The Parable of the Bread Maker

As I was cleaning out stuff from my kitchen and deciding what I would sell on Craigs List, I kept debating if I was going to sell my bread maker or not. Now, I've had this bread maker almost 9 years, Greg gave it to me as a Christmas gift, but I have NEVER used it! So, the guilt began to build, which it had done so many times before. "How can I give away or sell a gift from my husband that I have never used?" I can't tell you how many times I've said that to myself. But in the past, every time I did give myself a guilt trip, I just dusted off the bread maker and put it back on the shelf. This time was slightly different. This time I decided to get rid of the excuse and actually USE it. What a concept, huh? So, I began gathering ingredients and putting them in the little pan as directed in the cook book that it came with (never opened). I was actually so excited that I was going to be able to tell Greg that I used his gift and that I hopefully liked it. Because if I did like it, then maybe I'd stop being haunted by the "you're not even using it, you might as well get rid of it" monster. After adding all the ingredients and putting the pan in the bread maker, I closed the lid and pressed start. I was so satisfied with myself! Then I peeked through the little window to see how the mixing was coming along when I noticed that it wasn't. I recognized a strange clicking noise and began investigating. The little mixer part wasn't turning. So, after a few minutes of trying to figure it out, I just called the help line. I spoke to a nice woman for only a few minutes before she concluded that the bread maker was faulty. She began asking where & when I got it so it could be replaced. I knew the warranty was WAY expired and when I explained the situation to her, she laughed. Yes, I have been carting around this bread maker, out of guilt, for almost 9 years and the whole time it was broken! How pathetic is that?!? That bread maker went from Utah to California, California to The Woodlands, TX, from The Woodlands TX to Tomball TX, from Tomball TX, to Ogden Utah, and then from Ogden Utah to the Land of Eagles.

Last night I shared this story with my friend Ashley who then turned it into more of a spiritual parable, which I would like to share. How many of us, carry "baggage" around with us, everywhere we go, out of guilt? How much of our "baggage" should we just leave behind because it's worthless? How silly will we feel when we finally realize that we should have dumped all the baggage years ago? If we let guilt force us to not forgive ourselves or others (or whatever your baggage may be), we are just carrying a weight that is completely useless and unneeded. Just like my bread maker, the "baggage" becomes a constant reminder of the guilt that we don't need. It's garbage...it needs to be thrown away!!

So I encourage us to look within and find our "faulty breadmakers" and get rid of them. You don't need to carry that "baggage" any longer. Let it go!!

A Bit of Advice

If you are cleaning out your house, as I am, here's a bit of advice for you....

"Do not clean out the toys while your children are still awake!"

I should have known better!

Makin' Progress!

So, it's about time that I checked in to let everyone know how my "getting rid of 1/2 of everything" adventure is going. I'm surprised to say that it wasn't that difficult. Once I started sorting I began to realize that there are MANY things that I really don't wear. I was almost able to reach the 1/2 way mark on my shirts and actually exceeded the 1/2 way mark on my pants/carpi's. YIPPEE!! But when it came to my shoes, I failed miserably. I really like shoes. I do! And not just my new shoes, I like my old shoes too (Maryanne, pretend like I didn't say that). I truly enjoy different styles & colors & shapes of shoes. They definitely are my weakness. I kept about 3/4 but managed to give away 1/4. Does that even qualify?


Anyway, I also managed to convince Greg to clean out his closet and drawers. And I have to say, he did quite well. There were a few items that he wouldn't part with...I tried every form of convincing available but he wasn't budging...but for the most part, he nearly reached the 1/2 mark, except his work clothes. I gave him a bit of leeway on those since most of his life is spent wearing a suit and tie.


I attempted the kids clothes today but I failed again. I just have a hard time getting rid of my kid's clothes. If they're too small, I usually keep them (this is when the 1 tub per size rule would come into play but I haven't started cleaning out my storage yet). And I just can't bring myself to give away perfectly cute, wearable clothes. So, "I told myself that..." (you know who you are) I would purchase a smaller amount of clothes from here on out. I think I can do it :)


So, all together, we managed to remove 4 tubs (overflowing), 2 garbage bags, and 1 Aeropastle bag of clothing and shoes from our closets and drawers!! Pretty good, if I do say so myself :) Here's a picture of our accomplishment! (Now keep in mind, we just "cleaned out" our clothes for the Stake Clothing Drive. We obviously didn't understand the meaning of the words "cleaned out")




So, now I am moving onto my linen closets and the craft room closet. Plus, the other side of Gabe's closet that has just random stuff in it. I hope each of you are doing well too so that we can share each other's victory stories :) Make sure you blog about it!

It Can't Be That Hard, Right?

Seriously, how hard can it be? Getting rid of (or should I say "sharing") half of everything I own? At first I think, OK that's do-able. But now, as I sit here deciding if I really do want to actually go count my shirts so that I can then figure out how many I need to get rid of, I'm beginning to wonder if I have enough self-control to even attempt such a thing. Today, I'm just suppose to work on my closet...that's it. Which includes my shoes, pants, capri's, sweaters, boots, shirts, etc. ALL OF IT, HALF GONE!! NO EXCEPTIONS!! I'm beginning to wonder how the others who were sitting beside me are doing? Amy? Rheanna? Rebecca? Melissa? Michelle (I saw you there)? And a few others...How is your major downsizing going? Because right now, I'm sitting here like a deer in the headlights!

So, for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, last night was the 1st week of an 8 week seminar on organization. I have put the lady's blog address in my list of friend's blogs. She talked about decluttering and she insists that everyone can easily give away half of what they own and feel emotionally better if they do. She also insists that when you half everything, instantly your housework almost cuts in half. So, here I sit wondering if I am going to take on this challenge. If I know myself, and I do, I want to become organized almost more than anything else, which tells me I better go upstairs, make my bed, pull out all of my shirts, and get started. "Just bite the bullet, Celeste. Just bite the bullet!" I will check in periodically to let you know how I'm progressing, or NOT progressing.

The lady's name is Marie Ricks. She has written several books about organization. She lives just east of me in Highland.

Hmmmmm?

So, what is it saying when I'm watching the Brady Bunch with my kids and I think to myself, "Gosh, Marsha's outfit is cute"? And it was. Does this mean I'm getting old or that fashion is being recycled? It's your call.

First Day of 2nd Grade!!

Hannah stared 2nd grade on August 18th, which was depressing. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. Time flies by too fast :(

Anyway, her teacher's name is Miss Webb who she seems to love already. Hannah was thrilled that Jaime (a friend she's had in her class since Kindergarten) was in her class and that they were on the same "track" as each other. Here are some photos from the first day :)

Greg had to go out of town that morning so he got up early and made Hannah breakfast since he couldn't walk her to school. She ate those pancakes (he made a huge batch) all week long so she could think of him. It was a special moment for her.

The tradition of taking a photo on the porch before heading off to school. Hannah was bothered by the sun in her eyes but we were able to get one picture with her eyes open, which I was thankful for.

Since Greg and I were in Chicago on the "come meet your teacher" day, Hannah didn't meet her teacher until the first day of school. Hannah came home saying how much she enjoys Miss Webb and how she wants to stay in 2nd grade forever so she can always have her as her teacher, which is music to my ears compared to last year.

Hannah went in to hang up her backpack so I took a photo of her at her desk. Doesn't she look so cute!?!

Then it was off to the playground until the bell rang. Hannah found several of her friends from last year but none of them, except Jaime, was in her same class. Look how cute...she's holding Megan's hand...ahhh!

I went to go pick her up from school and I noticed that they had already done some artwork and had them hanging in the hall. I couldn't help but take Hannah's down and take a photo of it. It says "I like making dizines (designs) and this is just a dizine." and then again "this is just a dizine." So cute!! :)

When she came out of her classroom, I asked her to show me on her face, how her day went and she gave me a huge smile. That said it all! She had a wonderful day. When I asked her if she liked her teacher she said something like, "Yeah, I like her alot! She didn't even yell at us once today!" So, for those of you who are aware of the frustrating situation from last year, I'm happy to say that this year seems to be the complete opposite, which again I'm very thankful for :)

Our Trip to Chicago!

Greg and I went on a fun little get-a-way with our friends Steve & Ashley. We went to the "windy city", Chicago. We all left the children at home, which then allowed us to act like little kids! It was a lot of fun and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Here are some photos from the trip!


Here's downtown at night. Isn't it beautiful? I loved the downtown area! It was amazingly clean and not a bum in sight! Loved it!!


We went to the Chicago temple, which was an interesting experience. First of all, Greg & I had forgotten our recommends so good thing we had our 1st councilor with us. He asked the man on the phone, "What do we got to do to make this work?" A phrase that we heard many times on this trip. So, they cleared us to go but we arrived right as the session was to begin. Again, Steve and his "What do we got to do....?" and they decided to hold the session for us. We hurry in and then we realize that they no longer rent clothing!! NOW WHAT?!? Don't worry, they have us covered. They allowed us to "borrow" clothing, which only took about 20 min. for the lady to round up, meanwhile the session continues to wait for us. So finally we make it to the session, YIPPEE!! I'm glad that the 'conductor' was a bit grouchy because he kept it entertaining. Nothing like looking at him, as we're suppose to view him, then see him pull a grouch face because the movie won't play or whatever. At least it kept me awake!! :)JK...I don't fall asleep. Then (being vague here) when I put my arm through, instead of my hand landing on a shoulder, it landed on a somewhat greasy head!! Yes, talk about complete embarrassment!! The dude must have been 4 ft tall!! I felt so awful!! Anyway, by the end, we were very grateful for their willingness to help us "high-maintenance folk" from Utah.


We went and saw "Wicked", which was just that...wicked (in the very 80's sense). I totally loved it!!! I knew that it was about the Wizard of Oz but that was it and let me just say, I highly recommend it! Definitely worth the money!!


Before we saw Wicked, we decided to go to dinner at a nice little place on the corner, near the theater. Well, when we got inside and Steve asked, "what's the wait?", the lady smirked and informed him that they can book up to a year out!! With that, I turned to go; we were way out of our league. But leave it up to Steve and his "What do we got to do...?" and the next thing you know, we have the so-called "last table" in the place. We had a wonderful dinner and a very, very interesting waiter. Greg must have thought the waiter was AMAZING because he gave twice the tip that Steve did but by complete accident!! He said he noticed it and went to go change it but the waiter was coming toward the table. So he paid a high price for his mathematical skills being rusty.....Steve thinks Greg was just trying to make him look like a putts! :)


Here's Ashley and I hanging out with our new friends. We got sick of the guys constant whining and complaining so we ditched them. I think we made a wise choice. Our new friends were much more exciting!! :)


We went on a Sunset boat ride to see the city from the water. What a beautiful view!! I give props to the husband who came up with that idea!! :)


Just hanging out waiting for the boat to leave port...Steve, Ashley, & Gregor or should I say Michael?!? :)


Here's a picture of the pretty water. It was a bit windy & chilly but don't worry, I had my trusty "Chicago" sweat shirt to keep me warm. Hey, it was on sale that makes it OK.

These other photos I post for my own satisfaction & for my own enjoyment. I will leave no explanation except they all have their own "had to have been there" story, which I'm sorry to say, can't be shared. I know it's hard to be left out in the cold but maybe thinking up your own story lines will bring some excitement into your life and warm you up a bit :)