Free parenting (and life) tip!

I know I haven't blogged in awhile and trust me — I feel guilty about it everyday! Who would have thought planning a Halloween party (for nine 2-year-olds, their parents and an Elsie), a wedding (it's next Friday ahhhhh) and a ton of work would take up so much time!

Anyway, as a way to say 'I'm sorry' for my lack of posts, I've decided to share one of my best parenting tips. And although it might be somewhat controversial, I've been living according to this rule pretty much since Elsie was born and I stand by it 100%.

Don't fold laundry. Ever. 

Or at least not the kids' clothes. What's the point! They just get food or mud all over themselves right after they're dressed anyway. Now that Elsie's eating solid foods, I change her clothes at least two times a day — usually three. 

So now, every night when William and I see that giant, never-ending pile of clean laundry on our couch, we simply divide it into piles of clothes belonging to Freddie and Elsie and then stuff the piles into their drawers. 

You won't believe all the time we save by not folding anything! If you're finding it hard to fit in cutting your nails, washing your sheets or the latest episode of 'Geordie Shore,' I highly recommend you stop folding your clothes. You'll never go back!

Now, since photos of heaps of laundry are boring as all H, here are a couple cute pics of the kids from recently. 

Els out for dinner the other night. She got her first tooth yesterday!

Freddie with his 2 and a half year-old birthday cake (a train!). Choo Choo!

 

Guess who?

There's no doubting Freddie and Elsie are siblings. I've always thought their red hair, round cheeks and big blue eyes are a pretty close match. However, it was only recently that I realized just how much these two look alike. All thanks to big blue snowsuit...

PS I redid my blog header. Elsie is official now!

Summer in Seattle, 2014

4 generations of Padden females.

We went off on our annual Seattle trip on August 19th. Margaret ("Bobo"), Freddie, Elsie and I flew over for three weeks of fun in the sun with William joining us for 10 days in the middle. We had a fabulous time at Clare and Jon's wedding, playing in the sand at Seaside and relaxing in beautiful K-town. Couldn't have asked for a better holiday, thanks in most part to the company.

The kids had a blast with their cousins and we came back with Elsie now rolling over and Freddie speaking in full sentences. "I don't like that, Mom" - pointing at his pancakes this morning (!!). One second later - "I like that, Mom" (pointing at his pancakes again). We are still getting over the jet lag, which has been horrid for everyone this time for some reason, but have lots of fun activities planned for this weekend to tire everyone out and resume a 7pm bedtime!

Els and Greta getting acquainted.

Keeley, Freddie, Ollie and Reenie Roo at the kids' table.

Freddie, Keeley & Reenie having a ball.

Els taking a load off on Grandpa.