9-22-12 The great bedroom cleanup

I don't know if this can technically be called a bedroom cleanup.  It is more of a bedroom rearrange.  Joey asked if we could do this at 9:30 this morning.  I started with going through Joey's clothes, sorting to a give away bag, a bag good enough for Matthew, and a seasonal bag with shorts and summer things to put away in the closet.  I asked Joey to pick up all the stuffed animals and put them on the bed.

Let's just call this "Stuffed Animal Mountain."  He also had two small shopping bags to sort some toys to give to daycare, and others just to donate to school (They use them for carnival prizes) or give away.  This sorting/throwing process needs to continue for a good long while to come.

Another thing we have pondered before is whether or not to keep the extra twin bed in this room.  As you can see, most of the time, noone sleeps in it, but it accumulates "stuff."

 I campaigned to "Keep the extra bed!"  It is very handy when Matthew comes to visit, and he and Joey each have their own sleeping space.  In the process of taking apart the twin bed and the moving of furniture, we found some surprises!

There was this delightful poster I drew for Joey's 5th birthday, pirate themed, in which the kids pinned stuff on the pirate while blindfolded.  Joey still wants to keep this, and we did not throw it out.

After moving Joey's bed, we found one of Gia's chew treats hidden behind the nightstand.  Who knows for how long!
It was good to vaccuum, wash down the walls, clean, the windows, and the ceiling fan.  Then the great moving began.   Joey and I ended up sorting through all his books, and reorganizing them.  I had a few to give away.  I put all the board books in a clear plastic storage bin, which we can bring out when Matthew is here, or save for future grandchildren.
I am on my third load of laundry so far from Joe's room.  Two were bedding, and one all his long sleeved shirts now that the weather is changing.  I like clothing to be fresh, not have "storage smell."

I am just now picking up this post, several days later.  The first night Joey was in bed before the quilts were washed for the big bed.  The second night was Culver's fundraiser night, followed by homework, and home inspection review for mom.  Tonight, the 3rd night, is the first night I could even get pictures.  The twin bed for Matthew Thomas. Note that Joey's Toy Story 3 poster made the cut, and we moved it to a different wall.  Thank goodness for fun tac.  Also, we always like to use his magnetic Melissa and Doug calendar month to month.  And Joey loves the globe on his desk, which we used to locate all the "stan" countries while Zach was deployed.

Before the first day was even over, Joey wanted to move the card table up to his room for all his legos.  It was so much nicer with open access to the bookcase and window!  Reality strikes...this is how we live.  Katie, he's using your green cube for seating!  Love how it slides under the card table.  And Zach, note that your stuffed pterodactyl is still flying in this room! 

Finally, a view of the "big bed" where Joe sleeps. A few clean/sort/throw/give tasks remain, but they can wait!