Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Bring On the Comments...


It's been about a month since I began my cleaning/organizational tangent.


That little tangent began after picking up this cute little book at the local Christian bookstore.


A month later I can still say that I really love the principals this book lays out. It has motivated me and helped me to tweak areas of my home and areas of my own thinking in order to make things run more smoothly.


I'm not talking perfection, here. After all, the book is not called The House That Cleans Itself and Stays Perfect Without You Doing Anything Ever Again...although I would have totally bought it if that were indeed the title.


Organization requires maintenance. Dang it, but it's true. I have to make a point to put stuff back in it's newly labeled place. I have to remind my boys, pretty much every day, to hang up their coats. But at least we all know where the stuff now belongs, and that is huge!


Is everything perfect? No way. Perfection is not my goal. My kids would hate me if I required perfection...I would hate me too.


The key to an organized house is not that it looks super clean all the time...the key is that when you pick up, it goes QUICKLY, because


  1. There's not a ton of extra junk around that you just don't know what to do with (because you've sorted, pitched, and donated)

  2. Everything has a place...basically.

I love this book. I have picked it up dozens of times to re-read certain sections. There is still many ideas that I haven't implemented yet...baby steps.


I'm telling you, no matter how neat and organized you think you already are, this book has more ideas. For real. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, this book has ideas. Really good ideas.


The author Mindy Starns Clark sent me three autographed copies...all her idea, I didn't ask her to do it, she's just generous like that :)


Leave me a comment, about anything you'd like and you'll be entered! I'll pick THREE random winners tomorrow! Leave me different comments and enter yourself as many times as you like...why not?!?


Happy Organizing and Thanks Mindy! :)

200 comments:

  1. I love to read and I love to be organized! That makes this the perfect book for me! Oh, and this is my first time commenting on your blog, love it!

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  2. I neeeeeeddddd this book in my life. If I do not win said AWESOME GIVEAWAY! I will try to find this book in the library.

    Thanks for the opportunity Sarah!
    *Shay*
    Tigger2sch(at)aol(dot)com

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  3. PLEASE let me win this book! I know that being more organized would make our tiny house seem more roomier!

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  4. I tried to find this book at our library, but we live in a pretty small town, so I could not find it. So I would love to win it! Sounds like exactly what I need. Thanks for sharing:)

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  5. I think I need that book!! I love your blog - I love how candid you are. We need more pastor's wives like you:)

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  6. Sounds like a great book that I could really use! Being a pastor's wife with three boys just like me, you know exactly why! Thanks for the giveaway

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  7. I would love to read this book! And I need a label maker- Valentine's gift..... to myself?

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  8. I almost got this book in December, but panic set in as I visualized the mess I would make getting started....... the whole "it's gotta get worse before it gets better" Still makes me shudder a little bit!! :-) Maybe I could talk you into coming over and helping me with the scary parts!! LOL

    ~Mandie

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  9. I want this book so bad. I have looked for it every where locally. Can't find it at the library (someone stole it, can you believe that?) and at every book store around. Now I'll finish this comment with another comment so I can enter myself more than once. HEEHEE!

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  10. I was going to order it from Amazon today and then I saw your post. Please oh Please let me win. I need this book. Should I enter another comment? Sure! Why not?

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  11. I would love this book! I am constantly organizing/rearranging our little house and feel I could use some fresh ideas. When you live in a relatively small space it's a matter of sanity to keep things put away but with kids it's hard to do so! I always feel that for certain rooms there has to be a better way.

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  12. I live in a tiny little house with 2 closets. I NEED this book.

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  13. My goal is to be ORGANIZED in a lot of ways this year.
    I need this book, too.

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  14. wow...after Bible study this morning, my calendar is pretty open...i think i'll just hang around your blog all day making comments!

    if you could only see my house right now...you'd FedEx me the book for morning delivery!

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  15. Woo hoo, sign me up! I'm trying to be organized, but I keep FAILING!

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  16. I will tell ya, I could be the perfect 'before' house...but if I win, I'm not promising I'll be the perfect 'after' house...but I'll give'r a go!

    Happy Wednesday!

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  17. I'd like to think i've got it together in this area, but could always learn something new.

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  18. I LOVE reading your blog and staying up with what's going on in your life. I would love to read this book as I'm in the ongoing midst of another organizing spree.

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  19. I'm so in the middle of trying to get rid of all of that junk I don't need right now. Ugghhhh...:( It's not a fun job, but excitement at the prospect of a really organized house does compel me forward. The book sounds very helpful! :)
    Exciting stuff! :)

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  20. I went to buy this at Barnes and Noble and THEY DID NOT HAVE IT WHAT?!?!?! I KNOW! Call Melanie, she can vouch for the fact that my house is a wreck!!!!
    I think i scarred her (not scared, really scarred) btw Love ya woman, hope the little one feels better!!!!

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  21. I am a pretty organized person but lately life just seems to be spiraly out of control. There is never enough time in the day to go to work, make meals, keep the house up etc. Lately it's been more overwhelming than ever before. I would love a copy of this book. I love your blog too btw. I really like how candid and upfront you are. Have a great day!

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  22. Yay! Sign me up for this awesome book. I am moving in two weeks and would love to have a fresh start in the organization area. If you could only see my house right now. Trying to clean in the midst of the piled up boxes, my kiddos and pets are all out of sorts! ~Jenny

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  23. Having a well maintained home lets me have freedoms. Freedoms to not worry about who might come over and see it a mess, freedom to spend extra time with my husband, and freedom to have a peace of mind each night and morning without thinking "I didn't get that done or I should have finished that". When I have a home free of clutter and dirt, my life is more at peace.
    Blessings!
    Angela

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  24. Sarah-
    I've been following your blog "under the radar" for a few months now, and I am totally intrigued by this book! My husband and I are expecting twins this summer and I'm going to need every ounce of help I can get :) Thanks for a great, and encouraging blog! I love reading your posts!

    Katie
    (I'm friends w/ your SIL, Megan)

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  25. What a great giveaway and it is so sweet of Mindy to give you these to give away. I am always looking for ways to better organize my home and I would love to win this book.

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  26. Hi, Sarah! I have been following for quite some time "under the radar" as well. You seem so real, and I love that about you. I also love the feeling of a just-cleaned house (who doesn't!) but would love to learn new ways to keep it clean and organized in less time. Thanks!

    bamandjmw@yahoo.com

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  27. Oh, boy! Oh, boy! This sounds like a great book, and very timely, since my house is completely destroyed after three snow days. I'm always looking for organizing tips :)

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  28. my husband and I are having a family meeting on Saturday to figure out how we can organize our lives better.... this would be such a great start!! please please! :)

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  29. homemaker obsessed with organization!

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  30. I would love to have this book. I know I will need it when we set up home-keeping again. We have a lot of things we packed that should have been gotten rid of completely. I would also love to share this with my mom while I am staying with her. She is the queen of stuff!

    Thanks Mindy and Sarah!

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  31. Wow! This book sounds like JUST what I need! Thanks for the chance Sarah and Mindy!

    Kim in Alabama

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  32. I really need this book like so many other readers do!! Our house has such little storage and I really need to start sorting and donating. Oh, where to start?!!

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  33. Oh, I HAD to let you know, I am getting my hair cut tomorrow! I knew you would be so excited for me. :-)

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  34. I don't care if I am.

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  35. I would LOVE some new organizing ideas!

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  36. My sissy NEEDS some organizing ideas - she has none;)

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  37. I will give this book to my aunt (who also desperately wants it) if I win!

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  38. And yes, Tracie's a cheater. :)

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  39. I don't wanna be left out of the begging and pleading - so - pick me, pick me (picture my arms waving and me squirming in my seat like a little kid at school).....

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  40. By the way....maybe you should have asked for pictures of the disorganized madness... so you would see for your own eyes their is NO organization what so ever in my house so to say I need this is an understatement....

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  41. P.S. Any chance their might be a chapter on kids/kids rooms? I have three maybe I will read this book to them at night before bed - ha :)

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  42. I would love this book, does it have a chapter on husband training?!

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  43. I need this book - I feel at times like clutter is taking over this house, and my life!
    I am trying to de-clutter one room at a time, but it's slow going!
    Love your blog!

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  44. If I don't win I'm going to have to get the book from the library and then I will have to keep track of it and make sure it gets returned on time and whew what a nightmare...

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  45. I believe I will be the "God ordained" winner! And he knows, I NEED it!!!!

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  46. I can get this at the library so if I win give it to the cheater! Tracy!
    *smile*

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  47. Ok.I like what you said about it not being perfect. For some reason...that made it feel like it might just click with me now. Atleast it's closer to clicking....

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  48. I think I need this. I definitely need some ideas on how to get my house more organized.

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  49. Oh, please, Sarah, pick me! I NEED this book. I'm trying so hard to get rid of clutter, get organized, and clean a little more often.....well, the house needs cleaning a LOT more often. But the books piled beside the couch call me and I waste way too much time on this computer thing. I need an intervention!

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  50. Pick me! Pick Me!! PICK ME!!! :)
    I can always be more organized. I used to be anal about organization but after having kids I'm lost! Organization out the window and my house is a DISASTER! I would love this book to get my house back in some order!!

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  51. Are foreigners allowed to participate as well??? Hope so. Being from Norway I have never seen this book before, but I would really like to read it!!
    I constantly struggle to keep the house looking decent, and would love to get some input on systems that will work, so that it´ll be easier for everyone to help putting things back in their place.

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  52. Do you accept bribes? Ok how about compliments? :) I love your blog, you are the coolest pastor's wife ever, you have great hair. Oh and you're beautiful. The most stunningly beautiful pastor's wife with rock star hair ;) Oh, and you're young. Pick me, pick me! :)

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  53. This book interests me for sure! It's true that the house and organization is a work in progress!

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  54. What if someone posts like a gazillion comments? Like they just have all day with nothing to do so they just keep going and going...

    :)

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  55. okay...i'm back from Bible study...and alas, my house is still in the disorganized mess that i left it in this morning.

    please help!

    i just don't know where to start sometimes!

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  56. Dear Random Number Thingy,
    Please choose my number.
    I desperately need this book.
    Sincerely,
    Rach@InHisHands

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  57. i enjoying reading & i'm trying to get the house organized so this book is perfect for me.

    pick me! pick me! picke me! PLEASE!!! :)

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  58. ok, here is my comment and i will soo enjoy this book that i'm gonna win...so hip hip hooray!

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  59. admit it, this is just your bery, bery sneaky way of hitting the 200 comment mark, isn't it?!?

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  60. Looks like a book I need!

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  61. If I could leave a picture comment, you'd be sure to pick me. I would put up pictures of all the parts of my house that need organizing. And that picture reel would kind of double as a house tour....as, every room in my house needs this book. How sweet of her to send you three more books!

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  62. Ok Sarah are you just freakin' over all the comments?!?!?
    I so would be. I guess a lot of us want that book! I want to know what to do about the clutter on the counters!!!! That is what drvies me crazy!!! So even if I don't win, maybe you could email me what Mindy says about that?
    PS. I went to sherwin Williamas and got the Harvest paint swatch...I'm thinking it might be nice and buttery in my house;)

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  63. I'm not sure if it is too late for the drawing... I just read the post. Hey! I am happy for your clean house!

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  64. okay. lunch is done and i've got jade down for a nap...maybe lily and i will tackle the house during her nap.

    if not, i'll come back to leave another comment!

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  65. I want this book! Seriously, based on what you and so many others have said, it would change my life:)

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  66. I need all the organizing help I can get...I NEED this book!!!

    You sure do have a lot of comments.
    -FringeGirl

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  67. I'm a Christian mom, writer, & wife who needs more time for me, less time to clean.

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  68. You did say we could enter as many times as we wanted, didn't you?

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  69. See, I really really want the book.

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  70. Congrats to you for being sought after by an author for a give a way. I'd have been so excited if I were you!

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  71. The Circus needs some organization!

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  72. wow girl you're up to 106 so far...course Chatty Kelly is 10 of those :) (that girl seriously needs the book) what FUN! By the looks of my house right now i need the book too! Love ya!

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  73. Oh my...how did I find my way back here again?

    Is it because I am procrastinating?

    No, not me. My cupboards and closets and counters are clutter free!

    I need that book. ;-)

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  74. Whoa. Chatty Kelly REALLY wants this book. BUT not as much as me. :-)

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  75. Wow, this is a happening site today! Still have my fingers crossed you pick me......

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  76. I really need this book. I like to think I am organized but somehow I never can find things when I really need them! I have FOUR boys (plus the husband!) and so need this book. Love your blog by the way...read it every morning with my coffee!

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  77. i'd LOVE a copy of this!!!

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  78. Wow-- lots of comments. Your blog always gets tons of comments. I have no idea how you foster that. lol.

    I'd love to have a copy of this book. But if you don't choose me, I'll still read your blog b/c I think it's wonderful. Keep up the good work. :-)

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  79. How many entries can we enter???

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  80. 5? I am a mess. If it would help, I would send you a picture of my living room right now....it would seriously make you feel sorry for me and force your conscience to send it to me....because you're compassionate like that.

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  81. 6? Harry says I need the book because we have the house that uncleans itself....I think the girls might be a contributing factor.....

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  82. I want it because I love you. Tons. And my house is a mess. Did I mention that???

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  83. And because I attempt to do a deep cleaning about every month, and it still ends up the same. And I'm ready to hire a maid. But we're a little broke. and because you love me.

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  84. DUH! I know you do. This is my last entry.

    Pick Me, Pick Me!!!!!

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  85. sarah-you're not going to believe this, but jade is awake and my house is STILL disorganized. it couldn't have anything to do with the fact that lily and i played candyland, dora ABC and princess matching games the last two hours.

    off to the gym...and just in case my house doesn't clean itself in my absence, you've guessed it...i'll be back!

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  86. i'm thinking it will be around 5:30...i know the suspense was killing you...

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  87. My 13 year old just told me...

    "I am only smart once a day"

    I'm pretty sure she uses that up just getting out of bed.

    Hows that for a laugh!

    Love your blog!

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  88. This same teenager that is only smart once a day, has tons of ear rings and such. I need to get her organized so that my vacuum will live to see tomorrow.

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  89. oh, and my husband is an avid duck hunter, which means he has shells, gloves, guns, everywhere I step, basically because he sheds everything right in the door like we have a PAID maid somewhere hiding in a closet.

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  90. I've only been a lurker but this deserves a comment!

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  91. Ok this is my last comment. If I really am meant to have this book Then it will all work out. i'll go try to clean my house now!

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  92. O.k. I need help with the little piles of paper that get left on the counter. DRives me wild!!!!!

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  93. I feel a little awkward being the only guy (I think) who has commented.

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  94. That last comment looks like (I think) I'm a guy. Hahaha

    I think I'll stop now; before I embarrass myself more.

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  95. The House That Cleans Itself and Stays Perfect Without You Doing Anything Ever Again

    Oh, how I wish there was such a thing.

    Maybe winning this book would help me get further along. I'm hoping. :-)

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  96. Oh my goodness how hilarious that so many entered more than once. You all have me laughing. I would consider myself an extremly organized person and you have my curosity piqued. So by all means enter my name.

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  97. You are so sweet and generous. Thank you. Very cool too that the author reads your blog. Who could blame her. you're awesome

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  98. I also love chatty kelly and her 40 comments on this post cracked me up :-) so I'm gonna copy her because...

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  99. I think that you getting more than 150 comments would just make your bloggy day...and...

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  100. because I really need to read this book because...

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  101. ever since God used therapy, Lexapro and His Truth to free me from my postpartum OCD, I've been a complete slob, in fact...

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  102. my husband even said that he kind of misses the OCD me...

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  103. The OCD me was mean...this just underscores the fact that I really need to win this book.

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  104. PS--If I win this book, I promise not to place it on my dresser and let it get piled on by junk...I promise...pinky promise.

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  105. I would love to win this book. My house is getting uber-crowded and needs some organization! I am working from home now and have got to get on top of the projects.

    Great blog!

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  106. i'm late...

    work out conquered, dinner cooking....house...? it STILL has not cleaned itself. i need to know what the tricks are!!!

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  107. I am reading this book from the library. I would love to own it myself!

    Amy

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  108. piles of papers in the kitchen?

    my mom says they never go away.

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  109. I would love to be more organized. I started hanging the jackets up so I think it's a start. But if I could know some secrets for organizing-awesome.

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  110. So in need of this book...2 bedroom house with two little boys and a lot of toys!!

    Love the rockstar hair...I'm taking you to the salon with me so I can get my haircut like a rockstar :)

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  111. i need this book soooo soooo soooo bad. so bad. bad. :)

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  112. or you can just come organize me

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  113. you are pretty good with a labeler

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  114. i'm no chatty kelly, but i think i made a valiant attempt. i guess if it's meant to be...you'll choose me! See, Chatty K didn't rhyme.

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  115. Sarah...I am a desperate woman. NEED this book! Please random contest picker...choose me!! :) Thanks Sarah!

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  116. OK, I am so entered. My dust bunnies thank you.

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  117. First of all, I love reading your blog. You make me laugh. I appreciate your frequent testimonies of what God is doing in your life. Thanks for letting your light shine!!

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  118. Still the only dude in the room. awwwkward

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  119. My organizational skills could be tweaked a bit...okay, a lot. Would love the book! Thanks!

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  120. Yeah ... I need it too. Pick me.

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  121. I ahve been rebuking the devil all day, do you think this book will help shoo him away??

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  122. but if we did, it would be obvious to you that I am a neat and tidy person...

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  123. This Elizabeth... she loses her car keys, her bills, her phone, her purse...

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  124. ... Important things that you and I and Mindy Starns Clark just KNOW should not be misplaced.

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  125. I don't know how much more of this I can take! I know Elizabeth accepts Jesus as her personal savior... but won't you and Mindy Starns Clark be mine?!

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  126. Holy SMOKES! I think you just got yourself the most comments EVER!!

    You Go girlfriend!!

    I guess the whole world needs a little more organization :)

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  127. Cool! I'm going to check this out no matter what. :)

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  128. How do you keep up with ALL these comments?? Very cool that she sent you the copies to give away!!

    I hope I win....now that I am officially mom to *9*!!!

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  129. Oh, and you should totally check out my blog!! I am having a FUN give away!!! Or, at least I think it is fun!!!

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  130. Sarah, I wonder... Can the Random Number Generator be persuaded with wittiness? Or perhaps it might be gently wooed by a serenade...

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  131. Though I'm more of an upbeat, karaoke girl myself... So I dedicate this song to you and Mindy Starns Clark...

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  132. to be sung to the tune of "Rescue Me" made famous by the talented Aretha Franklin

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  133. Rescue me,
    put this book in my arms

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  134. Rescue me
    from Clutter's lack of charm

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  135. 'Cause I'm messy, and I'm blue
    I need you... Clark's book, too
    Come on and rescue me!

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  136. Come on, Sarah, and rescue me.
    Come on, Mindy, and rescue me.
    Cause I need this book by my side.
    Can't you see that I'm messy?
    Rescue me!

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  137. Come on, take my house apart.
    With this book, we'll conquer every part...
    Laundry messes, kitchen too
    I need you, NG* too.
    Come on and rescue me!

    (*NG: Number Generator, name abbreviated to preserve the rhythmic integrity of the song)

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  138. holy cow. did you ever in your wildest dreams imagine that ONE HUNDRED and NINETY-FIVE women would comment on YOUR page JUST to get ORGANIZED!!! crazy! good thing we're not all in the same room. cat fight! ha! maybe i'll win this time:)

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  139. um yeah. so the previous comment from TODD is actually from me! oops! i'm visiting my parents and apparently was logged in under my dad...lol! but hey...now you have a man in the middle of the catfight!

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  140. what the heck, was I the only one with only one comment??

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  141. seriously we can enter as many times as we want?

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  142. Since i have about 50 posts in my reader...this has to be my last comment...

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  143. i'll definitely have to look for this book! we just bought our first home and i'm looking forward to creating new habits in our new space.

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  144. just found your site and subscribed thru my reader! thanks for this great giveaway!

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