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Samantha's preschool class made dirt-filled potato dogs. When you water the spuds, they grow like a Chia pet. Nice—just what Mama needs.

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While trying to carry Samantha's gear out of school, the prize puppy fell and dirt poured all over the carpet. I managed to scoop most of it up only for the rest to spill all over my minivan floor. Have you ever wanted to ditch an art project before you've even left the school building?

Here's my system for making the artistic cut:

Culprits: glitter, plastic utensils, pipe cleaners, paper plates, feathers, Styrofoam cups, macaroni-adorned frames, objects with drinking straws for arms and legs and anything with googly eyes. (I should add dirt and potatoes to the list.)

Keepers: pottery, handprints, anything with magnets, my kids' photos, paint or an original drawing.

The next day I hurriedly cleaned the counters and delivered a few items to the recycling can. (Note to self: Bury art so kids don't see their precious creations as they chuck their empty milk boxes.)

"Mommy, why is my Snow White picture in the garbage?" Samantha wails.

Damn. I knew I should have taken out the trash earlier.

"Oh, let me see that," I say as I practically press my entire body on the construction paper trying to smooth it out. "I know we can tape it back together!"

"NO WE CAN'T—it's ruined forever!" she yells. "It's all your fault."

There is nothing quite like getting busted for pitching your children's artwork. But let's face it, not everything can be a masterpiece. Any anti-clutter expert will tell you that you have to cut back on the piles you accumulate. You can't save everything. So why do I feel like the Wicked Witch with every crayon-scribbled paper I toss?—Julie Weingarden Dubin

How much of your kids' artwork do you keep? How do you determine what stays? Any ideas on how to store the keepers?

What do you think?