Random Thoughts About Clothing

I went to the mall today. The first time in quite a while. I was looking for some b-day presents for my mom and sister-in-law and also some brown flat Sunday shoes for myself. (I have exhausted my shoe options near my home, hence a trip to Provo was in order.) And some new, post-baby jeans for myself (which were supposed to be a birthday present but my birthday was almost two months ago.)

First of all, I was baffled that every.single.pair. of jeans had the thick white stitching. I am not against thick white stitching, but I don't think it is very me. Skinny jeans are not really me either. I finally found a nice, cheap pair that look okay and I won't feel too bad when they are covered in spit up and greasy hand prints. But it took some looking to find something. As for the shoes, I just didn't like any I saw. Or, they didn't fit over my bunions or cut right across the bunions, neither which is comfortable and I am all about comfort.

I also noticed that there are a lot of patterns everywhere. Florals, plaids, etc. I looked in my closet when I got home saw that I have exactly three shirts (all several years old) with pattern. I just like things solid color with a cool neckline or sleeves and not so much patterns. And not just solid color....all the same color. Everything in my closet is black, off-white, beige, gray and a few red or pink. Not a lot of variety. But that is what I like.

But I did find a gift for my mom. The kids were really good at the mall, funny how I can take the three youngest and it is fine, but add Zack (my very responsible, obedient child) and all heck breaks loose.

We got home and I decided it was time to put away the two (overflowing) baskets of laundry that have been folded and sitting in my room for two days. You know, since I was digging through the baskets every morning to find clothes for my kids. I headed upstairs with the first basket and began putting clothes away in the little boys' room. I straightened their closet and pulled out some things that are for warmer weather or too small. I then went to Zack's room and be the time I had finished, I had a huge pile of warm weather clothing to take to the basement. Storing the clothes is a job I dread, mostly because it kind of makes me sad to see all the clothes that are too small and may not ever be worn again (by one of my children at least.)

Today's transition went smoothly. When you have three sons, who always get holes in their pants/socks/shirts etc., you want to see what you have on hand before you buy new church pants or shoes or something. I have bins labeled with each age from newborn on up to 4T. That is wear my organization ends because anything 4T and above is all stuffed in the same bin. Two reasons for that 1) I ran out of bins and haven't found the kind I like again and 2)we pass all of Zack's clothes over to my nephew, Davis, and then he passes them back to Derek (along with his clothes). So, anything bigger than a 4T that Zack is currently not wearing are not here and I don't have to worry about them.

Anywho, as Sydney, who is ginormous and won't stop growing, gets bigger I have started to put away or pass along some of her clothing. STOP GROWING!

Speaking of growing kids, does anyone have any suggestions for managing the LAUNDRY associated with a six-person family? Holy smokes. I thought it was never-ending before Sydney was born. Now throw a potty-trainer into the mix and I feel like I spend my entire life doing laundry. I have tried having certain days to do laundry, doing a little everyday, trying to do it all in one (impossible) and I think I need some suggestions. Is it ever manageable? Don't answer that, because I am pretty sure the answer is no.

These were some rambling thoughts...but I really do need laundry suggestions!