34 Weeks of Clean Rinse and Repeat: Week 24- The Porch and Deck

Now that the weather has finally warmed up around here (yes, I know, it is HOT), we were finally able to get outside without being cold and spruce up the front and back porches. (Don't worry, we will head back inside to finish up some places there soon!) During our long winters, a lot of dirt and grime collects, plastic things get brittle and break, and the place just screams for a little TLC.

So Porches and decks are up!  Ready, set, go!

• Clear it all off.

• Wash it all off.  This includes-

          - furniture

           -windows and doors

           -siding

           -rugs

           -cracks and crevices

• Throw anything broken or ratty out!

• Return things to where they REALLY belong. (Like a sled that had been on the back patio all winter, just saying!)

• Add a touch of beauty!  You don't have to invest a lot, just a little something that makes you smile every time you walk by.  This could include a plant, some pretty flowers, or just a mat at the door that says welcome!

And how our back deck looked before- 

And after!

Ignore the wrinkle in the rug!  The wind keeps doing that!

Someday I want amazing outdoor furniture and such but for now, I am learning to be content with what we have.  I did add a colorful rug last year and it held up well.  This past year I replaced a few plastic chairs since our wind had wreaked havoc on them.  This year we also brought the sitting area up to the deck and took the grill and table to the covered patio below.  It has been a nice change and we are eating out more due to the shade.  Our porch gets great sun all day, but that also means it tends to roast you alive at times.

A quick note of encouragement... not one of us is in the same situation, has the same tastes, or is even in the same place in our lives.  Some of us live in apartments, rentals, or even with family. Some of us have palatial homes while others are bursting at the seams.  Regardless of our circumstances, we have a choice to either be content or not.  From one who moves every two years or so, may I encourage you to be content with where God has you?  He has great plans for you and your family.  Look for the blessings and be thankful - something I tell myself daily!

A BIG shout out to Redeemed and 621 Gifts for donating prizes for our drawing at the end of our series.  Just 10 weeks to go, my friends!  Make them count!

Blessings,