GETTING THINGS DONE: Morning in a Life of Simple Living

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

“We can do hard things. We can do them together.” You said it to Jack and that’s a great statement for this channel. 🥰✨ moving through grief myself. We can do hard things; we can do them together.

[@marythomas6543]

Yes you can. I love that you posted this as a reminder to us all.❤️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!

[@CheleBoxy]

I love this so much, it feeds my soul.

[@jennyjenkins877]

I got chills as I read this. Awesome how you related her own words to help her child get through something tough to Erica's struggle to get through this difficult time.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

@@jennyjenkins877 ❤️❤️❤️

[@siameseire]

All of your hard work over the past years has given Brandon the peaceful experience of a regularly re-set organized home as a comforting safe "ground." When he missed it, he knew what to do to create that peaceful space again. You have given them all such a priceless gift; the experience of regularly finding peaceful order. Becca is such a great helper 🙂 and it was wonderful that your mom's dog, who probably needs lots of closeness, was able to snuggle next to Jack. 💛 Everyone finds their way to contribute and you are Amazing the way you are helping them through it all.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

You may be right! I tried not to force Decluttering on them but maybe they needed to get the satisfaction of tidying too!

[@lenarobins2480]

Definitely shows everyone processes grief in their own way. Your oldest might have wanted to clean his room to do something he had control over and knowing the result after, a clean room feels more peaceful less anxious. The youngest not wanting to be alone or reads words that remind him of death and your daughter helping your oldest, the helping others thing is comforting and healing to many of us. Its amazing sometimes that our children without realizing it teach us important things too. (((Hugs))) Erica we love you.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

Your nine year old is amazing. What great self-awareness to know that he needed to return to routines and had the skills to know how to start it.

[@lauragreen4899]

That is so cool what your son did on his own initiative. All that you have done over these past few years has paid off big time today! Great job! Praying for you as you still process through your grief. It is hard. I am 64 and still miss my mom after 5 years. Just take it one day, one step at a time. You are doing great. Wish we were neighbors so I could bake you a pie 😊

[@plantsbythemoon9049]

Awww

[@DipityS]

Okay, stranger across the seas here, being absolutely so proud of your kids! Your eldest has always seemed a sensitive child - in a way where he's very aware of what people are thinking and doing and feeling - and he's always been very gentle and kind - I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was looking for a way to help everyone, not just himself, and knew how much keeping just ahead of the chaos of a well lived in house meant to you, and so that was his way of doing his bit to help. Also, can we just talk about how our habits are picked up by the children in our lives! Thank you for putting out this motivational video 😊

[@michellemarcisz7059]

Oh, have I been there! I am so sorry for your loss. You will get through. Give yourself plenty of time and Grace. When this happened to me with young children. I made a rule for myself that helped….to keep things going while I got through the grief and reset. 1. Get dressed every day 2. Have a plan for dinner 3. Do a minimum of 1 load of laundry, every day 4. Wash the dishes in the sink (the time of day did not matter, so , yes, I could go to bed with a dirty sink) 5. Make your bed I did these things every day and on my worst days Erica, we are here. We know you are hurting. You will get through this. One day, you will find yourself laughing at the memories more than crying. 💕

[@jennybird2770]

Hi Erica, I just want to say I respect you and your family so much. It is clear that you have a home filled with love and support and the kiddos sure demonstrate that in this video. I wish you and your family so much peace and blessings. Your oldest sure was a source of inspiration today- he has learned from his kind mom for sure. Thank you for sharing this video :)

[@siameseire]

The plants bring peaceful vibrant life to the schoolroom dining room. Great idea.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thanks!

[@The_Joy_Finder]

42.7 2:30 Erica when I get stuck like you do in this moment I say to myself "Instead of thinking about what I can't do. What on here CAN I do?" That gets me going again.

[@bethburleson6684]

I really really appreciate your honesty. I'm 14 weeks pregnant with #3 and was bedridden for most of that time, just now coming out of that. But my whole house is a disaster zone. And it feels good to know that I am not alone in this. I will slowly get things back in order as my energy picks back up.

[@karenstairs8273]

Grieving is not a simple task. I find myself with my heart heavy near Birthdays or remembering things that we would do together. You and your family are in my prayers.

[@christined2495]

I always feel better when my house is in order… lost both my parents and I know what your going through, but you have over 42k friends here, and your in our thoughts and prayers Erica you have the best kids, I love how your oldest got it in his mind to organize, and your daughter is always so helpful to her brothers

[@clarebryant4511]

Erica, I love how your channel is actually real, a real family, a real mess, real grief, it makes working on my own house with it's mess and the family and yada yada, more do-able

[@timothyhaslet8410]

Beth: so thankful you are still here.

[@terryruiz7417]

Your chldren have grown so! Its so difficult to deal with such deep grief. Feeling paralyzed is the exact description. Many of us have been there, are there, and i am prying for your healing and that of your family. Blessings, dear woman.

[@simplyfreedom171]

You all did so well on this reset! Your son was ready for a new beginning. And Erica you did well to work on all those spaces, even figuring out a new place for the plants. 🙌

[@mangopuppybaby]

It’s so encouraging to others to see how even an organized home can need a hard reset. I am sorry you have had such a hard few months and have experienced loss. I am proud of you for putting one foot in front of the other!

[@Lionforaday]

This is easily the most inspiring video I've seen on the internet in the last year. How I admire your honesty in showing how we all actually live, when we're living. Full disclosure, we don't have kids ourselves, though we do have copious critters and live in a big, rambling country house. One thing I don't get. Of my friends with kids? None of them seem to require their kids to do chores. Several of them are divorced and I wonder if it's a guilt thing, or if people are just too busy themselves to bother delegating? Your video reminds me of a wonderful book called, "A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life: How to live creatively with collections, clutter, work, kids, pets, art, etc... and stop worrying about everything being perfectly in its place." Great title, great book, full of photos like this video, celebrating real life. Also... "This is not trash... I MADE this!" Classic. 😂 Your kids are fantastic - and you don't need to have kids to know that doesn't happen by accident.

[@nancyelizabeth8364]

He’s got the declutter bug he’s amazing

[@wyoag12]

I’m so impressed with your skills in handling kids whining. It triggers me and I don’t handle it so well. Well done, mama! Hugs as you continue to grieve.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

I love seeing the kids having their team check list and helping each other. You are very patient with them. Everything will get back to normal, soon enough. You are doing good.

[@susanspringall8603]

I am so sorry for your loss, Erica. It is hard to lose your mama. What a wonderful, supportive family you have. They reflect how you and Andy have parented. Also, let me say that I have just discovered and binge-watched your decluttering journey...and what a trip that has been! You have given me motivation and ideas to start decluttering 50 years of accumulated stuff. Now if I could only get my husband on board!

[@tg3609]

Erica, you are teaching your kids invaluable life skills. I’m so proud of you for working through your grief. This video motivated me to reset today as well. I enjoy your videos so much!

[@conniesmith3922]

Erica, please know that you are doing wonderful with your children. God bless you and your family during this painful time. Give yourselves grace in healing.💕💕💕

[@TheImperfectReader]

I would have a suggestion whenever you go up the stairs grab a small item for all members of the home. Or a basket.

[@christineabercrombie5257]

So thankful you are back Erica. Your amazing kids are clearly helping you through this challenging time. Brandon…. What a champ! Putting into it practice what you have shown them over recent years. Well done. Sending hugs xxx

[@brendaparker2466]

I lost my sister and Mom within 9 months in Dec 2021. I’ve been working through grief too. You are in my prayers. ❤

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oh Brenda, I’m so sorry for your losses. You are in my prayers too.

[@heatherfetterly5296]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm sure she was such a special woman. I pray that God comforts your heart and fills you with peace and joy each time she comes to mind. Thank you for your videos. They have been a blessing to me. I have had to unfollow many channels because I felt so negatively influenced to want to buy more stuff! You, on the other hand, are so encouraging to me to be GRATEFUL for what we have and CONTENT with our family life. Thank you for your encouragement. I would make you a cup of tea and fix some meals for your family if I knew you in real life.❤ You are doing an amazing job.

[@donnagrifford7142]

Fantastic job! One day at a time moving forward! Prayers n Blessings r being sent Ur family's way from Me n tons of Ur followers who Luv U very much, Erica! 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🙏🏻✝️

[@nancycosgrove4005]

Good job Erica- baby steps- glad you are taking the time you need 💕

[@TriciaAdams]

Sometimes when areas of our house get overwhelming and I feel stuck I'll grab some of my reusable grocery bags and anything I'm not sure what to do with in that moment, I'll just toss it in the bag. Then I tuck them away in a spot in my closet and once a week I pull out a bag and work on it for 15-30 minutes. I know this might not work for everyone, but it has been so good for me. It gets the area clean, which clears my head, so later when I go back to deal with the random stuff in the bags I have more clarity on what to do with it all. I pray you continue to find joy and peace after such an incredible loss ❤

[@socalgal7830]

Less inventory = easier reset for sure. I continnue to pray for you, Erica. Hugs.

[@lmagas-om9dp]

So sorry you’ve lost your mom - big hugs.

[@Shewhiz99]

Thanks for helping me clean my kitchen! Your sweet boy is showing you that your life lessons are worthy. 🥹

[@KristiBranstetter]

Hi Erica, I know it has been really hard losing your mom. I lost my mom to cancer in December 2009. My life completely changed after my mom died. My mom's spirit lives in my heart. I use the Mainstays bins under my bathroom and kitchen sinks. They work great.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Great spots for those bins! I’m very sorry for your loss. It does change you.

[@micheleferguson2847]

Erica so amazing that you have be able to get a good start on organising so soon after your Mothers passing. Took me about 8 month's after my Mother passed to sort out in my home so well done to you & the kids!! Love from Belfast Ireland xx

[@tanyajohnston8262]

Continued hugs ❤.

[@angelaolha7531]

Love you, Erica. It’s going to be okay. Hugs and prayers for you and the family.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Biggest hugs Erika!❤❤❤ Grace- we all need it and ESPECIALLY in seasons of grief. God bless you for sharing how to live through the rough passages. 🙏prayers for you and your family!!!!

[@aliciacassio4215]

For sure routines are helpful for working through the heaviness of grief. Just give yourself grace. Loved seeing the kids working together.

[@GoingGreenMom]

I've been tucking things away out of the kitchen (the kids requested they not be decluttered because they plan to stock their kitchens out of mine in the next year or two), and I have amazed at how little stuff we actually use in the kitchen.

[@Luvcards]

Thank you for sharing how you do things and started!! I love that your genuine and real. I have a child and your life is like mine right now in this season. I’ve never thought of having her help. Crazy!! Thank you, thank you for showing their checklists too. I needed your ideas and help in my life right now and it’s motivated me to organize my house and declutter while having my child help and learn how to keep a clean house and self.

[@rebeccam1027]

I heard your process in B’s talking out where things would go. He did such a good job. Wish we could all come over and chip in, now that we all know how good it feels to reset. Hugs to you all 🤗 Is it possible for you to call a friend or two to help for an hour a week or something-for just a little while?

[@jenniferandpauljones6998]

Thank you for your authenticity! You are a blessing, Erica!

[@deb4375]

I enjoy your videos They're real life. You and your family remain in my prayers.

[@Naatta]

Well done on the cleaning of the boys room. That looks like a LOT of hard work! And to the fam, my condolences on your loss.

[@bria2596]

Erica, thank you for taking time for us at this very vulnerable time in your life. I'm so glad you took time to rest and grieve - grief is a big deal, there are articles on how it changes your brain. Work is good, rest is good. Sending you many prayers and peace.

[@bethstratton3391]

Erica, thank you for spending your time with us all during this emotionally difficult time for you; and also for talking about your struggle to be motivated after your mum’s passing. I think it’s great that you took a little time to recoup and gather some of your thoughts rather than struggling through with the daily routines, as this demonstrates to others how important self care is, especially as you have also been providing the necessary help for your father during this time period too. I think you did really well in starting on your home reset and I think you have the right approach in starting small and not forcing yourself to complete everything ‘just because’. You really should be proud of yourself for the way you are helping your children to get reorganised and readjusted too their summer schedule. How amazing is your eldest child! Do you think maybe (without necessarily realising it) he was subtly telling you it’s time to get back to some sense of normalcy where your house and its routines are concerned, probably because he misses the structure to his day which you had set in place over the last few years. I want to congratulate you, because you have obviously taught him well. He’s learned from you, that when his room (and indeed the house) isn’t organised it can be confusing and stressful; and that the clean up of his space is his own responsibility. Your daughter has also learned from you, that being helpful to others is a valuable and kind thing to do. Plus, it’s obvious that she’s realised for herself that when one space gets tidied other spaces generally follow and that the more people contribute the faster the job gets done. Both of them are setting a great example for your youngest to follow, which he will in time, I am sure.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

And my last comment…. Those portraits of kids did are amazing.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I thought so too

[@sarahkendrick9195]

I love your monthly chore chart! Such a great idea i want to use with my own kids!

[@ucfhillcollege8296]

For myself, decluttering, cleaning, and organizing is my way of claiming a bit of control in the midst of grief. Hugs! I have been where you are losing a brother and a mother in a short period of time.

[@michellejeffrey2890]

So sorry for your loss Erica, I just lost my Dad and we haven't been able to hold the funeral service yet. I can absolutely relate to you and your situation. I am totally stuck at the moment and finding to difficult to get some normality back. Thank you for sharing. I will start with my kitchen island too and see where it leads me. Thank you for sharing. I love your honesty. 🙏🙏🌸🌸

[@clancycreations]

Bless you for sharing so candidly, always. Life can be so stressful even aside from huge losses of loved ones. Sending you hugs, love and gratitude for all you do by sharing your life. You make a difference fat larger than you’ll likely ever imagine. 💜💜💜

[@SauerPatchGardening]

Grief is exsausting..it takes us down mentally and physically. Taking care of our family's emotional needs at these times is so much more important than loading the dishwasher! Especially when children have had a loss. You have such a great foundation, it won't take long to get back (or even change routines) to make things a little less energy sucking.. Everyone leans on the mama when they need emotional support, but, mama needs help too. Take things a little at a time. And remember even if it's just 5 minutes, it's something. You are doing a great job. Hugs to you and your family. ❤

[@irenehinojosa6629]

Give yourself some grace you have been through a lot with loss of your brother and now your mother. Feel the joy that your children bring you. ❤

[@jillc1910]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m not gonna lie. I was a little discouraged at the top of your video as we look up on you as being the Decluttering goddess. But I was really inspired am impressed by how you rallied and the lessons that you taught your kids. Thank you!!

[@judyellen4412]

I liked this video. It’s amazing what you have taught your children and how sometimes they can be a great example for us. Good to see you again.

[@astitchybug2014]

Sending love and prayers to you and your family at this sad time. Be kind to yourself and take time for your grief. And on those days of overwhelm, just "do the next thing" - this really helps me on difficult days x

[@carolpiakak3830]

Good to see you all! Continued prayer for you and yours.

[@KendelsBestDays]

So very sorry for your loss 🤍✨ This was so inspiring and beautiful to see that your son inspired this reset in your home. Thank you for sharing, I'm sure this type of content is helpful to so many in a similar situation to you. Hope your heart can begin to feel lighter soon. 🫶

[@catherineross7776]

Just wanting to reach through the screen and hug you. You can do this. We have watched your journey and you are STRONG! Grief has no time frame. You don't ever have to get over it. You just learn to live with it. Sending love.

[@siameseire]

I am sending Love and blessings to you, your mom and dad, and your family every day. 💛 💛 Bless you. ❤‍🩹 💛

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Blessings to you!

[@carolburnett190]

I need to move through some hard things and I also need to get my life together a bit more including doing a kitchen reset and decluttering my living room today. Tomorrow is a quiet time day until after lunch and then it’s time to defeat the laundry pile and change my sheets. Monday is time for cleaning out the fridge since I will be able to take trash out, and pre-prepping food for the week because I tend to eat unhealthy stuff if I need to cook after work. I admire the patience you have with your kids! I’m glad you found motivation in your son-it’s hard to overcome the overwhelm.

[@NoodlesMusings]

You are such a good mom. Your kids are so great. You all did great 👍 Your son mopping his floor ❤

[@emmiesmith4567]

Loved this! Started tearing up it was so sweet. And it motivated me!

[@maxineoliver7404]

Great job in continuing to keep it tidy, guys, and Happy Father's Day!!!🎉🎉🤗✨👍

[@debraornouski8632]

This was so inspiring, your kiddos are amazing. Your Moms Dog seems to be really happy such a cutie.

[@belindaroberts3090]

Great job kiddos!

[@catherinecarney2507]

Brandon is amazing. I am so glad he inspired you to begin resetting your home and life. I I also loved what someone else said about doing hard things together. How is Ranger adapting to having your mother's dog in his space? Erica, you are amazing and strong.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The little one is always trying to play with Ranger. 😂

[@cindyhand3008]

I think the routines will be healing for the kids and for you. Praying for you guys, Erica.

[@angieserdar]

Wow amazing job everyone ❤

[@johnandkitty]

You did great! One step, one day at a time.

[@liatori6214]

Good to see you, Erica❣️

[@michelleneuman579]

Great kiddos! Hugs!

[@websiify]

Thank you so much for your honesty and beeing Real! Thank you soooo much!

[@daniellepyle5844]

Every step is a step forward. It's tough to keep on keeping on, a strange guilt creeps in, BUT you keep taking the steps! I'm glad to see your kids being strong for you and they needed their momma back. Normal takes time, you are doing GREAT. Love those deep breaths! I'm sure the whole family appreciated the reset. Hugs of strength!

[@theresecooper4088]

I loved the help me!

[@donnahutchinson2464]

Great video! Tell your 9 yo son great job, and that he inspired me to clean!! 😊

[@josephdaly2015]

You all did loads of work today, well done. Be gentle and kind with yourself. Mary, Joes wife 👏💪👍🙏💐🐕‍🦺🦮

[@debt3297]

Erica my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, I too am going through compound grief at this moment my father who moved in with us after my mom passed in 2017 passed away one year ago this month and my youngest of my 6 adult children my son Seth 24 forever passed away on Easter Sunday two months ago. 💝 it has been an emotional roller coaster.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oh Deb. I’m so sorry for your losses. I will be praying for you.

[@BrendaJBarNett]

Prayers sweetie as you and pur family work through your grief. 🙏 How lovely regaining your daily routines with the children's help❤

[@sharonhenry2820]

Life is "messy" and it is incredible that you share your emotional thought process with others.❤ I really enjoy the honesty, and real life situations you show in your videos. Today would have been my nephew's 46th birthday. He passed away two years ago. So today we celebrate his favorite food by having 🌮 tacos for dinner. p.s. I love your two older kids' ingenuity in sorting some of the toys into their shirts and then dumping them into the correct basket! So clever...great problem solving skills🎉

[@lauragreen4899]

I am curious if you have considered a larger table with 5 chairs for the kitchen for meals and have the dining room as strictly a homeschooling space? Thanks for all your sweet inspiration.

[@angelamarden9684]

Sending love ❤

[@Elizabeth-1722]

Erica, I just adore you, and your videos truly encourage me. I am a work from home mom with a 1 year old and 5 year old who is about to start kindergarten homeschool. I have felt so overwhelmed and discouraged this past week. It feels like so much to balance. But your video today was inspiring and encouraging. Thank you so much for sharing part of your day and life with us. ❤

[@EricaLucasLoves]

It IS a lot to balance! You got this.

[@alyssapfluger4236]

Sammy looks so much like my Cairn terriers!

[@sonyachavez8032]

So glad to see you back. Sorry for the loss of your mom.

[@maryb-h980]

Well done Erica & the kids! That was the hardest... it'll get easier going forward. Bless you all 🙌 mxxx

[@leahfischer5264]

Little bit at a time …💞

[@AndreaSooHill429]

❤

[@pattym2402]

🤗

[@connieverbeck1110]

God bless you! Hugs!😊

[@GinnyYork]

Awesome your big little man was able to provide some motivation for you guys ❤️. What does Ranger think of the new pup family member?

[@vickiwyatt6982]

Your kids❤️

[@geoffbenge8867]

Good for you!!!

[@danahall1282]

What are some learning games you have on your iPad? You inspire me to get rid of so much!!!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Reading Eggs, Math Town, IXL, and Prodigy Math are favorites.

[@amandaplimmer6153]

Go you. Can you use the seedling shelf for shoes until the right item turns up

[@gapeach51170]

Sending you a big bear hug!

[@poodlegirl55]

Yard by yard life is hard. Inch by inch it's a cinch.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I like that!