Cha-Ching!

I am in the middle of cleaning the tops of the cupboards and my oldest son, James, just came in, looked at what I was doing, and said, "Mom, I am so glad that you have the time today to clean the kitchen like you really want to. It makes it so much nicer. Thank you, and I will try to keep my stuff picked up, so I don't make extra work for you."

He is ten, and this attitude is such a blessing to me.

I would have never thought to say such a thing to my mom, and she was always cleaning something! As a child, I figured cleaning was her hobby.

A Clear Dinning Table

Several weeks ago I took the boys out for a drive in the forest. We stopped near the river to gather some of the first leaves to turn red. When we got home I arranged them on a small silver platter with a candle in the center and have been using it as a center piece ever since.

Today, I realized with astonishment, that after every meal and any other time possible, I have the table clear, enjoying the center piece! Another habit has been formed, and this one based on the whim of Autumn's beauty.

No Wasted Trips

Today I realized something for the first time:

I have developed habits over the passed few years that are still with me.

Previously, I have seen little fruit of the habits I have tried desperately to instill in my life. However, today as I was clearing the counter, I realized that every trip up and down the stairs was utilized to it's fullest potential, within reason.

After gathering everything from the counter that belonged outside, I took them out and put them away. On my way back in, I picked up toys that didn't belong outside and put them away -- without being sidetracked from the job at hand.

Returning to the kitchen counter, I realized that I have not always utilized my trips, often walking past things that need to be done, because it wasn't the task at hand. This habit was formed while pregnant and unable to use the stairs more than two times a day without going into labor. It is good to know that I am not the same girl I was in high school!

Welcome!

"Do what you know and the rest will be easy!"

This is the phrase that rings in my brain every time I feel overwhelmed by the mess around me. I have decided to take it to heart, and get moving.

I have tried many 'programs' to get my house in order, but they always call for something so different from how I live, that I forget to do what I know and after a week or two, find the house more of a mess than ever!

The one thing I have always lacked it accountability. That is the main reason I am writing all of this down. I want accountability! So, you, the Internet world, are going to be my accountability. I will not know whether or not anyone is reading, unless they leave a comment.