Advice Anyone?

I love my daughter. In fact most days I like the traits I see in her more than what I see in myself. Laurel is creative and smart. She is a hard worker and somehow she has this amazing fashion sense that cracks me up since both mom and dad are greatly lacking in that area. BUT... her messy room drives me INSANE. I have tried everything from emptying her room into the attic to filling bags with garbage to banning all purchases. She does not seem to get it that the floor is not an acceptable storage area for ear rings, books, craft supplies, and toys. Anytime I mention the word clean-ups I know I can count on Laurel to find a quiet spot to disappear to. Then when I do find her I have to hear how everyone hates her. I am at my wits end- I find myself wishing that we lived in a one-bedroom home with 2 outfits a piece. Then we would not have to spend precious energy fighting about STUFF. You wonder why I pack up every summer? That's because when you sleep in a tent and pack a laundry basket per person there is not a whole lot of time and energy spent on clean-ups. I hope someday I will look back at this blog entry and laugh. But for now it is driving me crazy.

Happy Birthday

I remember when I was little and I would ask my mom what she wants for her birthday and her answer was always some variation of: All I want is for everyone to be happy and healthy. As a 7 or 8 year old who always had at least 10 things on my mind that I wanted, I could not imagine not wanting a THING for my birthday. But I guess I am starting to mature because I sound just like my mom when my children ask me what I want for my birthday and my kids sound just like I used to when they hear my answer. But like it or not, here's hoping I get what I want and everyone is happy and healthy today.
Not only is it my birthday. But I am also very excited because L has her first cross country practice, O has his first soccer practice and both have their first day of school at their new school. I can't wait to hear how it all goes.