pleonast.com: emwhitt

Today we had nothing on the calendar. A lazy Saturday - it's been great! And, it was a long time coming. I don't like being too busy, and lately we have been.

I cleaned the toilets today while Nora napped. It feels good to have them nice and clean. Anyway, it got me thinking about maintaining a better schedule for cleaning the house. I have attempted to do this in the past with no success. I usually just clean on a "need-to-clean" basis, like when we have company or when something gets so dirty that I can't stand it. ;)

I'd love some advice. How do you keep your house clean? Do you keep a schedule of some kind? And, how do you stay motivated to get it all done? Some areas of the house I clean on a daily basis, but other areas get neglected! :)

Back to enjoying my lazy Saturday... we're having pizza tonight!


fussball11	Yay for a lazy day! Enjoy it. Personally, I do have a sort of schedule for cleaning. I do laundry and change the sheets every Saturday. I clean the kitchen counters daily, after using them. Those little Clorox wipes are amazing. I usually clean the bathroom (toilet and counters) once a week, sometimes once every 2 weeks (I live by myself so it doesn't need as much attention as family homes do). I hate cleaning the shower so I probably do that once every month or so. Vacuuming...usually every 2-3 weeks depending on when it needs it. Anyway, there ya go.
kris	I have no advice to offer on the cleaning thing. Ours tends to be on a "need-to-clean" basis too due to our schedules...however, when you find something that works let me know! we just keep the basics done dialy, constant wiping of counters and such like that. I'm thinking a Roomba vacuum would be wonderful to help me out!
beckylboyer	I think my biggest problem is clutter. And mine tends to pile up on my kitchen counters! I think I do much better about keeping the whole house picked up and neglecting the kitchen! Weird! But I don't have a great schedule either. I usually deep clean when we have company coming. This will need to change soon so I'm anxious to hear the tips you get. We are going to be doing Dave Ramsey's financial peace at our house every Thursday night. To compliate that I will be officiating about half of those nights so Ryan will be home with the kids by himself. Should be interesting! But I always do laundry and grocery shopping on Mondays that is my only set thing. Although this week I did it on Thursday and did a week's menu so it might be switching up!
bamacrane	I am sad to say that since Landon was born, I don't really have a schedule. However, before he was born, I would clean every Thursday night. As soon as I would get home, I would begin cleaning. Then, when I was done I would order take out from somewhere and watch FRIENDS! Mike was still in school at the time so, I had the whole night to myself. I'm still trying to figure something out once kids are in the picture. :)
calvinsparents	I do have a schedule that I follow for cleaning as well as laundry. Sunday is change the sheets/take out the trash, Monday I vacuum the rugs and sweep the hard wood floors downstairs, Tuesday dust, Wednesday clean the bathroom, Thursday sweep hardwood floors upstairs, Friday sweep and mop kitchen floor. I usually do each "chore" right after breakfast unless we have somewhere to be. In that case I do it while Andrew is settling down for his nap reading his books for a few minutes. Breaking it down like this really keeps it manageable and only takes a few minutes a day. I try to get the dishes done each night and pick up the daily clutter. Andrew and Ben are responsible for picking up Andrew's toys each night before bed. Overall the house stays pretty clean this way.
littlebit	I have a schedule for each day/1 room or types of rooms. I usually clean the kitchen or do dishes every day and I try to make each room clutter free by the end of each night (even if it means making one pile for each room). Hope that helps ;-)
meggies	I tried to make a schedule like her however, it didn't really seem to stick. I so want to have a cleaner house all the time and not just when we are expecting guests. Our table and bar seem to collect all the junk! I know if we would stick to a better schedule it would only take a few minutes every day. This is something I really want to work on too!
sunnylee	I know I'm not a stay at home anything right now...but my thing w/ cleaning is: if I see it needs cleaning I do it then. Like dishes...I don't wait till after the long meal and then a few hours it's either directly after the meal or I clean the dishes as I cook. And there were a lot of Brad's!
browngirl22	I'm very much like Laura when it comes to cleaning. I try to clean things as soon as they start to look messy/ dirty. It saves me from having to clean all at once for a few hours. Then cleaning doesn't seem like such a task.
browngirl22	I also have a question for you, what time are you going into CVP tomorrow? I've been using the scanner there to scan some documents. I still have a few more and I didn't want to get in your way.
neentothebean	The whole concept of a schedule sounds really great and lots of times I have tried to do it ( for like a couple days:( , but it just hasn't worked for me. Somehow we just get it done however and whenever we can:) Sorry I am no help:) When the laundry hampers are full, I do laundry, When the dishes are dirty, I do dishes. I clean bathrooms about once a week...whenever I get a moment...same with vaccuming. We "tidy" up the house a time or two a day (especially with all the junk the kids get out each day:) So, that's what I do:)
charliesangel	if you can keep up with they "dailies" that will help cut down on cleaning. i do dishes and clean the kitchen EVERY NIGHT. i love waking up to a clean kitchen. and i'm with angie, those clorox wipes are awesome, i seriously use them for everything! i try to keep evie's toys picked up so our living area is nice and try to do the same for our bedroom. i love having a clean bedroom. i'm lucky if i vaccum once a week. Bathrooms too, should probably be weekly, but aren't. I love schedules though, that's my style. but if you can stay on top of the "dailies" it will make your life much easier!
ktcasebolt	I love lazy Saturdays! :) I made up a cleaning schedule a while back, but it didn't last for too long, and I started the "need-to-clean" basis thing too! ;) I've been thinking about getting back on my schedule... I think it will be easier when I'm home during the day (starting next month). Hopefully I can get those things done while she sleeps! I'll email you my schedule so you can see how I did it. As far as motivation, I can't help you there! I need help in that area myself! ;) Good luck!
mpettes	I LOVE a clean house, and with 3 kiddos 3 and under, it's not that easy =). I do my own version of Fly Lady. The first thing we do in the mornings is make our beds and get dressed and ready for the day. I clean up the dishes and sweep the floor after every meal (even if I don't feel like it). I do 1-2 loads of laundry every single day, just to keep it from piling up. During the day, the girls have their "free time" to play during the morning, but we mostly keep the toys in their room to keep the living room "livable" =). Then before their naps they help me pick up everywhere, but especially their rooms, then we have story time and naps. When they wake up, they usually help me get dinner ready or play or whatever. At night, before bed, they help pick up their toys, and Brad and I clean up the living room and kitchen so that everything looks fresh for the next morning. On Thursdays I clean the bathrooms and change the sheets, and on Fridays I vacuum and dust. I have found that working on a schedule give me more free time, and my house is "company ready" most of the time... of course we have our days =). You should post a picture of Nora everytimeyou have a new post - that's what I come to see =). She is so cute!
angelad	I guess I like things to be tidy so I pick up a lot. You would think with only two people in the house it wouldn't get very messy but it does. I do laundy twice a week and the bathroom I wipe down every day but do a good cleaning once a week. It really just depends on how I feel. I try to do all cleaning on the same day. I can't stand dragging it out. I hope you are able to get a good system worked out. : )
click	Emily! So, today I was watching a video that people from Ellisville made for us when we were in Brasil several years ago! And you and Myron are in it! I think you guys were just dating in it. Anyway, though that was neat and was thinking about you guys! =)
whipsmile	as for keeping my house clean, I try and make sure I clean up after everything I do. It saves so much time later if I take the time to do it right then. As for toilet, tub and stuff like that. Well, that's a Saturday late morning activity!
ktembry	I'm a little crazy about a clean house. Maybe a little too crazy. I don't like clutter or piles. I can't walk by "stuff" without stopping to pick it up, or telling the kids to pick it up and put it away. But, on another note. Are you familiar with Usborne books? I'm a consultant and was wondering if you would be interested in hosting a party at your house? It would take a couple hours, and you would get free books, which is always nice. If you're interested, let me know and we could set something up. In August and Sept, I can offer you double free books. So, let me know! I'd love to do it for you!
ktembry	Email me if you're interested. ktembry@yahoo.com
bamacrane	Hey, Em! How is Starbucks going?
bamacrane	That's great. I'm glad it's going well! :)
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He's one year older today :)

07-21-08 10:26am EST

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Myron,
Happy Birthday to you!!!

We love you more than we can say!

And, a very happy b-day to our awesome sister-in-law, too!


whipsmile	:-)
crazy_mama	Happy Birthday Myron!
howcolwhit	Happy Birthday, Myron! He is very special for several of us! Today is a Monday and Myron was born on a Monday! Hope you're day as a family will have it's special moments! Do wish we were together to celebrate Myron and Crystal's b-days
beckylboyer	How fun! Happy birhtday to your hubby!
neentothebean	Happy Birthday to your husband and my little bro:) He is one of a kind and very loved!!!
bamacrane	Happy Birthday to Myron!
neenout	Thank you! Happy Birthday to Myron. Wish we could all be together to celebrate!!
nanna	are their birthdays the same day>
txwhittlec	Happy Birthday to Myron and Crystal! :) What a sweet birthday post.
joes_wife	I forgot! He and Emma share the same B-day! Happy Birthday to Myron :)
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Please Welcome

06-21-08 09:28pm EST

My former "roomie" and sweet friend Amanda!!


beckylboyer	Miss you already!
lolo	Send me that info for the ladies weekend...I'm gonna make it happen. I can't go another year or two without seeing you girls.
beckylboyer	I am tired but I really shouldn't be. I've slept in the past two days and yesterday we took a family nap. I think all of the sleep deprivation caught up with me! But it was SO worth it! I hope we can do it again soon!
lolo	The title for your most recent post cracks me up!
click	Great picture. Ya'll must've had a great time! =)
neentothebean	How fun to get together with friends!! It really is such a blessing in life:) So happy you all were able to do it!! They all look great and Nora is adorable as usual:) Yeah for good friends:)
beckylboyer	That is so funny because that was going to be the title to my post too! Too funny! I love it! Miss you! Glad you enjoyed Ryan being silly! Love you!
cherri	Hey... I'm meeting with a friend right now, and she thinks that she met you at N. Liv. during one of the recent Wed night bible studies with Ralph Walker. She said that there was a young mom with a little girl who sat next to her, and the little girl kept thinking she knew my friend, and called her "Cherri" (my friend thinks that's what she was saying). Anyway, Hayley (my friend) remembers the mom saying that the little girl thought Hayley was her cousin, Cherri. Just wondered if that was you and Nora. :)
charliesangel	what great pictures! how much fun!!!
laurencetureaud	Hi
whipsmile	they all look so good!
howcolwhit	Sounds like you all had some very deserved time together! So glad that you all were able to do this! Once our friends, always our friends!
txwhittlec	Thanks so much for your sweet comments! I'm so glad you had fun with your friends. That is so neat that you were able to be together. Hope you have a wonderful time in Nashville this week. Wish we could go! Love you guys!
txwhittlec	Is Nora excited to go on an airplane ride to Nashville (or are you driving?)
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28	04-25-08 02:27pm EST

I'm another year older today :) So far, it's been a great day. Nora and I were invited to a fun playdate this morning. Then, Myron came home with sweet gifts:

I've already sampled the cake - it's delicious! He bought a Belle cake because, in my opinion, Beauty and the Beast is the best Disney animated film ever made.

Tonight we're going to Cheesecake Factory. I can't wait!


	(34 older comments)
neenout	Glitterfy.com - Glitter Graphics
sunnylee	goodness!! That must be the life! Going to Orlando here and there and seeing your husband sing at Disney!!!!
megan	that's so cute!! nora's gonna be a little talker, do you think?
curlie	Oh, it's so cute when they do that the first time. :)
txwhittlec	Very cute! That's what our kids used to call him too. :) Have fun in Orlando!
callmehands	that's cute. Hope you have a good trip to Orlando!
verny_mack	That's adorbale.
kaceyatthebat	Sometimes it sounds like my girls are calling me Kacey...hmmmmm.
neentothebean	That is so cute!!! I can't wait to hear her saying all of this!! SHe is just changing so fast and I'm missing it all:( Have a blast in Orlando...so glad you all will be together!! Love ya!!
howcolwhit	I love to hear their first words, as they try so hard to say just what we say! She is talking so nicely! It's fun hearing and seeing her as we talk by computer! That's neat to be there in Orlando together for a couple days. Hope that it is good weather for you. Nora will learn to enjoy and cherish these trips there, as she continues to grow.
curlie	HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! :)
sunnylee	happy Mother's Day sweetie!
beckylboyer	how was your mother's day?
sunnylee	welcome! I'm pretty excited to be almost done..all I need to do now is 1)rewrite all my lesson plans for official record (ugh!) 2)write ESOL plan sheets (ugh!!!) 3)make their exam!
txwhittlec	glitter-graphics.com
click	Absolutely! =) And by the way, if you want any others, you could go to quotegarden.com. They have a TON on a bunch of different subjects.
beckylboyer	I know I think she looks plenty big. She has a little gut but I guess it just doesn't weigh much! Oh well!
beckylboyer	I've been forgetting to ask you if you ever chose a potty chair to practice with Nora on? I know I wasn't a lot of help on that one. I've been thinking about getting ours out just so Lily is used to seeing it but it takes up a lot of our bathroom because of the layout. Boo!
beckylboyer	absolutely! What's the hurry anyways? :)
beckylboyer	how are you doing? Things busy around your house?
beckylboyer	Oh! I know you are so glad to have him home again! What a relief! Sorry that Norah has a fever. You are so good to keep her home. I usually just assume its teeth and if she's acting fine we do business as usual! :) I'm so mean! But there for awhile it seemed Lily got a fever every other day but never got sick. It was so weird! We just got back from a children't farmstead with a friend from Hickman. We are planning to slumber party. She has 2 boys and wants Luke to spend the night so I think we'll give it a try and see how it goes! Then we decided we should really have a girls slumber party some night so we're trying to figure that out too. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Norah REALLY soon!
txwhittlec	Thanks, Em! We appreciate your prayers! :) How have you all been?
neenout	Oh, I didn't even notice! :) Thanks though! Hope Nora is feeling better today.
green_gourmet	Who? Me? Insane? Nooooooo. I'm TOTALLY fine.
sunnylee	oh how sweet! I did almost cry last night at church..but had to choke it back. I miss you all so very very much!
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A Shout Out to the Scouts!!

02-29-08 12:12pm EST

Santa Clause came to my house yesterday. He came in the form of a sweet young Girl Scout. She brought Girl Scout cookies to our house, and it made my day! I consumed WAY too many calories last night! :) Nora had some bites of a Thin Mint, and she absolutely loved it! I find comfort in the fact that even though she may never look like me, we will always share a passion for Thin Mints!


callmehands	that's hilarious. You must really love her to share those things with her. I'm impressed. When we get ours I will likely hide them from Silas. : )
crazy_mama	Girl scout cookies are addictive. I always feel so bad for the boy scouts cause they have to beg people to buy their popcorn but the girl scouts are usually hunted down by hungry people dying for some cookies! They are so good!
sunnylee	ooo, thanks for letting me know! I know that Kristen and her family are wanting to go to Animal Kingdom that day..so I might go there and then to Epcot! Thank you! And girl...today I alone pretty much ate through a WHOLE bag of Dark M&M's..so naughty but oh so good!
ladyinlutz	I bought some, too, this year...Thin Mints and Tagalongs (Kyle's fave)! They make me so happy!
neenout	my favorite are the samoa's. I think no matter what your favorite is just saying the name girl scout cookies makes everyone happy!!!
neentothebean	We had that same Santa here!! I only got one Samoa, but it sure was good:) Enjoy your treats:)
beckylboyer	What a good day! I have to say although I love the taste of girl scout cookies (peanut butter sandwiches are my fav) - I get VERY annoyed with them. The boxes seem to get smaller to me every year or maybe my appetite gets bigger? Anyways I can eat through a whole box in one evening and that makes me mad since they are not cheap. I guess I should really be mad at myself for my lack of self control but hey...
kris	I'm so sad....I didn't run into any girl scouts this year...therefore...I did not get to order Thin Mints or Tag Alongs...oh what I would give for a frozen thin mint!
ktcasebolt	Ooooh! It's Girl Scout time again?!?! I LOVE Thin Mints! :)
browngirl22	Yeap, my teacher friends who really had to twist my arm to get me to buy some from their daughters. I have been generous and shared them with my co-workers and a coupl of students.
txwhittlec	Yum! Thin mints are my favorite as well! :)
bamacrane	I agree with Becky...The PB sandwiches are my favorite. I just told Mike the other day that I think the cookies are getting smaller and smaller but, maybe it is the boxes!
crazy_mama	Emily we have been praying for you guys for awhile now. Your grandmother is an amazing woman and it's hard to loose those that we love. We will continue to pray for her and all of you too.
callmehands	I'm so sorry to hear that she has continued to decline. Our prayers will be for everyone's comfort.
txwhittlec	So sorry to hear this, Em. You all are in our prayers.
the_earlys	sorry to hear about your grandmother. she is amazing! we will pray for all of you.
beckylboyer	Of course we will pray and of course it is hard to let go even though we know what she gains. Praying for you and your mom Em!
green_gourmet	It is so hard to feel torn like that...happy for her to go but wishing it didn't have to be that way. I'm thinking about you through this:)
sgarner2005	I am praying for you. My very best friend just went through the exact same thing. Her grandmother had been bed-ridden for a few years and had dementia. It was hard, but she was so glad for her to be in a better place.
mpettes	I am so, so sorry. Thinking about you and praying for you...
neentothebean	We will be praying here , Emily. We love you all and are very sorry that all of you have to go through this. May she be comforted.
jennking	Praying for all of you.
calvinsparents	Your family is in our prayers!
browngirl22	Your grandmother is an amazing women and I will continue to have her and your whole family in my prayers.
mi_girl	Hey, Emily, this is Rachelle Wharton's second Daughter Molly. How are you ?? I'm great!
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