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3 Things You Should Purge in January

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It’s been an eternity since I last posted!  We have been SO busy that at one point I didn’t even have time to go to the store and buy toilet paper – it was basically a crisis.  Besides being busy with work and school and watching The Good Doctor with Mr. B., we have been busy purging our home.

Which leads me to today’s post!

I am a big fan of purging.  We live in a super small house with not a lot of storage space, so I have made it my mission to purge regularly.  Having a small house keeps me accountable to not buying everything in sight or holding on to things that really don’t matter.  Like old magazines and old towels from our college years and old maternity shorts and 2,000 hotel shampoo bottles (and everything on THIS LIST).

I’m not ready to become a minimalist or anything (I love clothes too much), but here are my top reasons why you should consider purging your home this month…

  1. Purging removes unnecessary things that weigh us down.  It’s a physical reminder that THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME.  Purging gives us less things to worry about/take care of as we fix our eyes on heaven (Hebrews 12:1).
  2. Purging is an opportunity to bless others with the blessings we have been given.
  3. Purging FEELS GOOD.

Don’t know where to start?  Let me break it down into 3 areas of your home that will help you start the year fresh!

Toys

Christmas brings in a flood of new toys.  I like to go through all of the boys’s toys in January to keep their bedrooms from spilling out into the hallway.  Plus, when they have too many options, they get overwhelmed and don’t even know what to play with.  The purge begins by giving each boy a laundry basket and asking them to fill it with things they don’t play with anymore.  The first time I did this, they put in a tiny bouncy ball and a Shopkin.  Why we own Shopkins in a house of boys I am still not sure.  But they are getting better at filling up that laundry basket.  After they do their part, I wait until they are not in the house and then I go into their rooms and purge some more, asking questions like is this toy age-appropriate?  Do they play with it?  Is it broken?

They inevitably remember and want to play with the toy that I have just purged even though THEY HAVE NOT TOUCHED IT IN 12 MONTHS, so that’s when I look surprised that they can’t find it and slowly back out of the room saying, “I wonder??”

One of my favorite things about purging toys is encouraging my boys to give their gently used items to younger kids they know.  Whether it’s a friend in the neighborhood or a little guy from church, we love to bless others with the things we have been blessed with.  It’s the best to receive a text from a friend featuring a picture of her son playing with a truck or block set that used to be ours.

Clothes

This goes for clothes too!  I love to purge my closet and take a big bag to my sister-in-law.  It is so fun to bless her and then to see her wearing the clothes I passed along.  Same is true for the giving and receiving of the boys’s clothes.  Noah would never have anything to wear if it weren’t for a sweet mama in our church who has a son a few years older and she gives us a big bag of his old clothes every so often.  Then we pass it along after Jet outgrows them.

Here are a few questions I ask myself when I am purging the clothes in our home…
  1. Does it fit?  I literally just passed along the last of maternity clothes I was holding on to.  I was sad to do it because we are still really praying for another baby, but they were taking up so much space and also I have some close friends who are pregnant right now.  I also finally passed along the clothes I was holding on to that were my in-between clothes after having a baby.  I also regularly get rid of things that are too small, too baggy, or not flattering.
  2. Is it damaged?  I love picking up a new top at Target every once in awhile when I am “grocery shopping”, but I have noticed that some of the items really don’t last through a whole lot of washes.  Also, deodorant stains, spaghetti sauce splatters that I can’t get out, and holes, tears, etc. all mean it’s time to pass it along or toss.
  3. Have I worn it in the last year?  This is my biggest helper when deciding what clothes to get rid of!  After about a year, many clothes can be out of style.  Or perhaps you just have other items in your wardrobe that you favor.  Haven’t worn it in a year?  Goodbye.

One other rule I like to follow with my closet is the One-IN-One-OUT rule.  Any time I get a new article of clothing, I make sure to get rid of an old one.  I won’t let myself buy new hangers.  This keeps me from outgrowing my closet – which, as much as I love clothes, helps me keep my priorities in check.

Garage

The garage is that one place where we pile things we don’t know what to do with, where all the storage items sit, and where my obsession with holiday decorations grows.  Every January (after we take down all of the Christmas decor), Mr. B. and I try to carve out a day to do a garage clean-out.  This is where we haul everything out of the garage and set it in the driveway.  Then we sort through the items into KEEP, SELL, DONATE, TRASH piles, purge, and then organize.

As with purging the toys and clothes, I ask a few questions.  Do we use it regularly?  Is it important for preserving our family’s history (photos, high school yearbooks, etc.)?  Do we love it?

One of the best things I recently purged from our garage was all of my old files from when I was teaching 2nd grade 10 years ago.  I know I am not going to teach upper school again (my heart is preschool all the way), but I was still holding on to them for sentimental reasons.  I felt about 20 pounds lighter with those out of my life!

I recently overhauled our assorted garage storage bins with THESE ONES (affiliate link) and they are amazing.  They can hold a ton of weight (aka 40,000 Christmas ornaments), they make everything look uniform, plus they are stackable!

I really don’t want us to outgrow our garage.  Storage units are great, but if I don’t need it close by and accessible, then I probably don’t need it at all.

At the end of the day, all we really need is Jesus, Some clothes, each other, and toilet paper — so don’t be afraid to throw away anything else that hinders you from that goal!

What are your purging tips?

Joyfully,

Julie 🙂

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About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

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4 Comments

  1. Diane

    January 16, 2018 at 10:43 am

    For items I know I need to purge but am struggling for sentimental reasons (this includes clothing, decorations, kitchen items, etc.), I take a photo of them. Somehow knowing I can still look at them makes it easier to part with them. I find after several months I can usually delete many of the photos, and for those I don’t delete, a photo takes up much less space than the item itself!

    to Diane" aria-label="reply to this comment to Diane">reply to this comment
  2. sherri

    January 16, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    Jesus, each other, clothes & toilet paper !!! 😍
    I’ve been a big fan of Marie Kondo, writer of books: Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy. Both are motivational in helping one to declutter & fill your life (including closets) with things that spark joy.
    I found Jen’s blog on the “konmari” method with an awesome list of the charities & donation drives! http://www.prettyneatliving.com/clothing-purge-konmari-method/

    to sherri" aria-label="reply to this comment to sherri">reply to this comment
  3. Bet

    January 17, 2018 at 11:09 pm

    I love this!! Our garage is currently storing all the Amazon boxes ever that we haven’t managed to get out to the curb yet, plus the contents of my car after a big clean-out (but hey, the car looks great! 😜), plus about 1000 other things. It just feels like such a huge project that I’ve been avoiding it but now I’m inspired! 💛

    to Bet" aria-label="reply to this comment to Bet">reply to this comment
    • Bet

      January 17, 2018 at 11:15 pm

      Oh, and I like to do a freezer and pantry purge and get rid of anything that’s no good and then commit to using up what’s in there in January! It helps to save money after Christmas and then I don’t buy things we already have (I’m looking at you, cans of chickpeas to “make hummus” – pretty sure I last did that in 2013 2 kids ago 😉)

      to Bet" aria-label="reply to this comment to Bet">reply to this comment

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Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

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I like to make people happy.✨ Author of #thekindnessantennae 🎉 💛Psalm 28:7💛
  • Just really grateful that everyone is smiling! We love you, Hollywood Beach! ☀️🌊🌴
  • This passage really encouraged me recently! It comes from Jeremiah 17:7-8.

I’m drawn to passages that describe the fruit of a person who loves and trusts God. This is what we are offered every single day in Christ! But I definitely don’t *feel* fruitful, steady, and confident every single day! I am often tossed around by my circumstances, ruled by my emotions, distracted by worldly pleasures, and basically overthinking everything in the universe.

Interesting that the verses just before it say,

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength…he shall not see when good comes…”

Maybe we get so focused on what everyone around us has or is doing that we miss standing confident on all the good he is sending into our own lives. We grasp at “if onlys” and “what ifs” so regularly that we are paralyzed to see good or do any good for Him.

Put your hope in God! Look at Him! Command your soul to remember. Stop scrolling. Look your people in the eye. Do something kind for someone! Choose to not be the main character! Tell the overthinking part of your brain to be quiet and thank God instead. Even when it is hard! Deep roots are never formed without some struggle.

This is where we get to be blessed, sisters. Trusting in Jesus (even when it looks a little desperate and needy) will produce strong, fruitful, and confident women in the Lord! 💛🧡❤️💙🩵💚
  • My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
  • I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. 

I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. 

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is.  He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting.

Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. 

**Only He can satisfy.**

Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
  • ✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️

Easter 2025 Thoughts >>

Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻

This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church.

Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!

I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). 

Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it.

God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
  • Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
  • 🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
  • When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
  • Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick.

I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking.

Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house.

I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.”

But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed.

Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces.

The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces?

Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken.

The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️

We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas.

So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus.

I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley …

(Continued in comments…)
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Just really grateful that everyone is smiling! We love you, Hollywood Beach! ☀️🌊🌴
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Just really grateful that everyone is smiling! We love you, Hollywood Beach! ☀️🌊🌴
4 days ago
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1/9
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
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This passage really encouraged me recently! It comes from Jeremiah 17:7-8. I’m drawn to passages that describe the fruit of a person who loves and trusts God. This is what we are offered every single day in Christ! But I definitely don’t *feel* fruitful, steady, and confident every single day! I am often tossed around by my circumstances, ruled by my emotions, distracted by worldly pleasures, and basically overthinking everything in the universe. Interesting that the verses just before it say, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength…he shall not see when good comes…” Maybe we get so focused on what everyone around us has or is doing that we miss standing confident on all the good he is sending into our own lives. We grasp at “if onlys” and “what ifs” so regularly that we are paralyzed to see good or do any good for Him. Put your hope in God! Look at Him! Command your soul to remember. Stop scrolling. Look your people in the eye. Do something kind for someone! Choose to not be the main character! Tell the overthinking part of your brain to be quiet and thank God instead. Even when it is hard! Deep roots are never formed without some struggle. This is where we get to be blessed, sisters. Trusting in Jesus (even when it looks a little desperate and needy) will produce strong, fruitful, and confident women in the Lord! 💛🧡❤️💙🩵💚
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
My parents are moving. 😢 The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨ I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
2 weeks ago
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3/9
I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. 

I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. 

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is.  He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting.

Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. 

**Only He can satisfy.**

Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
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I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is. He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting. Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. **Only He can satisfy.** Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️

Easter 2025 Thoughts >>

Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻

This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church.

Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!

I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). 

Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it.

God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
@happyhomefairy
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✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️ Easter 2025 Thoughts >> Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻 This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church. Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!! I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it. God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
@happyhomefairy
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Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩 My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”. To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went. And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate. So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit. I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
@happyhomefairy
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🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻 Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him! God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙 “I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
@happyhomefairy
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When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations… <<< Swipe left <<< So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂 Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
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Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick. I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking. Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house. I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.” But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed. Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces. The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces? Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken. The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️ We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas. So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus. I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley … (Continued in comments…)
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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