sugar and spice

In keeping with some of my New Year's Resolutions, I've been working on decluttering and organizing different parts of our home.  Today I decided to tackle our desk and our spice cabinet.  

The desk had gotten to the point of no return.  I couldn't even see the actual desk for all the papers.  I have not pictures to attest to this miraculous transformation, but just trust me...it's much better! Lauren and Kate were big helpers...they threw stuff in the trashcan for me! :)

Then I tackled the spice cabinet while they were sleeping this afternoon.  I forgot to take a picture of the "before", but here is the "during!"  Needless to say, we love to cook and I'm pretty sure we have every spice that anyone could need.  

Forget about borrowing a cup of sugar....if our neighbors ever need ground marjoram or turmeric...we have it! :)  (WHAT exactly we bought these particular spices for, I have no idea!)

 during

 Ahhh...much better!

The bottom shelf is the spices that we use the most frequently.  (including my huge container of taco seasoning from Sam's...I got tired of buying those little packets each time we wanted tacos or fajitas!)

 This was one of the best ideas I've ever had....I got a lidded, see-through container for the top shelf and use it to store the spices we use less often, plus things like baking chocolate, sprinkles and icing.

The second shelf is baking stuff...vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, etc.  (and clearly, house seasoning, thanks to Paula Deen)  The green basket holds little packets of gravy mix and also some of our leftover Christmas candy that I am saving to bribe Lauren with when we potty train.  :)

Who knew declutterig these two little things would make me feel so happy?!

Also....my sweet Lauren brought me this wooden heart from her shape puzzle this morning.  She told me, "mommy, I brought you this heart acause I yuv you!"  Awww... these are the moments that make being a mommy the best job ever! :)

my little sweetheart!

Here is another picture of Lauren and Kate today 

They are obsessed with having me take their pictures so they can say "cheese."  

Lauren told me she wanted to hold Baby Kate's hand, because she was her "fwiend."

Sweet girls.

Apparently Jason and Lauren played dress up tonight, because these pics were on my camera.  Jason said Lauren wanted to wear his hard hat and safety glasses from work.

I'm sure she thought she was some kind of engineering princess! :)