storing shoes.

I have a confession. This is our shoe closet.

And this.

So I put this to you. The reader. What's your solution? Before you answer, I need to give you a bit of information.

I want the shoes close to our garage for easy removal. I can't handle, CAN'T HANDLE, seriously nerotically can't handle the kids, or spouse wearing these in the house.

Visitors, before you judge me, you are welcome to wear the shoes in the house. Honest. I don't mind. You don't know what you're getting into and I know that I can't hold you accountable.

But the immediate family? They know better. And anything that saves me a bit of cleaning is worth it. For everyone.

So I need a way to organize. Without having to remodel the house.

Any ideas?

musing upon a tutu.

Today I had every intention of waxing poetic on the topic of tutus. After all I have made a promise. And then the day happened. And then the afternoon. And now it is evening and my mind hasn't once wandered to the topic of tutus. Although it did wander.

It wandered to Wal-Mart where I saved $20.00 in meat, thanks to price matching.

It wondered about Walgreens and how they pop up so quickly.

It functioned despite grading until 2:00 AM. Three days in a row. Without naps.

It became invisible at the opening drama club banquet, when asking Clin a question and he walked away both times. No answer. Teenagers called.

It disappeared as the same teenage boy walked into me twice. Even after I said excuse me. And sorry. And stared. But received no response in return.

It shut down listening to screams coming from the bathroom at home, and at the high school. And then woke up as Ellis gave Millie a hug on the toilet. all. to. stop. the. screams.

It forgot the last time it had some sitdown time with Clin.

It can't remember ever calling a church leader up and asking to be picked up two hours before an activity.

It stopped functioning a good ten minutes ago.

It apologizes for this post.

photo via *cora* (on vacation)

hiking.

Today I am at Girl's Camp. And I am taking our girls on a nature hike this morning through an area that I've never been. So we will be doing a lot of meditation - thinking, observing, asking questions and journaling.

My parents are in town to take care of the girls and Clin (seeing as we all know how well Clin functions on his own. Ha! Joke - Clin. You miss me, right?) so that I get a four day vacation with teenage girls.

Vacation. That is right! I plan on sleeping getting between 8 to 12 hours each night, living off of roasted marshmallows and a little thing called smores, and communing with nature. Oh, and journaling. Lots and lots of journaling to once again find the inner me that gets lost amidst the daily baby poop and whining.

(Happy Sigh.)

photo via Cape Cod Cyclist