Thursday, July 26, 2007

I NOW HAVE SEVEN READERS!!! WOO HOO!!!

HOUSEWORK...the never-ending battle

So, I'm gonna kinda switch gears to respond to Tracy's oh-so-supportive question about how the housework is going. Actually, it is going rather well for the most part. So...here's my story.

Hi, my name is Devon, and I'm a clutterbug. There needs to be a C.A...Clutterbug's Annonymous, because I would be one of the charter members. I am sooooo good about setting something somewhere saying to myself that I'll put it away later. And then later...and then later. I'm terrible about it. I'm also terrible about things such as unloading the dishwasher. Why not just USE the stuff in the dishwasher next time you need something?!?

So, that's my starting point. That's where I have to grow FROM to get where I want to be. Where do I want to be? I want to know that if someone drops by, my home is presentable and inviting. Too many times when we've decided to get together with friends, I've said, "Either you give me a 30-minute headstart to get home and do a little straightening OR we go to your house." I hate that. I am a stay at home mom and I still have trouble with this. Anyone who has never done it before would think that I should have all the time in the world. I wish it was that easy. I am not, however, making excuses for myself...it's all about discipline and I need to work on that.

SO...what am I doing to work on this? Well, I'll be happy to tell you. I am currently incorporating a new plan that I am very excited about. So, I went to Target to find a dry-erase board. Little did I know that I would find a gem. I found this dry erase boards that are glass and are bored by a solid color and a silver frame. Very cute. You can put pictures, calendars, etc. behind them. SO, I made myself some charts on the computer and taped them behind the 2 dry erase frames. One lists things to accomplish daily (such as making the bed...sweeping the kitchen...making dinner...etc). The other has a list of weekly accomplishments and a list of monthly accomplishments (weekly like laundry/changing the bedding and monthly like dusting my blinds and baseboards). I tried to think of the things that I usually don't think to do like cleaning my vents so that I'd have a visual reminder of what things are often overlooked. Now, I look at the lists daily and mark the daily things off as I go. With the weekly/monthly things I put the date completed next to it so that I know, "Ok...this was done on 7/20...it's time to do it again." That, of course, would be for weekly tasks. Now, I have no excuse for failing or forgetting to do things...I have my reminders.

SO...that's my housework stuff for now. Anyone have any great ideas for organizing, cleaning, STAYING organized, or any other household tips?

Great Responses

I have been getting positive feedback both in comments and several e-mails. That has really helped me improve my confidence and know that there are women out there that are hungry to discuss ways to make ourselves better wives, mothers, friends, etc. That is just so exciting to me, as I know that I certainly need help on this journey and I'm glad that not only will I be able to support you girls, but you'll be right there helping me back. That is great!

I was thinking that...in order for this to be an effective resource, that I would welcome you all to e-mail/post questions, problems, scenerios, etc. that you would like us ladies to talk about. I want us to help each other with our issues, ladies. If you want to do it annonymously or with your name attached to it...it doesn't matter to me. I've got plenty to talk about usually (I know, I know...that's not news to anyone), but I want to know what YOU'RE struggling with or what YOU need to talk about. Otherwise, I might babble about the same thing a bunch (I KNOW, I KNOW!!! Not news to any of you that I babble...SHEESH!). So, ask these ladies the questions that are burning in your mind. I'm not claiming that I'm an expert who will have ANY answers...no siree...I just am sure that if we pool our resources, we can help each other out.

Tracy--feel free to let Ben read small portions of this...I'll trust you to use your judgement on what is appropriate for him to read.

Let's keep this ball rollin', ladies!!!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Just to clarify...this is a new blog...AND, for the record...my brothers with NOT be getting invites...I think they'll understand....My old blog that is not restricted is www.xanga.com/Devion333. I will still be using it, as well, so check it occasionally!

Monday, July 16, 2007

So, here's what I mean about Satan working on me...I haven't even GLANCED at this blog since the last post, as I knew that I would be challenging myself to spend more time with God and such. Just to update...no daily time with God...no focusing on that...no little sibling yet for Cassie...no more fighting...less worrying about money...let's see...everything is good.

My princess started walking last night. Pretty exciting. You'll want to check out my xanga (www.xanga.com/Devion333) for a proverbial butt-load of recipes that I just put on there.

I went and re-read my 2 previous posts on here and found some stupid spelling/grammar errors...obviously I did not proof those too well. I DO know the difference between there/their/they're...it is actually 1 of my pet peeves and I screwed it up!

That's all I'm writing for now. I'll do more later....HOPEFULLY! :)