What's New

So much going on... We spent a beautiful week in the Smoky Mountains two weeks ago. I stressed the week before that because of the change of seasons, closets overflowing and not room for everything, the little ones taking things and strewing them all about the house. Clutter doesn't make a conducive atmosphere for learning so while we muddled through the first part of that week, we packed and cleaned the last two days for the trip and still left the house a mess to come home to.

Again, the Smoky Mountains are a wonderful place to go to forget all the "things to do" back home. We hiked to waterfalls, played in streams (yes, I fought the urge to remove my shoes so as to not break another foot but it was hard). DH says I am just like the kids, and so I am. After dutifully telling the kids to not fall in the water, I fell in myself, several times. I will be planning weekend hiking excursions for the family closer by because we had such a good time.

We were able to visit my parents on our drive back home. It was a nice trip and they seem to be settling in beautifully. I took several good pictures of them.

The mess greeted us upon our arrival so I've spent a great deal of the week purging. I made several runs to Goodwill and still have a mound in the garage waiting to go. This is all due to the fact that I've been on a two year cycle for the past 14 years. This is the semi-annual cleaning. (Not to be confused with Spring/Fall cleaning). This year we are not pregnant and having to move all the infant things out of the living areas, box up maternity clothes and the clothes that are several sizes in between stages of nursing and normal. Many things get overlooked while I'm pregnant and nursing, so all of those areas needed purging. We've also had an exchange of kids rooms with their moving from one room to another there is alot to do.

I purchased ten 12" square boxes for the kids to place their items to help declutter things on the main level. This idea would work in theory provided little JPII didn't enjoy emptying boxes and sitting in them. I shall make one just for this purpose. I purchased new tape for my label maker and have been enjoying this item very much as I label every box or non-moving object. I got carried away and organized the pantry and kitchen drawers as well. (How could they get so messy in just 6 months?)

With all the work we managed to keep up with math, religion and much readings in history and science. By Friday I had had enough so we headed outside again for the Botanical Gardens. The little ones are begging to go back again. The next time I'll maybe remember to take my camera and drawing items for the kids.

Then we all gathered around to watch the debate. Every one seemed intent to watch, but one by one the little ones fell asleep. The older ones had many excellent questions. Our discussions lasted well into the night and we aren't finished yet for sure.

This week I would like to say I am planning to do as little as possible in the way of school and cleaning but that would be a lie. I will be putting the smiles and hugs on the top of my to do list and not save our outings for Friday - maybe. My library books on hold list is growing long and I am looking forward to many read alouds in the cool mornings on our screened in porch, breezy fall treks through the river parks and maybe I'll explore a cave (closet) or two so as not to abandon the job I've begun.

Oh, and thank you, Sara for the encouraging post about my blog. I'll try very hard to write more often. :-)