I run bleach through my dishwasher regularly which seems to keep the mold away.

A friend was over and mentioned buying Christmas lights on sale after the holidays to decorate her new house next year. I had outdoor Christmas lights in my donation bag in my garage for her for free!

I was able to complete some goals: DONE reusable water bottles DONE travel with dh more DONE read 6 Christian books Understand the basic flow of World History DONE make another couple friend DONE Konmari 2.0 (donated 51 bags so far, patio furniture, 2 bikes) Word of the Year: Support I don't know what resource to use to help me understand the flow of history. I'd still like to do that. This year, I tried youtube videos like crash course which I didn't follow through on. Any suggestions? I'm seeing that I didn't do well on my word of the year in regards to my dh. Hmmmm.... A change that happened is I realized I need to prepare more for having an empty nest next year. My dh and I volunteer with a homeschool ministry and will be losing that activity which is a huge part of our lives. (It'll be healthier for the group for us to move on this year so other parents will step up). I'll be working but I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing yet. Here are some things I've done to help myself with the empty nest process: Donated homeschool stuff as we've finished Bible study with just my dd and me Read Give Them Wings Took several months to grieve the negatives including having to work Joined an empty nesters class at church Put more into our ministry to end well Updated my resume Took a part-time job Kon-Maried our house And still working on: Putting together a photo book of the last 4 years Praying through The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children My goal is to finish strong and have "things" done so I can move into working. I see that my working friends don't have a lot of extra time so I want as many parenting-based projects, like photo books, completed as possible.

I've done some e-giftcard deals. For the inlaws, buy $50 Outback e-giftcard receive 2 free $10 e-giftcards. You just have to print the coupon from your email.

Well, my dd was sad after she gave away her Polly Pockets so keep those. 😏 I regretted donating the Fisher Price nativity so I bought myself a new one. It has been in my shed for several years, so it's heading out to be donated this year.

Take out!

You are on a roll! We went through Christmas ornaments yesterday as family and paired down from one large container and a small to just keeping the small one (and all our favorite ornaments)!

I thought we were minimalists, then I read Marie Kondo. She has some wacky ideas which we ignored, but putting everything that goes together in a pile then "putting back those that spark joy" (or those you really need) works so well. You then know where everything in your house belongs. For example, we had 3 different places where we stored batteries. I knew all the places, but now I can just look in the closet and immediately see if we need batteries. When people come to my house, they comment on how clean it is and that I don't have clutter. It looks clean without much stuff around! Yet, I have pictures and art on the walls. I have things on tables, just curated to those pieces I like best. I even have things like my ds' dungeons and dragons miniature characters out on a small bookshelf. I asked my dd to go through her Christmas things the other day, as I knew she had items she hadn't displayed in several years. She questioned why she would need to do that if it all fit in the container. Good question! I've found it's much easier to find things, store things, and keep things in better condition with cupboards, drawers, boxes, etc. that aren't stuffed full. In a couple of minutes, she had a bag of donations and half a bag of garbage. She was happy she could easily see all her favorites in the box, which went back to the shed until we decorate for Christmas. Just last night, I organized two cabinets over our washer and dryer. I realized our headlamps that we hadn't used in years had batteries in them. I bagged up the batteries and labeled them for the headlamps (so I would know they weren't new). Now, the headlamps won't be damaged by old batteries, and we'll have batteries when we want to use them again. We can easily see all our flashlights on one shelf. I enjoyed the house tour video! We weren't as minimal when the kids were younger, and I think it would have been beneficial if we had been. Have fun playing with it, but don't let it steal your joy! Also remember, you have to balance each person in your family. I never would have asked my dd to look through her Christmas items for donations few years ago as they were cherished at that time.

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you.

If you husband is asking you if you want to change your mind and go, do you think he knows you well enough to realize you need to go? I think I'd try to go.

Our favorite sides with no dairy (other than grilled veggies and fruit salad): deviled eggs broccoli salad - chopped broccoli, diced red onion, diced bacon, cashews, raisins, 1 cup mayo and 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp cider vinegar (mixed for dressing) Skinny mashed potatoes - boil potatoes in chicken broth then mash using broth Sauteed apples with coconut oil instead of butter: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21672/sauteed-apples/

I delayed vaccines and skipped some. Both of my dc got this one!

I'm so sorry about your news.

You can do it! I hope it's a blast, but I understand the stress as I would feel the same way.

I think I'd like to read it. Thanks for the reminder!

Doing these two steps really helps!

I'd like an invite too!

It's interesting to see some humorous sci fi!

This is a great list, thank you! I look forward to collecting more titles.

I'm looking for suggestions for books that make you lol.

These look cute. A sweater that is more tailored or jacket that is shorter would work well the dresses. I second Kohls. My dd bought a great blazer.

My ds has always needed time to process a request. It's just how his brain works. If your son is the same way, you need to tell your dad not to critique your son for that. Also, I'd call your dad on both the racist comments and weight comments to your son. You need to set very strong boundaries. Your children shouldn't be exposed to this. ETA: Oops, just saw you are going to talk with your dad. Good for you!

I'll second the dental school as they need patients for practice of more advanced dental techniques. I'm sorry she's suffering.

I remember when you posted that. I'm so glad you took it seriously, but I wish the police would have too. You may want to contact them again in regards to your local park.

I'd think about how many photo books of your childhood you have or would want. I also scrapbooked at the beginning and use Shutterfly now. I didn't make individual books but will let my kids copy any they want when they are adults. I have a small photo album along with a small box of photos from my childhood and it's plenty.