#62 - Clean Out the Kitchen Cabinets

I have completed the first item on my 101 Goals in 1001 Days list!  I am a big fan of annual spring cleaning, but I'll be the first to admit that it hasn't happened around here in a while. Ever since destructo-boy Jason began toddling around a few years ago, let's just say that big projects have been put on the back burner. Thankfully for us all, he is growing out of his impossible phase and moving into a phase of being a big, pre-school boy who wants to be a welcome member of our family instead of a tiny terror.

When taking my "before" pictures, I noticed a little science experiment of the kids; they decided to hydrate some water beads for everyone in the family. My kids love these things!  They're great sensory play and there's something strangely calming about running your fingers through them.

When I began this little project, I actually wondered if it even needed to be done? Then I decided to just go through, one cabinet at a time, and take things off each shelf and simply wipe it down. As it turned out, there was MUCH to get rid of. Hiding in the back of one of the higher shelves was a collection of pacifiers. My baby is 3 1/2 years old and hasn't had a pacifier since he was 9 months!!!  Wow. And yes, that is a teething biscuit in an open wrapper. Turns out it was definitely time to declutter the kitchen!

 Anyway...on to the before and after pictures.

Before - our dishes cabinet

After - I now have a whole SHELF open! Looks like I might need some new dishes to fill that void...!!!

Before - this held odd glassware and water bottles. And protein powder. And apparently pacifiers and teething biscuits. The gaping hole on the bottom left side was home to our popcorn maker that broke on Sunday. (May it R.I.P.) 

After - I cleared so much room that I ended up relocating our Magic Bullet, some serving pieces, coffee mugs and Mike's mini coffee maker into this cabinet. 

(Note to self: discuss Mike's portable coffee mug collection and pare it down. He doesn't even bring coffee to work everyday! This is an occasional need on the way to church and we have NINE mugs. Nine.)

Before - the kids' dishes

After - moved the cups to the left drawer and will toss the sippy cups as soon as I get more cups from IKEA. (they disappear in our house) I also cleaned out underneath the drawers and found old bibs from Jason's baby cereal eating days. Again, wow.

Before - vitamin cabinet/coffee and tea/paper products

After - rearranged a few things, cleared off the junk counter, moved the protein powder in with the other drinks

Before - above the microwave junk and overflow Ziplocks

After - made use of the empty space behind what's up front, added some things from other cabinets

While my kitchen was torn apart, the big kids played outside on this beautiful 80 degree day and Jason played on my iPad. Kaylin stopped in for some water and I noticed that she attached hair clips to her dangle earrings. This girl is such a fashionista!  Notice how her new belt matches her top. And she's SO proud of her missing front tooth. I absolutely adore this chick!