Rose started cleaning her room the day school got out and finished last week. She didn't dust or vacuum. Oh no. She went through every item on every shelf in every drawer in every box and made a decision--keep, recycle/throw away, give to David, put with the family toys, save to sell at a garage sale. My in-laws recently went through this process with their entire house as they prepared to move into Kendal. They can tell you what a massive undertaking it is. This project was completely Rose's idea. It engendered a lot of Mommy/Rose time, however, because she wanted my help making the decisions.

She recycled/threw away broken plastic party favors; the stellar nuclear synthesis chart and the shape mobile from school projects; old candy from Valentine's day and most of the Valentines.

She gave David the Polly Pockets ship which she had so desperately wanted last Christmas. It's joined his pirate ship armada. The Polly Pockets pink car is now racing with Lightening McQueen.

She gave away four party dresses that no longer fit, a pair of pink clogs the neighbor down the street had given her. The fairy costume and gi moved to the downstairs dress up box. She's planning to sell some beanie babies and bears.

She kept the Playmobile horses and started playing with them again. She kept Babydoll and moved her out of the closet into a little cubby under the bed. She kept the teddy bear Nounours because I had such fond memories of her naming him at two. She kept the pink kitty because it was a special present from Grandpa Jere and Barb.

Her shelves have space. Her bureau has space. She is my role model.