How Many Daughter Does It Take to Get Mama Pulled Together?

Months ago, Sarah had borrowed money from us and when she told me when she could pay me back, I told her I would rather she help me out here at home to work it off.  She had some time off at the time so she jumped for it . . . at least that time she did.  I was a mess physically at the time so it was mainly her doing and me trying to make decisions.  It got a lot culled out of our closet, much to Jon's dismay and concern :-D   He decided all was well when he still had plenty to wear.  Such a typical man, what can I say?

Last week Brianna came over and just about worked me into the ground (grave), literally.  But I am happy to report that the Monkey Room is still clean and neat.  Poor Jon took a nap one day, left his shoes on the floor and  cover thrown around and got scolded.  Poor guy, he is wondering if he is still the "king" around here.  I will have to share my thoughts on why is always likes to relax in there, it is usually one of the less chaotic rooms in the house and is finished.  That has to be more relaxing, right?

So yesterday Bri and I were talking about whether to start in the toy corner or sewing room.  As we were talking, I started to try to fix the problems on the shelves above the MB dressers.  After a few minutes, she said I think we're starting in this bedroom, she was right.  I am pretty excited.  Jon and I have wanted and almost managed a reading corner for so long.  Here it almost is, really.  My dream was to have two chairs there, adult size, so I will have to see what I can manage.  I still have space to push a "ottoman" for resting our feet on when we aren't using it, so that will also make it good for me in particular.  This morning I have already started to take clutter and put it into place as the deco for my "Woods" master suite".  has someone been watching too much HGTV or what?  I started tis process long before I ever heard of HGTV to tell the truth.  Jon loved  when I asked him if her would like a "cabinish" bedroom and bathroom.  He's so funny.  we have been slowly been planting and creating the Huish Family Forest around our house by planting live Christmas trees year in and year out , so why not bring the "outdoors in" ?

Then we all (all the girls, including Mariah) went to the Golden Oldies lunch at "My Big Fat Greek Restaurant".  It was really good!  I was a little worried about them having something good for my dollies, but there was a cute little kid's menu and they were happy.  Everything we ate was really good.  Brianna got a lunch that included french fried sweet potatoes.  Finally, I found a way that I would like eating sweet potatoes, too bad they are deep fat fried.  I will have to try some oven fried ans e if they are good too.  It was fun watching the flaming cheese.  Jon and I will have to go and try that.  we could feel the heat from the platters, a little unnerving, but the waitresses description sounded wonderful!!  OPA!!

Mariah agreed to let the boys stay with their babysitter and come help with the infamous toy corner.  It was good to have the girls work together and help make decisions on how to do it so that the kids wouldn't have such free access that results in them being overwhelmed when clean-up time comes.   they do know the kids best . . . . Love it, love it, love it.  

Mariah has strongly suggested that I just get rid of the toys, but she has forgotten how much they all hated to go to my dad's house after he and mom separated.  dad got rid of all the toys for some reason and then got mad because they were normal bored kids.  Every time they went through the door to go and climb the trees, he would yell at them to close the door.  When it got too cold or too hot, they would come back in and get yelled again.  Pretty sad, I had thought Dad would be a really fun grandpa for my kids.  I guess he was occasionally, but not really over all.  So in other words, I have strongly ignored her suggestion!!

If anyone has an idea on how I can kind of restrict access to the toy bins so that kiddies have to "check" out each one at a time, I would love it!!   In the meantime, all of the train tracks will be attached to big old boards and that will help with that one problem.

Tati is such a busy little girl, pretty quiet usually.  She came in and was telling my about something and showing me something in her little hand.  I finally realized there was something to see in the monkey room.  I found this.  I got Bri and told her she needed to see what Tati did in the monkey room.  Her response was a little concerned . . .  but all agreed that Tati had done a wonderful job.  This from a 3 1/2 year old.  She could teach some of those "Design Stars" a few things !

After that, she was really tired out.  She finds the funniest places to crash, just the way that Sarah did when she was little.  So fun for me to watch!We loved checking on her and seeing what her new "comfortable" was every time.  Doesn't it make you just a little jealous?  I'll put the slip cover on the love seat today while it is empty :-)

Ariannausually much more vocal than Tati and can just about talk your ear off.  have no idea where that came from!  After what I did to my parents and still do (right folks?) I have to be patient, even an hour later.

I have realized that when progress is made, I sleep so much better.  I have already made some more this morning so tonight should also be fairly restful.  I am making a real effort to not set myself up by trying to do too much each day . . . . emphasis on trying!  So here goes nothing . .  oops, I mean something!  (time to get to work, I'm finished with breakfast)