We recently remodeled the playroom and that meant going through everything that had accumulated in that little room.  As such, we found it necessary to do a major declutter. Today I hope to inspire you with some suggestions we found helpful in the remodel project and ten easy ways to help you organize, whether it be one room or your entire home.

1.         Get into the right frame of mind.  You must be in the correct frame of mind to organize.  Plan a day (or days!) to do it, then stick to it.

2.         Take small steps.  If you can’t get it all done in one or two days, that’s fine.  Set up another day to continue the task.  Tackle a certain area or room at a time.  Set realistic goals because if your goal is too big,  you will be overwhelmed and procrastinate.

3.         Set goals.  One of our main goals when “decluttering” the basement several years ago was to fill our garbage can full before “trash day.”  We easily reached this goal, and filled the neighbor’s garbage can full too.  (With her permission of course!) It also helps to write your goals down so that you can cross off each accomplishment.

4.         Spring clean, even if it’s not spring.  Take down each object from your shelves and cabinets and dust them.  This way, you will see everything you have.  As you are dusting each item, notice which items are not sentimental to you in anyway.  Also notice which items you do not have a personal attachment to or of which you have more than one.  These are potential “get rid of” items.  Check for old outdated items, such as, food, shampoos, lotions, and perfumes that also need to be tossed.

5.         Divide into piles.  Make four piles.  One pile will be for the items you are using now.  The second pile will be for items that that you will be storing in storage bins.  The third pile is for donation items to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, and the fourth pile is items that are someone else’s that you have been storing and need to return. A good rule of thumb – if you have to think about whether or not you’ll ever use it, you should seriously consider getting rid of it.

6.         Help someone else. Besides donations to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, we also found a great organization in our town while remodeling the playroom that was looking for items for their garage sale. We loaded up quality items that we no longer needed and donated them. For an inspirational article on helping others with items you no longer need, see my post How to instill compassion and servanthood in your children.

7.         Take drastic action. For our playroom remodel project, we carried everything (and I mean everything!) from the playroom to the living room. It stayed there while we painted, redid moldings, and installed a new desk and cabinet. My rule of thumb was this…nothing was to be taken back into the playroom once the paint was dry unless it had “passed inspection.” The last thing we needed was to have everything returned without having gone through it.

8        Turn on the tunes.  It always helps to have a little outside noise to take your mind off of “decluttering.“  Put in your favorite CDs in the CD player and open your windows for a fresh breeze. For us, some Newsboys, Kutless, and Third Day were just the ticket!

9.         Enlist assistance.  When we decided to clean out our basement, I enlisted my husband’s help.  He was more than willing to assist me because 80% of the “stuff” was his and he didn’t want me to be the one to decide whether or not we should keep it.  My sister was also an unbiased  help because she is not sentimental like I am, so she was able to help me get rid of things that I no longer need or want (I sometimes need help knowing what I do and don’t want!)

10.         Congratulate yourself! After you have successfully organized and “decluttered”  your home, congratulate yourself and treat yourself to something special, preferably nothing of the cluttering sort!

What ideas do you find helpful when tackling a declutter project?

*Portions of this article first appeared in my article for Home and Family Magazine

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

The other day as my daughters and I were driving home, we came across a herd of deer in a field by the side of the road.  “I wish I had a pet deer,” said my youngest daughter, Doodle.

“Deer can’t be pets,” muttered my oldest, Sunshine, who is perhaps one of the most realistic and literal children I know.

Doodle brushed Sunshine’s comment aside, and I watched in the rearview mirror as her face lit up with excitement. “If I had a pet deer, I would do two things.”

“And what would those be?” I asked, knowing Doodle possessed the same overactive imagination as someone else we know.

“Well, first, I would train the pet deer not to poop in our yard.”

“That would sure be nice,” I agreed.

“You can’t potty-train a deer,” Sunshine muttered, acting far older than her years.

Ignoring her literal sister’s comment once again, Doodle continued. “And you know what else I would do, Mom?” she asked.

“What’s that?”

“I would train the deer so I could ride it when I go places!”

“That would be a fine idea,” I agreed. “With gas prices as they are, that would really help out the family budget.” I could see in the rear-view mirror that Doodle had it all planned out.

“I just need a saddle,” Doodle quipped.

I love the imaginations of little children and how their minds are filled with creativity, dreams, and possibilities.

Such a thought brought to mind the words of Jesus in Luke 18:27 “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”  Our family was discussing this morning during devotions the blessings God has bestowed on us throughout our lives. That we have each other; that we have shelter, food, and clothing,  just to name a few.

That we can see the sunrise, hear the birds sing, and feel the soft fur of a fluffy puppy; and that He has healed us so many times from illness and protected us from disease.

And of course, the most humbling of all, that He gave us the precious gift of His Son so we might have eternal life.

Yes, so many impossibilities through our human weakness, but so many possibilities with God!

When Sarah answers an advertisement for a mail order bride, she travels by train to the dusty prairies of Kansas – the opposite landscape from her beloved home by the sea in Maine. When she and widower Jacob meet for the first time, Sarah wonders if she will be able to stay and adjust to her new life. After all, she admits to being outspoken and she’s nothing like Jacob’s wife who lost her life in childbirth.  In addition, while the youngest child, Caleb instantly likes Sarah, the oldest child, Anna takes a dislike to Sarah. Still grieving the loss of her mother, Anna isn’t about to let anyone take the place of her mother in her own heart or in the heart of her father.

Can love be found in the least likely of places?

A touching movie with a dash of sweet romance, Sarah Plain and Tall has quickly become a classic that has been enjoyed for over two decades. This movie left me wishing Hallmark would again return to the treasured storylines it once created movies from – movies which included Fallen Angel, Rose Hill, Follow the Stars Home, The Water is Wide, The Courageous Heart of Irena Stendler, The Magic of Ordinary Days, and Beyond the Blackboard to name a few.

Sarah Plain and Tall contains nothing objectionable and is suitable for the entire family. However, a scene with a windstorm may frighten younger children.  I highly recommended it for your next family night.

The cart sped through the crowded parking lot toward an intersection attempting to mar the glossy finishes of luxury SUVs and sports cars.

And then I knew what I must do. The situation at hand had left me little choice.

I knelt down and tightened the laces on my Brooks Ariel running shoes, thankful I wasn’t wearing flip flops today.

Then, with the speed of a cheetah and the grace of a gazelle, I took off across the parking lot after the shopping cart.

My heart pounded. Would I be fast enough?

Finally, I reached for the shopping cart handle just seconds before what would have been a disastrous situation. I wiped the sweat from my brow. Another rogue cart apprehended in the name of justice!

I returned to our SUV, climbed in, and glanced into the back seat. My kids appeared in shock with mouths wide open. “Mom!” Doodle gasped. “You were amazing. You should be in the Olympics – the Mom Olympics!”

So, as of today, I have begun training for the 2016 Mom Olympics. On the application, I listed my qualifications:

• Carrying my children everywhere when they were younger (which built strong biceps and triceps);

• Bending and stooping to pick up the toys and food my children continually threw on the floor from their high chairs when they were babies (which built strong quad muscles);

• Hurdling over toys left strewn across the living room floor;

• Dexterity and balance in hopping on one foot whenever I stepped on a Lego or fossilized Cheerio left on the floor;

• The recent runaway cart episode showing my aptitude for speed and finesse;

• Running the kids everywhere for their activities for the past several years (built endurance as a long-distance runner);

• Experience in juggling (juggling multiple tasks as a wife and mom).

Happily, I was approved by the Mom Olympics CEO to participate. See you in Rio De Janeiro in 2016!

My suggestion for this week’s Movie Monday is The Perfect Game (Feature Films for Families)...

One of my favorite things about The Perfect Game was that, because it is based on true story, original black- and-white footage is shown throughout the movie.  The story opens with a man named Cesar who has lost his job with a baseball team and has returned to his home in Mexico as a laborer.  His life has taken a turn for the worse and he survives day-to-day with his heart heavy with failure.

Enter into the story several young poverty-stricken Mexican boys who, under the care of a Catholic Priest, dream of becoming “real” baseball players. They listen to their favorite teams on the radio and practice in the streets with humble baseball equipment. What happens when Cesar and the boys’ paths cross?

This movie is a hidden gem among movies. There hasn’t been much publicity about it, and to me, that’s a shame. It is perfect family-night fare and includes valuable discussion lessons. For instance, is it all right to look down upon someone because of the color of their skin? The Bible tells us we are all made in His image. Other great discussion questions include: is it all right to lie to others about your past because of your shame? Is it ever all right to drown your sorrows in alcohol? Even if two people have their eye on playing the position of pitcher, can that be overcome to avoid tension in a friendship? What can happen when people reach out in love and help those in need? Just how powerful is the power of prayer?

Will the underdogs in this film make it all the way to the Little League World Championship? You won’t want to miss this movie to find out the answer to that very question!

For an archived list of movie reviews, go to my newly created Archived Movie Reviews page.

For a listing of all mom-approved movies, go here.

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

This week’s family movie suggestion is a series - Sue Thomas F.B. Eye Series.

Sue Thomas is a deaf woman who can read lips and speak. She’s lived a sheltered life for the most part, so when she’s accepted for a job with the F.B.I. hours from her hometown, she knows she’s embarking on an adventure.

Based on a true story, this series is one of the best I have ever seen and is on my top-ten favorites list of all time.  Sue Thomas F.B. Eye  has everything that makes a movie good – a touch of romance, drama, humor, action, and adventure. What’s more, the writers and producers managed to pull off this feat without the use of the distasteful Hollywood variety of violence, crass humor, foul language, and sexuality.

Sue Thomas F.B. Eye is a wholesome show, but it’s far from dull. Each episode includes the latest case to solve by Sue’s F.B.I. team, which includes:

Sue, a talented lip reader who helps solve many cases, but who struggles with being accepted because of her disability;

Jack, the lead investigator (with a dash of romance between he and Sue);

Lucy, Sue’s best friend and roommate, and the administrative assistant for Sue’s F.B.I. team;

Bobby, the Australian agent with a flair for fighting for the underdog;

Tara, who can figure out just about anything on the computer and is the technology guru of the group;

Demetrius, the serious, yet kind, agent who learns a lesson the hard way about how his workaholic tendencies affect his family; and

Miles, the annoying know-it-all who has it out for Sue in the beginning.

Some of the episodes include some scary parts that may be inappropriate for those under 10 only because of the theme. There is nothing objectionable in any of the episodes and Sue Thomas F.B.Eye is a perfect series for the entire family. I highly recommend purchasing the entire set. As of this review, there are five seasons, but I’m hoping they’ll make more soon!

For a listing of movie suggestions, followed by archived movie reviews, please see http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

This week’s family movie suggestion is Matthew, a Dramatic Presentation of the Life of Jesus.

The Bible is brought to life in Matthew, a Dramatic Presentation of the Life of Jesus.  This visual presentation, which includes two parts, faithfully follows the NIV version (1984). Starring Bruce Marchiano as Jesus, viewers will enjoy the realistic costumes and the authentic setting.

This video contains nothing objectionable and is suitable for all ages.  Highly recommended for families, youth groups, and anyone else wishing to have a visual glimpse into the Bible.

For a listing of movie suggestions, followed by archived movie reviews, please see http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

This week’s Movie Monday family movie night suggestion is Backroads and Lilies…

Alza Bennett’s car breaks down and leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere. How will she ever make it home for Easter now? After a series of mishaps, she stumbles across a hermit fixing his tractor. Moments later, she has convinced him to drive her several hundred miles to her parents’ house. After all, it’s imperative she makes it home for Easter.

Lincoln has no desire to be pestered by anyone, let alone a spoiled woman with no thoughts of anyone but herself. However, he agrees to drive her, and on the way they encounter all kinds of hilarious calamities.

At this point, it doesn’t seem like Alza will ever make it home. And if she doesn’t, how will she ever make that good impression on her family that she is striving so hard to make?

Backroads and Lilies is one of those movies I hadn’t heard much about until I saw it on the shelf of a local store.  I wondered if it would be a good movie. I wasn’t disappointed.

While it starts off a bit slow at first, the momentum quickly builds. Jefferson Moore who plays Lincoln is perfect for the role with his crusty glares. (He also played in one of my favorite movies of all time, Clancy). Christina Karis, who plays Alza has delightful facial expressions and plays her role well.

Backroads and Lilies is full of great lessons. First of all, lying never solves anything, which Alza soon finds out. Secondly, God teaches us to put others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3). Alza clearly doesn’t do this and soon learns an important lesson.  Third, serving others can make a huge difference, as Lincoln discovers. His choice not only helps Alza, but also makes a difference in his life as well.

Backroads and Lilies is a wonderful story of redemption. It includes humor, as well as touching moments. There is nothing objectionable and I would highly recommend it for those ages 8 and above. Younger children may not understand the plot and story line.

For a listing of movie suggestions, please see http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

For an archived listing of reviews for recently-reviewed movies, please see http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/archived-mom-approved-movie-reviews/

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

1. Tinkyada organic brown rice pasta noodles. I’ve tried other gluten-free noodles before and thought perhaps I was eating cardboard. This isn’t the case with Tinkyada noodles, which come in a variety of noodle shapes including spirals, spaghetti noodles, and lasagne. I love these noodles and think they actually taste better than the wheat/egg yolk variety.

2. The Cravings Place Ooey Gooey Choclatey Chewy Brownie Mix. This is a delicious brownie mix that is also wheat, nut, dairy, egg, and bean free. A great substitute for “regular” brownies.  We’ve also used it for birthday cakes as well. Add a dollop of frosting or gluten free pie filling to the top and you’ve got a tasty dessert for any occasion. If you love recipes for tasty gluten free treats, check out my recipe for scrumptious gluten free/egg free pumpkin bars here.

3. Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix. The pancakes actually taste pretty good. The only downfall is that it is a bit pricey for the small box. But if you are needing something easy for breakfast, this is a great choice.

4. Nature’s Hilights Rice Pizza Crust. Out of all the things I missed when I first discovered my wheat allergy, I missed pizza the most. With this brand of pizza crust, I can still have pizza and top it with all kinds of healthy toppings.

5. Rice Dream rice milk.  If you must go dairy free, as my husband and I do, this is the ticket. It’s also gluten free and comes in vanilla-flavored as well. For a funny story of just how far some of us will go for our Rice Dream milk, check out my humor post here.

6. Gluten free Oats LLC. The company who grows and packages these gluten free oats is a Celiac family who takes pride in providing oats for those with restricted diets. And oatmeal is sooooo good for you! For my yummy gluten free no bake cookie recipe using oatmeal, please go here.

7. Pace thick and chunky salsa.  I always appreciate it when large companies go out of their way to make their products gluten free.

8. Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies. My husband loves these tasty treats that are free of the eight most common allergens. So those who are allergic to dairy, egg, and tree nuts will also enjoy these tasty treats.

 I would love to hear of the foods you’ve found that are not only gluten (and/or dairy) free, but are also delicious too!