Overwhelmed.

My house is a sty. I admit it. I would much rather pack my family up and take them to Victoria than clean my house. I have piles, full cupboards, and clothes... well, everywhere. I am a mess. Where do I start? I am overwhelmed.

I watched the "Hoarders" show the other day and realized that I don't have THAT kind of problem. But, I do have the issue of being able to finish what I've started. It seems that the only time I can do anything around here is when the youngest is napping. In between working, laundry, picking up and driving to, I just can't stay on top of things. Last year I got a housecleaner to help me every other week, but the budget suffered some severe cutbacks this year and I had to learn to manage on my own. (The best part of a house cleaner is that she did all the things I needed to do in just one day). Enter, the fly lady.

http://www.flylady.net/

This week it's bathroom zone. I emptied my entire bathroom of debris. Half-empty shampoo bottles, gross bandages, and some nasty perfume that's been around for too long. It's cleansing and good for my spirit. Next week's zone is the master bedroom. I'll let you know how that goes as it has become a "dumping ground" for all the kids' stuff.

It seems that it happens every year around this time. I think the kids go through this SERIOUS growth spurt, which means nothing fits, so I have to go through the tedious chore of their dressers. Because my two girls are built so differently, I can't hand me down at all. It's such a drag. This means I have to shop. I know, it's tough... But, how to stay on budget, buy things that will last, age-appropriate, and will ultimately fit. My oldest is wide, the middle is narrow. Hooray for www.crazy8.com and their friends and family sale! It is terrific for moms like me. I bought about 4 outfits for each kid, some birthday presents, and a winter coat for $130. With the US dollar being almost par with Canada, this is great. Check them out. I love their stuff.

So, I'm also trying to lose the extra 10 pounds I found over the last few months. I'm starting with a detox plan, drinking more water, eating as little sugar as possible, remembering to eat breakfast, and not eating after 8. So far, just one pound. Perhaps if I exercised a little, it might go a little faster. I'll take the dog for a walk tonight. I promise.