I have a lifetime supply of photos - lots and lots and lots.  So, I've decided to sort through them and pass down what needs to be passed down and organize the rest.

Today, I briefly looked through a few of the photo albums to sort of get an idea of what needs to be done.  I found a little photo book of my oldest daughter's third birthday - thirty years ago.  Was it really that long ago?

I remember now that we were visiting family in the midwest.  My girls and I took a much needed trip to be with family.  My grandmother was still alive and she and my aunt had put together a little birthday party for my daughter.

The first picture of my daughter was one of her holding out that baton she wanted so badly.  She was smiling from ear to ear.  I remember ending up hating that baton because it was always in the way and it seemed like I was always putting it away.  If I put it in the toybox, it stuck straight out of the top.  It just didn't seem to fit anywhere.

Oh, if only that little girl and her baton were here now, even for just a moment.  The children not only grow up - they go away.  And although they turn into wonderful people, they are still missed.  I guess that's why God gives us grandchildren.

There's another picture of her sitting in the 1950's high chair that all of my grandmother's grandchildren sat in.  My daughter was proudly sitting there in front of the white frosted cake that had brightly lit candles displayed in the number three.  Another proud grin on that little face.  It was certainly her day.

The last picture was of her and her younger sister in the bathtub together.  I think after all that cake and ice cream they probably both needed a bath.  Especially the younger one who always needed bathing after eating.  I like this one especially because it shows that they haven't really changed.  My oldest daughter is there posing a wide smile for the camera and there is her younger sister looking at with admiration at her older sister, as she still does today.

Today my daughters are beautiful, productive women with full and happy lives.  And they add to my photo collection with pictures of their children at birthdays and in bathtubs.

I have a feeling that organizing these old photos is going to take awhile because there will be many stops for times of fond memories of children who are part of my soul.

This article will show you how to declutter, organize and maintain a linen closet allowing you to find things easily.If the project is too overwhelming, work on one shelf at a time. Or set a timer and work for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and come back to it later.

Step 1:  The first thing you need to do when starting this project is to declutter. Get rid of anything in the closet that does not belong in there or anything you haven't used in the last year. Is there a tennis racket stored there? It needs to be stored elsewhere so that your closet will maintain organization. Keep in mind the primary use of the closet.Donate any items that are still in good use, but you no longer use. Homeless missions are in great need of sheets and bath linens and are a good place to donate these items.

Step 2:  After you have decluttered, it's time to get organized. Assign like things with like, such as all the bed linens on one shelf, all the bath linens on another. Tablecloths and runners should be stored on a wireless hanger that can be hung on a door hook or can be placed in the dining area in the sideboard along with napkins and place mats. Storing table linens in another area allows for more space in the linen closet.Separate seasonal items or ones that are used occasionally from those that are used on a daily basis.Beach towels, flannel sheets or quilts might be placed in the back of the closet in the off season, etc. Guest towels might be stored in the guest bathroom.

Step 3:  Sheet sets can be folded and stored together inside one of the matching pillow cases. Be sure to allow two to three sets per bed. Rotate your linens by putting the newly laundered set on top of the stack and use the set that is on the bottom. This allows for equal wear.Sheets used for guests might be stored in the guest bedroom or bath.

Step 4:  Towels, hand towels and washcloths should be stored together. Again, if you lack space in the linen closet, these are items that could be stored in each bathroom.Allow three sets per person and one or two sets per each guest.If towels are stored in the linen closet, guest towels can be kept at the back of the closet since they aren't used as often. If you have a small closet, rolling the towels, instead of folding, will give you a little more space.

Step 5:  If your closet lacks space, sometimes it's helpful to use shelf dividers, adjustable shelving or containers. You can use shelf dividers or wire under mount baskets that hang below the shelf, which makes a good place to store washcloths or hand towels. You can group toiletry items together in attractive and useful containers.Labeling is also a good way to maintain order in your closet. This way everyone knows exactly where everything needs to be, including your guests.To keep the air smelling nice in your closet, you can add lavendar sachets, cedar blocks, drawer liners or baking soda. Allow the air to flow in your closet and don't cram your items together.

 THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• If you have limited space, try using Space Bags, shelf dividers for partitioning or under-mount wire baskets.
• Roll towels to save space.
• Add labels to your shelves for maintaining.
• Store bulky items elsewhere, like a window seat or storage chest.
• Remember the primary function of your closet and use it as such for maintaining.
• Sheets and towels should be stored on the center shelves since these items are used most.