that update I promised....
So one thing you have to understand is that my house is usually in a state of disarray, if not downright messy. Like it needs a flamethrower taken to it.
I've come (finally!) to the conclusion that the problem is twofold. One, our apt is too small for the amount of people and stuff we have (about 900 sq. feet and only 2 bdrms). As I can't get rid of any people, tempting as that is some days, I'm going through and getting rid of STUFF. Clothes that don't fit or don't get worn or stained/ripped. Toys that are broken or junk or have been grown out of, etc. Books that aren't loved enough to be read again. That kind of thing.
Two, a severe lack of organization in the stuff we do have. That's my next project. Well, I guess I'm doing them both at the same time. Getting shelving units of some sort for the girls room for their books and things. A shoe thing that hangs on the back of their bedroom door. Coat hooks hung low for the two I have that can't reach the closet rod to hang their winter coats. Already acquired a bin for the front hallway for their backpacks. Anybody find any brilliant organizing tools?
I guess there's actually three problems, the last of which is lack of help around here. Darrell is getting better, not that I expect him to pick up half of it as he works outside the home, but he has been pitching in more. It's the kids I can't corral. Over and over I have explained to them that for a family to work well and to not have a permanently pissed off mom, everyone needs to do a share. It's like herding cats. Like this morning. I've asked them to pick up the dirty clothes strewn about their room (and there's a lot!) and it is one of those things that honestly should only take 15 or 20 minutes. Are they doing it? No. I have informed them that if it doesn't get done, not only will I *not* take them to the park this afternoon, they will spend the day in their room, no movies, no music, no playing outside, nothing. And still they are in there goofing off. I can hear a game of Pretend from here. I really don't want to yell at them, but I've tried everything. Making it a game, a challenge, threats, whatever. It doesn't work. My last option is to either scream at them or go do it myself, neither of which I am willing to sink to anymore. They are 10, 8 and 5 and plenty old enough to follow instructions and keep their own space at least somewhat neat. You're risking your life if you try to walk through their room in the dark.
So that's my fall project. Get my house in order and convince/teach the rest of my family to clean to my standards.
Everything else has been ok, Lincoln is still in town (yay!), long story, but he likely will be here till at least the 1st of December or so. The weather has been lovely, the temp dips low enough at night that we've put blankets back on the beds and you need a sweater if you're out there more than a couple of minutes. Gearing up for Artemisian Coronation in 2 weeks and Harvest War in three. I'm uber excited. That's about it, really, my life just isn't that exciting.
(and for those who are converts, yes, I've seen the Flylady *smile*)
I've come (finally!) to the conclusion that the problem is twofold. One, our apt is too small for the amount of people and stuff we have (about 900 sq. feet and only 2 bdrms). As I can't get rid of any people, tempting as that is some days, I'm going through and getting rid of STUFF. Clothes that don't fit or don't get worn or stained/ripped. Toys that are broken or junk or have been grown out of, etc. Books that aren't loved enough to be read again. That kind of thing.
Two, a severe lack of organization in the stuff we do have. That's my next project. Well, I guess I'm doing them both at the same time. Getting shelving units of some sort for the girls room for their books and things. A shoe thing that hangs on the back of their bedroom door. Coat hooks hung low for the two I have that can't reach the closet rod to hang their winter coats. Already acquired a bin for the front hallway for their backpacks. Anybody find any brilliant organizing tools?
I guess there's actually three problems, the last of which is lack of help around here. Darrell is getting better, not that I expect him to pick up half of it as he works outside the home, but he has been pitching in more. It's the kids I can't corral. Over and over I have explained to them that for a family to work well and to not have a permanently pissed off mom, everyone needs to do a share. It's like herding cats. Like this morning. I've asked them to pick up the dirty clothes strewn about their room (and there's a lot!) and it is one of those things that honestly should only take 15 or 20 minutes. Are they doing it? No. I have informed them that if it doesn't get done, not only will I *not* take them to the park this afternoon, they will spend the day in their room, no movies, no music, no playing outside, nothing. And still they are in there goofing off. I can hear a game of Pretend from here. I really don't want to yell at them, but I've tried everything. Making it a game, a challenge, threats, whatever. It doesn't work. My last option is to either scream at them or go do it myself, neither of which I am willing to sink to anymore. They are 10, 8 and 5 and plenty old enough to follow instructions and keep their own space at least somewhat neat. You're risking your life if you try to walk through their room in the dark.
So that's my fall project. Get my house in order and convince/teach the rest of my family to clean to my standards.
Everything else has been ok, Lincoln is still in town (yay!), long story, but he likely will be here till at least the 1st of December or so. The weather has been lovely, the temp dips low enough at night that we've put blankets back on the beds and you need a sweater if you're out there more than a couple of minutes. Gearing up for Artemisian Coronation in 2 weeks and Harvest War in three. I'm uber excited. That's about it, really, my life just isn't that exciting.
(and for those who are converts, yes, I've seen the Flylady *smile*)