Apologies Are Best Served Unordered

Unordered does not seem like it should be a word but spellcheck is leaving it alone and it's the word I wanted so I will let it be.  If you've been following along, I've made a grand attempt at reorganizing my home so that I may enjoy some sort of organization in other areas of my life.  I've been lucky because everyone (who's been here) in my house seems to be on board.  Ocean and Ethan are coming back this afternoon but I don't see too many issues there - I've kept on the other boys, I can get Ethan too.

Aaron has been an absolute darling since he was able to play his game; so I don't really chalk it up to the fact that he likes the house now but it's still a remarkable improvement.  When I call him, for anything, he answers straight away.  When I ask him to do something, he does it.  And I've had to ask.  "Where does your hoodie belong?" He puts it away. "Where do your plates belong?" He puts them away.  I've said it before, I don't mind reminding them so long as they do it - and I've been getting it done without complaint.


Last night Hunter had taken a container of cereal into the living room (and Geoff was right there - not impressed) and spilled some on the floor.  I had to pause their movie to get it picked up but I did it. I'm becoming really adamant about that stuff now that the place is pre-tidy.  Geoff, obviously realizing his place in this moment, came over to do it and I told him not to and Hunter, seeing this, said "You pick it up Dad" (!! - Nana picked up after me, I picked up after my kids and it doesn't do any good - I'm speaking from experience here!).  Hunter did pick the stray pieces of cereal up - with his toes.  I said nothing because I don't care how you do it, just do it.  He eventually used his hands because he accidentally spilled the container twice while using his toes. Obviously, that cereal hit the trash but it was old anyway and I guess I'd forgotten it was in the cupboard. 

Every morning and night when Hunter takes off clothes I ask him where they go. "In the laundry basket" he says and puts them there.  He has no issues running around naked so sometimes I find the clothes in weird places: the hallway, the kitchen, on the stairs.  I call him and ask where his clothes go - and he puts them away.  I also try to get them to put shoes away to keep the entryway clear.  So far, so good.

This morning Hunter was snacking on Life cereal.  He had taken a fistful out and of course some dropped on the floor.  I was in the kitchen, had noticed this, and figured I would ask him to pick them up after I was finished with whatever I was doing.  Then he came in after a few minutes and said "I'm sorry Mom for mumble, mumble, mumble." I bent down. "What are you sorry for?" "I'm sorry for getting cereal on the floor" he said.  Well doesn't that just warm your heart! "You don't have to be sorry" I said with a hug and a smile,  "just come in and pick it up."  And he did.

The most amazing feeling in the world is when you see your kids doing something so well - and you know it's because of something you said or did.  I felt amazing when he apologized because he was not only aware of the fact that he had left the cereal on the floor, but also that he shouldn't have left it on the floor - that kid makes me think there's hope for all the boys.  And has also given me the motivation to continue with my housework today because before I put this all down, I didn't want to do a darned thing.  Now I'll go organize something because apparently, even the little guy appreciates it. :)

Oh My Gosh, What a Sunday!

Good morning, fabulous holiday Monday morning!  These are seriously my absolute, most favourite days - but this one feels even better than they usually do.  Why?  Because yesterday I was able to spend the whole day doing things I wanted to do.  Why?  Because I worked my tail off the whole week and there was NOT ONE pressing thing I had to do yesterday. 

There was one surprising small hot chocolate spill (gee, Hunter maybe?) but it was wiped up in a flash.  There was no laundry because I finished it on Saturday.  I swished and swiped in the bathrooms when I was in there but there was nothing dire.  People, I had a real day off! And now, on this glorious holiday Monday morning, I, once again, have nothing pressing aside from the blog.  I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to my second day off!! 

My mom-and-dad-in-law are stopping by today on their way through town, and I'm ready.  We had no dinner dishes last night because we treated ourselves to dinner out.  Actually, that was more from a lack of planning because apparently no one wanted the ribs from the other night and I hadn't taken anything else out. Meh, it happens.

So we hopped in the car and headed out.  We actually don't do this often because Hunter can hardly sit at our own table for a prolonged period of time but once in a while, we try it anyway because he has to learn.  Well, I think I can say he's evolving, though I'm not sure if I'm proud of it or not.  Aaron of course is fine because he's seven.  However, as a baby, he would sit in his highchair at mealtime - he loved it.  Hunter hated it.  We shall see.

Anyway, Hunter is definitely not afraid to demand attention.  Most three-year-old's are not I guess, but this is the first time he demanded it of someone else to the point of minor embarrassment.  I suppose we can give the kid some credit for understanding the whole "server gets everything for you" idea.  We had ordered drinks and the kids' came in tiny kid cups.  They both opted for chocolate milk.  We were otherwise occupied I guess because not long after we heard the "sluuuuurp" as Hunter finished his.  Whoops. 

We didn't think much of it because dinner was definitely going to be a bit yet.  Aaron and I were doing his kid's sheet crossword and Geoff was reading a paper.  Hunter had been colouring as well but he got our, and the hostess' attention when he stood up and yelled "Scuse me! Can I have some more chocolate milk?" It wasn't busy in the restaurant so we only had red faces for the hostess.  We hushed Hunter but really, he got it right.  Why ask Mom and Dad?  They don't get the chocolate milk at the restaurant.

When our dinners arrived, Hunter looked at his plate of chicken fingers and fries with utter disappointment.  I noticed this and wasn't sure why - it's exactly what he ordered.  He was staring at it and Geoff, who was sitting beside him, saw why; a cup of sweet and sour sauce.  Hunter doesn't use it and apparently was unimpressed that something he hadn't asked for came with his meal.  We removed the offending cup and all was well.  We started eating and the server came by to ask how everything was.  It was great, thank you.  She was walking away and Hunter (who had not said anything at the time due to a full mouth) yells "I like mine too!" 

Now at the time, it was like, Oh my gosh Hunter! Stop yelling at them!  But having sat on it for a bit I've actually come to another conclusion.  Hunter was being a customer.  When no one came by to see if our drinks were okay, (and why would they? It had only been about eight minutes) he asked for one.  When she came by to see how our meals were, and most everyone does this, she only waited for our reply.  Hunter felt slighted.

Strangely enough, now, I'm proud of the little guy because he showed a real sign of getting bigger: his opinion matters.  He showed an understanding of the whole process and also that he wanted to be involved with it.  Pretty cool, little man, pretty cool.

Disorganization Central

Well, after a busy day of tidying and reorganizing my closet (which was only necessary because my clothes were everywhere BUT) I: missed a doctor's appointment (mine) and fed the kids jam sandwiches because it was 5:30 and they were hungry and I had yet to start dinner.  Whoops.  So, since I have been thinking of this for awhile and in desperate need (and remembered there is a solution), I had to go back to square one. FlyLady.

FlyLady (www.flylady.net) is an email reminder to do your chores.  Not kidding.  I used this once before because I was so darned disorganized and it got me into shape with my cleaning habits without me even noticing.  Personal Testimonial: One night I was cleaning up and bustling away and I looked around and it was all done. I turned to Geoff and thanked him for helping.  He said "I didn't do anything." Not my proudest moment with him, but I was like WOW - I did it?  I set about doing it and it actually was completely finished?? Tidying up??? HURRAY!!! 

Well, even with this most truly ecstatic moment behind me, I somehow got the idea that I was all done with FlyLady and I stopped using it.  Over the past year or so, with the bigger house and Hunter too since I last used it, I've thought about FlyLady.  Well, today I am back on.  I have received my welcome letter and tomorrow I will wake up with the reminder to drink my water.  That is the only habit I actually kept but I'm also looking forward to tomorrow's challenge. 

Maybe it will be the bathroom, or the pantry.  Perhaps the entry way.  The thing is that it will only be one of them.  That and a fifteen minute de-clutter of something that really only requires fifteen minutes - set the timer and stop when it goes off.  What I always used to notice though is that I didn't stop until I was ready.  Which is probably how everything became so easy.  Point is, if I only want to do it bit by bit, or if I happen to have other things to do, I can stop.

I am excited.  Woohoo! FlyLady to the rescue!  And perfect timing too because my Aunt and Uncle will be back here next week and this time, I would like to invite them over to my house without the "OMG how am I ever going to tidy up before they get here?!"  Ah, that is a feeling of relief. Welcome back into my life, FlyLady.