The dreaded gunk.

Humidifiers are wonderful. When you have a cold there is nothing like the misty sound of steam issuing from the humidifier cosily tucked onto the nightstand by your bed. Inhalants gently releasing their comforting vapor...

You know what isn't wonderful?

The gunk that's left on the heater element. Perhaps I should have used bottled, distilled water. Perhaps it wouldn't have mattered at all. Whatever the reason, there is a hard, calcified layer of residue that builds up and renders the humidifier inoperable. And I can't get it off!

So my question is this: When even full strength CLR doesn't dissolve the "gunk", what on earth do I use to get it off?

How do they DO that?!?

My children have amazed me. They have. Truly outdone themselves. After weeks of ignoring their bathroom, I rolled up my sleeves, slipped on some disposable gloves, and pulled out a fresh roll of paper towels. Add some heavy duty cleanser and some bleach, and you've got yourself a potty party!

Now remember, this is a judgement-free zone. And I have a 3 month old who nurses frequently, so I am lucky to even get laundry done, let alone focus on the small room at the end of the hall. I never see it. They bathe in my bathroom anyway, so I can control the soap usage.

All I can say is, wow. They have got some aim! They have the ability to completely miss the toilet! Bless the invention of the paper towel. I know, wasteful for the environment, but those ecology people have never had to clean up after my boys. But I am now the proud user of the cleanest bathroom on the street. Disinfected. Used all the rest of the bleach bottle.

Now, you may ask, did I get any laundry done? Nope, none at all. The best I did was have the boys pick up the clothes off the living room floor and deposit it on the laundry room floor. But it's in the correct room now. Guess I know what's on the list for tomorrow!

I'm Back!

Friends, what a whirlwind year it has been!

In October, we added another son to our family. 4 boys, and all of them sweet little troublemakers. Just like their momma... With all the chaos, it's no wonder my poor home constantly looks as though a tornado breezed through.

I've thought often about this blog. Sad, neglected thing. And about all the fun I had choosing topics to write about. About how if I spoke about a project, I was held accountable for finishing it. People were checking up on me!

And so I am reopening my little journal, the story of my journey through housecleaning, decorating, my triumphs and pitfalls. Of course, with the daily routines of having 4 little boys, I won't be able to post every day. But I'll try my best to write more than just occasionally.

Let's see. First project? Tackling the mountain of laundry. Why doesn't anyone tell you that adding 1 child triples the amount on clothing that needs washed?