I don’t know that I have this completely tackled, but here’s what helps. Bills are filed in a hanging file in the desk. Filing goes in its own box. School notes that need to be kept where I can see them hang on a clip on the refrigerator. Others that need to be handy, but not seen, are in a file folder on the kitchen counter. I file all the school papers, small art, etc. in a file folder behind the bills. Twice a year I empty it out, throwing about 95 percent away. The art I want to save goes in an empty half-sheet cake in the closet after I date it.

I’m not a clutter expert or anything, but we a military family & move every couple of years, so we’ve learned to let go.  Here are a few ideas:

Kids Art:
-Take two poster boards and tape them together on one side to make an art folder. These don’t take up a lot of room.
-For 3-D sentimental things, like hospital wrist bands, first haircut, etc., keep one shoebox for each child.  Put their special things in there and when they turn 18 or move out of the house or get married, give them the box.

Filing: We hardly save anything anymore because all our files are also online.  Whenever we can, we opt for e-bills, so we don’t have to deal with the paperwork.

If it is something very important (passports, birth certificates) we keep it in a fire safe box.

There are also many online document storage websites, although I haven’t tried any yet.

Anything else that is paper/cardboard, even empty half½ cartons, are dried and put into the recycling bin that is kept close to the kitchen.

Even Christmas letters and birthday cards.  We read them and recycle them.  Occasionally we use the card for scrapbooking or it goes in the kids’ shoe box, BUT, resist the temptation to save everything!  Only use things you can use in the very near future, otherwise, you’ll probably never use it.

I think the key to keep paper-clutter down is to deal with it immediately or set a set time every day when you go through the mail and take care of it.

I try to keep kid art that includes hand or footprints and others with significance. I have a plastic tub for each kid that includes art, baby book, cards from their birth and other special memories. I’ve found sacrament boxes that help organize religious memories.

I don’t keep everything that comes home from pre-school.  If it is very cute or special I keep it.  But I did have major guilt about recycling my daughters work, So what I do it take pictures with my digital camera and I have a file on my computer to store her art work.  I guess it is kind of the same thing as scanning, but you don’t have to worry so much about size.

Hope that helps

Thank you all very much. It’s amazing how encouraging it is, just to hear what others do, and that they care!  Thank you again. Wonderful advice and encouragement.

Maureen - I would NOT try to whiten it. It sounds like it’s in pretty good condition for its age, but with antique textiles, trying to clean it can often do more harm than good. The Textile Museum has a pretty good set of guidelines for the care of antiques that’s online here: http://www.textilemuseum.org/care/brochures/guidelines.htm and there are some reasonably priced books that will give a good overview of how to care for and preserve household items of age or importance, textiles included, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Winterthur-Guide-Caring-Collection-Decorative/dp/0912724528

If I recall correctly, I got my copy of the Winterthur guide online for cheaper than Amazon by buying used, maybe at abebooks.com? I’m not at home now, or I’d check it to see whether there’s anything in there that might be of specific help.

Distilled water is the best solvent; it also won’t damage the white cotton fabric. I suggest you gently wash the garment in a small tub/clean container (rinse it with the distilled water) filled with distilled water. After that, you can determine if the garment needs some spot treatment for the stains. Be careful what you use though-a harsh stain treatment can further discolor the stains and the garment. I might try baking soda and lemon juice or white vinegar. Also, dry the garment flat, preferably on a cotton towel with no dyes. When you are through using the garment, if you want it stored in museum quality products, consider using acid free tissue paper to fold and put inside the garment along the creases, inside the sleeves and around the collar. Then you can wrap the entire piece in acid free tissue paper and store it in a garment bag or if you really want, a small acid free box. Acid free materials can be bought on-line from museum/archival sources (university products, gaylord, archival materials). Acid free materials are expensive but they also ensure good care of objects. An alternative might be wrapping the garment in plain muslin.

We have a baptismal gown of about the same age. My great-grandfather was baptized in it, he was born around 1880.
The only whitening agent I have used on it is the sun. It certainly didn’t make it “clorox” white but it did help.

We also have a christening gown about 100 years old that has been pased down and everyone had worn it.  My son wore it when he was baptized two years ago.  To whiten it (it was summer), my mom washed it gently by hand with Ivory soap and then, on Internet advice, we lay it out on a white towel on the green grass in the bright sun for a few hours and voila!  it looked awesome!  that effect is temporary b/c now, in storage, it looks yellow again but it def. worked.

I’m certainly no expert on the matter…but in the Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Churches, the Anointing of the Sick seems to be utilized a bit more frequently than in the Latin rite Church.  It seems that in the past, this Sacrament was reserved for those who were in near danger of death—while today it is not uncommon for someone to request the Anointing prior to surgery (even if not life-threatening) or if they are otherwise ill or elderly.  Our priest offers the Anointing to everyone in our parish at least once per year, for both physical & spiritual health.

Though I am no expert on the subject, Our Parish ( not of Byzantine rite) also offers anointing of the sick a couple times through the year at Mass. A couple weeks before Our Priest explained that Anointing of the sick was for anyone who felt reason to be anointed, not only serious illnesses like Last Rites used to be used for. He explained that Last Rites used to be a one time thing so the Church cautioned against jumping the gun. Unfortunatly many died before the Priest could get there to give Last Rites because they waited too long. This, we were told was why the church has changed things to offer anointing of the sick, which allows one to be anointed as often as needed,therefore being used for much less grave situations. It’s my understanding that your cold would have been plenty reason enough for you to be anointed.

Our parish offers it perhaps a few times per year.  The priest has indicated that it is for people over 65 or those who are ill, and he asks those under 65 to say a brief word to him.  So I’d say that you were correct in not participating by the standards here.  But I don’t think there would have been anything terribly wrong if you would have participated, either! (And maybe you’d shake that cold more quickly. :>))

From the Catechism: “[it] is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death.  Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age” he may receive the sacrament.
The CCC only refers to grave or serious illnesses throughout the section on this sacrament, so, unless you have a very compromised immune system, a cold wouldn’t qualify.  It does talk of the fittingness of celebrating it during Mass so that the ill have the support and prayers of the community and the connection to the Body of Christ and the Divine Physician in the Eucharist. 
Hope that helps.

I have been where you are (some might say I still am on some days). I think the thing to remember is to take it slowly, a day at a time or even a part of a day at a time. Wake up, say a prayer to Our Mother for her help and guidance and accomplish something, like get the kids up and fed. Then give yourself a break. Recognize that you are going through a hard time, and physically, also need more rest, and let that be OK. Set little goals for the different parts of the day, one at a time. Stop frequently and ask for prayer, and give yourself a break. So what if it’s lunchtime and the kids are in PJs, if you aren’t going anywhere, no harm done. I would try to take it slowly and soon you will see yourself accomplishing these little steps and can move onto bigger ones, but don’t push yourself too hard. There is so much we feel we have to do everyday that we really don’t. Take care of yourself physically and spiritually and the rest will follow, I’ll continue to remember you in my prayers.

Glad you felt a bit better - prayers continue for you (and the others who requested prayer today).  Sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to be doing right now: making sure real necessities are taken care of and not doing more than you can manage.  If there is something included in that “everything to get done” that seems like it would be a good thing to help you/your kids feel better about the current situation (one fave Christmas cookie recipe, a small craft, a visit with a supportive friend, getting inexpensive ice cream cones at Burger King, or whatever), then do that one thing and don’t stress over whether you are getting everything done that seems to be de rigeur this time of year.  I always feel kind of guilty when I am morning sick and all I do for three months is get the born kids fed and dressed and languidly supervised during the day and dh has to pick up the slack - but he’d rather pick up the slack than deal with how *really*  sick I get when I do too much.  Just a season we learn to handle as it comes.

I wish I had some good words of wisdom—-I am certain there are a lot of us out there having a tough time right now.  Please don’t feel alone.

Take a couple of deep breaths, say a little prayer before letting your anger out at your children.  (Easier said than done, it feels like sometimes)

I will pray for you and hope things continue to get better!

My prayers are with you.  I just told my chiropractor yesterday that I feel like Jekyl/Hyde.  I go from so angry one day to so kind the next.  On my angry days it’s like I’m looking or a fight - I’m simply not really me.  He suggested B6 - which I know from past experience really evens things out.  And I had quit taking my prenatal (for nursing) vitamins because they make me gag.  I also believe that it is related to my cycle - not just PMS but weird things are happening in that dept.  and I’m only 41.  Please try to get enough sleep, do only those things you need to in order to relieve stress (I can let the laundry go for all 9 of us but a cluttered kitchen drives me over the edge) and get some good vitamins.  It is so hard and I feel so bad for my kids, on one hand, on the other hand I just WANT to scream.  My prayers are with you, know that you are not alone.

I’ve been living there lately and trying to accept that the things making me angry (people, situations and mood swings) are not actually trying to make me feel angry.
I can’t seem to avoid hurting the kids or hubby or someone at work or anywhere.
One thing I know I need is a good retreat complete with a long confession but its been impossible to be alone for 5 mins. I guess for me Lent starts early.

Sigh.  I’ve got troubles in that area too.  In addition to prayer, the one thing that I have found to be very helpful is exercise; serious strenuous exercise.  It is so so hard for me to work that in anywhere, but it is so so important.  Stress happens, anger builds up, and it just needs somewhere to go, or, as you and I both know, it’ll explode right out of us.  Brisk walking (with or without the kids), a sprint down the street, jumping jacks, anything you can fit in.  I’m struggling right there with you though.  Peace.

Six boys here, all age ranges… Protein breaks the bank, but I’ve found it fills them up much longer and keeps mood swings to a minimum. With the pasta/pretzel crowd pair them with cheeses, hamburger, nuts, even beans.(I know picky eaters don’t care for often care for these, but most of mine will eat re fried beans/black beans) Also some healthy ‘fats’ keep hunger at bay..Real butter or sour cream, whole milk served with meals/snacks keep those boys moving. (All of my boys are very active, healthy—never a weight problem here, so I don’t follow the typical ‘fats’ regime for them.)

We will certainly beg the intercession of Our Lord, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Gianna Molla, St. Gerard Majella, & her guardian angel for Jessica & her baby!!!  Please let us know if you hear anything else—(the code below is “live15”—may this be a sign!)

Re: soy

Yes, soy is in an incredible amount of things that really don’t need it at all.  My son is mildly allergic to soy and it is SOOOOO hard to find him things like margarine or bread because of this.

I think one of the problems with soy is that it contains lots and lots of estrogen, which is where the comparison the birth control pills may come in.

http://reliableanswers.com/med/soy.asp

Dd and I have thyroid disorder. Soy is goitrogenic so we try and avoid what we can. Small amounts are fine here and there but I don’t serve anything heavy on soy (except fermented like soy sauce as it is not the same as say, tofu) and would NEVER give a baby of mine soy formula. Not with our family medical history.

Thank you for sharing this uplifting story ! It is always good to hear that there is still much good mixed in with all of the bad in this world !

I am hoping my cousin the Kindergarten teacher sees this and responds but I would suggest a small plate of cookies (as long as you know she has no health issues) and a handmade card from your son. If you were so inclined, a nice gift card would not come amiss. I have heard many times from teachers that while they appreciate the “thought”, they really do receive far too many mugs, candles and ornaments. consumable gifts are better. JMO

My mother-in-law is a 6th grade teacher and always says that their house is decorated at Christmas from her students’ gifts.  They have a ton of decorations (and definitely doesn’t need more)!  She also always has lots of plates of goodies around- which are nice and appreciated, but at the same time, you can only eat so many (and some teachers may not have families or many to share them with).  I think she really appreciates getting small gift cards as gifts- Starbucks, a local bagel place or cafe, even a movie theater—things like that, and it doesn’t even have to be much- $10 or whatever you’re comfortable.

At my children’s school the room mom usually organizes a “class gift”.  Everyone who wishes to can send any amount of money they would like and a gift card is purchased for a place the teacher would like.  One class is getting a gift card to the mall and raised about $150.  It makes it easy for parents and something really useful and appreciated for the teacher!

oops, this was meant to be a response to Anon about anger

PS Seeing them this Christmas is unavoidable. Ha! the security word is “fear”.

Anon,
I would suggest that you’ll never get an apology (and it’s beyond your control) so stop seeking it.  Perhaps a batter path, which would be completely in your control, is to think of a time or times in your life when you have hurt someone unintentionally.  While you may have apologized (hopefully) you still did cause hurt (assuming you have hurt someone in the past - most of us have).  You could offer up your encounters with the people who have hurt you as a prayer for those you have hurt.  Maybe it’ll help to change your frame of reference and focus in this way.

I’m sorry you had to deal with such situations on your wedding day.  Apparently, they don’t realize how their actions on your special day has affected your opinion of them.
What some women said about you, let it go and give it to God.  Place your hurt at the foot of the cross, Jesus can take from there, he was also mocked on the way to calvary.  Also, and this is hard to do, is pray for the people that hurt you by name.  It can be very simple…like….I pray for (x)‘s health, wealth , and happiness. And then some Hail Mary’s and Our Father’s.  This prayer is more for you to help heal your hurt.  Do this until the anger goes away, it may take weeks.  But, hopefully one day you will be able to think about things in a different light.  Also, ask your gardian angel for help on the day of the party to help you on the day of the Christmas party.  These are just some ways I have tried in the past that have helped deal with similiar emotions.

I think these people just really sound clueless about what they did and the hurt it caused.  They probably did not do it maliciously but were rather careless in their attitudes.  The best thing you can do is pray for relief from your bitter feelings, esp. before starting a rosary, and try to be polite to them when you have to see them.  Just try to be cordial to them and not worry about getting an acknowledgement of how they screwed up.  Hopefully the ‘friendship’ will fade in time and you won’t have to deal w/them.  Good luck.

No doubt these people are trouble makers, but you, for your own peace of heart, have to forgive them.  Just start small, perhaps go to confession and talk to a priest about this.  Maybe he can give you some suggestions for coming to forgiveness.  Then you have to pray for the grace to deal with these people.

I had a similar situation with people not apologizing for something they had done, even after being confronted about what they had done.  Something that helped me was what a priest told me during my confession (again) of how this was bothering me.  He said, “people who don’t apologize don’t understand the concept of forgiveness”.  Think about that; they can’t accept forgiveness (or apologize) because it is a foreign concept to them.  They can’t even (on some level) understand God’s forgiveness.  In thinking about the people I had the problem with, I could see how they never really apologized for ANY insult or rotten thing that they had done to anyone. 

This really helped me to have compassion for them, and diffused my anger toward them.

I’ve been struggling with my dog, we’ve had him for 6 months and he has to be walked twice a day! I don’t walk - it’s hard to do once a day but with my husband being gone it falls on me to do both walks. I hate this but I’m sharing this with you because I’ve noticed that after walking, despite the twenty minutes it takes to get us ready and bundle my toddler in the stroller in 20 degree weather, I do feel less stres and anger after our walks. Sometimes I just know God is up there laughing, hard!