Happy Birthday, Andrew!

12 years ago today, my life changed forever.  My baby Andrew was born, bringing never-ending love, joy, and happiness to our family.  Since that day, our family has changed a lot.  But one thing will never change.  I will love this boy all the days of my life, and beyond.  He will always be my baby, no matter how big he gets.  And he will always be the one who made me a mother.  Thanks, Andrew, and happy birthday!  I love you more than you will ever know.

The Goodbye

They were getting ready to leave, those two men of mine.  Andrew was in the car while Paul completed a few last minute tasks before their weekend away.  Mandy took this time to speak to her brother.  It was all very secretive.

As they pulled out of the driveway, we watched and waved our goodbyes.  Then, Mandy turned to me to tell me what she said to her brother before they left.  "I told him that it wouldn't be the same without my best friend," she said.  My heart melted a bit as my girl revealed her feelings for her older brother.

Then, I smiled as she told me his reply.  "But I'm your brother.  How can I be your best friend?" 

"Andrew!  You may be my brother, but you're also my friend!"

Sweet, this little relationship they have.  I hope it lasts forever.

Special Moments

They're gone for the weekend, father and son.  And so I am left with my two younger children, to play and have fun.  We all need this special bonding time, I think.  Not that we are not bonded with our children, but it is different to have one parent to yourself - or almost to yourself.  You can do things you normally wouldn't with everyone around.  Possibilities open just a little wider.

The boys have their weekend planned out for them, but we are free to do what we please.  While the possibilities may be endless, we will end up being mostly practical with our time, I think.  Already, cleaning is being done, a special breakfast has been eaten, and the day begins in a nice little harmony.  We are all at peace, even though we miss each other. 

Life is good.

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.