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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Day 3 - Why Clean?

31 Days to Clean

Before I go any further, do you have your "six list" done? If not, stop reading, pull out your pen and paper, and write it down (leaving a space blank for today's challenge.)

Okay, now we can move on. I have a question for you: Why do you want a clean home? This may sound silly, but I think it's important that YOU discover for yourself why you want a clean home. I want you to identify specifically the reasons you want to make your home a haven. I believe that if you can generate a list of the "whys" then you will be able to look on it and remind yourself why, day in and day out, you are spending time on the "mundane" things that never seem to stay accomplished. YOU need to have purpose in what you're doing, or you will continue to stay in a rut. Once you figure it out, we can start cleaning! :)

You have two challenges today:

1.) Figure out your mission statement

  • Write down on a piece of paper exactly why you want a clean home. Be specific. When you are finished, it should take you no longer than a minute to read over your "mission statement."
  • Find a motivating verse or quote that you put somewhere where you will see it every day. Add to it a mini mission statement from your specific one. For example, write a poem on why you want a clean home, or draw a picture of your mission statement. Perhaps you like lists - make your mission statement into a "why" list. Whatever you decide to do, make it pretty, maybe put it in a frame...but have fun with it!

2.) Clean out the toy box! (Or kids area)

  • Are toys taking over your home? Welcome to my world! Today, clean out that toy box/kids area! Throw out/give away toys the kids don't play with, store some in the attic, and organize! You will definitely need a trash bag and "goodwill" box handy. Let's take back our homes! (At least for an hour!)

Okay, I want to know your mission statement it (you can give the brief version if you prefer!) I will post mine when I complete it - I'll think I'll write a poem...

I also want to see before and after pics of your progress (remember, not perfection, PROGRESS!) and/or your pretty mission statement (if you don't have kids, you'll have plenty of time to decorate and make a pretty mission statement!) Post the pics on your blog and then use mr. linky below to link to your site. Make sure you link back to here!

Before and After Pics...


Attack of the toys!

Give me some organization...
Oh yea!
Kids, what kids?

(I actually do like signs of life in my house - including the "life" kids bring, but having a small home, I have to maintain some sort of peaceful atmosphere or I might go a little crazy!)



10 comments:

Kat said...

Have I mentioned I love your blog? It really IS a great place to start the day.

I did my six things last night right before bed :) I'm very much going to work on my little home mission statement and such. Ideas are just swirling in my head as I type. I'll do the linky thing when done :)

katylinvw said...

i'm excited to get started on my six list today! thanks for the encouragement! i'll post my mission statement this afternoon/evening! :)

Anonymous said...

Hey! You have some great ideas on your blog. If I had kids I would love to use your recipes for things with them. I so wish I had my own house so I could use some of your ideas that you blog. It was so nice to see you the other day, although it was awkward at first because I just stared at you. Haha. Well I will see you around. God Bless.

"Intentionally Katie" said...

Loving your blog! Thanks so much for stopping by mine. I think a clean house helps me feel on top of things. Mmmm...actually, not clean, but tidy. That's a better word for it. The only thing I must have "clean" is my kitchen floor. We don't wear shoes inside, so stepping on crumbs drives me nuts!!! Ick.

You'll hear more from me soon...I'll be back when I have more time to read your older posts.

Bridget said...

Hello!

Thanks for stopping by my "beginner" blog! I loooove your blog! Your list of priorities sounds like you have been looking over my shoulder while I journal ;0} I will be a frequent visitor here. Have a great rest of the week!

Unknown said...

Well, just wanted you to know that I'm trying to keep up!! I did do my kitchen (not the fridge yet) yesterday, but hubby wasn't OK with me posting the pics! A little too embarrassing for him! :) You'll just have to take my word that I cleaned it!

As far as toys, since my son is older - he deals with toy cleanup. I already had him gather up everything yesterday and put it back in his room and he is working on organizing those things.

I did list 6 things - finished number 1 and am on number 2. I am slow!!

Mission statement will have to be worked on tonight.

Anonymous said...

Okay, such a bummer! I cleaned out the toy box, (organized, sorted, put some up ,threw some out), FOUR days ago. So still, no before and after pictures. I'm really trying to participate, honest I am! I'll commit to being up before the kids tomorrow though- that much I can do. And I'm off to do my six list now. :)

Anonymous said...

My 31 days have not been consecutive, but it's getting done! It's been a great motivator for me!

Ashley Wells said...

My main mission is to create a haven that my husband will want to come home to.

My secondary mission is to create an environment that friends and family will feel comfortable in.

-Ashley

emegren said...

I LOVE YOU! and your blog, too! My mission statement is...

Our home is an environment in which our family and friends always feel warmth and love. It is a sanctuary of joy and peace for all who enter into it.