That's Why I'm the Mom

That is what Matt told me when I reported on what a huge hit my latest endeavor was. I love how such simplicity can brighten my girls' day. The smallest thing, presented in a way that tickles their fancy, can excite them to no end. But maybe I'm just tooting my own horn here. I suppose it really isn't all that fabulous of a feat. Although, when I look at the results of said feat...

I've been trying to get ready to have a yard sale. I have a mountain of baby girl items in my basement along with an assortment of other stuff that I'm ready to get rid of. When I headed into Anna & Libby's room to make sure it was cleaned out I was met with major resistance. My girls are pack rats. They can't bear to part with the smallest piece of crippy-crap. Each item is important, has meaning and value. The problem is that all of their treasures were cluttering their room, and I was tired of looking at the constant mess. Enter Wal-Mart. While I detest the place I currently am required to do most of my grocery shopping there. I was there in the evening without the kids and when that happens I tend to take my time and browse a bit. And I'm so glad I did because I found these.

And it was like instant epiphany, the answer to my clutter problem. A beam of light shone down from heaven and the angels rejoiced. Or maybe that was just the fluorescent lighting and the mother yelling at her child one aisle over. Regardless, I snatched these suckers up and proudly headed to the cashier.

The next morning I brought the girls in and explained to them what they were. I told them, "These are your treasure boxes. If you have small toys or other things you want to keep you need to put them in here. Then you can keep the box under your bed. That way you can have your own special place to keep your treasures." Those little faces lit up and they went to work! What little girl doesn't want a treasure box? Anna cleaned off her little night stand and methodically placed her treasures in her box. She kept saying how special this was. And thank-you so much mommy, you are the best.

In opposite fashion and to keep up with big sis, Libby just started grabbing everything in sight to throw in her box. Her constant repertoire was, "Look Anna, this is my treasure. Look Anna, see what I'm putting in?".

Side note on Libby's box...see that big cow? And then see that tiny cow laying in the white basket? Libby explained to me that it is a mommy and baby and the baby drinks milk from his mommy just like baby brother does from me. Then she proceeded to demonstrate. And yes, she usually calls him baby brother. It's taken her about two months but I think she finally remembers what his name is : )

So there you have it. Clutter is gone and boxes are sitting pretty under beds. When the boxes get full they just have to clean them out and choose on their own what to get rid of. I can't even tell you the joy it brings to walk in their room now! It doesn't look constantly messy and I don't have to fight anymore fights. Now on to tackle the rest of the house...