Random Thoughts on Home Keeping

--do toys have some sort of magical way of propagating themselves? I am constantly organizing and purging, in the hopes of keeping toy clutter to a minimum. And yet there are still toys everywhere...reminds me of the movie Gremlins, when the little creatures are taking over.
--I need a dust ruffle. I spent the better part of Saturday de-cluttering my bedroom and in the sparkling newness it became very obvious that my bed is half na*ked. I have had the fabric to sew one for, oh, five years - but maybe it's time to give up on that idea and find one on clearance at TJ Maxx...
--Speaking of sewing, I realized (my mind was as busy as my hands this weekend) that I do my best sewing in the summer and I should just be content with that schedule. No more guilt over fabric that piles up during the school year.
--We need to use my wedding china more often. It's a durable pattern and I love it so much-it's a shame to let it gather dust on a shelf. I'm convinced yesterday's Easter dinner tasted better, simply because our table was pretty. (Thoughts of Mrs. Schaeffer flutter here.) I think I'll institute using our china on a regular basis, such as on Sundays (or when we have grilled cheese and tomato soup; or whenever we feel like it...)
--Nothing says love like plenty of toilet paper. I think FLYlady said that one time, but it's so true! I restocked all our cabinets with the good stuff and it was so gratifying to know that, when my sweet family hears nature's call, there'll be adequate TP for the job.
--I love training preschoolers to do chores. Yes, one more thing that makes me a big geek. But with 3 older children who started doing chores when they were small, I can see the payoff. Plus, it's just plain fun to have a little person at your knee, excited about putting away silverware like he was at Dis*ney*world. I've had a couple of inquiries lately about young'uns and chores, so I think I'll post about that soon. Stay tuned...

Comments

Ve said…
Your china is beautiful!!! Glad to see you'll be using it more often. I just put all mine up in the attic. Do expound on the training of young'ns in the chores. I think we do alright, but there's definitely room for improvement.
March 24, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Andrea said…
I'm with you on the nice dishes (although I don't have china - I consider it nice to use something other than the kids plastic stuff!). I wasn't well planned for this past Easter weekend but it was so nice to have a nicely spread table to enjoy - it changed my attitude!
I love training the young ones but have found that I'm a little inconsistent with it since I tend to be controlling. I always have to force myself to *breathe* and remember that the training and time together is more important than the sloppy folding or spilled flour!
Andrea
March 24, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Wendy said…
Yes, toys invade! I try to keep things somewhat simple, but it is tough, especially when birthdays come.

Great idea on the china - very pretty!
March 24, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Melissa Lester said…
Great ideas. Pretty china. Happy family!
March 25, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Michelle said…
I would love to read some of your thoughts on training toddlers to do chores. J. helps me with the laundry quite a bit, and cleaning up toys, but not sure how much more and what to include her in. I always loved it, though, that your C. could clean a toilet at age 3!!!
March 25, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Mary@notbefore7 said…
YAAAY! I am so ready to be taught about chores!!!!!

I can't wait to be in my next house and make some use of the china that has been i nmy attic...ha ha ha!

I love the random thoughts - just recording your typical days and life. I so related to the various "to do's" in your head :)
March 26, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Kate said…
My philosophy on toys and anything else "new" coming in the home...

When something (toys, furniture, junk) comes in, something goes out.

It's been working!
April 3, 2008 at 10:20 AM
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