More With Less

Since we moved both the girls into a single bedroom and made the spare into a playroom, we struggled a bit with how to get the most out of the space. This is the third configuration of furniture and toys and in my opinion the best. While I was gone for a weekend trip olivia took it upon herself to undertake the project alone. We did discuss my thoughts and she merged them with her own to create the best of both concepts. I am really happy with how it turned out. The space for play was opened up and we were able to move out a lot of the items and stuffed animals that were not being used anymore. I still think there is a bit to lose yet and I am hoping the purge will come before the holidays. Every Christmas we seem to need more space. Funny how that works.

Bed Stuff

Just in case you have ever wondered what all we have to take off of Ruby's bed when we change the sheets, here it is. We've tried to get her to pare down her blankets and bed friends but she's not budging. Amongst the stuffed animals and covers were a few books and a couple hair clips. Oddly enough, Sailor is a sleeping minimalist: two pillows, one blanket and four animals that she'll occasionally shove to the floor for want of being alone in the bed. Amazing, how two sisters in the same bedroom can be so different in their habits.

Mess

We've been watching a lot of the tv show Hoarders lately. I am (perhaps overly) minimalist and organized. My wife is all about clean but has a much higher threshold for clutter than I do. Call me paranoid but I've already started worrying about how our habits will effect the kids. At the end of the day we make Ruby help clean up. At first she fought kicking and screaming and would only move one or two things. As time has gone on she has more and more of an interest and does more and more.
My niece is really into cleaning. Apparently you can give her a rag and she'll dust the entire house. I remember when I was young I earned part of my allowance by doing chores. I think this is a smart system that we'll use when they get older.
I had lofty goals and aspirations when we first talked about kids. My thoughts were to get them started as soon as possible, totally old school. Maybe pick them up a shady factory gig when they are still in single digits. When they are big enough to push a mower we could get them doing some mowing and landscaping around the neighborhood. By the time they are driving age they can buy their own car. After that no more toting them to the factory, they can drive to their office job. Once they learn to live off of the meager funds they will have left after they have to start supporting us they can start their own college fund and 401k. I know it sounds a little harsh but if they invest wisely, they can retire early. 
Like so many other areas with the girls, I want them to get the best parts of my wife and I and none of the bad. Realistically, I will be happy if they are clean and neat but not white glove obsessed or germaphobes.

Blur

This weekend was certainly one.
To recap, Friday I celebrated an early Valentines day with olivia by consuming fantastic Italian food and a couple bottles of champagne. Saturday we attended an awesome robot themed birthday party and caught up with some friends we don't see nearly enough. While the girls napped, I ran and caught up with some motorcycle folks (again who I don't get to see enough) and helped a buddy with a rim and wheel project.
Sunday the girls went to church with Mom and I went to play music and work on a project with yet another friend. Sunday night olivia made a great looking meatloaf with turkey that very well may have gone bad as it did not smell as good as it looked.

Word to the wise, don't watch old episodes of Hoarders while deciding whether or not to eat foods that may have passed the expiration date. You'll throw your food out every time.