Super Sunday

Well, we didn't get the snow last week as predicted. Oh, we got some, just not the 4-8", it was more like 2-3". The kids didn't get out of school, wahhhh!

Yesterday, I made a list of things to do for the kids and I and stuck it on the frig. I included things like sweeping the tile floors, scrubbing the tubs, putting away laundry, you know the general weekly stuff. They seem to like having the control over what order they complete a task in and being able to do it without mom having to bark an order at them. We always set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much we can get done. We tackled it all in just a little while. We always purge 10 items from our bedrooms each Saturday and I know eventually, all that will be left is what we truly love and want to be around us. It made it into a game and was fun.

Flylady was just overwhelming to me this week. I couldn't keep up with all the emails and I don't think I like all the stuff she "advertises" as helpful tools. Her philosophy is about getting rid of all the clutter, except it is ok to buy her stuff and bring it back in because we "need" it to help us with our organization. I think that's where Peter Walsh has a better spin on ridding the clutter from your life. There's not a constant barrage of emails and he's not telling you to go out and buy more stuff. I have my basic cleaners, a few "tools" and that's it. I have a bleach solution in a spray bottle CLEARLY MARKED to clean the stools and sinks in the bathrooms. A vinegar solution to do windows. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, a feather duster, a scrub brush, and I buy a name brand floor cleaner for my ceramic tile as I haven't found anything else to work. All of these I keep in a plastic tote with a handle and can carry from room to room. Then I put them away under the kitchen sink.

With FAT Tuesday this week and Lent fast approaching, have you been contemplating something to give up? Maybe it's chocolate, soda, candy, or the like. For a few years now, I have decided that I will abstain from something, but also, I will ADD something to enrich my life. When we just give up something, we almost count the days until we can have it again. Is that really what lent's about? Just for the 40 days of Lent, why not choose something that GIVES of you and ADDs something to your life. For instance, one year, I chose to smile at everyone I met, EVERY TIME even when I was feeling down, ill, or even angry. Try smiling when you're frustrated! It takes a lot of effort to do it each and every time. Then, after Lent, don't just quit doing it, keep on giving of yourself. It can and will change your life! Trust me.

Recommended reading: The Bible

until next time,
L