Well, my oldest turns 17 today. But not until 8:00 this evening. Drives her nuts when I say that, but it's when she was born. :) Seems like just a few years ago, she was toddling around with her baby dolls and now she's off driving and on her way to being an adult. Sigh... Does anyone else spend the day thinking about just what was going on the day of their child's birth, on their birthdays. 17 years ago, at this time, this day, this moment; I was just getting to the doctor's office to verify that I was in labor. She was also born on a Friday. :)

Our egress window is all done. Now, over the next few weeks we'll be moving things around and getting ready for the "big" move. We'll be having a rummage sale the weekend after Labor day, then what's left of that, will be taken, immediately to Salvation Army. After that, the "big" move begins.

You see, we're a bunch of pack rats around here. And as much as I love my mom, she's a hoarder. She just has a LOT of stuff. Now, we (meaning my hubby, kids and myself -- mostly me) have purged a LOT of things this past summer. And this last rummage is the end of it. I pray for good weather and a nice profit, so that we can buy a few more things to help organize what's left. So, once the rummage is over, we will move what's left of my mom's things from one of the bedrooms in the basement to the garage, then we can move my son into that room. We can't do it right away, because all the rummage things are in the garage at this time.

I'll figure out how to post photos, and take some before and after pics. to show just how much we are accomplishing around here. I'm not the best housekeeper around. There are often dishes in the sink (no dishwasher), the floors need vacuuming or mopping. Piles of clutter on counters and table. And, of course, the ever present mess of toys and school things. Not to mention we are ALWAYS behind on laundry. It is messy, but not filthy. No real garbage, no nasty things all over, no bugs (except for the occasional ant getting in, and spiders). I've just come to see that, this is how our home will be, for now. I have been working hard to get it more clean and organized. I've got lots of good ideas, but putting them into practice can be a bit hard for me. Also, we just don't have the money to buy the things we need to sort it out. And I don't mean the super nice looking already made organizer things. I mean even the simplest totes or magazine holders. But, a little at a time we do get them. I just keep praying and trusting God to help me on my journey to becoming a better wife and mother, in regards to this part. And he is helping me.

I guess that's all for now. I could spend forever just typing here, but I've got to go get some dishes done.

Blessings - Athena