It all began with library books...

We were planning on going out yesterday to the library, among other places, but first we had to hunt down all the library books.

For the average family this is pretty simple, for our large, homeschooling brood this is a major event. We had checked out 70 books altogether--enough to fill a few large cardboard boxes. When you mix this colossal number with a 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom house, you have quite the treasure hunt!

Well, I am happy to report that we found 69 of the items checked out--just one remains.

It was that one item that caused it all.

Since the children were not being successful in their search, I started looking--under beds and in closets and behind desks...

...and I found more than I bargained for. Since we have been pretty busy the last month or so, I have not been paying as careful attention in my inspections, and it was quite evident! (Especially in the six, eight, and 10 yo's room) there was all sorts of clutter scattered behind and underneath everything--how did I miss so much? Everyday I looked in and saw that the beds were made and the floors cleaned and even took glances under the beds, but I had underestimated the tenacity with which children will find ways not to put things away--in the cracks and crevices of every room.

So...we gave up the idea of going out and "super-cleaned" instead.

I know all about the idea that you are only supposed to spend 15 minutes on an area, but I like to go "whole-hog" and dive in with both feet until completely finished.

We concentrated on the little girls' room and the kitchen, since today we are going to do major grocery shopping.

It took us hours.

I had the middle children tackle the bedroom, and my 17yo daughter and I worked in the kitchen. We rearranged the pantry and cupboards for a more logical work flow (life changes all the time, and so does the work-flow of the kitchen), and scoured all surfaces as we went. It turned out to be a precious time as we put Nancy Campbell's teaching CD's on Beautiful Womanhood in the player while we worked. We hugged a lot and discussed several of the interesting ideas we were listening to as we continued with our tasks.

The middle children learned how to get along--the 12yo daughter learning how to honor the leadership of her 14yo brother, and the brother learning how to guide and lead with love and cheerfulness. My 16yo son had a special time of bonding with the baby as he showed her a good time while we cleaned--afterwards she was still asking for him, and he was beaming with pride and accomplishment.

It was a very satisfying day...

...but we are still searching for number 70...