It was like a coffin when I was in mama's tummy, and other interesting thoughts

What a wreck....And this picture does not do it justice...really this is just a sampler of my day yesterday.

Misc. junk in piles. That is a good description. At the beginning of the summer I let Isabella and William trade rooms. And it was a good switch to have the 2 oldest downstairs sharing a room, and William up stairs with us. But all good things come to an end. It was time to switch them back. And as we moved them back to their prospective rooms, what a eye opener for this mama. I knew of Isabella's hording / collecting tendencies....however there just are not words to describe it accurately. Let me explain. Roofing shingles. Yes, She had saved a roofing shingle from Lord knows where, because "it was warm" And straws, yes, misc used straws. And my personal favorite an ice cream bucket turned into barbie house. I'll give her creative, that's for sure. But our house is just not big enough for so many "treasures." Thank goodness it was trash day yesterday. So out with the "treasures" and on come the sad eyes, and tears. Mine were tears of joy to have order back in her room. Hers were tears of sadness of her "special" things. Some days I see this type of junk laying around and just secretly throw it out...But I began to think yesterday we need to address this issue and teach her how to de-clutter. And after a little sadness, came an acceptance. And she was o.k. We now have a drawer for barbies and dollies, a drawer for baby clothes, a drawer for purses, a place for CD's. We have order. And I am giddy.

I can tell she loves it too. She now has a reading "spot" in her room. And apparently we have a Horse club. I found this taped to the wall next to her door yesterday.

The sign reads: We play fun games, eat snacks, and more!

And we found her devotional book that she started doing....and loves. See those baskets above??? Each have a purpose. Each have a category. I am happy.

Today we took a break from the organizing / cleaning mode, because I wouldn't want to finish all of the house right now....it would leave me nothing to do this fall/winter. Ha ha ha, I'm sure by that time I'll have to work on Isabella's room again.

Today was salsa day.

This is my sister-in-law Arlene and my husbands mama, Elsie. We made 38 quarts all before lunch. It went fast.
The newest cousin was there at 2 1/2 weeks old, Cale. Jack adores him.
And here Jack is showing off that he can "walk while holding him" Hmmmm, making me a little nervous.


So leave me a comment...and I will pick a random winner to win a jar. If you live far away...I will mail it. :)

Quote of the day:

Last night at supper.

Jack: "What do they do with you when you die? Do they just put you in the ground, and put a blanket on you?"

Donovan: "No they put you in a box called a coffin, and put you in the ground."

Jack: "Don't talk about it- it freaks me out."

Donovan: "You brought it up."

Jack: "It was kinda like I was in a coffin when I was in mama's tummy, right?"

Here is the salsa recipe:

16 lbs. tomatoes
6 green peppers
15 jalapeno peppers
2 lg. onions
1 clove garlic
Cilantro & parsley (optional)

Stir together:
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
¼ cup salt
¾ cup vinegar
1 ¼ cup clear-jel