Purging Party

We have a finished basement that became an office when we moved in three years ago. Unfortunately, it isn't heated and we don't use it in the winter. And because it's not being used, all winter long we start throwing stuff in the room that we don't have a place for at that moment so that we can "deal with it later." And by spring, the office has become so overwhelmed with clutter and stuff that it is scary to go in there.

Usually we take a weekend and clean it out in the spring. It's something I kind of look forward to - purging a bunch of junk can be so refreshing. But now, we are halfway through summer and it's been sooo crazy we haven't been able to get to it yet. And The Knight and I keep saying to each other "We really need to clean out the basement." Yet it still hasn't happened.

The line was finally crossed when I noticed that the clutter was starting to climb up the stairs. Like it was alive, and slowly inching its way up to attack the rest of the house.

Oh no, I will NOT tolerate that crap.

So kind-of-tentative plans have been made to go on a purging spree Saturday morning. And we're even making plans on downsizing our office to the bare minimum and turning most of the room into a playroom. Which means I will be able to move a bunch of the kids' larger toys down there and out of sight. And they will go down there to play, instead of jumping on my couch a gazillion times a day so that I keep having to readjust the couch covers while muttering under my breath something about wanting to throw the couches out the window.

For those who have a playroom - any tips on keeping it organized?

Purging Party

Misunderstood

The Guppy says that Cinderella is her favorite princess.

I feel like every time I mention that the girls love Cinderella, I get comments on how bad that story is. How it teaches girls to be docile and wait for a man to rescue them. Maybe. But I don't see the harm in believing in true love. And we balance it out with stories about other true heroines.

I always wonder about the step-sisters. What's their side to the story? Sure, they were cruel to Cinderella, but had they learned anything else growing up? Where is their father, did he die too? What was it like for them to grow up with such a bitter, lonely mother? Knowing that for them, their only escape to a better life was by capturing a man's heart?

It seems Cinderella was not the only victim in the story. The step-sisters were so desperate to make the shoe fit, they cut off their fricking heels. They willingly disfigured themselves for a chance to escape.

They must have been feeling pretty trapped, too.

For me, Cinderella is an reminder to look closer at people, and to see where they are coming from. A reminder to try to be more compassionate and understanding.

And that's why we like Cinderella so much.

Misunderstood

I Wish I Had Known These Things

My dearest children,

I want you to know that everyone makes mistakes, and that I will always love you. Always.
I want you to know what it is like to hold your child for the first time, and feel that unconditional love wash over you as you realize that you would do anything to keep your baby from harm.
I want you to know that no matter how far you travel, how distant you become, you all will always have a home to come back to. To reconnect, to visit, to remember that there is nothing quite like the love and support of your siblings.
I want you to know that nothing is guaranteed in life. There is no golden ticket. There will be hardships and obstacles that you will have to face. But, as they are climbing those hills and scaling those mountains, turn your face to the sunshine and reflect upon the strength that these experiences will give you.

I want you to know that you were born perfect just the way you are. You were born already equipped with everything you need to accomplish whatever you want in life. Don't compromise your character; don't let anyone tell you that you are not enough. Love yourself, and know your worth.

Love,

Mom.

I Wish I Had Known These Things

Seven Years Is A Long Time

A few months ago I won a one-night stay at a local hotel. This weekend, The Knight and I decided to take advantage of it.

Of course, that meant leaving The Tadpole overnight for the first time. I've been called to births in the middle of the night, but never have I left him for an entire day, night, then another day.

But, I felt that he was ready. He never really fusses when I'm gone. And, he doesn't nurse to sleep, unlike both The Mermaid and The Guppy did at his age.

So, we left all three kids with my IL's and went on our way. It was great. We visited all the local historical sites, which was fun for us because we are both history buffs. We went out to eat, did some window shopping, and relaxed while reading books by the hotel's pool.

And the best part was that I slept through the night completely for the first time in SEVEN YEARS!

We headed back around lunch time the next day to pick up the kids and when The Tadpole saw us come in....he turned and ran the other way, upset about having to leave.

I guess he was ready, after all.

And this is something The Knight and I are going to have to do more often.

How was your weekend?

Seven Years Is A Long Time

Summer

We spend a lot of time in the car.

We go to the art museum, the Ecotarium, Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center, and the splash pad. We have family passes for all three.

We turn off the air conditioner and roll down the windows and sing along to The Wiggles CD at the top of our lungs. Sometimes it might be A Duck In New York City by Connie Kaldor, or a CD from the library, but mostly it's The Wiggles.

We walk quickly through the art museum, the girls stopping for an extra minute in front of their favorite paintings. We meet animals at the Ecotarium and hike at Broad Meadow Brook.

We go to the splash pad and the girls shriek as the water pours down on them. The Tadpole peers down at a small fountain when the water stops for a moment, then it suddenly comes shooting out again and sprays him in the face. I cringe and tense, waiting for his cry, but he just blinks and laughs.

Then we come home, tidy the house and harvest fresh vegetables from the garden for dinner. We sit outside on our deck, laughing and talking and I am amazed at least once a night by something my kids says to me. They are so insightful sometimes!

Before we know it, it's bedtime and as I tuck the girls in The Guppy asks Can we do this again tomorrow?

Absolutely.

Summer