30 Days of Gratitude: Days 25 & 26

Day 25: I'm thankful for days when you accomplish your entire "to do list." It would probably bore you to tears to read about it, but I had a pretty hefty list today. I busted my butt my 7am-10:30pm and every last thing I wanted to accomplish was done. Thanks in no small part to my big kid helper being out of school and caffeine.

I think the key to accomplishing your list is to have realistic expectations. There are only so many hours in a day! This year I found myself overwhelmed by several dauntingly large cleaning projects. I figured out that setting a small goal every day for several days helped alot. For example, Clean out Isaac's bedroom became:

• Thurs: Transfer books to new shelf
• Fri: Sweep floors
• Sat: Clean Out/Organize/Dust Dresser
• Sun: Clean Out Small Closet
• Mon: Wash Bedding and Clean Out/Organize Desk
• Tues: Clean Out Big Closet

You get the idea, I worked my way around the room in sections attempting to spend no more than an hour a section/day in there. That way I don't get overwhelmed. My big kid helper responded well to this technique too. Dividing room cleaning, thank you card writing and any other chores made him more receptive to doing those tasks.

I was even able to clear and decorate my dining room table and spend some time working on my own room (both of which haven't happened since September at least) So thankful for this horribly exhausting productive day (& that while I toiled Roo got to play with her school friends on Pajama Day).

Day 26: Ordinarily, I am always up for a trip anywhere. Where's the next adventure? This time of year though, I am so grateful that we don't have to travel for Thanksgiving. As exhausting as hosting can be at least everyone comes to you. Not only that, but my house starts the Christmas season clean. Once I pick up Miss Roo from school it'a Mismatch Day today) I am hunkering down until at least Saturday. I am so glad I get to clean, cook and entertain kids who out of school without having to pack. I think we all remember how I feel about packing. We're very lucky that almost all of our loved ones are nearby as well so we don't even have to be the reason anyone else travels. I'm so very thankful for staying put.