Friday, September 19, 2008

This Week on the Home Front



We have been out of school because of the hurricane all week, and there has been a lot to do. First up, we've had to clean up the tree limbs and debris in our yards and contact the insurance company. Second, there has been a ton of laundry to do since the power came back on. Although we're not drinking our water yet, we are using it for showers and laundry.


Also, having so much time on my hands, I decided to undertake a huge de-clutter. My step-daughters just switched bedrooms about a week ago. Neither one of them is what you would call "domestic" by any stretch of the imagination. But, the oldest one is getting better. You should have seen the clutter in the closet she inherited from the younger step-daughter! So, I tackled it. I found old backpacks, my husband's CD case that has been missing for two years, ski boots, supplies from her knitting phase three years ago, pillows from couches we haven't had in the house for years, school supplies from the last three years, and so on, and so on. I purged, categorized, and organized, and what a rush! I love doing that!


I filled up two large trash bags, filled a backpack, a large clothing store sack, and still didn't fit everything in. But do I feel better! And my oldest step-daughter was so grateful. A hug from her made it all worthwhile.


I haven't been able to do every "small thing" challenge at Home Sanctuary this week, but I did manage to sweep the corners (and the rest) of my living room and clean out our soap and tissue dispensers. I would have loved to bake something from scratch, but we still don't have any fresh eggs being delivered to our area since the storm, and the grocery stores have lines just to get what provisions we can. I also ran out of sugar. If I could, I would make this Texas Chocolate Sheetcake, especially since it's a recipe from my friend who runs a bakery/catering business and because my birthday is next week. She shared the recipe with me, so I will share with you (just click the link above).

I also would have liked to clean up by my back door, but we got a new dining table delivered, and the old one is blocking the back door for now. We're going to donate it, but right now, there is nowhere to put it. This is the new table.


If you haven't checked out Home Sanctuary, you should. It's never too late to join, and she always gives me great ideas on ways to make my home more blessed.

I also recommend checking out Organising Queen. She is the best at de-cluttering, and she is so helpful! She also has great tips for organizing your computer, as well as a terrific post on de-cluttering the paper in your life, and since this month's Organizing Junkie roundup is the office area, it's definitely worth a look! OrgJunkie has a great post about weeding out the time consumers in our lives.

Since I will be off another week (many of our schools were damaged and aren't ready for students yet), I am planning to de-clutter, organize, menu-plan, and create some real order in my household! Won't you join me?
And remember, I have two giveaways ending soon.

17 comments:

  1. I'm glad you all are okay and clean up is a pain. You are the busy beaver. If I ever went upstairs to my kids room I'd probably jump from the secod floor.

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  2. Gosh, I so need to join you. I feel like I live in the middle of a giant clutter ball.

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  3. Oh my GOSH, I haven't thought of Texas sheetcake in YEARS! It used to be the standard second cake at family birthdays when I was a kid -- kind of the wedding equivalent of the groom's cake. Mom would bake whatever the birthday person wanted, then the Texas sheetcake because no matter how bizarre the birthday cake was, everyone loved the Texas sheetcake.

    It's yummy and easy. And, looking at the recipe, I think I can convert it to egg-free pretty easily so allergic Big Guy can eat it. You've given me a project for the weekend!

    Thanks for the memories and the idea!

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  4. Thanks for your lovely words about my blog! You did SUCH a great job with your kids' wardrobes.


    And yum.,.... that cake sounds delicious :) I am so craving a nice piece of cake.

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  5. I haven't had a Texas sheet cake in years (DROOL)! Sounds like you're staying really busy! I've been doing the fall decluttering here too - sure feels good doesn't it?

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  6. I am so glad that you and your family are safe. Hurricanes are scary. I know, because I also live on the coast. At least you have been putting your time to good use!
    Are you a teacher? I taught for 10 years and I am currently trying ot get back into the system.

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  7. I join the others in letting you know that we are just glad you are safe and well!! Decluttering after that storm would be a major undertaking! Every thing looks so great!!

    Now, did I hear cake????????? :)

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  8. ok, so now I'm looking at my house with guilt...LOL...it would probably take a hurricane for me to declutter that much! ;)
    I forgot you were in hurricane weather, I'm glad you're all safe and sound and you get a couple weeks vacation! Around here we get snow days...I never thought of hurricane days...lol
    Thanks so much for your comment on my vent, your opinion does mean a lot on that topic :) I really appreciate it!

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  9. You should have told me you had some free time on your hands, I was off from work all week to you could have came over and organized my house for me. LOL!

    Glad to hear that you got your electric back on even though it means catching up on the laundry.

    Chrissy

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  10. I'm so glad you're okay...how frightening....but now you will be all organized for the winter! A cozy abode.... Good for you making a positive out of a negative.

    Hugs Giggles

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  11. I am always AMAZED at all you get accomplished! You are such a positive person! That's why I LOVE your blog!

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  12. Wow even though you had a lot to do because of the hurricane you still took time to declutter!

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  13. Woohoo, look at you go! I'm so proud of you. It is such a great sense of accomplishment isn't it.

    Blessings,
    Laura

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  14. Well, the coffee is probably cold almost 48 hours later, but I thought I'd drop in and say hello!

    Looks like you've had a very successful week! It does feel so good to de-clutter...I just have SO much to de-clutter it gets overwhelming!

    Thanks for the great recipe ~ chocolate sheetcake is my favorite!

    Love the table!
    Hope you had a blessed weekend!

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  15. Happy Birthday for next week sweetie, sounds like you had a very productive week. Well done.

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  16. it must feels good after doing it all...


    i'm waiting for the history of love :D

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  17. I'm just now getting here for coffee...is there any left?? I'll take mine cold, over ice, with creamer.

    You got so much done, I'm impressed! Texas sheet cake sounds great...perfect for a big group of people.

    I'm still on my de-clutter rampage and it does feel wonderful. Still so far to go...but a little at a time is ok.

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