W.W. - When PMS and The Container Store collide.

When we moved into this home, I let some things slide. Having two small children makes (allows?) you do that on occasion. My poor pantry happened to be the dumping ground for all that debris. With the impending Holiday and parental visit, I felt compelled to strip it clean and get myself organized.

So I went to the Mecca of Anal - The Container Store. This retail establishment ranks right up there on my Happy Place Scale with Ikea and Barnes and Noble. Just walking in, I already feel more hip. No small feat.

Youngest and I had a grand time discovering boxes and bins and doodads out the ying yang. (Note to CPS: I do take him to the library every Thursday and to the park, if the weather is just right.) Armed with wire baskets, folding mesh cubes, undershelf-um-shelves and a sweet jingle bell ornament for my patient hostage, we ran home to Contain it all.

What I discovered was simply quite shocking. Did you know that instant mashed potatoes actually expire? I had a can of corn from May 2006. Unpopped popcorn has a shelf life. And to prove to you that I once tried be a good mom, a can of baking powder from December 2004.

If I had been a good little blogger, I would've taken a "before" picture. But take my word for it, it was curse inducing. And as I look around my home, I realize that I could have done a lot more damage on the credit card to really get the place in shape. But then I open my pantry door, take a big deep breath and smile.

Now if I can just keep myself from strangling my mother when she asks "how do you find any of your measuring spoons in this utensil drawer?!" it might just be a Happy Thanksgiving after all.

For more Wordful Wednesday posts, visit Angie at Seven Clown Circus!