Ode to Sandra

At Knit or Knot a month or so ago, my friend Sandra Wendland gave a mini class on organization in your home. She shared a little laundry tip that has literally saved my sanity. Thanks Sandra! This post is mainly for my sis-in-law, Sarah.
But to you all, enjoy the photos!

1st: Sandra brought some laundry and folded it in a certain way. shirts: fold in the sides then fold up the bottom to middle them top. 3 sections! It makes them small and compact.
2nd: put them in a pile
3rd: turn your pile on its side to insert into the drawer. This allows the child to see what color and design is on the shirt, they get to pick the shirt they want without messing up their drawers. What an ingenious idea! Love you Sandra!!!

Here is Gabriel's drawer of pants and long sleeved shirts.

I discovered my own little technique for pants. I roll them! This way they can lay on their sides, the kids can pick the one they want without messing up the rest of their clothes.

Here are Ammon's "drawers". I do not have a dresser for him. I have a changing table with one drawer and 2 shelves underneath. So, I got some baskets and organized his clothes in them.

Pants and sweats Long sleeved shirts and outfits

PJ's and onesies

OK, that's it. I thought I'd share. It's the little things in life that make me happy! Like clean clothes, folded laundry, and organized drawers!

Sniff, sniff I miss Gary!

My love, my life!

Yes, I know that I have many friends out there who's husbands are in Iraq and gone for longer than ever should be allowed. I feel for each and everyone of you. I am so sorry. I am grateful for their sacrifice-but more for yours! I have been blessed that my sweetie has not had to return yet. In fact, Gary was home for Ammon's entire 1st year! Something that did not happen with Zechariah or Gabriel. I have been spoiled and have taken for granted the bliss it is to have him around. He is now in El Paso for one measly little week. It's sooo insignificant! Yet, last night I couldn't sleep. The bed was soooo empty without him! I tossed and turned all night. And even though we don't talk much during the week (I actually have talked more to him since he's been gone than when he's here) I still miss talking to him in person.

Ahhhh me! I think I'm in love!
Yep, its for sure-I love that man.
I want him to always be with me.
Its a darn good thing that forever is an eternity! :)
I wouldn't have it any other way.

This week's Christmas happenings!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The day after Thanksgiving was dedicated to "trim the tree". YAY! It puts me in the festive Christmas mood! (if my bank account would only cooperate!)

My dear sweet neighbor saw my enthusiastic approach to the upcoming holiday and brought over a gingerbread house kit that she had bought to give to us a little later. She couldn't wait and apparently neither could the boys.
We HAD to open it right then and build it "RIGHT NOW MOM!!! It's sooo cool!"
Here are the little dears with their creation and their many smiles and candy eating joys that went along with it.

My mother has been here with us since Thanksgiving and she wanted to do a Christmas craft with the boys too. So, while I was out collecting last minute costumes, props, and decorations for our ward Christmas party Thursday, she baked gingerbread men with them. They actually thought this was cooler than building the house! They really love cooking and being part of the whole creative process. Here's what I found when I came home. Zechariah and Gabriel were immersed in their decorating project, Ammon was coaxing the 20th (or more) red hot candy out of my recently turned-to-jello-in-the hands-of-her-grandkids mother. Who cares?!? They had a blast and were so thrilled to do it with Grandma! She was thrilled too. (check out Zech's tongue-concentration at its finest!)

I'm so glad she's here. I keep trying to convince her to move in. I think she has reservations about the early mornings at our house. My kids wake up at 6:30am! No matter what, hence the reason for 7:30pm bedtime!

Ok, I have to ask: Truly, is Ammon not the most beautiful little boy in the entire world? Seriously, I don't think I'm partial anymore-I mean I do have 2 others and they are very good looking boys! But Ammon is such a heartbreaker! He smiles all the time and at everyone. He melts hearts! And OH!!! Those eyes!
Now, if I could just keep him out of my cabinets! :)

After I took pics of the boys and Grandma for posterity and all that (ok really for this stinkin' blog-let's be honest) Zechariah got a hold of the camera and took this one of me. Not too flattering but I am including it b/c it is a great shot of the baby bump. Yes indeed, I was 17 weeks yesterday! Enjoy!

Elijah Aaron Griesmyer is due May 22nd.