Operation Spring Clean Out

I only have a few New Year's resolutions and cleaning out the clutter in our ENTIRE house is close to the top of the list!  Anyone who knows me, knows I always have my planner to keep our schedule organized, I like my papers at work in a certain order, so naturally most people assume I am organized at home.  Truth be told, I'm a stuffer...I'm that person who will stuff crap in a cabinet or a drawer or a closet, because then you close the door and voila it looks clutter free!  Not to mention, having a toddler around does not make staying organized at home any easier.  Heaven help us if we should ever have to down size!

The first room that I tackled was Connor's playroom.  There were toys upstairs, downstairs, in the kitchen, basically EVERYWHERE I looked.  Here's the before shot:

I know Caroline is probably having a heart attack looking at this picture!

So many toys for a three year old!

AFTER:

I think this is my new happy place in our home

Where did all the toys go you might ask...

In the newly cleaned out playroom closet!

 

It's perfect for all his bigger baby toys and riding toys, plus the shelving lets us (me) stay more organized.



Paci Puppy

This post goes way back before Thanksgiving...Connor will be three in January and I knew it was time to get rid of the pacis.  He had only been using the paci at home during nap and night time.  On Friday afternoon, I asked Connor if he wanted to go to Build A Bear and put all his pacis in a stuffed animal since he was such a big boy now.  He agreed, but I don't really think he knew 100% what he was agreeing to.

He collected ALL his pacis out of his drawer, he would sleep with one clipped to him and another one in his hand (and yes, he did have a purple paci)

When we got to the store he picked a dog, so we decided to name it Paci Puppy

Helping stuff the puppy

Adding the pacis to the puppy

Giving the puppy a bath

He was so happy!

Then the puppy was dressed in pajamas so he could sleep with Connor at night

***UPDATE*** Connor did pretty well sleeping with no pacis for about the first week.  Then he stopped taking naps because he couldn't find a way to soothe himself to sleep.  No nap for Connor equals me losing my sanity.  Then we found out about Bradley and Lonnie passing away so my nerves were very short.  After Bradley's funeral, Connor wouldn't nap so I had to break out the one paci I had stashed for an emergency.  Matt thinks we took 5 steps backwards, but I feel like we took at least one step forward.  He used to sleep with 2-3 pacis at night, now we are down to one! 

Enchanted Forest

We have started a Christmas tradition in the last couple of years with Chris and Caroline.  We all go out for dinner and then do something fun that is Christmas related for Connor.  Last year we did Starry Nights and this year we went to the Enchanted Forest at the Pink Palace Museum.

Petting the polar bear

Not sure who was more excited, Connor or Cici?

I was shocked by the ginger bread houses, they were so neat!

Connor's favorite was the big train display

Maybe next year Connor will be old enough to enjoy some ice skating at the zoo!

Healing in Oklahoma

After Matt's mom's funeral, we headed to Oklahoma to regroup and spend some quality time with family.  It was definitely what the doctor ordered!

Bradley, Grandaddy's new puppy

This kid ALWAYS has a football in his hand!

Connor got to go hunting with the boys (aka sit in a heated tent with grandaddy and look for deer)

Matt and his mini me

Enjoying breakfast on the front porch

Three generations of Jones boys

This is what I did while the boys went hunting...very relaxing!

Connor was envisioning summers in the pool at Mimi's house

Connor's BFF for the weekend, Ms. Kim

Take one....

Take two...Connor loves the ladies!

Mimi and Grandaddy

Everything is more fun at Grandaddy's house

Rough housing

Mimi prepared a Japense dinner, which was delicious!

It was kind of similar to fondue in a round about way (hard to explain)

Of course, Buddy showed up to keep an eye on Connor

This is the only "deer" Connor saw while hunting

Garner's Birthday

This past weekend we celebrated Garner's 10th birthday. I can't believe how fast time flies by. I remember when I first started dating Matt, Garner was only two! We met everyone for dinner at JT's Wings in Munford (Garner's pick).

Yaya and Connor


Thank goodness for iphones, the itsy bitsy spider saved our sanity!

Happy Birthday Garner!!!