Sometimes we bloggers have a tendency to only post pictures our homes (and our families) when they’re at their loveliest so that other people will think we have it together. All the time.
Well, I don’t. (Have it together, that is)
And just to prove that point to you, here was the state of our bedroom a couple of days ago.
Scary,huh? (In my defense, a lot of the stuff in the corner were things I was gathering up for a church yard sale.)
Here is the top of Steve’s dresser where I was tempted to write something in the dust but refrained. Trust me, though. The dust was so plentiful that I could have easily written a sequel to War and Peace.
In fact there was so much dresser dust that it even made the news!
I thought that maybe if I shot the dust with a fish eye lens, it would make it look all artsy schmartsy. It didn’t. It just kept on looking like . . . dust.
But wait. It’s gets worse!
Here’s the top of my dresser. Horrors!
Clutter galore! And I am a person who hates clutter; in fact, I start feeling a little twitchy when it stays around too long long. And this clutter had definitely worn out its welcome.
This latest round of worse-than-usual clutter started making its appearance during the recent visit from the relatives. (When all else fails, blame it on the relatives, right?) When everything got so incredibly busy during those few days surrounding their visit and Sarah’s graduation festivities, I started neglecting some of my usual “putting away things immediately” habits and just started flinging stuff hither and yon as I dashed in–and out–the door.
But eventually? I’d had enough. The clutter and dust just had to go.
And it did.
Here is my own personal collection of bedside electronics.
And my current nightstand collection of books?
Well, this book is called, “What Every Body Is Saying” which I’m sure you’ve guessed is a book about body language. I’ve just started reading it and it is fascinating and insightful. If you work with people in any capacity, you’ll find that this book will give you a whole lot of information about them you would otherwise have overlooked. (It’s especially interesting to me that the book was written by an ex-FBI agent who found a whole lot of guilty people simply using his knowledge of body language–I love the stories he sprinkles throughout the book.)
And as a permanently introverted personality who is frequently called to hang out in a variety of social situations, I’m always interested in these kinds of books which is why this particular book has also found its place on my night stand.
But enough about gadgets and books . .. here’s a picture of the cleaned up dresser. It makes me feel soooo much better!
And by the way, if you’re ever overwhelmed by cleaning or de-cluttering that needs to be done and you don’t know where to begin, try starting with the first few areas you see in the morning. Viewing orderliness around you as soon as you open your eyes is a great way to start the day. And then you can gradually expand your de-cluttering from that point on.
(Oops. I just realized I had thrown some bed pillows into the chair on the left so I guess I still have some clutter remaining.)
But enough about clutter–let’s close this post out with some non-clutter, shall we? One lovely photo and one charming video.
First the photo.
And now the video.
I especially love how Noah uses his mouth to pull himself up to a standing position; he’s all about using all the resources available to him. And I really, really love Nathan’s voice of encouragement saying, “Good job!” Noah will be hearing that voice (and that encouragement) for the rest of his life. What a gift for a dad to give a child . . . just the simple words, “Good job.”
Try watching this without smiling!
Such a cute video!! What a happy baby! If you are interested in body language, there is a series on Netflix called, “Lie to Me”. It’s about a guy that helps solve crimes by using body language to tell if people are lying. Really interesting! Hope you guys stay safe during the hurricane!
Gayle,
Sounds interesting! I DO love body language studies!
Becky, I like your clutter! If you are going to clutter, get neat things to make up the clutter like you have.
Cath,
I’ve never been told I have classy clutter before! Thanks! 🙂
That video is the cutest thing! Love Noah’s little laugh… Priceless!
Becky, I sent you an email awhile ago, just wondering if you ever got it?
Bea,
Yes, I love his laugh, too. It makes me smile every time.
And as for your email–yep! Got it and just replied. 🙂
Our home is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be healthy. And Beck is the one who makes the house a home.
Steve,
Um. I think you meant dirty enough to HAPPY. And with that definition in mind, our house is definitely happy!
Clutter drives me crazy too. It’s fairly easy to keep up with it most of the time, but when the kids come home, it is IMPOSSIBLE!! 4 extra adults, 2 babies and all the stuff that comes with ’em. Ugh. It usually takes a couple of days to muster up the courage to tackle it all. 🙂
I love the video…Noah is just so sweet and so proud too. (And yes, Jan R., I said ‘Oopsie’ too!!)
LeeAnne,
I am also joining Jan in the “Oopsie” department. It’s hard wired into women to say that when a baby falls! 😉
Yes, having 4 extra adults and 2 babies is a very cluttersome combination. Thankfully the happiness that comes along with it makes the clutter worthwhile.
I have too much clutter!!!!! Do not find the time to get rid of it. I’ll clean off the printer and computer desk. Then—within a week it is back again. Oh, well, tomorrow. No–I’m leaving for Chicago tomorrow and will be gone until next Sunday. Ok, maybe next week we’ll start again.
Ann,
Have a wonderful trip; the clutter can definitely wait! 🙂
Noah is so adorable! Clutter nver ends.. I have 3 daughters..one is home from college for the summer with all her stuff.. another one moved out into an apartment but left stuff behind and the 3rd gave up her apartment and mved back home.. revolving door.. but that’s ok. I’ll take the cluttter with the kids.
Michele,
Love the revolving door line. How true that is when children become young adults and their lives ebb and flow in and out of our front doors. But as you said, clutter means kids . . . and that’s a treasure!
Hi Becky,
Love love love that video, Noah is quite sweet. Love the small grin on his face at first and then when he hears his daddy say “good job” it turns into an enormous baby smile full of pride, even doing a little baby bounce of excitement! So sweet.
And also you will never know how much I needed to read the post about clutter- I’ve not been feeling well the past week or so and the house became pretty disastrous, but I am so glad I’m not the only one! And it is definitely time to whip my house back in shape!
Have a great day,
Jenna
Jenna,
Yes, clutter seems to be a fact of life for ALL of us! One of my goals in this decade of my life is to take long hard looks at what’s in my house presently and what is being brought into my house. I am trying to be ruthless about getting rid of things and passing them on to people who need them or would enjoy them. There are few feelings better than dropping off several large bags at Goodwill. Ahhhh . . .
Please come de-clutter me, too! Good job, Becky!
And speaking of good jobs, that video is too precious for words. How many people joined me in saying (in my best talking-to-babies voice), “Oopsie!” when he sat down???
Jan,
I’m right in the Oopsie Camp with you; it’s completely involuntary!