2015?

How is it already 2015? It does not seem possible that we are already a month into the new year. And now we are in full swing of the school year, and all of the craziness that comes with that.  It was nice to have a break from the lunch packing, homework fighting and bed time sagas. The mornings have been tough. No one, including me, wants to get out of bed.  I have managed to pack lunches before bed (full disclosure: I loathe packing lunches.  I would love if the school cafeteria was anything like the French schools.  They totally have the food thing down.  I am not really sure what it is about it that bugs me.  I have tried to do it in the mornings when I am fixing breakfast,  I have tried to pack them right after dinner, and I have even tried to get the boys involved...Ultimately, I figured out that if I do it in the evening, I am not as resentful of the process.  I have tried to change my attitude about it, but I guess I just don't like doing it).  So, here we are now in the new year:-) I did manage to get the house in some kind of order before the new year started which made me feel like I accomplished something.  I even cleaned out my "file" box.  This file box is one of those things that grows everyday and gets out of control very quickly.  It has everything from homework to receipts that I just need a place for until I know that they have passed that test or the thing I bought isn't a lemon.  I also bought this book...

I have read a lot about her methods and this book in particular, so I really wanted to see what all the fuss was about.  She definitely has some great ideas for organizing and gaining the courage to throw crap away.  She uses the premise that you should only keep things that give you "joy." So, if that pair of underwear with no more elastic does not bring you joy, you should throw it away.  Or, if you have 150 books, you should weed through them and only keep those that bring you joy.  She also has some great concepts for folding clothes:-( If I follow her method, it will take me all year to refold everyone's socks like she suggests.  For now, everyone will just have to deal with my ball-o-sock method or pick from this nifty little basket for strays...

             I am certain that if I looked through this, just about every sock will have a mate.

 I don't know much about this woman, but it doesn't appear she has children which may explain her ability to minimize and live clutter free.  In other words, she does not have a Bubba who believes that nothing should be thrown away.  For example, Bubba saw me cleaning out my file box the other day and got very upset that I was throwing away a spelling test from September.  And, if you were to look in any bag or drawer in his room, there is most likely a collection of tiny toys or pieces from various games.  I guarantee that if I were to go in there today and empty out just one of those bags, he would know it.  I can tell you now that none of that stuff brings me "joy," but it does for him, so what would Marie Kondo say to that?  I do have to say that his inability to throw things away makes me a little grateful.  He finds appreciation for those little, lost items that no one else cares about.  I think that says something about this sweet soul. Or, maybe it screams episode of Hoarders down the road.  In the meantime, I will have to work with him on the best ways to organize his hoard so we can keep it in his room!
I thought and thought about resolutions as the new year approached, and basically, I don't have anything written down.  I don't like the pressure I feel to reach those resolutions.  I am not a fan of the gym, so I stopped putting that pressure on myself.  Lyndon and I got FitBits this year. My only goal for that is to get the 10,000 steps a day so it will buzz and light up at the end of each day (btw, it is a lot harder to get 10,000 steps in than you think).  And I have denied myself so many foods to try and be healthy that I refuse to give up anything else.  I like food, and I am really ok with that.  I have a few other things in mind, but I won't bore you with them.  Ultimately, I just want 2015 to be quiet and peaceful.  After 2014, I am praying for calm!  Ok, I will now stop talking and give you what you really want, pics of the boys!

Cross Country 2015

This one made the front of the Christmas card 2014

Just fishin'

Logan totally photobombed this one:-)

AWWW!

Watching the day start with good friends!

Maddi and her "I hate Christmas decorations" look!

A quick trip to the ER for scarlet fever:-(

Love having big sister around now that we are in Florida!

Kalyn and her guy, Michael.  He was not into this hat, but sometimes you sacrifice for love!

Lots of changes this year including the need for glasses!

These two...

Dominating Cross Country...

...and the kitchen:-)

Cooking can be painful!

He has learned sooo much this year!  Very proud:-)

He decided he needed to make fun of me...who has the last laugh now!

I have never seen a kid who loses teeth at a slower rate than this one!

Sugar rush at the ice cream shop!

Say what they will, but the boys still love the zoo!  They begged to feed the giraffes!

She will try anything...

Nailed it!

Just want to squeeze him!

This cat actually stays still for him to love on:-)

Headed to Logan's football game!  We took this pic because I was feeling sentimental. Lyndon now drives this car, but it was mine before the super awesome minivan. Right after he was born (and I was still working), it was the two of us in this car on the way to Miss Barb's house early in the morning.  I sang and talked to him as we drove.  It was our time, and I loved it!  Then, he sat in a baby carrier. Now, his feet touch the ground, and he is almost as tall as me.  It has been a wild 9 years, and so much has changed, but one thing remains the same; he will always be my baby!

Sewing lessons!

Someone told me the other day that Logan looks like a young Perry King.  I had to look him up.  What do you think?  He definitely has the hair down!

Luke in a bubble.  This is an excellent place for him!

Sometimes, he actually gives in!