A Day for Organizing

I was feeling weighed down by books, paper and stuffed animal clutter.  It was starting to effect school because two books that we really needed had disappeared.   I knew that the twins were most likely the culprits because they tend to collect random objects and stash them in creative little hideaways.   I like order and organization and although I've definitely had to adjust what that looks like for me, I sill need it to be somewhat manageable.  So today I decided to stop everything and organize.

We did our usual morning routine and then gathered for a little morning meeting.  We prayed about our day and the plans we had for it and then brainstormed.  We made a list of all of the areas that we felt needed help.  It was really long and I had barely even touched upon the kitchen spaces.  Yikes!


Calista read to us from her book Making My Room Special by Emilie Barnes.  It laid out a system for cleaning out a space that worked well.  They labeled 3 bags (to give, to put away, and to throw away).   We put some worship music on and got to work.  The girls started in their room and spent the good part of the morning there.   There was a little bickering at first but then they were off.    I was in the schoolroom doing my organizing and the twins were busy with the dollhouse.

We took small breaks in between jobs and again for lunch.  We also rotated time with the twins so they wouldn't be ignored all morning and then end up melting down.  By naptime we had about 5 or 6 jobs checked off so we decided to stop for the day.  I was so proud of them!  We accomplished so much and I think they were pleased too.

Here are a few of the baskets we organized.  Each girl has her own basket for their published books and/or lapbooks.  We made one for the twins since they're making little books now too.  They were so happy to have their own baskets with their work on display.

I also labeled one for Awana Books and another for my Spell to Write and Read supplies.  I purchased these baskets at Michael's years ago and will now have to get more because I took these out of my pantry.  My pantry isn't as organized now but at least I can close the door.  

There is still much more to do, for sure, but I think that the process we went through today was really important (for my sanity anyway).