Epiphany

As Epiphany rolls into our homes and we see the changing of them we have a chance to reflect on what may have been "in the way".  With a new year comes new surprises, new delights, new friends, and a whole world of beauty that we need to offer.  This blessed Twelfth Night has many traditions - the annual blessing of our homes and families and the expulsion of that which is not desirable to make room for the Christ Child and the salvation that comes only through Him.

Today the tree and lights came down.  The train board is put away and stored for the next year.  The stocking holders go into storage and the leftover candy becomes designated to become repurposed for Super Bowl treats.  Now that I've shared the "perfect world" we all like to show, let's be real.

The tree had been up for 3 years.  Yup - 3 years.  For reasons I am not willing to admit on the internet the tree and trainboard which take up 1/5 of our living room and 75% of the natural light have been there.  The stocking holders?  Yeah - I don't even remember the last time they weren't up there - so I'm guessing 5+ years.  Possibly longer.  I know they came down the first year or two we lived here but after that it's kind of a blur.

As the tree came down and I had the chance to bask in the natural sunlight a few things occurred to me:

1. Trees come down for a reason - the dust that came off that thing is nothing short of a biohazard. 
2. Those windows let in a LOT of light....blaring bright light....light that requires new blackout curtains. 

And then the wheels begin to turn in my brain and the light dawns and I must stop the cleaning frenzy to have a chat with all of you.  I swear this isn't metaphorical - it's true...as the clutter came out, and the dust faded away, the light shone through.

Think about that for a minute.  What is your "stuff" blocking from you?  What "light" are you keeping out?  Friendship?  Family?  Fellowship?  Love?  Joy?  Peace?  Tranquility?

How do we get rid of the pile of "stuff" that is physically blocking us from the light of Christ?  How do we let the physical go and embrace all that He has to offer us?  Are you willing to take the risk?  Have you kept the light out for so long that you have difficulty adjusting to it? 

See, the light was there all along - the tree sitting in the bay window was the only thing blocking it from entering into the room.  The light is blinding because we are not used to it - we have grown accustomed to the darker, more secretive cave-like feeling instead of the joy that can come from letting it in.

And so we come to a close - and my first challenge of 2016 to you:  Let the light in.  Shed the "stuff" between you and God and open your door wide open to all the blessings he has in store for you in 2016 and beyond. 

Moving Forward

Yesterday I opened up to you about what the past few years have looked like in my life and a long but brief synopsis of how I got to where I am now - sane and mentally healthy for the first time in a very, very long time.  I mentioned toward the end that a particular event the day before had led me to want to write again and promised you a follow up article today.  Thus, welcome to a new page in my journey.

I will freely admit that there are two modes to my housework: psychotic overkill or non-existent.  As the child of two people with serious overkill cleaning I kind of rebelled as I got older.  So either it's perfect, or why bother.  I also am the type of woman who believes that my primary job is to care for my children and husband.  I need to focus on my children when he's not home and focus on all of them when he is. 

The problem is that when I focused on all of them 100% of the time, I never took care of anything else.  Anyone with a brain can see where this went.  I don't have "before" photos - and if I did I'd be too ashamed to post them.

In order to overcome the clutter, I had to come to a new mindset that involved 5 key issues:

1. Throwing things out is a good thing. 
2. My children are capable of far more in this matter than I give them credit for. 
3. My children will also try ANYTHING to get out of proving me right on #2. 
4. If I ever want it done and want it kept that way it's up to me. 
5. I need to learn to get over spending 24/7 with people I love and just GET IT DONE.

#5 was the big wake up call.  Time to ditch the antiquated notion of perfection and get over myself.

Yesterday was my first day trying this new concept.  My husband and son sat down to play a video game together (just gifted for Christmas), and I went into the kitchen and proceeded to organize my pantry.  No guilt because they were both happy and content, engaged and excited.  That was revolutionary.

XBox may just save my house cleaning!

Yup - you heard me correctly.  Thanks to them gaming, I could just GO.  And I didn't feel guilty, or left out, or like I was being punished.  I went and organized a piece and then would check in on them from time to time, have a laugh, and get back to the grindstone.

Tonight they watched a movie together while I organized the kitchen utensils and "specialty" cooking items.  Then after they went to bed I organized my soaping supplies and then spent some time doing the end shuffling that was necessary from all the clean up.

Our new cleaning schedule is as follows:

• Between 3 and 4 PM I hop up from hanging out with the kids and grab the vacuum.  This is their cue to start cleaning up their daily crazy because I'm coming in there soon.  I quickly run over the main traffic areas in the kitchen, dining room, hallway, and bathroom and then spend a few extra moments on one particular room in the pile.  When I'm done with the details it's into their playspace and I handle the living room quickly and then head on out.  Once that's finished I quickly wipe down the counters in the bathroom and do a quick clean of the toilet and the cat's litter box.  Then into the kitchen for another fast wipe down of the counters and sink.  I put away dishes as needed (or load them into the dishwasher), pull out dinner, and start getting that ready to run on time.  It takes 30 minutes tops, including meal prep and the house is nice and fresh when hubby gets home from work.
• After dinner I take care of the dishes and put everything away again.  I'm trying to learn to clean as I cook and so far that's going fairly well but will definitely take some time before it becomes a true habit.  I load the dishwasher, start it if needed, wipe down the counters again, and hen I'm back to hang out with the family.  Worst case scenario this takes 15 minutes tops.
• Last, but not least, I tackle a few areas that need help every day.  The house is by NO means perfect yet - but by knocking out some of those every day the progress continues to move forward.  I try to do 4, some days I manage more, some days less - but for now 4 is doable most of the time.  Some days the projects are large (reorganizing the pantry), others are quick (clearing an area with a clear game plan in advance or relocating a handful of boxes that were presorted but didn't make it to their new home yet).  

That's it - that's ALL I'm doing.  I will freely admit I had a metric TON of help by my family who came to visit over Christmas and worked endlessly to get us to this point.  I will also freely admit I still have a LOT of work to get done.  But for now, I can cook in a clean kitchen, I can play with my kids on the floor.  I can take photos of my kids being themselves without having to panic and prestage the shot so the background won't reflect something I don't want seen.  HUGE steps. And now I get to take fun photos like this one of tonight's dinner! (BONUS!)




And every time I don't want to do it, those are the things I think about dealing with - and I remember those anxiety attacks.  I remember worrying constantly and feeling overwhelmed.  I remember what it felt like to constantly have the state of my house looming over my head.

And then I smile because as I clean, I sing.  I haven't just randomly sung whatever popped into my head out loud for years.  I'm a musician - and I had lost my song.  Today I sang "Getting to Know You" from The King and I as I danced around with the vacuum.


It feels good to have it back. 

Day Four: Soul Cakes and more!

In case I haven't bragged enough over the years, while my upbringing was not Catholic, it was rich in REAL history and I am so blessed to have had it.  A favorite from my childhood? Oh, around this time of year my father and my mother who were both amazing musicians and singers would pull out their guitar and banjo respectively and sing me this song:

Yup - my parents were that cool.  I knew the "Soul Cake" song about the same time I knew how to walk.  My mother also made the delectable little cakes/cookies herself.  For those of you who don't know about Soul Cakes and the original "Trick or Treating", going from home to home on All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day for a cake from the mistress of the home in the words of the great Paul Harvey... "and now you know".

So before you go out today, tomorrow, and Saturday to beg for a treat from the neighbors, just remember, it all started with the Catholics - yup - yet another thing the Protestants can properly "blame" on us.  We are responsible for "Halloween".

Over and above the "extras" in your schedule please remember that tomorrow is a Holy Day of Obligation so if you plan on attending Mass in the morning for your obligation, set out clothes the night before and please limit candy to prevent the amount of long term bouncing off the walls before bedtime. 

And no, I don't mean the kids - be kind to your waistline - those pesky holidays are right around the corner - only pinch a few treats from the buckets and then set them aside or even consider trading out your kid's treats for a book or special treat they've been wanting.

Now, let's start talking turkey - all that Halloween candy in our home becomes the basis for holiday baking!  Anything miniature is often set aside to be melted down and/or put into cookies whole.  Solid chocolate bars are saved for melting and putting into homemade ice cream as well as some of the candy bars which we chop up and add in at the tail end.  Caramels are saved to be melted down and used in a variety of holiday treats.  So, don't be afraid to go grocery shopping in those treat bags.

Now, make sure the few things you plan to tackle over the next few days are reasonable with all the extra things you'll have on your schedule.  Tomorrow is the first Family Mission Friday on our schedule and I'm looking forward to having your families pitch in and help.  For those who are new to Catholic Creativity, Family Mission Friday is when we enlist our families in our efforts to increase the pairs of hands available and decrease the workload on Mom.

In the meantime please know I will be praying for the deceased in your families and I pray that you will join me in praying for the deceased in mine.

Day Three: An Ounce of Prevention

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." ~ Benjamin Franklin

I'm rather of fan of this statement so you're "extra" thing over and above the normal household stuff and your lists today is to go through your medicine cabinet and anywhere else you store your medications.

I want you to do this NOW for multiple reasons.

1. The cold and flu season is now upon us.
2. Midnight runs to whatever store happens to be open might be available in your area, but often those stores charge higher prices and/or may not have the medicine you need in stock.
3. Improperly stored medications have a shorter life.
4. Upcoming refills need to be identified before they are needed.

There's one thing I know as the wife of someone with multiple disabilities who is on a small pile of medications he has to take on a regular basis - NEVER run out of routine needed medications during the holiday season.

So, here's the "game plan".

Go through what you have.  If it's a prescription, figure out how long until you run out of that medication.  If you are going to require a new refill between now and Jan. 15, make a note on your calendar the payday or grocery shopping trip before it is due so you can call in the refill and pick it up while you're already there.

Also, note how many times you will need that prescription refilled between now and Jan. 15.  If you don't have enough refills remaining, let your doctor's office know NOW before they're inundated with kids with the sniffles and the latest strep throat outbreak.

Now onto the rest of the cabinet.  Check the dates of ALL your medications and make certain they are not expired.  Medications do have a shelf life and after a period of time they begin to lose their effectiveness.  That's why those dates are there.  The last time you want to run out of tylenol is when you have a splitting headache because Aunt Ilene just accidentally broke your great grandmother's china.  Check it now and make certain it's all good to go. Add anything expiring or about to expire to your grocery list.

While you're in there, go through a mental list of what your family needs in order to get through the cold/flu/crud season and then make certain you have all of it.  Check not just what you need for you, but for all of your children as well.  3 AM is not the time to find out that you're out of cough syrup with a hacking 6 year old crying because he can't sleep.  Add all of this to your list.

Now, while you're going through that area in your home, let's do a quick run through of the rest of the bathroom cabinets.  Do yours look anything like mine?  Half used bottles of everything under the sun? Gift baskets of "bath stuff" that you never got around to using?  UFOs deposited there by the children, husband, and possibly even you that don't belong there?  Let's take a few minutes and tackle this debacle before the latest round of scents you don't really like from Bath and Body Works show up at your door this Christmas season. 

Pull out everything that's half used, not been touched, hasn't been used in over 3 months, and put it on your counter.  Take a look at it.  Now we're going to categorize.  Yours, each of your children's, your husband's.  Next up?  Put on your lab coat and pretend you are a product tester.

Do yours first.  If you never liked the smell of it, there's a trash can right there, start filling it up.  If you don't like the texture, feel, etc toss it.  If it's changed colors since you put it in there, toss it (this means the "good for you ingredients" are no longer that good for you anyway).  If it's makeup from more than a year ago, toss it (as a general rule, most makeup needs to be replaced at least annually due to contamination and bacteria).

Now take a good look at what you have remaining.  Is there too much of one item for you to use it up within a reasonable period of time?  Start sorting and prioritizing it.

Once you're through it and know what you really want to keep, wipe down the shelves where things will go and then give everything a quick wipe down with a wet rag as you put it back where it belongs and then move onto the next person.

And proceed to follow those steps for each member of the family.  This is also a great time to get rid of that stinky strawberry shampoo you can't stand of your child's and any fragrances "gifted" by well meaning co-workers to your husband that you can't stand.  Once you've gotten first test, then they can check the rest and make decisions.  Mom gets the first veto vote. ;)

Now that there is an IMMENSE amount of room in your bathroom cabinets and your trash can is full, take a deep breath and give a sigh of thanksgiving.  Gather up any special makeup you will need to create "special effects" for All Soul's Day and All Saint's Day costuming (I can make a wicked weeping stigmata after my time as a special effects makeup artist!) and have that ready for Thursday and Friday.

And now, in new and exciting news, we now have a Facebook group to bless and encourage each other as we travel this journey.  If you want to join us, please hop on over to The Blessed Mother's Hangout!

(See the original post for The Era of Preparation)

Day Two - Waxing and Waning

We are in a season of our lives where our oldest (10) is pushing the boundaries of patience and our youngest (18 months) is in the "screeching" phase of life.

I spend a LOT of time praying my Rosary.

Now, let's talk Monday.  How did it go?  Did you accomplish all 10 tasks?  If not, that's okay - add them to today's do list.  We'll have a "catch up" later in the week for when those things happen.  Christ was kind enough to give us the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Penance for our mistakes here on earth - His solution works for us too. ;)  In the meantime I want to talk more about preparing hearts and how we can get ourselves the time we need down the road in Advent.

We all have periods where we wax and wane.  For those not familiar with these "old" terms they mean to grow and shrink respectively.  I'm not talking about the weight loss roller coaster - although I'm nearly 100% certain you know that version of waxing and waning as well as I *eye roll*. 

The holidays become a natural time for waxing, particularly when it comes to the "stuff" in our homes.  "Oh what a lovely...it's just so UNIQUE!" over and over and we can't bear to disappoint Great-Aunt Martha so we retain "whatever-that-was" and so on and so forth.

The holidays, for many of us, have also become a time of waning.  A time of waning patience, tolerance, and even sometimes, faith. We become frustrated with the crowds when shopping, irritated with sudden "must do" engagements that weren't on the schedule, and often the more upset and flustered we find ourselves, the further we have walked from the purpose of this season - to prepare for His coming.

While Wal-Mart tries to stretch the period of retail Christmas preparations well into September, the Church was far more intelligent about the average person's attention span of a holiday.  How many times have you gotten to Christmas lunch with an attitude of "Thank God this is almost over!" and collapse into bed that night in relief and exhaustion?

This year it's going to be different and that's going to start right now.  We are going to "flip the switch".  It's time to wax in our patience, tolerance, and faith and wane in the "stuff" department.  We're going to wax in love, joy, and hope while we wane in commercialism and greed.

Back to that day planner we looked at yesterday.  Spend a bit more time with it and look at the "required" things on your schedule already.  Which ones bring you joy?  Which ones are things that you are excited about getting to do?  Which ones make you want to go and hide in a corner?

I can't take away all the bad ones and tell you it's perfectly okay to skip your sister-in-law's annual Christmas Party and pretend I did the right thing.  I can tell you to take the ones that don't need to be there off your list.  I can tell you to find ways to really enjoy the ones that bring you happiness.

As for today, you have a few things you need to get done on the "getting caught up" list and also today I would like for you to take a quick inventory of your situation with towels, sheets, tablecloths, napkins, and any other linens you keep in your home.  Give them a good look - you already know what they look like.  Are they serviceable?  Do you wince when someone spends the night at your house and has to use a ratty towel?  How about those dishrags?  Have they seen better days?

I know the budget is tight this time of year but in all honesty, I'm a much bigger fan of getting gifts I can USE than those that will rot.  I believe the same thing for my family as well.  We're very well known for asking for someone to purchase towel sets for the kids than for someone to purchase toys.  Toys they have. Towels I need.  This year, both our children are getting new "more grown up" bed sets for their bedrooms.  I'm making a quilt for each of them to go along with new sheets, blankets, and pillowcases.  Maybe even curtains.  No, it's not a shiny new iPad but unlike that iPad, it will still be serviceable in 5 years. ;)

Start rethinking what you're going to ask for and what you need.  Start rethinking your budget and  how to manage it for the holidays - and while you're thinking, tackle those "to do" items and get them out of the way so we can start getting to the more fun stuff. :)

(See the original post for The Era of Preparation or go to Day 3.)

The Era of Preparation: Day One

Welcome to Day 1 of The Era of Preparation!  So glad you joined us here. :)

Today is going to be a Monday and EVERY Monday we are going to focus on recovering from the weekend. :)  I know between Mass, social obligations, and extra humans in the house my Monday is always my catch up day and so it will be for us too. :)

So, here's the list of this Monday's "Ten To Do's"

1. Gather up the trash and get it out of the house.
2. Get the dishes done and put away.
3. Relocate the bathroom sink from the toothpaste of "getting ready for Mass toothbrushing" and other weekend atrocities.  While you're at it, gather up all the towels and anything else soft in there that can be washed and run that through the laundry.
4. Pick a cleaner(s) of your choice and run through the kitchen real quick.  Okay - now stop running through the kitchen and actually take the time to clean it.
5. Straighten up the living room and have the kids do a quick run through of the areas of the house that they inhabit.  Even my 18 month old can pick up toys and dust with a microfiber cloth.
6. Gather any items needed for All Saint's Day costumes AND clothes for Mass and get those into the wash today so they're ready on time.
7. Pull out what you need for dinner and get started a bit early so you have some buffer time.
8. Make a list of all the "extra" cleaning things you need to get done between now and Christmas.
9. Find your day planner.  Mine seems to have magical feet that pop out of it when I'm not looking.
10. Sit down with your day planner and your list.  (We'll do this together below.)

Okay - take a look at your list.  Is there more than 30 items on it?  Then you're going to need to do more than 1 a day.  Can you group some of them together?  Do some take longer than others?  Now, make a schedule of these "extra" things that need to get done and get ready to do 1-2 (or however many necessary) and plan out the ones you're going to tackle this week.  Next Monday we'll sit down and handle next week's.

For the remainder of this week, we're going to focus on those "extras" along with surviving All Hallow's Eve and All Saint's Day.

Please comment below if you have some great ideas for these two holy days and how your family celebrates them.  I am ALWAYS looking for ideas. :)

(Continue to Day 2 or see the original post for The Era of Preparation)

On Her Side of the Bed

While the bedroom is the place we often "hide" our messes, or at least pay little attention to because "well I just sleep there - my eyes are closed, why does it matter?" it is the place that more than anywhere else in your home should be your serene haven, your special place.  This week we're going to work not only on our bedrooms, but what contributes to the chaos and clutter that seems to reign in there despite our best efforts.

A study in 2011 showed that less than half of the people surveyed felt they got good quality sleep every night or almost every night.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that as a parent every night or almost every night is nearly laughable.  Many of us would give our left arm for once a week and those of us with children 2 and under would give both our arms and a leg for once a month!  I get the problems - but hear me out!

Among the rest of these findings, people who made their beds were 19% more likely to get a good night's sleep (remember that being step 2?  See why?) and 2/3 to 3/4 rated a cool room temperature, fresh air, and a dark, quiet, and CLEAN room as important for a good night's sleep.  Last, but not least, 75% said they got a more comfortable night's sleep with freshly scented sheets!

Maybe you aren't one of these people.  Heaven knows my husband can sleep wherever he falls.  The Army trained him to do that. ;) But there's a pretty good chance that 1 of the 2 of you may be one of these kind of people.  So, at least for the rest of Lent, let's try to keep up with the bedroom.

Here's another tidbit - we're all familiar of the Bible Story of Moses when he was hidden in the rushes to escape being murdered - but did you know he's not the only child in the Bible who escaped a death spree by hiding?  In 2 Kings 11, the infant prince Joash was rescued from the killing spree of one of the other royal families in the palace in a bedroom where he remained hidden for 6 years before being revealed to a group of guards and then was revealed to the world as king. 

Your bedroom is more than just a place to stick stuff and to sleep.  It's a haven, quite literally in Joash's case.  It's a safe place.  It should feel that way to you.

This week we begin to tackle the place we often leave behind because no one sees it but us, the Master Bedroom.  We're also going to take this Family Mission Friday and work on our family's bedrooms using what we've learned this week.  So know that's coming up in the near future. :)

For today, since your bed is already made (right?), you're going to move onto the area directly around your bed.  Concentrate on your nightstands, headboards, footboards, and other areas around your bed.  Are they cluttered or clear?  If they're cluttered, take care of it.  If there's a pile of reading material there, pick ONE book/magazine to remain and put the rest somewhere else.  Are there drawers?  Empty them out and make certain what is in there belongs and what is not, isn't.

Here's my "must have" list next to my bed:

1. Reading Book - usually not something intellectual but rather something to help me fall asleep when I'm having nightmares.
2. Bible - for reading when I want something more challenging or need to look something up that is on my mind.
3. Notebook and Pen - for taking notes on other things I am reading and for emergencies!!!  PLEASE keep a notebook and pen by your bed so if you ever get that dreaded midnight call, you have it available to take notes so your recollection is what actually happened and you know what you need to do next.
4. Lip Balm - a necessity as I live in a very dry climate
5. Foot Lotion and Hand Lotion - same reason as above - plus I find a happy smell on my hands helps me sleep. 
6. Nail File and Clippers - for when I'm on the phone hiding from people and talking on the phone.  Talking on the phone is an excellent time to file your nails. :)  It's also excellent to have a nail file/clippers so when you have nails catching on the sheets you can file them down right away before they create a snag and/or drive you crazy when you're trying to fall asleep. 
7. Phone - for me, this comes and goes with me as I only have one cordless phone at the moment (the other shall be located during this Lenten Activity if I have anything to say about it). 

That's it.  If it doesn't contribute to your sleep or peace of mind, get it out of there!  

Now for the rest of it.  Take a damp rag (not too wet!) and wipe down or dust your bed and bedside furniture.  If you have a dresser right there, it can wait until tomorrow.  Otherwise, tackle it now!  Give it a nice wipe down and give the dust bunnies names.  Really, it's the least you can do after all these years of them spending such intimate time with you. ;)

Mea Culpa

Well, let's suffice it to say that this past week hasn't exactly gone as planned...at all.

I set up Friday's post and figured I'd be back on Sat/Sun to give you your weekend list...

and then...

Life Happened.

From Saturday to Wednesday I drove 1040 miles, did 3 major Cub Scouting events, and generally lost my head.

Mea Culpa.

This week was originally to be dedicated to your bathrooms.  Since I'm SO far behind, the good news is this week was light anyway (because I knew what I was going to have going on - well, 180 miles of it and the 3 events).  So we can definitely catch up on Family Mission Friday by doing it as a group. :)

So, everyone take a bathroom!!!  You will need the following supplies:

1 toilet brush
1 rag
1 cleaner (your choice!)
1 scrubbie
1 laundry basket
1 trash bag
and if your cleaner of choice doesn't do windows, window cleaner!

Now, I call this the 5 minute fly in my home.  I can clean almost any bathroom in 5 minutes.

First step - Flush toilet.  By allowing it to completely cycle through to clean water and be wet, but not running before adding your cleaner, you have a better chance of your cleaner staying where it belongs and doing it's job instead of sitting in the bottom of the bowl.  Turn on the shower to the hottest it can go and let it run for a few minutes.

Then start grabbing everything that needs to be washed, linens, clothing, mats, everything.  Into the laundry basket it goes.  Take off your socks now and place them in the laundry basket.

Next, trash.  Get all the trash off the counter, out of the baskets, and if you have people in your home who think empty toilet paper rolls fall wherever, now would be the time to corral them. (note: for homeschoolers/teachers/CCD Catechists - those empty toilet paper rolls can be used for THIS fun actvity!)

Now go back to the toilet.  If you have a favorite toilet cleanser, knock your socks off.  If you're cheap like I am but go through tons of shampoo trying to find the right one, those "extras" make awesome toilet cleaner. :)  Squirt, swish, and let it sit.

Now back to the shower.  Turn off the shower (learned that one the hard way! ;) lol) and grab your scrubbie, rag, and cleaner.  Toss all the bottles, gadgets, and doo dads into the bottom of the shower so the places you put these things are now empty.  Now spray the cleaner right onto those spots and let it sit.

Back to the sink and clutter attack.  Get everything where it belongs.  Spray the sink with your cleaner.  Let it sit. 

Go back to the tub and start grabbing bottles.  If they're empty, pitch.  If they're not being used, make a line up to go to the closet.  If they are "active duty", wipe them down (scrub bottoms if necessary) and put them back in their homes.  Last step, turn the shower back on and rinse out the tub.  Voila!  One more down!

Back to the sink.  Any crud is now loose BUT wait a minute and clean the mirror first with your window cleaner.  Then go down and clean the sink and counter.  Then go one step further.  Take that cloth that just cleaned the mirror and wipe down your faucet so it's nice and shiny!

Quick, go back to the tub and wipe down the shower's "parts" (the shiny metal stuff) with your mirror cloth to shine.

One last step, spritz the toilet with cleaner.  Then open it, swish, and flush.  Then wipe it down and grab that mirror cloth one last time to wipe the handle and then the door knob and light switch on your way out.

DONE!

Family Mission Friday: Meal Planning

Today we tackle one of the largest problems I hear so you never again stare at a pantry of odds and ends muttering to yourself "what can I make with 3 cans of tuna, ketchup, frozen carrots, and one potato?"

Meal planning isn't just for moms - it's a whole family activity.  There are a few different ways to tackle this.  If you have a small family, I recommend each member that eats be responsible for one day of menu planning - then Mom and Dad take the extra days.  If you have a larger family, consider using a 2 week or more "plan".  Start with just planning dinners and then let it grow to the rest of your day's foods.

Even your youngest children can plan.  If they're able to express what they like, they get a vote.  For "the smallest among you", try this.










Supplies:
Index cards
Markers
Photo Album
Glue/glue stick
Family artist and/or Google

Take a set of index cards and get your computer ready (or your artistic skills if you're braver than I!) and a set of markers.  You're going to have 4 categories of cards.  Starches, Veggies, Proteins, and Desserts.  Pick a color for each and "edge" the card by making lines around the outside so it can be quickly identified by category.  Attach a picture (or draw one right on the card) of the item and write the name.  So, for example, a card may look like this:

Once you have a wide variety of the ingredients your family loves, you start what can actually turn into a game.  Everyone gets "dealt" 2 proteins, 2 starches, 2 veggies, and 2 desserts.  They can then swap, trade, etc to create the meal they're aiming for.  So, if a child had the above "cards" he/she could make his/her meal Beef with Broccoli over steamed rice.

Take the photo album and slide the index cards into the day so you know what day is which.  Block out 5-6 "spots" per day based on your album's layout.  That gives you room to slide in a card with the recipe, a list of other ingredients you will need, etc. 

From this list, you make your grocery shopping list and then just go through the book and compile the meals.  :)

As children get older, you can change the cards to have the meals on them and have them actually make the meal that they've chosen.  Cooking skills never go out of style!

Get the whole family involved with meal planning.  This fun activity helps everyone feel included and reduces the chaos of trying to get dinner on the table every night. 

ClutterBug Attack!!!!

I don't know about your home, but our home is plagued with ClutterBugs.  They're closely related to I. Dunno and Nobody of Erma Bombeck fame.  They appear from nowhere, usually directly behind where I just finished cleaning and attack.  I turn around and the area that I know was perfect 5 seconds ago is now...well....not.

Today we're going to tackle kitchen clutter which tends to gather in one of 3 places.

1. On top of the refrigerator

I don't know why, but the area on top of the refrigerator is approximately 2-3 square feet of magnet.  You'd be amazed what has gathered up there that you've forgotten about, or never knew it existed in the first place!  Unless you're one of those people with a cabinet over your refrigerator, grab a small step ladder and climb up there and see how bad it's gotten.  At best, it likely needs some love with cleaner and some towels.  At worst, well, let's just say I found a miniature promo Minion on the top of mine from the movie Despicable Me which came out in 2010.

2. Under the sink 

This is where cleaning products go to die in my home.  Maybe you store something else under there, but for me, that's what's usually cluttering it, ironically preventing me from being able to clean.  A relative of mine likes to store grocery bags to use for other things.  This is a great tactic if you use them often for walking your dogs.  This is a horrid tactic if you can't close the doors anymore.  As with all things, moderation. :)

3. The counter closest to where people walk into the kitchen

You know the routine - you're walking in the door juggling 5 bags of groceries, a screaming baby, a pile of mail, your car keys, your purse, 3 toys, and a water bottle.  Bottom line, something's gotta give!

If the money is in your budget, organize this area formally NOW, or at least by this weekend.  I took this area in our home and put a few bins.  One is for each person.  The top is for DH (he's the tallest).  His mail, magazines, and anything he puts in that spot goes in his bin. 

The next one down is for me.  I don't get much mail or magazines, but I get tons of "Mom!  Look what I did!!!" so they go there until I have the chance to sort through them.  Once a week I go through and pick a few things to selectively display around our home of triumphant moments.  The rest magically disappear.  This is also where I keep my "go bag" on a hook next to my bin.  It's a diaper bag since I have an infant at the moment which also carries a planner, notebook, 3 pens, any reading material I'm supposed to be reading (think handouts for church, school, etc), an MP3 player, and my Kindle.  This way I know where everything is when I need to leave and I can just grab and go.  I put the charger for the Kindle in the car (which also works for the MP3 player and my phone) and I don't have to worry about running out of battery!.

On the bottom is the one for my son.  His contains his magazines and mail as well as any paperwork that comes home from CCD, Scouts, and anything else.  Once a week I go through his bin, move the "need to reads" up to my bin to go into my bag, and make certain any art to be featured has also made it up to my bin.

Now, in that "spot" where things tend to land, put the following:

a small decorative bowl
   ~ to catch keys, pins, buttons and anything else little that's in your hands as you come in the door
a towel
   ~ lay flat to wipe grimy hands and/or to absorb any condensation from drinks that magically appear
a pen and pad of paper
   ~ to write the notes that are running around in your head from the day as you come in

Everyone Deserves a Friend

Stop the discrimination!  Give your containers some love today.  They deserve a friend, a companion, a lid.

Go through your food storage containers and find them friends or let them leave.  Put them in your box to donate and drop them off if they're still in decent shape.  Someone may very well have the lid they need. :)

If your food storage containers are stained, place them in a sink filled with HOT water, 1 cup bleach, and 2 tbsp dish detergent.  This should bleach out any stains from food and help remove any grease residue which can also cause stains. 

Whatever is left, organize and if it doesn't fit in the space where your containers belong, weed out some more.  This is a doable project that may take longer than 15 minutes, but will make a difference in your daily routines and make it so much easier for you to save the food that gets ruined saving you money.

Cupboard Clutter

Today we're going to tackle our cupboard clutter in 3 simple steps focusing on the pantry and other places you store food items.

1. Take out anything expired and toss it.  Also toss opened packages that are now stale or icky such as chips. 
2. Take out anything you'll never eat and put it in a box to donate.  Also take out things you overstocked on and add them to the box - you know - those "I need cream of mushroom soup" moments that accidentally occurred for 7 paychecks in a row.  If you won't eat it before it expires, now is the time to pass it on to someone who needs it.
3. Organize what's left so you can actually find it.

When you organize, keep in mind who eats what and where it should go.  Keep treats in high cupboards to prevent pint-sized snitchers (the big snitchers, well, you're on your own).   I also recommend keeping sweet things used for baking like chocolate chips, candies and such up high as they are often the most pilfered in my cabinets when the treats disappear.

Keep healthy snacks for the kids at their eye level in the cabinet in their own basket to set them up for success.  Some larger families I know have gone to a basket per kid system to divide the treats in advance when they come home from the shopping trip.

Organize one of two ways - put items together that are usually used to store a meal, such as storing spaghetti next to the spaghetti sauce OR organize by type of food, all the pastas together, all the sauces together.  Since I tend to make "Frankenmeals" that are grab what I want, I organize by type rather than by meal.

As you're organizing and pitching, take note of what you're getting rid of and what you'll need.  Also pay attention to those "I'm missing one can of this to make that" moments and add those to your list of what you need.  When you have all your ingredients, it's so much easier to make that kitchen magic happen. :)

Next time you're going by the local food pantry or attending Mass, just drop off your box and then take that list to the grocery.  :)

What's growing in there?

Today we're going to begin tackling the kitchen.  Some are certainly better than others, but today I'm going to ask you to attack the area where most of us have something lurking.

Today you're going to go through your refrigerator.  Take out anything that you can't remember when it went in, anything that's growing, and anything that has lost a lid because it will no longer properly seal to maintain it's freshness.  Next check out this wonderful Food Storage Guide and use it right away to finish going through the fridge.  Pitch everything that isn't within the guidelines and make this your new plan. :)

Now, if you have the extra time today, this is also a great time to give your fridge a good cleaning.  If there isn't time today, that's okay too!  We're going to put this part on next Saturday's list so you can add it to you "to do's" for the future as well.

Last, but not least, find a permanent marker and place it in the drawer next to your fridge.  When you put something with a longer shelf life, such as condiments, in your refrigerator, write the date it will expire (based on the food storage guide) right on the label so there's no more confusion about when to pitch it. 

Blessings and peace!

Saturday Roundup: The Beginning

This week we tackled 3 "trouble spots" in most homes as we started the Cleaning our Homes and Hearts Lenten Journey.  Nearly everyone we talked to had at least one, if not all 3 of these problems.  Just as a reminder to you:

Wednesday: In Search of the Table
Thursday: Go! Go! Go? - Keeping up with the Mobile Office
Friday: Family Mission Friday: The Bed

You've all done a wonderful job and it's been a delight hearing from  you on various boards and in the comments here on the blog.  Thank you so much for joining me on the journey.  It's so helpful to me to know that I have sisters out there who are fighting the battle right alongside me.

This week we also had our first local to me join the journey.  She's my "slob sister" and one of my dearest friends.  I'm so blessed to have had her join us.  In fact, I apologize for not being fast on comments yesterday - I was snaking her drain. ;) (no, this will NOT be part of the journey!)

As I promised, on Saturdays I will give you a list of "optional" things you can do during the weekend or throughout the next week.  My Slob Sister and I, while snaking the drain, attacked this list together.  My special thanks to her family for a lovely "breakfast for dinner" and movie afterwards.  It was fun to just "be" with friends.

Next week we will be heading into the kitchen which for me is a neverending project.  The activities for this weekend and next will focus primarily around this area of the home and projects that stem from it. 

Weekend/Next Week's Optional Activities:

1. The Wipedown:  Wipe down the dashboard, cup holders, inside of your windows, and any other surfaces of your car.  It's a quick, fast, and easy thing to do but this time of year the dust that's building up due to winter can begin to affect the air quality in your car and therefore your family's health!  Grab a few rags and head out there when you get home from a run over the weekend.  That way the interior is already warm and you can just wipe everything down and get on with life.

2. The Table:  We tackled the dining room table last week on our very first day.  If you have a separate kitchen table, now is the perfect time to help it out.  Simply go through the same steps you did on Wednesday with your kitchen table.  It's okay if only one is usually used for meals - but the other one definitely deserves a nice wipe down and so do any chairs, stools, and eating areas in your kitchen.

3. The Tools:  Gather your tools.  If you don't have your own, consider asking your husband for a set that are just for you.  Every Mom should have her own tools on hand. 

I recommend:
set of screwdrivers (Philips and slotted - or + and - respectively)
magnetic driver with a set of bits
adjustable wrench, claw hammer
measuring tape
long nose pliers
diagonal pliers
level

A small set of fasteners can finish it off if you are the type who has things hanging in your home, or would like to be.  Want to keep your husband and sons from stealing them?  Buy a set in purple or pink.  You may not love the colors, but they're far more likely to stay where they belong that way!  ;)

4. The Cleaning Tools:  Gather your tools.  Make a set of cleaning tools so you can find them when you're cleaning your home.  In a 1-2 gallon bucket gather: 2 sponges, 2 cleaning cloths, disinfectant, white vinegar, dish soap, window cleaner, empty spray bottle, 2 cleaning towels, and 1-2 scrubbing pads and either additional towels or paper towels as your family uses them.   This will get the vast majority of cleaning resources you need in one home where you can find them and help set you up for success.

5. The Fifteen:  Give each person in your home a bag, box, or basket.  Set a timer for 5 minutes.  Have them each target ONE thing to gather during that time.  Bags can gather trash, boxes can gather things to put away, baskets can gather laundry.  Everyone gets as much in their bag, box, or basket as they can as fast as they can.  Once done gathering, take the laundry to the washer and get it started, take the trash outside, and sort the items into their homes.  Voila!  Speed cleaning!

Family Mission Friday: The Bed

Every Friday we will start a new Family Mission.  This week, we're tackling something everyone in your home has, a bed.  One of the most difficult things for me is when my husband is on third shift or working 12 hour shifts.  It seems like there is always someone sleeping in my bed.  I go to bed in it.  While I'm in it the kids miss Dad and migrate into it.  When I wake up, they're still sleeping in it.  Then he comes home and gets in it.  The kids wake up and get out of it.  After school they climb back in to cuddle while he's still sleeping.  He wakes up to get ready for work and gets out.  They get up, we eat dinner, and I get back in it.

So, pretty much there IS someone sleeping in it 23/7. It makes it REALLY hard to make my bed...and to make matters worse, if mine isn't made, it's impossible for me to make the kids make their beds.

So, starting today, your very first Friday Mission is to get everyone in your home to make their bed.  From the crib the baby sleeps in to Mom and Dad's, everyone's bed should be made at least once a day.  Maybe that means you make it and get right back in.  That's okay.  Trust me, it will still feel better getting into a made bed.

This is also going to be the time that I remind you that you should really be washing your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week.  If Friday works for you, make it Sheet Day.  The good news is, while sheets are large, they don't take up that much room in the washer and dryer.  So it's pretty easy to wash a few beds at a time if you have a large washer and dryer.  If you live in a warm climate, break out the clothes pins.  There is simply nothing like the smell of fresh sheets off the line.  To break up the "crunchies", toss them in the dryer for 5 minutes after bringing them in and put white vinegar in a downy ball instead of fabric softener.  It will save you $$ and make your sheets last longer too!

Ideally having 2 sets of sheets per bed is the "perfect" number, but sometimes it's just not practical.  That said, especially for small children it really is a nice "perk".  If you need to, check your closets and basement.  Having spare sheets available is heaven sent when everyone is sick.  If storage space is the challenge, try this: fold your clean "extra" sheets and place them between your mattress and box spring.  Then make the bed right over the top.  When you have an "emergency" in the middle of the night, you'll know exactly where they are and never be hunting for fresh linens again.

For infants to young toddlers:  Check crib/toddler bed mattresses and make certain they're still snug in their frames.  Strip beds and replace linens. Check blankets to make certain they are clean enough to make it through another week and replace if necessary.

Toddlers to preschool: Check mattresses.  Strip beds.  Make certain you have a spare list of linens "hidden" as listed above.  Check blankets.  Replace linens with the "help" of your child for their bed.  They can help bring the sheets up and even assist with putting pillows in pillow cases.  Starting them now will help get them ready for doing it themselves when they get older.

Elementary grades: Strip beds.  Hide spare linens if you have them available for sick nights.  Check blankets.  Replace linens with the help of your child.  Help them learn how to get a fitted sheet on (or use two flat sheets - it's much easier!).  Then let them finish making the bed themselves as they learn how.

Older children:  They're on their own.  Have them strip the bed themselves and replace their own linens.  I often tuck a little "surprise" in the new linens to encourage them when they're first starting.  A little treat or even just a dollar to buy their own little treat.  Sometimes I leave a little note in thanking them for what a wonderful job they're doing on something lately too.

Yourself:  Strip your bed.  Yes, YOU.  Strip your bed.  Wash your linens.  Check your blankets.  Replace the linens and make up the bed.

Now, everyone keep making the beds once a day until next Friday (or whenever Sheet Day works best for you!) and keep them moving forward!

Blessings and Peace!!!!  Have a lovely weekend.  Tomorrow we will have a list of "Optional" weekend activities available for you that you can also take into next week as "alternate" activities for when you already have the items on our list accomplished. I'm keeping all of you in my prayers and look forward to our project next week - tackling the kitchen!!!

Go! Go! Go?

Like most moms, I spend a CRAZY amount of time in my car.  To make it even more interesting, we live 15-30 miles from most of our destinations so not only are we in it often, we're in it for long periods of time and can't just run home which means everything ends up in there.  And I do mean everything.

Up here the weather can turn a dime so it requires changes of clothes, blankets, coats, hats, and gloves.  Because we're gone so often it also means water bottles, snacks, and things to entertain the kids.  Throw in a stroller, peapod (like a pack and play but packs up WAY smaller), and rug for the baby to play on, my Pampered Chef gear, my husband's business equipment, the stuff we need for 4H, Scouts, and Church...

Well, you get the picture.  Even when clean, my car is not an oasis.

But it is NOT clean.  In fact, it is awful. 

Day one we talked about eating at a table for ALL of Lent - and that's going to lead directly into what I'm going to ask you to start doing today and keep doing every day for the rest of Lent. 

By not eating in our car, we should be cutting down on the "trash can with wheels" problem.  Now I'm asking you to take that one step further, okay two.  But they're little steps, I promise.

1.  Do not bring ANYTHING new into your car and keep it there for the rest of Lent.  Add nothing.  If you need to bring something out, it comes back in with you when you return.  Everything you purchase also needs to come in when you get home.

2.  Every time you stop your car and get out, bring something with you.  Walking into the store?  Grab a handful of old receipts and toss them in the trash.  Heading into the house?  Grab an empty bag and toss in some of the kids meal toys and bring them in along with the pile of papers the kids brought home from CCD a month ago. 

Easy and painless - and think how wonderful it will be when you have someone who needs to hop in  your car and there's actually room for them. :)

In Search of: The Table

Can you guess how many times the word "table" appears in the Bible?

92.

Do your children know what a table is?  Do you use one in your home?  Do you use it daily?  What do you do there?

Your mission today is to find your dining table and then commit to using it for the rest of Lent.  Eat every meal at your table or at a table.  Stop eating out of bags and boxes on the go and eat at the table. 

We made this change the first time 2 years ago for Lent at the challenge of my son's catechism teacher for First Communion and Confirmation.  It made a world of difference in our lives.

Now, if your table is like mine was, you might need to unearth it first.  That's okay.  Get out a trash bag and a box.  Put the trash in the bag and the things that need to be put away in a box.  Do the same for your chairs.  Then (and this is for everyone!) give your table a good wipe down - all of it, including the chairs.  Clean it from the top to the bottom and get all the dust and dirt off it.

Each week we join the Lord at his table to receive the Eucharist.  That's how important the family table is in our Faith.  He chose to give us a table to gather around.

We need to do the same for our families.

Preparing Our Hearts

Humble pie is a dish best served with a side of sugar whenever possible.  One of the hardest things for me to admit on my journey to this process is that, frankly, I need to eat some humble pie.  So go get some chocolate and cuddle up with this post - because I can't pass my homemade oreo truffles to you over the internet (hint - dunk in dark chocolate).

Contrary to popular belief, I am not Super Mom.  I am not Wonder Woman.  Oh, I'm good at playing that role to the outside world, believe me - but the reality is that I am not perfect.  Not even close.  I am a woman that God created to be the helper and love of my husband's life.  I am the woman God gifted with 2 beautiful, amazing sons who make me laugh until I cry.  My world is full of blessings.  My cup, quite literally, runneth over.

But not today.

Today, I am bringing to the front the Bible Verse that brings me humility.  Proverbs 31:10-31. 

¹⁰ The truly capable woman -- who can find her? She is far beyond the price of pearls.

¹¹ Her husband's heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit.

¹² Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax, she does her work with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls.

¹⁶ She sets her mind on a field, then she buys it; with what her hands have earned she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be.

¹⁸ She knows that her affairs are going well; her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ She sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle.

²⁰ She holds out her hands to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy.

²¹ Snow may come, she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed.

²² She makes her own quilts, she is dressed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She weaves materials and sells them, she supplies the merchant with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the day to come.

²⁶ When she opens her mouth, she does so wisely; on her tongue is kindly instruction.

²⁷ She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her.

²⁸ Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises:

²⁹ 'Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all!'

³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who fears Yahweh is the one to praise.

³¹ Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her tell her praises at the city gates.
(courtesy of Catholic Online)

Glad you grabbed the chocolate?

Me too.

I am not the Proverbs 31 Woman.  I wish I were.  That said, I am the wife my husband chose 10 years ago - and I must be doing okay - because he's still here...

But that's not enough for me.  I want more.  I want to BE this woman, a modern Proverbs 31 Woman. 

While we are working on the Cleaning Our Homes and Hearts Lenten Journey we are going to be finding ways to emulate this lady of immense stature, the Super Mom of the Old Testament.  We will be giving our husbands more confidence in us by taking better care of what they work so hard to provide.  We will be getting better at managing our homes.  We will learn tips and tricks for utilizing not only what we have, but how to create something from nothing with our hands.  We will be preparing to work the soil we have, be it in the ground or in pots preparing for spring and the gifts that come with it.  We will be performing corporal works of mercy with what we already have. We will be clothing ourselves with strength, dignity, and modesty as we sort through our closets shedding the past.  And while our children may not rise up and call us blessed as we teach them to care for their spaces while we are showing them the way by better caring for our own, the day will come when watching them managing their own homes well will be our own little secret private reward.

We must open our hearts to the journey.  We must embrace where we are with humility so we can move forward through Lent growing in love and our faith together.

Originally this journey was meant for me.  I am sharing it with all of you.  I will be honest and open with you about my triumphs and my failures.  I pray that you will find the strength to be just as honest and open with me.

When spring comes and brings neighbors dropping by to your door, you will no longer cower in fear praying they don't have a decent enough reason to need to come in.  You will be able to open the door and embrace them - secure in your home and secure in your Faith. 

This journey will not be easy for me.  I didn't write this to make it simple.  I wrote it to make me work hard, to push myself beyond where I am. 

I recently told a dear friend I didn't want to put up crosses and crucifixes in my home because I didn't want Jesus to see what it looked like.  I'm right there with you.  This is my journey as well.  Jesus sees this mess, and the mess inside my heart, whether I open it to the world or not.  It is time for us to prepare.  To be humble enough to know we need to make the changes, and that in order to make them, we need God as part of the picture.

Join me.

An Invitation to Catholic Creativity's Cleaning our Homes and Hearts Lenten Journey!

This year, in addition to removing something from my life, I am making the addition of trying to be a better wife by learning to keep my home better.  Lent is the PERFECT amount of time to get things in order for me.  I would LOVE it if some of you would join me on the journey.  I've created a plan using 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week with "optional weekend activities" (which could also be added during the week for those with more than 15 minutes to spare or substituted if the day's activity isn't something you need to accomplish) combining several of the "home cleaning headliners" and organization mavens tips along with my own knowledge.  There will also be a section to read over the weekend about how to maintain what you have accomplished and keep moving forward.  Much of this is from when I used to set up my military homes when we would move which would inevitably result in pure chaos. 

The schedule will be as follows:

From  Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) to Feb. 15: Preparing for the Journey
Feb. 18 to Feb. 22: Kitchen
Feb. 25 to Mar. 1: Bathroom
Mar. 4 to Mar. 8: Master Bedroom
Mar. 11 to Mar. 15: Living Room/Office/Homeschooling Areas
Mar. 18 to Mar. 22: Dining Room
Mar. 25 to Mar. 29: Finishing Touches

We will be emphasizing more than cleaning and organizing - we will also be collecting donations for charity and working on our hearts and minds.  For the "extremely challenged" (like myself) there will be some additional activities to help you on your journey.  For those of us who need to multitask we'll be intermingling prayer, Bible verses, and connections to Faith throughout the challenge as well.

If you want to join us, be it for one day, one week, or for all of Lent, just follow along as the posts come up. :)  I will let you all know what I'm working on, give you a head's up for what's coming in the week ahead, and help you get started on organizing your home (and mine!) along with tips, tricks, and helpful hints. :) Plus, let's be honest, for those of us hostessing for Easter... ;)