Chaos theory

A few weeks ago, back before we started the Great Remodel of 2008 and the subsequent Extermination of the Termites, I made an conscious decision to stop managing the clutter in the house.

I figured we were already in chaos, but it would only be two weeks, so I just let it go. Josh and his dad embarked on a little fence project (remember the fence that we never closed? And our car got broken into? Well now the fence slides! And we close it all the time! Progress!) and the toolboxes and drills and screws remained in the dining room. Isn't that where you store your toolboxes? No? Oh, must just be Josh.

The dining room table was covered in baby gear and winter coats we never took upstairs as well as the various travel items we use in the car every time we take a trip. You know, Elmo DVDs and hop hop (bunny-shaped) crackers and the like.

The mess then started to take on a life of its own, migrating into the kitchen. It looked like the post office threw up all over the island and the five laptops (yes, FIVE) were taking up every available inch of counter space.

Jack went to stay overnight at Grandma and Grandpa's house today and when he left, I took one look at the mess, which was compounded with toys covering the entire surface of the rug, and said uncle.

I conducted our quarterly toy purge, boxing up the less-loved ones and making sure the remaining items fit securely in the toybox. I then started at the very back of the house and moved my way forward, cleaning and organizing everything in my wake. I almost sorted Emmie into the "to recycle" pile, but she squawked with displeasure so I guess we'll put her in the "to keep" pile.

Three hours later, I had the house looking like new. Just in time to start construction again next week. At least if the house falls down, the neighbors won't see our winter boots are still by the back door.