...no OLD stuff either!

With the warm weather comes the garage sales. The signs are everywhere. I constantly have to divert my eyes. I really love garage sales...a lot. But, with the commitment to no NEW stuff, I also committed to no new OLD stuff. There will be plenty of garage sales in June. But, I may have a new perspective. I may shop them more carefully. Now that I am driving a much smaller car, I can't bring home big stuff very easily.

This will be the first summer that I do not have a garage sale of my own. After finishing our basement, we settled in with what we have. Granted, I will always have a few knick-knacks and clothes to get rid of. I am trying to be more creative and pass them along to unsuspecting friends and family!

A Pais Street Market ~ Boulder!!!

Consider The Lilies will be at A Paris Street Market this summer. It's the first year the Market will be open in Boulder on 29th Street. We are hoping/praying/wishing to have our booth somewhere near Anthropologie...wouldn't that rock!?

My sister, mom and I have a business call Consider The Lilies. We make fabric flowers and attach them to anything we find!!!

Yesterday, when I was shopping (but not buying), I kept thinking how I was enjoying my time with my friend, but~ I would rather be in my basement creating or in the backyard gardening (with my friend, of course!). Hmmm? Could this material-fast end up being more revealing than I anticipated?

My Reward

Nine weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers. My friend Kari was going and I thought I would give it another try. Today I reached (and surpassed) my first goal...5%!!! Last month, I committed to holding off buying a new purse until I reached that goal ~ my reward. Well, here we are...but it's May...and I am not buying any new stuff. After a discussion with my husband, we agreed that this was possibly an expense outside the realm of the "material fast". Or was it? Kari and I shopped today at TJMAXX and Goodwill; just looking, no buying. It felt great!!! I really don't know what kind of purse I want. I do know it needs to be good qualilty, a fun color and reasonably priced. I really want a handmade purse, a unique creation. So, I will wait. Perhaps I will find one at the Market next month?! More on that adventure tomorrow...

NO NEW STUFF 30-DAY CHALLENGE

We are taking the challenge! We are committed to begin this 30 day "material fast". We will buy essentials like groceries, medications, etc. But no new STUFF! The money we "save" from not buying stuff, will then be donated or used for a special project...not sure which quite yet.

The girls were a bit distressed at first, but are gradually seeing the rational behind the fast. We were prompted by our friend Linden to take the challenge. Today, I had to exchange some shirts at the mall for my tweenager (wrong size purchased before the fast began...I had to remind myself to avoid window shopping and avoid temptation.

We are trying to avoid eating out also. This is not that difficult since we don't eat out much anyway. I did treat the girls to frozen yogurt...but refuse to buy Shrinky Dink supplies until June!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! May you know the love of Christ this blessed season!

A little trip to Cali...

Catalina Island

Disneyland

California Adventure

The Aquarium of the Pacific

& Seaworld

I've been busy thinking...

G with her art at a district show. This piece was purchased by the district HR director for their administrative offices!
Here is A with the spirit award at Kids Camp at church this summer!

I am so embarrassed by my inability to keep from drowning in piles of paper. I found this blog and am very motivated to learn more and implement what I learn.

I am interested in the Ransomed Heart Ministry after reading their book Captivating. My heart has been opened to God's desire for healing in my life! I am amazed at how many great concepts I underlined in that book (that means I liked it a lot!!!).

School starts Friday. I have mixed emotions. This is my oldest daughters last year of elementary school. Somehow that freaks me out and brings me joy at the same time. She is incredible!!! I am wild about her! We feel so blessed that she is with her best friend in class again.

My youngest is in 3rd grade and in an Upstairs classroom for the first time. This feels really cool to her! She is a ray of sunshine and full of passion!!! It is fun to watch her grow and embrace every moment of each day.