Grandpa went home today. His kidneys gave out, they decided to take him off the ventilator, and I'm told he died peacefully with many loved ones surrounding him. He lived a truly remarkable life, and he's safe in the arms of Jesus now.
Feel free to adjust your prayers accordingly.... my grandma, my family, and I greatly appreciate it.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Grandpa Goose
Deep breath. What a week...two weeks...it's been.
Some of you know - though most of you don't - that my grandpa is not doing well. I wanted to send out a call for prayer a while ago, but my mind has been mush and my emotions all over the place, and I just haven't had it in me to sit down and write anything. But he just really needs prayer, and so does my family.
I won't get into all the details, because that would take forever. A basic rundown: 2 1/2 weeks ago, he had a mild heart attack, went to hospital, 2/3 dr.'s recommended he have open heart surgery - quadruple bypass and valve replacement. They decided to go ahead with it, surgery was the following Thursday (mind you - he's 87). Who knows how many people were praying he would survive the surgery...he did! And seemed to be doing okay until the following Wed., when I got a call from my dad (this is his dad) saying grandpa had developed pneumonia, and things were looking grim. I dropped everything and headed to the hospital and was able to have a very sweet moment with him, despite the fact that he was really struggling physically. Since then (that was just last week), things have mostly gone downhill. He is on a ventilator and has had a couple dialysis treatments, he's heavily sedated but aware of his surroundings (we think). To be honest, I think we all thought he'd be gone by now. There have been many consultations with dr.'s and amongst his wife/children (there are 5 kids, my dad's the youngest) to try and decide what to do. I think most everyone has travelled back to say their goodbyes to him. I will always be grateful for some time I had with him on Saturday to just tell him how much I loved him and how much he means to me....the hardest thing I've ever done, but necessary.
So, I'd really, really appreciate your prayer. The thing is, I'm really close with these grandparents. Most of my fondest childhood memories involve them, and over the last 10 years (since Steve and I started dating and we used their house as our meeting place while we did the long-distance relationship thing) Steve and I have spent a whole lot of time with them. Travis adores Granny and Grandpa "Goose". We're a tight (and huge-5 kids, 22 grandkids, and I think 49 great-grandkids!) family, and this has been so very difficult for all of us. And even beyond the family, they are very loved and respected within their church and community. The good news is that there are countless people praying!
As far as Grandpa goes, I'm not even sure how to pray. From Wed. until this morning, especially seeing him struggle so much physically and getting more and more bad news, I just really felt little hope and my prayer was that he wouldn't be suffering and that God would take him peacefully. However, today was the first day since Wed. when I think we received more good news than bad news. Enough to give us the tiniest sliver of hope. We've been praying that grandpa himself, in one way or another, would give us a clear indication of whether is ready to be done or ready to fight...could it be that he'll pull through this? Of course, he's still in a place where he could die at any time...it would be completely miraculous if he pulled through. And of course I would love for healing to occur, and it could... but it might not. Anyway...in that regard, hopefully I've given enough info that you might pray as you feel led?
The other request is just for strength, peace and wisdom... for all of us (me, my siblings, cousins, 2nd cousins), but particularly for my aunt, dad, three uncles, and my grandma, as they are most affected of all, and also trying to make the right decisions for him in the midst of such heavy emotion. We love him so, so much. This has been very trying and exhausting for ME emotionally, but that much harder for them. So many tears being shed all around.
And most especially, for my sweet Granny Goose. They have been married for 67 years. They are truly "one", and she is dependent on him in so many ways. None of us are quite sure how she will cope and go on if indeed this is "his time". Please, please think of her in the coming days. My heart is aching for her.
I really do appreciate the prayers of my family and friends more than I can say. I know that you all have your burdens, too, and that in the grand scheme of things, he may seem like just another 87-year old grandpa who's time has come. I know there are "bigger" things to be praying for. But this is MY heart right now, and not just another grandpa. He means so much to me and frankly, I'm afraid of what my world would be like without him and Grandma. Their unconditional love and pride and support is a rare thing, something I cling to.
Anyway...thank you. Luke and Laurie are their names.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Evan is crawling!
It doesn't seem like he should be old enough to crawl! Still lots faster with the army crawl, but here's one of his first attempts at "real" crawling.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas tree cutting 2009
One of my favorite Christmas traditions...going to find the tree! We joined up with some friends, found our trees and enjoyed the rest of the tree farm, then went out for pizza. A great way to kick off the season! (this was Thanksgiving weekend).
Travis "helping" carry the tree :)
Evan's in there somewhere!
The whole group (minus Steve and Jayna). A much smaller group than usual, but we still had lots of fun!
Riding on the wagon out to the trees.
I forgot about the Santa outfit (Travis wore it when he was this age) until after we got home...of course. So we posed him at home after we got the tree up. What a fun day!!
Travis "helping" carry the tree :)
Evan's in there somewhere!
The whole group (minus Steve and Jayna). A much smaller group than usual, but we still had lots of fun!
Riding on the wagon out to the trees.I forgot about the Santa outfit (Travis wore it when he was this age) until after we got home...of course. So we posed him at home after we got the tree up. What a fun day!!The good that can come...
I feel the need to follow up on the last post... so much could be said, but I have just a couple of thoughts I want to share.
I think we all know that it can be really hard to see good come of the bad. This is especially true of something as senseless, shocking, and heartbreaking as the events of last week. Seriously, what good could possibly come of something so evil?
And yet, there HAVE been good...even beautiful...things that have happened in response to all of this. First, there has been a definite increase in public appreciation of law enforcement. Granted, the price was WAY too high, and I know that ANY officer out there would, in a heartbeat, go back to not being appreciated if it meant having those four officers back. Nevertheless, this is a group that has perhaps the most thankless job we can think of. As with members of the military, these people put their lives on the line every day that they work in order to protect my freedom and well-being, as well as yours. And yet most of us, when we think of cops, just think about that one jerk who gave us the ticket we didn't deserve. I'm not just saying this because I'm a cop's wife...they deserve our thanks!
Early last week, Steve was assigned to work security at the Lakewood police station. It was a night shift, but despite the late hours and the freezing cold, Steve said that the flow of people coming to pay their respects and grieve was constant. And of all those people, dozens stopped and gave him a hug and said "thank you". I went to Wal-Mart last week, and as I was loading my groceries in the car there was an officer in the parking lot. He couldn't even move his car for all the people rolling down their windows to say "thank you". And the number of people lining the streets for the procession to the memorial service was impressive...there, of course, to honor the fallen, but also there, I believe, simply to stand in support of law enforcement. I hope that even in years to come, people in our area will remember this time, and will remember to again say "thank you".
The "beautiful" that I referred to earlier has been the incredible outpouring of love shown by our greater community in all of this. And I know that I've only seen glimpses of this; I'm sure people closer to the situation could speak in much greater detail on this. I think it was the Lakewood chief who, at the memorial service, talked about how it was difficult to be truly angry when everywhere he looked, he saw people expressing love. Yes, we got a shocking glimpse last week of the pure evil that exists in our world. But as a result, we've seen so much good and so much love that many of us didn't know existed, either. And that brings tears to my eyes even more quickly than when I think of the sadness. Some of the "glimpses" I've seen...
As I mentioned before, Steve witnessed endless numbers of people coming to the station to leave flowers, remembrances, and prayers. From pictures, I've gathered that the flow of people continued all the way through yesterday (and probably even beyond?) Also on that night, baristas from Starbucks and elsewhere came on a nearly hourly basis to distribute free drinks to working and non-working officers. Restaurants and businesses brought mountains of food for them. Later in the week I visited the memorial at the site of the shooting, and again, people everywhere, coming together to honor the officers, some praying, many shedding tears. As the days went on, countless prayer vigils were set up throughout the area to pray for all affected. Benefit concerts and programs were set up by groups and businesses everywhere to help ensure the families will be taken care of. And God only knows how many prayers were lifted up. It's like everyone just wanted to help, and if they could think of a way to help, they did! Maybe most impressive of all was the memorial service and the number of people who showed up. Hundreds of officers each from New York, Boston, Chicago (maybe others?), and over a thousand from Canada! Over 20,000 in attendance, the vast majority being law enforcement from all over the country. It was amazing! Anyway, as much as this whole ordeal just plain sucks, I have been truly blessed and encouraged to see such showings of love and support, and how people have really come together.
Even though most of us are now beginning the process of moving on, my prayers will be with the families of the four officers in the coming months. Their grief has only just barely begun.
Oh, one more thought (that's not from me, but from Pastor Matt last Sunday). Many, including myself, have asked, "Why did it have to be at Christmastime?" with the concern that now the holidays will just bring sadness and reminders of the pain for the families. Matt's comments were more along the lines of "What better time than Christmas to help begin the healing process?" After all, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus coming to earth to save us from sin and brokenness. Can you imagine where we'd be if He hadn't?
With that...on to some Christmas cheer :)
I think we all know that it can be really hard to see good come of the bad. This is especially true of something as senseless, shocking, and heartbreaking as the events of last week. Seriously, what good could possibly come of something so evil?
And yet, there HAVE been good...even beautiful...things that have happened in response to all of this. First, there has been a definite increase in public appreciation of law enforcement. Granted, the price was WAY too high, and I know that ANY officer out there would, in a heartbeat, go back to not being appreciated if it meant having those four officers back. Nevertheless, this is a group that has perhaps the most thankless job we can think of. As with members of the military, these people put their lives on the line every day that they work in order to protect my freedom and well-being, as well as yours. And yet most of us, when we think of cops, just think about that one jerk who gave us the ticket we didn't deserve. I'm not just saying this because I'm a cop's wife...they deserve our thanks!
Early last week, Steve was assigned to work security at the Lakewood police station. It was a night shift, but despite the late hours and the freezing cold, Steve said that the flow of people coming to pay their respects and grieve was constant. And of all those people, dozens stopped and gave him a hug and said "thank you". I went to Wal-Mart last week, and as I was loading my groceries in the car there was an officer in the parking lot. He couldn't even move his car for all the people rolling down their windows to say "thank you". And the number of people lining the streets for the procession to the memorial service was impressive...there, of course, to honor the fallen, but also there, I believe, simply to stand in support of law enforcement. I hope that even in years to come, people in our area will remember this time, and will remember to again say "thank you".
The "beautiful" that I referred to earlier has been the incredible outpouring of love shown by our greater community in all of this. And I know that I've only seen glimpses of this; I'm sure people closer to the situation could speak in much greater detail on this. I think it was the Lakewood chief who, at the memorial service, talked about how it was difficult to be truly angry when everywhere he looked, he saw people expressing love. Yes, we got a shocking glimpse last week of the pure evil that exists in our world. But as a result, we've seen so much good and so much love that many of us didn't know existed, either. And that brings tears to my eyes even more quickly than when I think of the sadness. Some of the "glimpses" I've seen...
As I mentioned before, Steve witnessed endless numbers of people coming to the station to leave flowers, remembrances, and prayers. From pictures, I've gathered that the flow of people continued all the way through yesterday (and probably even beyond?) Also on that night, baristas from Starbucks and elsewhere came on a nearly hourly basis to distribute free drinks to working and non-working officers. Restaurants and businesses brought mountains of food for them. Later in the week I visited the memorial at the site of the shooting, and again, people everywhere, coming together to honor the officers, some praying, many shedding tears. As the days went on, countless prayer vigils were set up throughout the area to pray for all affected. Benefit concerts and programs were set up by groups and businesses everywhere to help ensure the families will be taken care of. And God only knows how many prayers were lifted up. It's like everyone just wanted to help, and if they could think of a way to help, they did! Maybe most impressive of all was the memorial service and the number of people who showed up. Hundreds of officers each from New York, Boston, Chicago (maybe others?), and over a thousand from Canada! Over 20,000 in attendance, the vast majority being law enforcement from all over the country. It was amazing! Anyway, as much as this whole ordeal just plain sucks, I have been truly blessed and encouraged to see such showings of love and support, and how people have really come together.
Even though most of us are now beginning the process of moving on, my prayers will be with the families of the four officers in the coming months. Their grief has only just barely begun.
Oh, one more thought (that's not from me, but from Pastor Matt last Sunday). Many, including myself, have asked, "Why did it have to be at Christmastime?" with the concern that now the holidays will just bring sadness and reminders of the pain for the families. Matt's comments were more along the lines of "What better time than Christmas to help begin the healing process?" After all, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus coming to earth to save us from sin and brokenness. Can you imagine where we'd be if He hadn't?
With that...on to some Christmas cheer :)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Processing and praying...
Wow. What a day. A day that has given me so much to think about...
This morning, as I and the rest of the worship team was finishing up rehearsal in preparation for services, we received word that four police officers had been shot and killed just minutes ago at a coffee shop just blocks from church. Four of them. As they were drinking coffee in front of their laptops, getting ready for a day's work. Thankfully, I didn't have to worry about Steve being a part of this - he was home with the kids. Even still, I was really shaken up. And in shock. This was just too close to home, both physically and figuratively. I called Steve right away, and also thought immediately of our very good friend who works for the department the officers were from. And thankfully again, our friend had not been working, either. Thank you, God, a hundred times over.
As the day has unfolded, Steve and I have received more details, and I have been able to process things at least a little bit, I'm at a place where I think I could write and write, just to get my thoughts and emotions out there. But I don't want to ramble. Maybe later, after I can really process more, I will say more, but I want my words to actually have a purpose.
So for now, I want to ask for prayer. Because in situations like this, what else can you do? Here are things I can think of to pray for in this situation:
-that the suspect/s would be caught, and quickly. There is little doubt that this person WILL be caught, but it needs to be as soon as possible - for the safety of the public, and for the safety of all local officers. Also, pray that when he is apprehended, there will be no more death. This person has nothing left to lose, and will not be afraid to kill again.
-for the local law enforcement community. For their safety, for sure. Also, for an extra dose of courage and vigilance as they work. And also for their hearts as they grieve the loss of a colleague, or even friend. Since Steve has entered the field, it has encouraged me to see what a close-knit community exists within law enforcement. And to lose a comrade, even if you didn't know them personally....
-for the two baristas and "few" customers at the coffee place at the time. Can you imagine? Can you even begin to imagine the scene...first fearing for their lives, watching the brutality, not being able to do a thing for the officers, and then the final scene? Those images will haunt them all their lives. Well, let's pray that they don't. My heart goes out to these witnesses.
-more than anything else, we can pray for their families. Between the four of them, they had nine kids. Seven kids now without daddies, and two without their mommy. Three spouses surely still in shock, but soon to be entrenched in unimaginable grief. Parents, siblings, close friends...all without their loved one. I can't even tell you how much my heart is breaking for them right now. Even this morning upon first hearing the news, of course I was thinking about Steve and the fact that he is in danger every day that he works. But my dominant care was for all of these people, about to be greeted by a person in uniform at their doorstep, giving them the news of the death of their loved one. I can't express my sadness for them.
-admittedly the most selfish prayer request of this list...for Steve's safety. Honestly, I've never really had great fear for Steve in his line of work. I'm not naive, and I know police work can be dangerous, but despite what it seems, police deaths are quite uncommon, and much more rare than, for example, construction deaths (his previous line of work). Beyond that, this is an area where, for whatever reason, I have no problem trusting God, and knowing that we are resting in His hands. I've just always had a peace about it...definitely from God. But now....like I said, today has given me much to think about. As I write this, Steve is at work, and the killer is still on the loose. I suppose I should be freaking out? Thankfully, I'm not...again, I feel the Lord's peace. But I am also consciously not allowing myself to think about all the "what if"s. Anyway, prayers for his safety are always appreciated.
Getting through two worship services while all of this was going on was not easy. It is really hard to genuinely and earnestly praise God in the midst of such evil and such pain. At the same time, it is in these times that lyrics come to life and pierce your heart. Words that spoke to me...
"You alone are Father
You alone are good
You alone are Savior
And You alone are God"
And the words that made me smile every time they were sung:
"And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home I'll trust in You"
I've been checking in with the news periodically throughout the day, and in the time it has taken me to write this, things have happened. This from the local news... "Police searching for the person of interest in the Lakewood police shooting have surrounded a home in the city's Leschi neighborhood. Spokesman Jeff Kappel said the SWAT team surrounded the home around 8:45 p.m. after receiving a tip that (the bad guy) may be inside. Investigators on the scene said negotiators are trying to get the man inside to surrender." May this be the end. Even if it marks only the beginning of a long and difficult grieving process for four families.
This morning, as I and the rest of the worship team was finishing up rehearsal in preparation for services, we received word that four police officers had been shot and killed just minutes ago at a coffee shop just blocks from church. Four of them. As they were drinking coffee in front of their laptops, getting ready for a day's work. Thankfully, I didn't have to worry about Steve being a part of this - he was home with the kids. Even still, I was really shaken up. And in shock. This was just too close to home, both physically and figuratively. I called Steve right away, and also thought immediately of our very good friend who works for the department the officers were from. And thankfully again, our friend had not been working, either. Thank you, God, a hundred times over.
As the day has unfolded, Steve and I have received more details, and I have been able to process things at least a little bit, I'm at a place where I think I could write and write, just to get my thoughts and emotions out there. But I don't want to ramble. Maybe later, after I can really process more, I will say more, but I want my words to actually have a purpose.
So for now, I want to ask for prayer. Because in situations like this, what else can you do? Here are things I can think of to pray for in this situation:
-that the suspect/s would be caught, and quickly. There is little doubt that this person WILL be caught, but it needs to be as soon as possible - for the safety of the public, and for the safety of all local officers. Also, pray that when he is apprehended, there will be no more death. This person has nothing left to lose, and will not be afraid to kill again.
-for the local law enforcement community. For their safety, for sure. Also, for an extra dose of courage and vigilance as they work. And also for their hearts as they grieve the loss of a colleague, or even friend. Since Steve has entered the field, it has encouraged me to see what a close-knit community exists within law enforcement. And to lose a comrade, even if you didn't know them personally....
-for the two baristas and "few" customers at the coffee place at the time. Can you imagine? Can you even begin to imagine the scene...first fearing for their lives, watching the brutality, not being able to do a thing for the officers, and then the final scene? Those images will haunt them all their lives. Well, let's pray that they don't. My heart goes out to these witnesses.
-more than anything else, we can pray for their families. Between the four of them, they had nine kids. Seven kids now without daddies, and two without their mommy. Three spouses surely still in shock, but soon to be entrenched in unimaginable grief. Parents, siblings, close friends...all without their loved one. I can't even tell you how much my heart is breaking for them right now. Even this morning upon first hearing the news, of course I was thinking about Steve and the fact that he is in danger every day that he works. But my dominant care was for all of these people, about to be greeted by a person in uniform at their doorstep, giving them the news of the death of their loved one. I can't express my sadness for them.
-admittedly the most selfish prayer request of this list...for Steve's safety. Honestly, I've never really had great fear for Steve in his line of work. I'm not naive, and I know police work can be dangerous, but despite what it seems, police deaths are quite uncommon, and much more rare than, for example, construction deaths (his previous line of work). Beyond that, this is an area where, for whatever reason, I have no problem trusting God, and knowing that we are resting in His hands. I've just always had a peace about it...definitely from God. But now....like I said, today has given me much to think about. As I write this, Steve is at work, and the killer is still on the loose. I suppose I should be freaking out? Thankfully, I'm not...again, I feel the Lord's peace. But I am also consciously not allowing myself to think about all the "what if"s. Anyway, prayers for his safety are always appreciated.
Getting through two worship services while all of this was going on was not easy. It is really hard to genuinely and earnestly praise God in the midst of such evil and such pain. At the same time, it is in these times that lyrics come to life and pierce your heart. Words that spoke to me...
"You alone are Father
You alone are good
You alone are Savior
And You alone are God"
And the words that made me smile every time they were sung:
"And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home I'll trust in You"
I've been checking in with the news periodically throughout the day, and in the time it has taken me to write this, things have happened. This from the local news... "Police searching for the person of interest in the Lakewood police shooting have surrounded a home in the city's Leschi neighborhood. Spokesman Jeff Kappel said the SWAT team surrounded the home around 8:45 p.m. after receiving a tip that (the bad guy) may be inside. Investigators on the scene said negotiators are trying to get the man inside to surrender." May this be the end. Even if it marks only the beginning of a long and difficult grieving process for four families.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Evan 6 (7) months
I meant to do all of this (have pictures taken) when Evan was closer to 6 months...oops. In my defense, I wanted to wait until he was easily sitting on his own....
I took Evan to have pictures done at JCP...I went mainly for the purpose of the bathtub collage you see below. I have one of those now for each of the kids, hanging in our bathroom. Here are the best pictures! Family - I didn't buy very many, just wallets, but if you want something bigger of any of these, just let me know.
Evan is doing all the typical 7 month-old baby things...sitting well, rolling all over the place, on the verge of crawling, trying all sorts of baby food. It's fun to see Travis and Jayna interact with him...they both really love him. We'll see how they feel when he starts getting into their toys :)
I took Evan to have pictures done at JCP...I went mainly for the purpose of the bathtub collage you see below. I have one of those now for each of the kids, hanging in our bathroom. Here are the best pictures! Family - I didn't buy very many, just wallets, but if you want something bigger of any of these, just let me know.
Evan is doing all the typical 7 month-old baby things...sitting well, rolling all over the place, on the verge of crawling, trying all sorts of baby food. It's fun to see Travis and Jayna interact with him...they both really love him. We'll see how they feel when he starts getting into their toys :)
We love him to pieces!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Eenie meenie miney mo
Every night Travis and Jayna each get to pick a book, then either Steve or I reads them to both of them. One night I taught them the "Eenie meenie" rhyme, and they both love reciting it. Though as you can see, Jayna only gets parts of it, and it just cracks me up! She has always been one to sit down for good lengths of time and read books, but now every time she finishes one, she picks up two more and does the rhyme first. We often hear her after she's gone to bed, reciting it in between books for as long as she can keep her eyes open.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Rooster, ladybug, and caterpillar...
We didn't get around to carving pumpkins this year (though I will at least get the seeds out soon), but Travis really wanted to paint his pumpkin that he got at his pre-k pumpkin patch field trip. Silly kid.
The rooster...
the ladybug,
and the caterpillar!
She's potty-trained!
I suspected that Jayna was ready to make the switch from diaper to underwear, and I was right! As with Travis, it was way too easy (seriously...a day and a half), and again, I'm soooo thankful! I hear lots of potty-training horror stories, and so far we have been spared any real difficulties. New underwear and M & M's did the trick. She even does underwear during naps, but not at night. Of course we're super proud of her, but we're also happy to only be buying diapers for one now! Way to go, big girl!!
-
Hunter's Farm Pumpkin Patch
My favorite outing of the year...the pumpkin patch! Pictures speak for themselves...we all had a blast!
Fall leaves
Travis is a little bit obsessed lately with seasons, and what each season brings. I told him one time that in the fall, a fun thing to do is make a big pile of leaves and jump in it. Well, once I told him that, he asked us EVERY single day when we would get to do that. As much as I love fall, it seems like the leaves fall off the tree as soon as they turn color, and then of course since we live where we do, it rains...so it can be tough to find a window of time to do this. Fortunately, we found a day when Steve was off, it wasn't raining, and even though most leaves were still on trees, we improvised and had our fun. We ended up going to Point Defiance Park where Steve, who had thought to bring the rake, gathered a bunch of leaves and let the kids at it (that is, after first going to Owen Beach to throw rocks, of course). Free fun while enjoying nature - what could be better?! 
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
How do YOU keep your house clean?
That's it. I give up. I am a no-good housekeeper! And so I need to hear from you all...how do YOU keep your house clean?!
Ever since I became a stay-at-home mom, I put it in my mind that part of my "job" was to maintain an orderly household, and I still hold myself to that standard. Theoretically, anyway. But if this were a "real" job, I'd so be fired! Maintaining a clean house with little ones seriously has become what seems like an impossible task to me. It's weird, because I don't like messiness and chaos. It kind of drives me nuts. Yet it obviously doesn't drive me so nuts that I do what I need to do to keep things looking halfway decent around here.
Now, I know that a perfectly clean house is NOT the most important thing in the world. I spend a whole lot of time every day just playing with the kids and enjoying them, and I know time spent in that way is much more valuable than time spent cleaning. I won't give that time up. On the other hand, I think I would enjoy that time with them more if I didn't have this huge housework to-do list hanging over my head. That, and I do think it's important for kids to grow up surrounded by more peace and order than disorder, and for them to learn lessons in daily responsibilities.
So, I guess I'm looking for the most effective ways of doing things. I know that work is involved, even with shortcuts. But the less time we can all spend on cleaning and chores, the more we can spend doing the things we love! Let's talk specifics...
Here are some problem areas for me:
1. Just keeping stuff picked up. I feel like 98% of the time I have to clean every day goes simply to picking things up and emptying/reloading the dishwasher. Which leaves virtually no time for any other chores. I know this will become less of an issue as the kids get older and can do more of this kind of thing, but for now, I feel like all I do is pick up after others. I will say that I recently dubbed 7:00pm as "clean-up time", with great success. And that way I don't spend the first half-hour of the kids' bedtime cleaning up their toys. (still other clean-up to do, but at least not that). Any other ideas in this department?
2. Laundry!!! Does anyone else feel like they are constantly drowning in laundry? My current system - to let it pile up until it really needs to be done - is not working. Because then it becomes too overwhelming of a task. It worked when there were just two, and even three of us, but not now. So I'd like to know if there's anyone out there who has a system that works for them. Do you do a little every day? All of it on one specific day every week? Twice a week? Any other thoughts?
3. I consider picking stuff up and laundry to be the two biggies. Then there's everything else...bathrooms, changing sheets, scrubbing bathtubs, dusting, organizing closets...you all know how endless this list is. Do you all just do these things randomly as needed? That's what I've always done, but then again, I can't tell you the last time I changed all of our sheets....(I know, that's gross). Dusting...I'm not kidding when I tell you I dust MAYBE twice a year. And our closets make me cringe. Does anyone out there have a cleaning schedule for these kinds of things? I'm considering starting one, but kind of afraid that would mean setting myself up for failure:) But I think I need to discipline myself somehow in order to keep things nicer/cleaner than they are now.
So those are the things I'd like to ask you all about. Solutions that have worked for me...like I said, 7:00 clean-up time. Also, there are some great products out there that make cleaning easier (love my toilet wand, and also anti-bacterial cleaning wipes for counters and bathrooms).
I do know that part of the solution is for me to just buckle down and get it done. But again, I'm looking for effectiveness...to spend the least possible amount of time necessary while still accomplishing what I need to. There are a few of you out there - even moms with young kids - who DO somehow manage to maintain incredible order in your home...I want to hear from you!
Ever since I became a stay-at-home mom, I put it in my mind that part of my "job" was to maintain an orderly household, and I still hold myself to that standard. Theoretically, anyway. But if this were a "real" job, I'd so be fired! Maintaining a clean house with little ones seriously has become what seems like an impossible task to me. It's weird, because I don't like messiness and chaos. It kind of drives me nuts. Yet it obviously doesn't drive me so nuts that I do what I need to do to keep things looking halfway decent around here.
Now, I know that a perfectly clean house is NOT the most important thing in the world. I spend a whole lot of time every day just playing with the kids and enjoying them, and I know time spent in that way is much more valuable than time spent cleaning. I won't give that time up. On the other hand, I think I would enjoy that time with them more if I didn't have this huge housework to-do list hanging over my head. That, and I do think it's important for kids to grow up surrounded by more peace and order than disorder, and for them to learn lessons in daily responsibilities.
So, I guess I'm looking for the most effective ways of doing things. I know that work is involved, even with shortcuts. But the less time we can all spend on cleaning and chores, the more we can spend doing the things we love! Let's talk specifics...
Here are some problem areas for me:
1. Just keeping stuff picked up. I feel like 98% of the time I have to clean every day goes simply to picking things up and emptying/reloading the dishwasher. Which leaves virtually no time for any other chores. I know this will become less of an issue as the kids get older and can do more of this kind of thing, but for now, I feel like all I do is pick up after others. I will say that I recently dubbed 7:00pm as "clean-up time", with great success. And that way I don't spend the first half-hour of the kids' bedtime cleaning up their toys. (still other clean-up to do, but at least not that). Any other ideas in this department?
2. Laundry!!! Does anyone else feel like they are constantly drowning in laundry? My current system - to let it pile up until it really needs to be done - is not working. Because then it becomes too overwhelming of a task. It worked when there were just two, and even three of us, but not now. So I'd like to know if there's anyone out there who has a system that works for them. Do you do a little every day? All of it on one specific day every week? Twice a week? Any other thoughts?
3. I consider picking stuff up and laundry to be the two biggies. Then there's everything else...bathrooms, changing sheets, scrubbing bathtubs, dusting, organizing closets...you all know how endless this list is. Do you all just do these things randomly as needed? That's what I've always done, but then again, I can't tell you the last time I changed all of our sheets....(I know, that's gross). Dusting...I'm not kidding when I tell you I dust MAYBE twice a year. And our closets make me cringe. Does anyone out there have a cleaning schedule for these kinds of things? I'm considering starting one, but kind of afraid that would mean setting myself up for failure:) But I think I need to discipline myself somehow in order to keep things nicer/cleaner than they are now.
So those are the things I'd like to ask you all about. Solutions that have worked for me...like I said, 7:00 clean-up time. Also, there are some great products out there that make cleaning easier (love my toilet wand, and also anti-bacterial cleaning wipes for counters and bathrooms).
I do know that part of the solution is for me to just buckle down and get it done. But again, I'm looking for effectiveness...to spend the least possible amount of time necessary while still accomplishing what I need to. There are a few of you out there - even moms with young kids - who DO somehow manage to maintain incredible order in your home...I want to hear from you!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fall fun, part one
We've been having a whole lot of fall-type fun here in the Butts household in the last month! Unfortunately, I left our camera at my sister's house in Bellingham the last time we were there, and most of our pictures are still on it (and not on the computer), so I'll have to wait to share most of it. I do, however, have pictures of a recent trip to the park. That sounds like kind of a lame thing to be documenting (especially when it's just the park across the street!), but hey, the everyday stuff is important, too! These were taken on the kind of fall day I love...chilly air mixed with warm sun. Pretty soon winter will be here and trips to the park will be infrequent, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather!
On "the fing that goes round and round". This park really is geared more toward older kids, but these kids find ways to make it fun!
Rock jumping/counting!
On the "dizzy fing", as Travis calls it. They like to be pushed, but not too fast! The Engmans gave Jayna this tutu for her birthday in June. She forgot about it for awhile, but lately loves to wear it all the time. :)
On "the fing that goes round and round". This park really is geared more toward older kids, but these kids find ways to make it fun!Rock jumping/counting! Together, we named our front porch scarecrow Tiny Tim. They now refer to him casually, as if he is a real person. 
Um, this is not a park picture. Not sure it was even taken on the same day. But I have to include a picture of the cute baby:)
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