handsful

Those who know me know that I hate clutter.  That’s not to say that there is never clutter in my house, far from it.  With 5 kids, those who make the mess far outnumber those who clean the mess.  (Randy could be in either group, depending on the day).  And, don’t get me confused with germ-a-phobics.  I’d much rather be re-organizing my pantry than sterilizing it! 

I’m constantly trying to tame clutter, and put things back where they belong (I think I keep Sterilite and Rubbermaid in business just with the tubs and bins I buy).  One thing that drives me bananas is trying to keep kid’s toy parts together.  The other day, I was in Lainey’s room, going through her toys.  We bought her a set of stacking cups before going to China and it was one of her favorite toys that we brought on the trip.  I noticed that the blue cup was missing and couldn’t find it anywhere.  What good is a set of stacking cups when you’re missing a cup??  They won’t STACK anymore!  Later on, I found the cup mixed in with another bin of toys in the family room.  But, then I couldn’t find the rest of the stack.  Good cow! 

On the subject of things that make me nutty, Lainey in her carseat pushes all my buttons.  I give her books beside her in the seat, and secure her baby laptop with the velcro strip so that if she drops it, she can still pull it up to play with.  About 5 minutes into the trip she tosses the books.  Mind you, I already took her shoes and hairbow out because those would have been the first to be flung into the back of the truck.  After playing with the laptop for a few minutes, she tosses it down.  She notices that it’s hanging and goes back and forth…pulls it up/tosses/pulls it up, etc.  She then starts undoing the velcro strip that attaches the toy to her carseat.  I explain that, if she continues, she’ll lose her toy for good…mama can’t help while she’s driving.  She grins and keeps working the velcro.  The toy is now set free, and lying on the floor of the truck.  She fusses, pointing furiously to the toy that got away, and I grin.  With nothing else to do, she rips the car seat pillow from behind her head (also attached is toddler-friendly velcro).  It’s now just her and her clothes, and she’s not yet learned how to undress while clipped in her car seat.  It’s just a matter of time.  As we near our destination, I look back and see her licking both hands and then rubbing them all over her legs, like she’s applying sunscreen.  Toddlers…

After her nap, she insisted on having all 4 of her purses to play with!  She loves things she can put things in…just like me. 

Lastly, Teresa (http://www.continuingthejourney.blogspot.com/) “tagged” me a while ago to participate in a “Six Words that Describe You”…I have to describe myself in 6 words and then tag others to do the same.  Check out both of Teresa’s blogs (her other site is listed on my sidebar as Teresa – Carson), she has a beautiful teenage daughter, the cutest adopted little guy from China, and she’s going for it again with another adoption from China! 

1. Non-confrontational:  I’ll do anything to avoid a conflict, uncomfortable situation, argument, etc.  I just don’t want to rock any boats!  I’m sure it isn’t my best feature, but thankfully my husband is the exact opposite and absolutely thrives on everything I avoid.  Hey, it works. 
2. Non-competitive:  Winning, being better than so and so, getting there first…just doesn’t matter a lick to me.  I’m just in it to have fun.  Randy?  See above…exact opposite.  Two of our kids are like me, and two are like Randy.  Lainey is still a question mark, although she definitely leans more toward her daddy. 
3. Organized:  Like I’ve said, I love having everything organized, categorized, in neat little bins and baskets.  Ahhhh….
4. Busy:  I’m honestly a little stressed about summer ending, because come fall it’s gonna get crazy.  Let’s see…speech therapy, gymnastics, piano lessons, co-op classes for the kids, baseball, horse riding, basketball and cheerleading.  And, of course, homeschooling.  I’m sure I forgot something. 
5. Happy:  Sounds corny, but I’m generally a very happy and easy-going girl.  Sure, I get down and stressed (see #4), but all in all life makes me extremely happy. 
6. Which brings me to…Blessed:  Honestly, why do I deserve all this?  I don’t.  I’ve got a wonderful husband who loves me and tells me so everyday, 5 amazing, fun, healthy kids (when there was a time in our marriage when we thought we’d have none), the privilege of staying home to teach our kids, great relationships with my friends and family, the best church, and a God who loves me just the way I am.  Can it get better? 

I’m tagging Pam, Patricia, Janet, Rebecca, and Cindee – give me your 6 words!