The Never Ending Battle Against Clutter and Dirt

I clearly did not inherit the cleanliness gene.  How many generations does that skip?  Because I did not inherit this, I have to train myself to follow certain routines in order to create and maintain a reasonably clean house.  The only problem is that I am too impatient for a slow but steady approach.  And then, on the flip side, I am too overwhelmed by the "clean it all today, and then keep it that way forever" approach, as well.  So I end up cleaning it all today, then letting it sit for a while until I can't stand it anymore.  Not a great way to approach house cleaning.

I am sure my issue is shared by many.  How can we, then, conquer this problem?  I have already tried Flylady.net multiple times.  I am frustrated by her "shine your sink for a week straight before we add in anything else" approach.  Not fast enough results for me.  Maybe I should just focus on one room for a week.  Get it clean, and keep it clean every day.  The next week, I'll add another room.  And so on.  I think I will begin with the kitchen, as this is the most essential to keep clean.  Then, I'll add in the living room.

So today it begins.  I will keep my kitchen very clean and neat every day this week.  I will begin by decluttering my counters, which definitely gather much clutter in our home.  Keeping the dishes out of the sink will be another challenge.  The rest is not so bad.  I do have a large kitchen, so this will be a chore for me.  I'll try to add some before and after pictures so you can see my progress.  With a bit of dedication, I will have this room clean and ready for company every day of the week.  The rest of the house...??

The Pile

5 baskets, filled to the top.  Washed, dried, folded, and put away.  I thought it was over, but I was wrong.  Where there is one, there are surely many more.  It can not be left alone, for it only seems to multiply.  I know I am not alone in my never-ending quest for peace from this daily task, yet there are none who willingly battle alongside me.  The fight, for now, is mine alone.  I will survive and conquer.  It just might take me some time.  Today, the battle is won, but the war is far from over.

The Ride

"I'll mow the lawn," I used to say with pure excitement.  Anything for a chance to drive that big, red tractor.  I knew I would be riding and driving for about an hour.  It was a chance to experience driving before I was ever allowed to drive behind the wheel of a car, something I used to practice by steering the tire iron from the backseat.

On a recent trip back home, he got to experience the thrill, as well.  On our last full day, Grandpa got the tractor running.  He climbed up into the seat, that look of pure excitement plastered across his face.  After a few minutes of instruction, he was set free.  You could see the joy in his face.  There is nothing like a boy (or girl) and his tractor.

Welcome, Baby Anna!

Yesterday, my little sister welcomed a new baby girl into her already wonderful family!  Congratulations Sandie and Sam!

Hanging On

With temperatures still in the 90's here, summer is fighting to keep its grasp on our area.  Fall is going to have to duke it out with Summer sometime in the very near future.  I can't wait to move back to an area where summer is the weaker season, and fall comes out on top.

How's It Going?

Things, as always, remain hectic in our household.  Mandy and Andrew are doing awesome in their school work, having some easier days, and some harder ones as well.  Mandy is zipping through her math, as she is currently repeating 2nd grade math only.  She will be in 3rd before we know it.  She is such a smart, attentive little girl.  Andrew is learning to take responsibility for his learning, as he does most of his work on his own.  I check up on him, and discuss what he has learned on a daily basis.  We are really loving Calvert.

Illness seems to be spreading in this house, as well.  First, Jeff was sick for a couple of days.  He actually refused to walk, which had us concerned, but is now back to normal.  Mandy then came down with a fever, reaching up to 104 at one point.  She is all better now.  I actually had a low grade fever yesterday, but seem to be on the mend.

My most pressing concern is, as it has been for some time, the health of my dad.  He really needs a lot of prayers.  Currently, we are praying that he is accepted onto a transplant list, which will be his best chance.  I know I should not pray for something specific like this, so I pray that God's will be done, and that He gives us all the strength to handle his decision.  Each life on this Earth has a purpose, guided by the hand of God.  I am not ready to say goodbye to Daddy, so I hope and pray each day for a positive outcome.  It really does not seem fair that he has his condition, and to see him struggle chokes me up.  It is so hard being so far away at this time.  I wish I was there to lend a hand every day.

That is what's up here for now.  I look forward to updating with better news in the very near future.  Please add our family to your prayer chains.  Miracles do happen.