Last Day of Summer, First Day of School

It's always a time for reflection when your kids go back to school. You wonder where the summer went. You wonder where the years went, that they are now as big as they are. As each year passes, I think that they are mostly the same without much change. But if I were to really sit and think about all that has changed in such a short time period, it blows my mind. It's easy to mark the passing time of toddlers. They are doing new things all the time. Huge changes are made every month. But in the school years, it all seems to gradual.

What really puts the changes into perspective is looking at old albums and videos of the kids. Last night we watched old videos. One was when Mary was born and the other was when Ben was born. My focus as I took the pictures was, of course, on the babies. Sam and Abby kept popping into the pictures as if to say, "Look at me!!". I kept moving away so I could focus on the new baby. But as I watched this time, my focus was on them... their toothless grins, the excitement in their faces...their buoyant personalities. I can replay the video, but I can't replay life. Sometimes I wish I could. They seem so old now...and big! Sam is up to my shoulders! But they were once my little toddlers...like Ben and Mary are now.

Today, we had a guy from A.G. Edwards over. We're planning for the kids highschool expenses. Yes. You heard me right. Highschool. We want to invest in a savings plan called "Coverdell". It's the only one you can use for private highschool. The other ones are only higher education...college. I need to worry about highschool first! We don't plan on footing the bill for college. We just can't. I paid for my own college and so did my sister. I took out a loan. Anyway, the point is, in 5 years, Sam will be going to highschool. Abby will follow 2 years later. And actually, I paid for my Senior year at a private highschool. If I was going to school these days...it wouldn't even be possible. I wish these schools didn't have to increase at such an exponential rate. But that's getting off the point. In 5 years, Sam will be in highschool. I know that time will be here before we know it. We will not have his whole education saved by then, but that's OK. Whatever we do have will help. Coverdell allows you to put in $2000 per child, per year. You can withdraw for school expense tax free. No taxes on the growth. I think it's a good deal. In fact, it's the only one...so it'll have to do. Five years is not that far away, because the last five have gone awfully fast.

Finished Basement Pics!!

Ok...finally! The basement is finished. Well, not totally...but enough for now. The first picture is the playroom. Thanks, Shirley for the corner nook! It fits perfectly in this corner! I see it being used for coloring and crafts (not food yet...maybe when they're older). The closet in the playroom doesn't have the doors on it yet, but I thought it was perfect to show you the 9 cubes we put together and stacked. We'll have shelving to the left for the bigger toys that won't fit in a cube. I think I'll bring Abby's dollhouse down, too, and put it in the playroom.

The next picture is the computer area from the family room. There is a decent amount of space between the couches and the computer area that we hope to use for some kind of game...air hockey? Any recommendations? Eventually, I'd like a pool table when the kids are older...but I could see pool balls being thrown everywhere and knocking out lights. Not good for now. Theresa, I have fond memories of your pool table growing up. Your parents really knew how to make your house fun, with the inground pool, the video game (I still remember how in awe I was that you had your very own arcade game in your basement!!!), the juke box and the pool table. Endless fun. *sigh*.

The last picture is the family room. The furniture is left over from our last basement in our old house, except for the entertainment center, which was good ole assembly from Target. Gotta love cheap furniture for areas like this.

The kids LOVE the basement. I've seen Sam and Abby go down by themselves...Sam did his homework down there last night and at one point, Abby was by herself watching TV. Amazing. I know the excitement is from the newness, and some of it will wear off, but we're enjoying their delight. Ben and Mary have played down there quite a few times while I worked on the entertainment center, or dragged more furniture in here and there. I see this space as a great for the kids to play when we have other families over or just a couple of friends. Abby will have somewhere to play when Mary takes a nap!

I can't wait to put things on the walls. Mary, my neighbor, said that Gordmann's has great "floating picture frames" that she uses for the kids artwork. I've seen them in her basement and it looks great! I want to try them for ours. I'll do that on the playroom side. On the family room side I'd like to frame scenery shots from camping. Ted took a great one of a boardwalk at Gulf Shores that I can't wait to frame. I have tons of portraits and action shots on our main level. Downstairs will be artwork and scenery. I like expressing different parts of myself in different areas of the house.

The last place I need to figure out is a blank wall that you see as soon as you go downstairs. It needs something. I could see a sofa table, but I think a sideboard type piece....low and long would fill the space better because it's a big wall. I could see maybe a chair on each side for extra seating when needed and then either shelving or pictures above it. I'll keep you posted. I might deal with it last because I want space out the purchases. I'll post more pictures as the basement evolves...and as Blogger allows! I've been trying to post pictures and it didn't let me! I'll do another post of the ones I tried to do before.

I'm Calling In "Sick"

I'm a commitment girl. If I commit to something, you better believe I am there, regularly, and on time. So you may wonder what "calling in sick" has to do with a commitment girl. Well, I remember a long time ago, my Grandma Mary said that you should "call in sick" every now and then. I remember thinking it was quite the scandalous thing for my Grandma to say because I could never picture her as the type to do such a thing. She was divorced after 6 years of marriage and took care of herself, two boys and two brothers the whole early part of her life. One of her brothers had down syndrome. She took care of him until his death. The other brother had one lung and couldn't work (something about TB? I don't remember the details). She also took care of him until he died. Anyway, she was a single, working mom and never remarried. Instead, when her boys were grown and out of the house, she continued to dedicate her life to helping others...especially my mom and her six kids. She was our idol, our bright ray of sunshine in my mom's overworked, overwhelmed and hopeless days. She would bring over dinner, lots of sweets for us kids and helped my mom clean the house. We loved her so much.

This statement my Grandma made about calling in sick, came as a surprise to me. I was working two jobs in the summer and maybe she was worried. Maybe she wished she would have called in sick more. I grew up with dependability shown all around me. I never thought about calling in sick unless I was really sick. I was always extremely dependable on the job. I never wanted to burn any bridges and I always was a pleaser. I came in on snow days when few people showed up. I stayed late when they wanted me to and came in on unscheduled days if they were short. Even in my school days, I often had perfect attendance. I was the model employee.

I can say that I still have that work ethic, even with outside commitments. Lately, with CRHP, PTO and Women's Group, I've been the model employee. But the craziness factor has stepped up a bit with the back to school preparing, as well as the extra work required for our basement remodeling. I attended a lot of meetings and had my mind wrapped up in all my ideas for the new school year and managed to juggle whatever work was needed for the basement. Our past weekends have been spent painting, installing baseboards and doors, and cleaning up to prepare for carpeting. I was feeling like our quality of life was neglected while we attended to all of our duties. And I feel like our kids were left to their own devices. Which is sometimes necessary but sometimes too much.

Last Sunday night, I got home late from CRHP. We had just finished a crazy weekend with both days filled with working on the basement. Ted and I were looking at the calendar. Monday night was Women's Group and Tuesday and Wednesday were back to school functions. Ted was not looking forward to the week. I never miss a Women's Group meeting if I can help it. Monday nights are sacred. Ted knows that. He would never suggest it. But I felt like something needed to give. So I told him I would skip Women's Group. I would "call in sick". He looked at me like I had offered him a day of golf. He knew what I was giving. I think he was touched. "Wow...that would be great". I reasoned how I never miss and that this would be a good time as any...before we get into our new book next meeting.

The next day, instead of rushing out the door as soon as he walked in, I ordered out pizza and we ate a meal together. Everyone was happy. That was enough for Ted, he encouraged me to go ahead to Women's group. Abby was sick and we wouldn't be able to do anything as a family anyway. So I actually went to Women's Group, but showed up late. I think it was enough for Ted that I showed him I was willing to sacrifice it for family time.

Last night, we were doing our nightly touching base when we realized we had not spent much time as a family. Saturday was another day of basement final touches because we had to meet the carpet install deadline of Monday. I started thinking about how nice it would be to go to the park in the early evening. I was hungering for family time, but I was restricted by the 7pm start time of my CRHP meeting. I pulled out my CRHP calendar and noticed that this meeting would be a good one to skip. I had not missed a meeting and felt that it would be fine to miss just one. I told Ted. He was thrilled. I called our Lay Director and told her it's been crazy around our house and we needed some family time. Who can argue with that? I'm amazed at how often the simple truth works. I don't think I could have gotten away with that call in excuse on a job, but it works for many extra-curricular activities. Many people would not dare to touch the "putting family first" reasoning.

Today, we had a great time! I took Sam, Abby and Ben to Pizza Street and then to a movie "Zoom" (don't recommend it, but the kids liked it so I guess that's all that matters). We came back, I napped for about 40 minutes (I was exhausted from a couple of bad nights of sleep) and then we packed up and headed for the park. We picked up Burger King on the way and ate under the pavilion. Sam and Abby rode their bikes and we pushed Ben and Mary in the stroller. We threw rocks in the lake and finished the evening at the playground. It was so much fun. I've missed times like these. It's been too hot to do anything outside and today was beautiful. I'm looking forward to the cooler days of fall and more time spent outdoors.

All of this happened because I called in sick. I'm so glad my Grandma reminded me it was a good thing to do every now and then. I'm sure she's looking down from heaven and chuckling with her merry eyes the way she always used to. However, I'm a little worried that we're liking it a little too much. Ted is going to skip Men's Group tomorrow night. But, our carpet is being installed tomorrow! We can't wait to put everything back in the room!

I've been happy to use the call in sick card, but I have to say, it's best to save it for when you really need it. I was able to enjoy it because I felt guilt free knowing that I show up most of the time. And I've got this wonderful high from our trip to the park that I'm dying to do it again. Go to the park, that is.

Some Wind in My Sails

Tomorrow night is my "designated" crop night, but it's one of those things that gets eliminated at a moments notice...and for good reason. Last weekend, Ted worked on the basement all day Saturday and Sunday. We didn't know we would need the extra day. Late Sunday afternoon, I opted out of the family get together at his parent's house for a moment of productive peace to myself (I worked on a PTO poster...it was productive and peaceful). I went to my regular Sunday CRHP meeting at 7pm. I was gone all night. Monday night, I decided to go to Women's Group late so we could have some time as a family before I jetsetted out the door. We ate pizza together...it was actually very nice. Tuesday, as soon as Ted got home I dashed out the door with the older two to go to a New Family Orientation. Of course we aren't the new family, but were asked to be mentors for one. That ended with mass for the Holy Day and Ted met me up at church with the younger two. I spent most of my time with the very loud Mary out in the foyer. Yesterday, the younger two went to the neighbor's, while I took the older two to our packet Pick-Up Night (basically a Back to School night). The kids had fun meeting their teachers, running around with friends...and hanging out with me at the PTO table. So it's been a very busy week. The kids are excited to go back to school.

Now that I can breathe a little I'm thinking about all that's been going on. At the PTO night, Sam enjoyed some of his time hanging out behind the table with me. I think he felt important there. Abby could have cared less...but I've noticed some things about Sam. This whole PTO thing is making him feel very important. At the New Family Orientation, I overheard him say things like, "My mom can answer any question because she's the Vice President of PTO". And last night, as kids were gathered around my poster he said, "My mom made this!". I wonder how my new rash of volunteering is affecting him? Will it influence his desire to do the same when he gets older? I've never heard him say to a friend, "My mom changed 7 diapers today!"...or..."My mom cleans our whole house...all the time!!"...or..."My mom single handedly shopped at the grocery store with all four kids....and survived!". Nope...none of those things have registered on his radar of heroism....but this one has.

The best part of the PTO to me, is least importantly...the title, but it's meeting so many cool people....people who really care, people who want to have fun, people who want to help out. It's bringing me out among the people and making me wake-up little skills that have been basically dormant or underappreciated. I'm remembering that I am a person, separate from my kids, who as abilities and is worthwhile to other people. It may sound silly, but it's easy to forget.

One of the school board members (who was my soccer coordinator...mine...not the kids), told me that she told the other players I wasn't returning. She said they were all very upset and said that I was one of the best people on the team! It's like someone is taking an air pump and, blow by blow, is pumping me up. It's such an awesome, exhilarating feeling. I received separate e-mails from the school secretary and principal about my new Room Parent form that went out to the school. They said it was positive and well written...*wwwoooooosshhhh*...a gust of air goes into my "tube". I make my poster board and people love it. They also the love the idea of me taking pictures all year to record the PTO events and keep them in a scrapbook album....*wooooosssshhhh*...more air. I give a short "reflection" on the theme of the week to my CRHP group and they praise me for it...*wwwwooooosshhh*...I get pumped again.

The more you rely on this sort of stuff to keep going, the more easily it can let the wind out of your sails too. I try not to make "praise" crucial to my happiness. Recognition and praise are not something you can depend on. It's not always there and consistent, but it sure feels good and adds to my momentum when it comes. What's really important are the messages I tell myself. I have more control over that. I know when I'm doing a good job and it makes me feel good about myself to see the results of my hard work. Sometimes, as a mother, you don't see results, you just see more work. It's an ongoing job in which you don't "clock out".
--I don't turn in any fancy memos to a boss, I just give Ted the lowdown.
--I don't give presentations, I just have nice one on one chats with the kids.
--I don't get paid with a pay check, but I have a really cool husband that works for the whole family and shares what he has with me.
--I don't get an annual review, but every now and then I take personal stock on what is working and what isn't working...and I have authority to change it.
--I don't get my own office where I can shut the door and keep out intruders when I want, but I'm never lonely.
--I don't have a secretary take my calls, but I have a great feature called caller ID and two kids that can read.
--I don't get praised at staff meetings, but my husband will thank me for the little things I do.
--I don't get awards at banquets, but every now and then one of the kids will do something that makes me proud...and that's enough reward.

Very few people see the intimate moments I have with my kids and a lot of my creative, loving, or fun experiences with them go unnoticed. But I know they are there. They don't have to be seen by others to feel important. They don't have to be recognized to know they are good.

Yah...recognition isn't everything...but it sures feels good. Especially when it comes from your own son!

Your Prints Are Everywhere

Fingerprints on my mirror
Dirt that's on my floor
Crumbs in the cushions
Smudges on my door

Stickiness on the handles
Go-gurt on my seat
Play-doh's in the carpet
Toys beneath my feet

Faceprints on my windows
Pee on the toilet rim
Poop squished out of diapers
Yes, that one was Ben

You've left your mark upon my house
They've been there from the start
But nothing can compare to
The ones left on my heart

Motherhood vs. Career

Today was a really great day. I got some PTO stuff done, and was praised by the Secretary and Principal for the form I sent to them and the timely manner they got it. My neighbor called and we decided to go to the pool after Mary's nap. We went to the pool and stayed there much longer than we thought we would. Ted got home early from work and called me on my cell. He realized I was at the pool and we decided he could bring us dinner. He got Taco Bell and brought it up and we ate poolside. Then, my sister, Lisa, calls. She wants to know if she and the kids can meet us to swim. All the kids played great together. Mary and Ben were so good at the pool, we didn't make any move to leave until 8pm. Ted took them home, put them to bed and we followed when the pool closed, at 9pm. Lisa came over with the kids afterwards and we had popcorn and the kids played on the computers (I told you!). I mean, what a great day! When it rains, it pours. I was so happy to be out and among the people! It was so nice to have two content toddlers playing independently in the pool. Thank you, God.

It gives me a glimpse of what next summer will be like. And that PTO stuff...it's been so long since I've done "business-like" stuff for an organization. I remember those kudos and how nice the affirmations were. But I also remember the crabby, insecure people. The people who complained and nothing seemed like enough for them. I remember how hard it was to make everyone happy. I remember them getting used to me doing a good job and they soon just expected it of me and no real kudos came anymore. I remember working late when I was supposed to be "part-time". I remember them loading more on me because I was so efficient. It was a great company and overall they treated me well....but...no one kissed me when they saw me in the morning. They didn't let me come in my pajamas. They didn't let me talk on the phone for social conversations. I couldn't really do my work at my own pace. And they would never let me go to the pool. Yes, I could bring back Taco Bell and I could actually sit down and focus on a task. And yes....they paid me. But I'll gladly do this motherhood thing for free, because I get paid in so many other ways that cash can't give you. And I have "profit sharing". All this stuff I'm doing now is totally going to "pay off" in the future.

Two More Weeks of Summer...

I almost deleted my last post. It was a desperate move by a desperate housewife. The kids have two more weeks of summer. I'll have my computer back then. Please don't judge me by my extreme outbursts. The voice of reason has spoken (Ted) and I have realized that we don't need a fourth computer. Duh. Really, if you only knew how this computer lets me escape without going anywhere...I can hear from friends, look up something I want to know more about, find a recipe, research a trip, and write in a virtual journal...all without setting a foot outside my house. It's like a window to a great world for me. This year anyway. Next year when the kids are bigger and I'm jetsetting all over the place (luxurious places like McDonald's, Target, the Mall....), I may just be too busy to be so desperate for my computer. Let's pray that's what happens.

HOWEVER, when you think about it, I'm not adding a computer...I'm substituting one. I'm taking my laptop out of the mix and making it hands OFF. And I'm giving them one that my brother will build for $75. Ted's bought golf shoes for $75!!! Not that there's anything wrong with that.... :-). See...I'm going back and forth. I'm totally seeing Ted's point because I sound so selfish when I hear myself, and yet $75 is not much to spend on a computer for the kids. Ok...let's drop it.

On to other things. This past weekend I almost single handedly painted the basement. Sheer determination I tell ya. Sam and Abby were a great help as I promised them they could. It was so fun to see Sam and Abby in such an adult role...helping me paint the basement. They've come a long way from the globs they made in our old closet from the previous house. They were actually a big help. They took a lot of breaks and pooped out early...but I'm proud of them. The guy came today from Home Depot and measured my basement for carpeting. I don't know how people who work do it. I'm always home....for the cable guy, the lawn guy, the tree guy, and the Home Depot guy. Four hour windows don't even make me break a sweat. No problem! But he gave me a two hour window and was very prompt. He brought one of these nifty electronic gadgets that looked like a flat computer screen that he held like a notebook. He used a stylus pen that navigated the screen like a mouse. He entered all of the measurements and *woooshh*, the shape of my basement appeared on his screen. How cool! I want one of those!!! I'm constantly using graph paper to design my rooms. Woah Nelly! I'm sure it's more than $75.

Anyway, I can't believe school is starting in two weeks. It's been an unusual summer. A growing one for me (that's my positive way of saying "hard"). I tried to make a decision to be happy and towards the end it was easier, but despite my efforts, I would still crash occasionally. I realize now that attitude can be a big part of it, but if circumstances stay the same, it can create a strain that has to have release. To not let it release would be unhealthy. Over this summer, Mary went from being clingy and literally not letting me have a break...to able to play on her own without seeking me out right away. This made things so much easier. I was able to breathe a sigh of relief! She's my baby and she's already 21 months old! Sunday, we went to mass as a family and yes, I didn't get anything out of it...but we survived! As for Ben, he got easier before the summer. We didn't leave the house much this summer, but I always say there is a season for everything. This was my summer for being at home. Once Mary was more independent, I cleaned out closets, gave away old toys and clothes and threw away the junk. I'm able to be "house focused" because I'm here all the time and I'm realizing that it's a gift! We will have summers in the future where I'll be happy to have a break at home. The kids activities will be keeping me on the run. For right now, I can enjoy my slower pace.

Sometimes I like to think of how a year from now, it will be so different. I'll look at a blog from this summer and I know I'll be amazed at the changes. I was leaving church Sunday when I saw a friend of my mom's and we started chatting. She asked how old Mary was. I told her and she said her granddaughter is now 2 1/2 and she is "grown up". She told me how amazed she was at the change one year makes in the life of a toddler. In a way it made me sad, because I know I'm witnessing just a moment of Mary's life and it will pass so quickly. She's speaking her words out in choppy sentences now, but I'm sure next year she'll be speaking with ease and will make all of her wishes known. My little toddler is growing up. She is her own person. And each day I am discovering more of who she is. The same goes with Ben. He seems so much older and so much has changed from last year. He's more confident and less fearful. He has less emotional extremes. He's more adaptable. He's showing some adorable traits that make him enjoyable and unique.

I can tell you that once I got out of my "summer funk", I could enjoy my kids so much better. And now that Sam and Abby are going back to school, I've got mixed emotions. Happy that they are growing and doing so well, sad that a summer has passed with much of my focus on Ben and Mary. I know I have time to make up for it. And for all I know...they could think it was the best summer ever. After all, they had free reign on the computers.

I Miss My Computer

This is a quick update before hopping into bed. We just started painting the ceiling tonight. We'll employ Sam and Abby to help us paint the walls (we'll see how that goes). You wouldn't believe how thrilled they are to help! We'll paint tomorrow and whenever else we can fit it in. Next Saturday, the baseboards and doors will be installed. Today I ordered the carpeting from Home Depot. They will come out to measure on Monday.

I haven't been on to blog because of, again, too much competition for the computer. Please excuse my absence until the end of August when I am sure to be on more. I write so many mental blogs that never make it to the computer, which tells me how much I enjoy the whole process. I'm petitioning for another used computer but I only got a chuckle from the man in charge. I know...I know...we have three already. But another computer would allow me to use mine! Ted says I need to be more firm and kick them off mine. Well, I have banned the under 4 crowd and so I'm less worried about damage. But computer users still outnumber computers. Yes, my kids are addicted to Internet forums like "Club Penguin". Ben is addicted to "Nickjr.com", "Playhousedisney.com", "Thomasthetankengine.com", and "Pbskids.org". It makes them all very happy. I get a LOT done when they are on the computers. However, I would just like to spontaneously get on myself while everyone else is happily entertaining themselves. Then I reason that the kids will be going back to school and why should we staff up our computers for peaks? I feel so silly writing about such a topic. But you see, my brother rebuilds old computers. I can get them dirt cheap. Like $150 for the whole kit and caboodle. And here's my other argument...whenever the cousins or friends come over, they head straight for the computers! They know we have plenty and they all log on to play their internet games. Nothing in our house, no toy, no room, no game...gets utilized more than our computers.

Some people have trampolines, some people have game rooms, some people have pools. We have computers! It's like our signature. Why not have one more? I know. There are people starving in China...our parents were happy to have one computer...I'm selfish for wanting one more. *Sniff* But I really miss my computer.

Ok...I'll stop.

Basement Remodel--Day 6 1/2

The above left picture is of the family room. The TV will go in the corner by the stairs with a love seat and couch facing it. The above right picture is the playroom. It's located to the right of our steps if you are facing them. It has two closets. The closet on the left is under the steps and can hold the big bulky toys like riding toys, kitchen set, etc. The closet you see straight ahead (in the same picture) will hold games and toys on a storage unit with shelves. The picture to the left, is a view from the family room. That area will be like an office with a corner desk for the computer and shelves. To the left of the computer area is the furnace and adjacent to that is the future bathroom. This area is what you face after going down the stairs and to the right.

These pictures were taken last week. Today was Day 8 and they've just done more mudding and taping. Next, it's our job to paint! Then, he will come back to help Ted install trim and doors (which we've already painted). The carpeting will be ordered in a week and will take 3 weeks from the measuring to the ordering, to the installing. Then it will be complete! I can't wait!!

Snapshot Tuesday

My computer has been ill and I so missed it!!! I wrote a "Snapshot" in Word a couple of days ago so I'll post it now. I've had to relocate my laptop because the little ones were getting on it too much and messed up my wireless network. I don't know how to do anything from another computer! Going to another computer is like being in someone else's house! I didn't know where to go for anything. I couldn't log into Blogger because I couldn't remember my ID. I couldn't read my e-mail because I couldn't figure how to switch accounts. Anyway, I'm back and in a different location. We'll see how it goes. Here's my Snapshot:

What have I accomplished?
It’s been one of those weeks where I have accomplished a lot of little things that, individually, don’t sound like much, but to me, they each packed a great punch when they got taken care of. Here’s my little list “Power Punchers”

--Ironed on patches to Sam and Abby’s Scouts uniforms. This pile sat on the corner of my dresser all summer!! I kept it out so I wouldn’t forget about it, but no time felt unvaluable enough to spend ironing on patches! Wow! It feels great to get that done!!

--Went through 2 bags of clothes that were handed down to me for the kids. Some went into drawers, some got stored for future use and some went to the poor. But they are done!! They were sitting in a corner of my room and making me feel just a little more weighed down every time I glanced at them. Now …whoooshh! Gone!

--Set aside time to crop for the first time all summer. I finished journaling in one album so I could put that final touch—the page protector—on each page… and the grand finale was setting it on my bookshelf! I got three quarters of the way through another album and that one will soon make it to my shelf also! I just kept putting off the journaling part so these albums were sitting in a “holding zone” of sorts until they were finished. It felt so good to get moving on them. I'm now two years behind on my kids albums and 9 months behind on my family album. I'm determined to catch up. I’m very simple in my scrapbooking approach and I can get a lot done in one sitting because of this. My pages do not look like they come out of magazines…at all. I use mainly paper to give color to the page and hardly ever use stickers. I don't buy any of the fancy stuff. I just want to get them done. I show my style in pictures as soon as Blogger starts allowing me to post pictures again.

--Organized my shoes in a new shoe cubby. I know you heard about this one already…but it was a Power Puncher so I had to include it! I can see my closet floor again and this makes me feel unbelievably good.

--Cleaned up my toy area behind the couch and brought them all downstairs in preparation for their new home when it is finished. I also brought a couple of big toys downstairs that became fixtures in our family room that never really got played with because they got so used to seeing them. I think keeping them downstairs will keep them novel.

The funny thing about these accomplishments (that happened at different times throughout the week)…is that for as much as they packed the Power Punch, the decision to do them came without fanfare. It was just a decision and…BOOM…it was done. It makes you wish you didn’t wait so long to do them. Sometimes we build something up to be so much bigger, complex, time consuming…then it really is.

What's been bugging me?
--Computer problems…because the kids have taken them over and now there are many“bugs” we have to work on. My laptop is not connecting to the network for some reason so I can’t get on the internet. This blog was composed in “Word” and I'll have to copy and paste it into my blog later. I hate not being able to get on the internet.

--Mary got a hold of a Boston Fern I got for helping with my sister, Becky’s shower. It was like a dog attacked it. Fern pieces were all over the floor.

What's been making me happy?
--My new interest in organizing my house. I go through so many waves. This is my house wave. I just got rid of a bunch of stuffed animals from Abby's room and gave a bunch of Ben's old clothes to my sister, Becky. I think my house is losing weight and it feels great! I'm just glad I'm motivated. The first 6 weeks of summer I was not motivated. It's a gift. Thank you, God!