Large Family Living~~Switching Summer and Winter Clothing

Fall is creeping up on us, and it's also when I start looking at filling our dressers with winter clothing.  With 5 children, it can sometimes be overwhelming (and expensive!) dealing with clothes for each of them.  While I certainly don't have "it" all together, I've found a system that works for our family.

First, I make a list for each of the kids that includes what they have and what they need.  I go through last years clothing to see if anything still fits them, or can be handed down to another child.  I also go through our boxes of clothing that haven't fit them yet.  We make a pile of clothing that can be given away, a pile that needs to be thrown away, and a pile of clothing that could be used again for other reasons (I like to use the denim from jeans to make blankets or use t~shirts for rags).  We take care of those piles, then move on.  Then I get to work on that list.  I write down what they have as far as jeans, shirts, skirts, sweaters, undergarments, pajamas, etc. and also write down what they need to get yet.  I have the older kids do this by themselves, and I do it for the younger ones.  When this has been done for each of the kids, then I make a master list for all the kiddo's of what we will need to buy.

We buy most of our clothing at thrift stores, and we've been blessed over the years by others who have shared their kids outgrown clothing.  We do sometimes like to shop at Kohl's as they often have great clearance sales which I can sometimes combine with a 30% off coupon.  I like to make my lists early, so I have that list in my purse ready in case I find myself at a garage sale or thrift store.  I don't want to waste money because I thought a child could use something only to find out they didn't.  (Been there, done that!)

For our family, organization in this area is not only necessary, it is a way I can show good stewardship by sticking to our clothing budget, and blessing others with clothing we no longer need.  How do you tackle the clothing battle?

Have a great day!

Blessings,

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31

A Fun Give~Away: Ending Tomorrow!

Head over to Rachel's blog at Finding Joy for a great giveaway.  Hurry~~ it ends tomorrow!

Blessings,

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31

Looking Heavenward

Our oldest daughter had an appointment with the chiropractor this past week.  While talking to the chiropractor, he stated that some of my daughter's neck problems were caused by having her shoulder's hunched and looking down to much.  He talked about how in life we spend too much time looking down at our I~pods, cell phones, computer screens, homework, etc. and not enough time looking up.

This is true not only of neck problems, but also many of  life's problems.  I know in my own life, I can look back and see how many of the problems I've faced have been caused when I'm not spending enough time looking tword heaven.

Life gets busy, little children need attention, our husbands and our homes have needs, and there are many other reason's we use to try and validate our time away from our heavenly father.  It is only when we are walking with the Lord that we are in "alignment" with Him.  Even in the midst of trials, if we are walking in His ways, things will fall into place and we usually have much less pain. 

Spend some time looking heavenward.  Spend time in the Word, in prayer, and quietly listening to what our Father has to say.  I need to work on this area of life~won't you join me?

Blessings,

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31


Linking up with:
        

Large Family Living~Laundry



yes, this is really what our laundry chute looks like sometimes!



"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

Organization is essential to keeping the laundry beast tamed in our home.  With 7 people, laundry is never complete!  I learned long ago that I needed a schedule in order to remain sane in the laundry department.

My schedule is quite simple.  I do something almost every day.  I once tried doing everything in one day, but it drove everyone crazy with the amount of laundry that needed to be folded.  It also seemed like we couldn't do anything else because we had to keep on top of the laundry in order to get it all done that day.  It just didn't work for our family.  So my schedule now is....

Monday~my clothes and hubby's clothes

Tuedsay~some of the kids clothes

Wednesday~the rest of the kids clothes

Thursday~towels, diapers (when we are in that season), and catch up day

Friday~hubby's work clothes

Saturday~bedding

I also hang our clothes out on the clothesline as often as possible, so I start the wash early in the morning.  I love the smell of fresh, clean clothes, and I really like saving some money by not running the dryer as often!  

My schedule sometimes does change depending on what may be going on that week, and I usually do diapers at least twice a week when we are in that season of life.  I try to get all the laundry folded and put away before hubby gets home from work.  He never complains, but I know he likes it when it is completely done before he gets home.  As we all know, there are always "those days" when nothing gets done like we want them to!

With a large family, there will always be laundry to be done.  While I'm not always thankful for the work, I am thankful that we have the clothing, and thankful for the ones who wear it!  (I'm also thankful for our large capacity washing machine!)

Blessings,

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31



Linking up with:
     

Summer 2012~In Pictures

It's been a great summer!

Blessings,

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"

1 Corinthians 10:31