Oh the Joy of Boxes

We brought back a ton of produce from AZ and we are loving it. We have given a ton a way and we had a lot of empty boxes. Jake (my hoarder) wouldn't let us throw them away. We consented to keep them until recycling day. Here are a few of our creations. This picture is so freaky to me, but funny all at the same time.

Jake and Ethan working on their "tank"


Mark with Andrew. Mark actually got really into making an amazing box fort for Ryan and Andrew since Ethan and Jake insisted that the little guys stay out of their tank.

Andrew sneaking into the tank.

Here they all are. Yes the boxes on the left are the result of Mark's imagination.

On a side note-- I usually tell people they don't have to remove their shoes when they come into my home because I never clean. And I often tell others what is a little mess here and there when you don't clean. I know many think I am joking but sadly I'm not. Well I do clean it just doesn't feel often enough seeing how a mess is made before one is even cleaned up. I have come to accept that this is a stage of my life and it just might last my entire life, since I am married to Mark :) However I called my mom, the queen of organization, and figured out how to organize my life so things can run a little more smoothly. We have now been on our new schedule for a week and a half (I know not that long) but I am feeling great about it. Thanks mom.

Here it is.

Ethan and Jake must make their beds before they can eat breakfast

Ethan puts my dishes away before he goes to school every morning (or there will be no wii, xbox, or movies when homework is done after school)

Jake vacuums my kitchen every morning before he goes to kindergarten in the afternoon (with the same consequence as Ethan if not done)

Jake also does his homework before school. ( I just can't focus on two kids at the same time doing homework and 2 others running around wild)

Every night after dinner we have help clearing the table and getting dishes done. We also spend 15 min. every night picking up the house.

On Saturdays the Ethan and Jake divide up the basement and get it vacuumed as well.

So I know many of you are thinking, it took you how long to figure this out? I know, I am a little slow. When am I actually cleaning? Hmmm I have been trying to fit that in one or two mornings a week just after homework with Jake. I then do my grocery shopping on Saturday mornings with no kids. I know the stores are crazy but it is worth it to not be fighting the kids.

So there is a little order to home now, not too much though, we still live in mostly chaos :)