Monday Mumblings

Whenever I write a blog post on Monday, I always feel like its just a bit grumbly.  You?  So, I made sure to have an extra cup of coffee before typing this - and I asked for an extra dose of grace too!

The Lord has been so good to us.  I've been reflecting on all of our blessings lately - even those in disguise - and find myself praising God for His faithfulness to us.

I spent last week in California on a work trip.  I go every year and each time I come home with new ideas to serve the ministry I work for better.  I also come home refreshed and renewed.  There's something abut staying in a hotel room all alone that gives a mommy an extra boost for the months to come.  And when I returned, my family was in tact and the house was in order.  Such a treat!

So, today I'm focusing on loving my kids a little extra (is that possible?) and letting them build forts (without cringing at the mess they're making).  I'm tidying up and thanking God that we have little hands to make prints on windows. 

So Little Time

I'm in a stage where it feels like the days disappear in the blink of an eye.  Wasn't I just nursing a newborn a week ago?  Now my baby is almost 18 months old and saying things like "I need down." 

My oldest baby is walking through the mall with her hands on her hips (Lord help us).  And I'm taking her to see Disney On Ice Princess Wishes tonight.  I'm going to be out of town on a business trip for the week, so I thought a mommy-daughter date was in order before I leave.  Lets just say I'm paying for the experience.  I don't think Annelise really knows what's ahead, other than she gets to wear her pink princess dress and eat a snack with mommy.  I think we can meet those expectations.

So, I'm supposed to be packing for my trip, but it seems a little early.  Besides, there's still way too much laundry to do before I decide what I'm taking.

Happy Saturday.

Product Review: Mr. Clean Reusable Wiping Cloth

Its no secret.  I love to clean.  Which usually goes hand in hand with a love of cleaning products.  My favorite area of the house to clean is the kitchen.  When I cook, I start with a clean kitchen.  I can't sleep if the dishes aren't done.  And I hate, allow me to repeat for emphasis, hate dirty counters. 

So, its taken me a while to find a cleaning tool that really allows me to get my counter clean, without it being bulky, smelly and hard to dry.  I've tried the tradition washcloth, sponges...even a few specialty rags like these.  And while I liked the latter, I couldn't justify spending that much money every couple of months without a coupon.  Still vaguely on the prowl for a good cloth, I had almost given up hope.  That is, until I stumbled upon this...

(Angels singing, trumphets playing...you know, that heavenly music of wonder.)

I debated...but come on, a dollar for two?  That's pocket change and I was willing to spend the dough to see if we could form a marriage out of this deal.

And that we did.  I'm in love.  All the sufficiency of a sponge, without the bulk and occasional dripping.  All the beauty and hand friendliness of these, without the hefty price and fading.

Ladies (and a few gentlemen who made read this), you will fall in love.  Oh, and I paired this new cleaning wonder with my ever faithful spray...

And voila...its cleaning bliss.  So, fork out the dollar at your local Big Lots (that's where I found mine) and tell me what you think.  I dare say you will never go back to your slimy sponge or your stinky dish cloth again.

Oh...and they're biodegradable.  There, you have no excuse.

Health is not overrated

We have battled the icky sickness bug around here for many weeks this winter.  And minus a double ear infection for both girls (which happens to be pretty normal) we are healthy.  We're going to see an ENT about Elli's ears and the potential for tubes, which I think will make our lives so much more enjoyable in the future.

There's still a good amount of snow on the ground here, but Spring is on its way...we hope.  And a busy Spring it will be. 

Happy Monday to all!