher shelf where only a parent can reach it as a reward or incentive for cooperation, responsibility, etc.
• Hanging pockets and plastic stacking drawers are good choices for small toys such as doll clothes, matchbox cars or train pieces.
• Puzzles should be kept in their original box.  The corners may need to be reinforced with clear tape.  Another choice is zip lock bags with the picture included.  Color code the backs of the pieces for each puzzle with markers or crayons. Then the correct pieces can be returned to the proper box if more than one puzzle is out at a time.
• Other storage options are over the window shelving to display some collectible toys, corner nets to hold stuffed animals and totes on wheels to transport toys that can be taken to other rooms temporarily and under the bed roll out containers or drawers.

Electronics

     Most families have electronic gadgets all over the house.  We even take our cell phones with us out of the house.  Here are some tips to help manage and organize  those.

• Label each end of cables and cords that they use.  A label maker or write on tape can be used to place the name of the electronic.  This makes it easy to identify when many cables are attached to power strips or if they are stored together when not in use.
• Donate unused electronics with their cables, power cords, etc.  Best Buy and other stores will give you a receipt for tax donations purposes.  If you are concerned about privacy, have the in-store geeks clean them while you watch.  If you can locate and identify the storage disk in them and know how to remove the data, you can do that yourself before donations.
• Resist the urge to have the latest and greatest technology.  In a few months it will be replace by yet another upgrade.  Try waiting until your current gadget is no longer usable.
• Contain remotes in one room to one basket or box. Since many televisions are used for VHS, DVD, and several electronic games, label the remotes with the name of the item they control. 
• Store the manuals near the electronics if possible.  Other manuals, receipts, etc. should be filed in the household reference files until the electronics are disposed.
• Control the accumulation of cables for one device in baskets that can be secured under the device.  Some will attach under the table top, shelf or desk.  Look online for specific models.  This makes cleaning around the device much easier, especially if they touch the floor.
• For the ultimate challenge, eliminate the TV, electronic reader and games, and the cell phone for anything but calling for one day.  You may have extra time to do the things you never had time to do.

The Healing of Kasey

There needs to be a record of significant life events to pass on to future generations.  God thought it was important and instructed the children of Israel to place stones as monuments for what God had done for them when they crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. Like the Israelites, it is important that we include in these life events those where God performed miracles.  Kasey is one of these.

Kasey is a border collie.  We bought her in December 2005 at 7 weeks of age.  She became a healthy, active, gentle and intelligent pet.  She was especially loyal to Eddie who spent time grooming and exercising her, mostly on 2 mile walks around the neighborhood.  We have concluded more than once that she is one of the best pets we have owned. 

In the summer of 2010, Kasey's nose began to drain thick bloody mucus.  At first we thought it could be a nasal infection due to allergies, but it did not stop after a couple of weeks.  We took her to the vet at the beginning of August 2010 and she concluded Kasey did not have an infection but there appeared to be a mass that they could not accurately detect with their x-ray equipment.  Kasey's gamma goblin levels were high indicating it may be cancer.  The vet referred us to a critical care clinic in Richmond with a specialist and special equipment to examine Kasey.

After extensive testing, scoping the nasal passage with a camera and biopsy and care overnight, the specialist in Richmond said she found a tumor in Kasey's right nasal passage that appeared to be cancer.  She confirmed what our vet concluded but added she would send the biopsy to a lab for further examination.  That lab came to the same diagnosis adding it was aggressive cancer and gave Kasey only 8 weeks to live.  The specialist had researched treatment options and related to us that surgery was not an option and the only treatment was radiation therapy.  This would have to be done out of state and would only give Kasey 2 more years.  We chose not to do it. 

We brought Kasey home from Richmond, placed her on our bed, laid hands on her and prayed for God to heal her.  After that every time Eddie cleaned up her nose (several times a day) he would thank the Lord for healing her.  We gave her only the regular dog food and no other vitamins, medicines, etc. Kasey progressively got worse and displayed several symptoms the specialist said we would see including bleeding from the tumor spreading to the left nasal passage.  Eddie found a place in the yard to bury Kasey since the situation appeared to worsen, but several times a day as he attended to Kasey, he continued to thank the Lord for healing her. 

Sometime in about the 7th of the 8 weeks, Kasey's symptoms disappeared and never returned.  After 12 weeks, our vet called "to ask about Kasey".  I thought she was so diplomatic and gracious in the manner she asked.  I told her Kasey was symptom free but she needed to talk to Eddie.  They never were able to connect, but 3 months later he took her in for her regular check up, shots, etc.  The vet was so shocked to actually see a living Kasey that she could not contain herself.  Eddie shared the entire story with her and she labeled her "our miracle dog".  She was declared perfectly healthy and had even gained a couple of pounds.  It was documented in the vet's  notes and she shared it with everyone in the office.  Each time we have taken her in for shot, etc. the vet shares Kasey's story with all those there once again.

It has been 3 years now that this story began and Kasey continues to be healthy, active, gentle and intelligent with no signs of any illness.  We don't understand all about miracles and healings or why God choses to heal some we pray for and not others, but we know He can and does heal. This event is once again proof that God's love for us is so great and that He cares about the things we care about.

Organizing Tips for July

 

      It is July and it is hot and humid as always.  I wonder if we spend as much time in air conditioning in the summer as we do the heated rooms in the winter.  Since we are enjoying our living rooms, family rooms or dens, let’s get them organized this month.  Here are some tips that might be helpful to you.

• Arrange electronic items such as televisions, CD and DVD players and video games in one area so the wires and cables can be contained together.
• Label each end of cables and wires related to the computer and other electronic equipment.  It will save much time in connecting or reconnecting
• Use wire baskets that can be mounted under shelves or cable ties to contain wires.
• Purge videos, CDs and DVDs that are no longer used.  Sell or donate them to a local charity, nursing home or hospital.  If you want to locate one again, they can be rented or borrowed from local libraries.
• Renting or borrowing movies and games is an excellent organizational choice and sets a good example for your children in managing finances and spaces.
• Store CDs and DVDs in their case vertically on shallow shelves or if space is limited, they can be removed from the case and placed in notebooks or cases with plastic sleeves.  Sort and arrange by category.
• Videos can be stored vertically on shelves or in shoe box type containers.  Do not stack flat as accessing those on the bottom is more difficult.
• Remotes and game joysticks should be contained in a basket, decorative box or container designed specifically for them.  Keep them within easy reach of the chair or sofa.
• Place a table or shelf near every seating area.  Large coffee tables can take the place of several small end tables.  Choose one with storage shelves, cabinet doors or drawers.
• Provide an area for playing with toys if you allow that activity.  A lower cabinet can be used to store those items or they can be taken back to the bedroom in a tote box or rolling crate.
• For reading areas be sure to have a comfortable chair with adequate lighting and a place to store books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Books should be purged from bookcases.  Keeping fiction books that you have read serves no purpose except to prove you own them.  Sell or donate them knowing you can borrow it from the library if you have time to read it again.
• Non-fiction books should be grouped by category.  Since information is always changing, using older books as reference many not provide recent findings.  Let them go and use the Internet to find the latest information.  The books are not your brain and letting them go will not cause you to forget what you have learned.  (Old age, however, may cause you to forget.  I speak from experience once again.)
• Sets of encyclopedias are dated the moment you get them.  Use the Internet or library for research.  Use their encyclopedias if you want to teach your children how to use them.
• Make friends with the library.  It is a wonderful place of knowledge and entertainment for your children and prevents book clutter from residing in your house.  Most offer excellent programs for adults and children.
• Mix books, plants, attractive storage containers or photographs on bookshelves for more interesting arrangements.
• Upper bookcase shelves and over the window shelving can be used to display collectables and photographs.
• Collections of similar items are more attractive when grouped together in displays.
• Keep an attractive container with pens, pencils, note pad and scissors in a convenient location in case they are needed.
• Card tables can be used for board games, craft activities or other projects.  When you are finished it can be folded and stored under the sofa, behind large furniture or in a nearby closet.
• If the family office is located in this room, reserve a space for a table or desk.  A drawer or attractive containers can hold desk supplies. 
• If a computer will be located in this room, consider placing a wireless system in your home to eliminate having to connect all of the components with cables.

 

 

Organizing Tips for June

Children’s rooms, Keepsakes and Travel

June is filled with activities and it is difficult to think about organizing. The best approach is to work in the areas that are already requiring time. Since it is the end of the school year and the children or grandchildren will be around, one subject to consider is their spaces and the keepsakes you have been saving for them. Of course travel is on the mind of most of us, too.

Children's Rooms

An avalanche of school papers may be arriving for you to handle this month.

My best advice is to let the child decide which to keep. Keepsake boxes or binders can be used for these.

Give one to each child and let it be the only place for special saved items. If it gets too full, let the child decide what to keep and what can go.

Resist the urge to get more or bigger boxes. Think about how many things you really need from your childhood to remember the good times.

Of course there are items they have made that you will store with your keepsakes, but be selective.

Children now have time to go through their rooms and eliminate items they have not used or no longer want or like.

Clothing that no longer fits can be sorted for sale or donation. Children grow quickly and by fall most of what they wore during the past year will not fit. Thankfully not much variety in clothing is need for the summer months.

If you are storing clothes for younger siblings to have later on, remember to label them as to sex, size and season.

Children need limits on everything except love and affection. They should not be allowed to collect an unlimited amount of matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, t-shirts, flip-flops or anything else.

Let the space determine how much can be easily organized in the given space and draw the line there. You will be teaching them good organizing habits and a lesson that there are limits in life.

Should they want a new item, remind them something they already have must go. This is the “one in—one out” rule that we all should follow.

Keepsakes

Too many of anything means none of them are special. This includes collections such as china, dolls, salt and pepper shakers, stamps, etc.

If space is limited and many of these items are stored in the attic or closets, consider saving only those that have special meaning and letting the remainder go to other family members or donate or sell them to anyone else who will appreciate them and has room for them.

Storing keepsakes out of site does not honor or respect the memories that go with them. Put those that you choose to keep in a place where they can be enjoyed and given the honor and respect they deserve.

Photographs are another source of keepsake clutter.

Save only the best from each activity. No one needs 100 pictures of the beach vacation. A few special pictures are all that is needed to capture that special time.

There are lots of ways to sort and save them in colorful scrapbooks and online in creative formats. I am not a scrapbooker, but I do admire the projects and products available from Creative Memories and other sources.

Travel

If you will be traveling this summer, create a permanent travel kit with activities for yourself and family. If it is only used for travel, the items will appear to be almost new and more interesting.

If you travel often and if you have storage space, create a permanent supply box or bag with items you always need. Some of these may be duplicates of items you use everyday at home but you will not need to disturb those.

A permanent travel checklist that you keep on your computer or in a convenient notebook is a great strategy to prevent forgetting items you always need. I keep one just for quilt retreats, my favorite travel experience!

For information on organizing your suitcase, check out this article I posted for the local newspaper:

http://hrblogs.typepad.com/homeandgarden/2011/05/organizing-your-suitcase.html

Make a point of enjoying the outdoors while the weather is nice. Keep outdoor umbrellas closed when not in use. It will extend their usefulness and prevent damage during high winds or thunderstorms. I have personal experience with this one.

And speaking of storms, this is the beginning of hurricane season. If you live in an area affected by hurricanes, high winds or rising waters, you should review the list of necessary emergency items and secure those now. Be sure to update your household inventory. More information on it can be found on a previous Blog I posted: http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/2009/06/pictures-for-inventory.html

Enjoy this month of weddings, graduations, flowers and outdoor opportunities. June is special in many ways.

Organizing Checklist for May

photo from cedarcreekgaragedoors.com

No one wants to be inside in the month of May. Flowers have been blooming, the weather is mostly nice and we are tired of being in the house. This is a good time to work on organizing the garage and getting the outdoors ready for summer activities.

Since the Garage is never first on our list of projects, let’s begin there. During the winter it often becomes a temporary dumping ground for items. If this is the spouse’s territory, be sure to work together as a team. God forbid that you should purge or arrange items that were “special”. I have found the most effective way to motivate a spouse is to begin purging and organizing your own things. This is the application of the teaching Jesus gives us to take the pole our of our eye before checking out the speck in another.  Sometimes the guilt factor will motivate the spouse when you are busy sorting.  Sometimes. Regardless, you never really can win a battle with a spouse so it is best not too make an issue of it.

 Try to visualize zoning items you store in the garage. Plan locations for gardening, sports equipment, tools, automotive supplies, etc. so they are together and separated from other areas.

 Take advantage of systems that will allow you to organize your items off the floor. It is much easier and faster to clean with fewer items on it.

 Check out the home improvement stores for hooks, peg boards or shelving units to hold items that are now stacked on the floor. For pennies or hundreds of dollars, you can invest in organizing solutions that will work for you.

 Be sure to label bins and cardboard boxes used for storage.

 Move out items you no longer need. Only things you continually use should be kept.

 Boxes of old magazines, newspapers, etc. should be recycled. Let’s face it. You didn’t have time to read them before and you won’t later on. There are too many new ideas coming at us everyday and those articles are outdated.

 Review the sporting equipment to see if it is still needed. Move on any you no longer use.

 Look for specialty hooks, bags and shelves to store the equipment you save.

 Be sure to keep children’s things at lower levels so they can access them without your help.

 A great plan would be to make room for the car if you have not already done this. Your automobile is probably the second most expensive investment you have made so take care of it. 

 Mark off a space for the car on the floor. Identify a wall item or hang a string or chain from the ceiling as a marker for how far you should pull forward.

 If outdoor, yard or garden items are kept in the garage, garden tools and accessories, look over each one and evaluate keeping, cleaning or removing it. 

 Remove rusted, broken or stained plant containers, stepping stones and other garden fixtures.

 Create racks or hooks for the tools and locate them together in one area.

 Specialty items are available to hang rakes, shovels, etc. so they do not get tangled together or take up floor space.

 Outdoor furniture may need to be cleaned before using, so check over each piece.

 Toys that are outgrown or no longer needed can be moved on.

 If you have water sports equipment or pool accessories, try to store those in good condition in their own area for convenience when they are needed. 

 Yard art is becoming very popular but be careful you do not allow it to take over. It can become clutter just like anything else. There is nothing more beautiful then flowering or luscious plants, shrubs and trees, so make them your focal point.

 Adding hanging baskets or a border of blooming flowers can make a significant impact.

 Once your garage is cleaned, you may consider a Garage or Yard Sale. Here are some reminders.

 **Collect, clean and repair items weeks ahead as you purge spaces.

 **Check prices of similar items. Put on price tags and store in a common area. (Preprinted price tags can be found in some stationery stores, dollar stores, etc.)

 **Choose a sale date. Join with neighbors if possible for a common date.

 **Check community rules and get permits if necessary.

 **Arrange for charity pickup or make plans for items not sold.

 **Write ad for newspaper, Craig’s List, newsletters, etc.

 **Make signs and flyers for bulletin boards and curbs where allowed.

 **Obtain sufficient tables, racks, etc. for items to be displayed.

 **Get change for large bills and newspaper, bags, etc. for fragile items or large sales.

 **Use extension cords for testing electrical items.

 **Place pens, paper, calculator, extra price tags, tape, and stapler at check out table.

 **After sale, remove signs, clean area and dispose of unsold items as planned earlier.

A few other reminders for May:

 Change the a/c filter and have a routine inspection of all its components before the scorching days of summer arrive.

 Clean ceiling fan blades and give other fans an inspection.

 Clean the carpets and floors. They were used and abused all winter and deserve a thorough cleaning. If piles of clutter or stacks of items are on them, consider moving the items to shelving, cabinets or tables.

 Floors are easier to keep clean when only furniture is on them. 

If you get all of this done in May, you are exhausted and need a vacation. Thankfully summer will be right around the corner and you should take advantage of it. Have fun!