The Battle of the Clutter

My house and I are at war.

I'd tell you you should see this, but it ain't pretty. Clothes and toys are taking over. Where are my magic cleaning elves when I need them??

Ok, really. The house has kinda gotten out of control. Every time I think I am almost caught up, something happens - the kids get sick or we spend the night out of town - and BAM! Instant CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome - thank you, FlyLady). You know what I'm talking about. When someone unexpected shows up, or calls and says they are on their way, and you almost have a heart attack from panic and embarrassment.

I have decided that while I may lose some battles, I will win the war.

We are talking massive clean out here. I decided to start in one end of my house, our bedroom suite, and work my way out. Yeah, so far I have gotten my vanity done, and started on our closet. This is going to be a 5-minutes-at-a-time operation. It WILL get done, though. It may take all summer, but it is going to happen! (If you don't hear from me again, it is because my closet ate me. Someone please take care of Jeremy and the kids.) I took a cue from Mary at Owlhaven.net, (who I read got the idea here) where I read she was doing a 40-bag challenge. The gist of it: get rid of 40 bags of stuff from your house. I have 2.5 bags so far, just from starting my vanity and closet area. Just wait till we get to the kids' toys. This should be a piece of cake. ;)

Anyway, I'm just taking this cleaning things a step at a time. Still (after almost 8 years) trying to find my groove. I have many natural talents, but housework is evidently not one of them. Prayers for fast learning appreciated. ;)