The Great Drawer Clean-out.

I will rest well tonight.  My house is CLEAN.  sweet sigh.  I am a much happier person when I am living in a sparkly, clean home.  I have my mom to thank for it.  I gracefully slipped in the kitchen this past weekend, and...there went my already achy back.  I am on the recuperation wagon, again.  Ladybug had a visit from two caseworkers today, so the house needed some dustin', sweepin', shinin' and scrubbin'.  Mom to the rescue.  She also took home a weeks worth of school uniforms for four Presson kiddos that needed to be washed and/or ironed.  THANK YOU, MOM!

 

I also enjoy an ORGANIZED home.  I have been doing a few things to try to get a bit closer to my goal of better organization.  I have labeled my pantry shelves! (patting myself on the back)  This really helps making 4 lunches everyday for hungry kids.  I made a dinner plan for the month of September last week!  (again, pat on the back)  I have been getting all uniforms ready, back packs lined up, and lunches made the night before for the past 2 weeks.  So far so good.  Hoping I can keep it up for the next 38 weeks...whew. 

 

Operation Drawer Clean-out is going to commence this coming Tuesday.  It is another step towards my home organization plan.  I wish I could say that our dressers and drawers stay neat and organized all the time.  Sadly, we have several "junk drawers" right now.  Most homes have one or two.  We have a couple in each room.  I am taking baby steps in this huge undertaking.  My goal is to clean out one drawer a day.  Baby steps.  There are 55 drawers in our house, so it is going to take awhile to reach my goal.  I am sure I will find some interesting items in the boys drawers.  Landry is my little hoarder so there is no telling what I might find in his room.  Perhaps I will find a stash of cash.  It would make me even happier if I could find the mates to our many unmatched socks.

This is the only room in the house that does not need any drawer cleaning.  We have a very particular Ladybug, and she is very tidy with her pretties.

 

I ran across this Cleaning Poem on the internet and thought it was appropriate to remind myself that even though a clean house is nice, a clean HEART is the most important of all!

Dear Lord Jesus:
As I go about my housework
Let me see each job I do,
As a service for my King
And a way of loving You.

Let me wash away my judgments
Of others right or wrong,
As I wash up the dishes
Place within my heart a song.

As I clean up little fingerprints
And lots of muddy shoes,
May I remember how you cleaned the feet
Of the loved ones you did choose.

As I mend up torn pajamas
And sew a button on,
Show me where I need to mend a breech
That's gone on far too long.

Let me tidy up my thoughts
As I tidy up the toys,
Let me sweep away my fears
Like the dirt from little boys.

May I be just as quick with my forgiveness
As I am with mop and broom,
Sweeping up the clutter
In my heart and living room.

May I rinse out pride and ego
As I rinse the bathtub out,
And while we are at it Lord
Let's take care of anger, hate and doubt.

Please remind me often Lord
That the way I'm called to serve,
Is an honor given me
And not below what I deserve.

You know Lord, as I look
At all the work we need to do,
I think we'd better house clean
At least each day or two.
[ By Melanie Hubbard -- Contributed by Holly ]

A letter to my freshman...

Dear Avery,

It was just a few sleeps ago that we were preparing for kindergarten. I was so concerned that you would lose your glasses and forget your 4 digit lunch code. Most of all, I knew my days would be empty without you.

Suddenly, it is your first day of high school...

I am so proud of the young man that you are becoming. The love that I have for you is seriously indescribable. You were the first to teach me all that I know about being a mom. You will be the first to teach me to become a mom to a highschooler. I am sure I will worry, fuss and cry. Thankfully, you are used to it, and take it all in stride.

The next four years of your life are going to bring so many changes. I know that I am not ready for them, but you are. It is going to be a time of spiritual decisions that your dad and I can no longer make for you. Your walk with God is completely in your hands.

You know me well enough to know that I loovvvee to give you advice, and I feel it is an important time for some. :)

Strive to go further in the Lord than you have ever been. If your relationship with him is on steadfast ground then every situation you face will be filtered through Him. My heart explodes when I watch you worship or walk by your room and see you kneeling in prayer. The spiritual decisions that you make in the next months and years will carry you through your adult life, so go deeper, desire more from God. He has so much for you!

Choose your friends prayerfully and wisely. They are so influential in your life during these next four years. Look for friends that desire to walk, talk, and live Godly. Surround yourself with believers. Have fun, laugh, and enjoy this time. Let it be a time of joy and confidence, not insecurity. You have been blessed with so much to be secure in.

Beware of the pitfalls that Satan has laid for young men. If you do not have a DAILY relationship with the Lord, then you will easily fall into the snares of sin. Decide in your heart now to say NO to wrong situations before they  occur. “How can a young man keep his way pure? But keeping it according to God’s word.” (Psalm 119:9) Like Job, make a covenant with your eyes. (Job 31:1)

Study hard. Do your best academically. Take pride in all of your work. One day you will be look back and be able to stand tall because of your hard work, and be ready for your next step of education. Be kind and polite to all of those around you. Please make your Mama happy and remember to use your manners with the teachers and faculty.

Although friends are important during this time, family always comes first. Although, your brothers get on your last nerve at times, they will always be your best friends. You are so sweet to your new little sister. Always be her protector. Continue to stay close to your dad. I love the relationship that the two of you have. He is a man of honor and integrity, he expects no less of you. He has a prayer life like no one else that I know, may that same hunger live in you. Always come to him for advice before others. The two of you can take any situation before the Lord. Please know that I am and always will be your biggest fan. I believe in you and want the best for you, even when I drive you crazy about chores, manners, wearing your seat belt, etc, etc...

Your dad and I do not ask for perfection. We know that mistakes happen, we have made plenty. But we do ask that you strive be your best. Where much is given, much is required. When those rocky times come, and you are seeking the Lord's will for your next step in life, always remember a promise from someone who loves your more than I am capable of...

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I love you,

Mom xoxo