Wow! I am not sure where to start. We are really new at this, and trying to work on consistency as we know it is “key”, however, sometimes it is really like herding cats….or better yet, squirrels! So, I figured I would share what is new! As my husband said in the last post, we went to our previous location and emptied the storage unit we had. It really did add more to our clutter….and we REALLY do have WAY too much stuff. However, when going back, we also came home with an addition to our household members! Lily’s friend came and stayed with us for about 3 or 4 weeks….and then, we dropped Lily off last week for a 2 week vacation with Darby. So, life should normalize in about a week! However, since the time we decided to do this family blog, I wanted to update you on our changes! We made cold process soap, did a crafting challenge, played lots of games, had movie nights, talked as a family…..alot, and I am sure there is more…. which I am ALMOST sure my kids will start blogging about some of these experiences!

Our bracelets–there was a flaw in the way the chain was designed and Roger, my awesome friend at R&R Signature Jewel, let me know they were working on fixing it. There is a focal part to the bracelet, but the way the chain was designed, the focal part kept flipping. I am so thankful to the attention to detail that they are giving our bracelets! However, we did receive a picture of the current status…and I am just SOOOOOO excited! I cannot wait for their arrival, although I am also happy that Roger is making sure we get the best possible result!

Decluttering–a lifelong work in progress. Even our 3 year old is participating. I do not know how we have accrued so much stuff….but we really did. Every time I fill a bag/box to trash or donate, accordingly I feel a weight lifted. We still have a long way to go, but we are trying to do a little each day as to not feel totally overwhelmed.

We have a whiteboard full of ideas and challenges that we want to do. Some are absolutely terrifying to me… nothing like skydiving, but creating content to start a Youtube channel would be one of them. Well, creating content does not scare me. However, starting a Youtube channel does. We want to do a lot more sewing and crafting, but are also looking at potentially building a gaming computer, Ilana wants to start coding video games, as well as create a solar panel. I want to go to some homesteads and learn about people who take care of things like bees, goats, and chickens as I find these things fascinating! If I can get my family on board, I also want to make cheese and yogurt…. they are a little less enthused than me. 😉

But seriously, here is the real update: We spend time together. While there is still arguing (not sure that will ever fully stop) and fighting, everyone hangs out together. There is no more hours on end (outside of sleep) spent in rooms by our lonesomes. We are privy to a lot more “shining eyes”–a term I am just now becoming familiar with–regarding true happiness. We are talking more and laughing more. While I cannot give all the credit to this blog, I do believe that it plays a huge factor in our current pathway to family bonding. I would love to hear about some of your family stories or some of your thoughts on ours.

We’ll tell you our story, you write your own!