This last little one was a blow to my cleaning standards. Maybe it was the combination of having a third baby, moving into our first house that was 3 times the size of anywhere we had lived before and being surrounded by such distracting family (I mean that in a fun way...As in, I would rather play than keep up my house). It has taken me months to feel OK with leaving dishes in the sink, letting laundry pile up, and up, pasta for dinner 5 times a week and putting flip flops on in my own kitchen so as not to be grossed out by the amount of crumbs left behind by said three children.
BUT...
I have also learned to ignore being irritated by a messy house and I have spent more time with my kids. I have enjoyed playing with them and learning about them. I am much slower to clean, to organize, to scrub, to fold than before but I am happy with the way things are.
I just wonder how long it will be before my husband and my bedroom stays clean for more than a week at a time...Maybe it won't be until I am old and need a caretaker and then I could just hire someone that will do light cleaning as well...
After all, pigs are happy in the mud, aren't they?
12 comments:
oh i love this post and can totally relate, especially with the first part. deep cleaning...not so good at that one, although i am good at straightening up. you make me want to do better at spending time with my kids. i'm still yet to learn the best way to not be a slob, but still keep my kids happy. i think it is such a dilema of mommyhood- do i clean the bathrooms, or play with the kids??? i'm still working on that one.
You are a good mom and I have always envied the way you take care of your home so well. You are your harshest critic. I'm glad you are "ok" with where you are and not swetting the small stuff. I know it is hard to overlook the crumbs so life can go on... but sometimes you just have to let it go. :) I wear flip flops in my own kitchen sometimes, too!
Flip flops are a standard in my own kitchen. The only time I am really self concious about the fine grit of sugar on my kitchen floor is when someone comes to visit-- then I think, "hmm, maybe I should sweep that under the rug really quick..." You are a good example-- housework is always there, children will grow up and move away someday, right?
(Oh, and yes, I just realized that my picture is of a girl sweeping-- that is actually a FUTURE picture of MY girls doing the cleaning-- it really isn't supposed to be me...)
EXCUSE THIS HOUSE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some houses try to hide the fact that children shelter there.
Ours boasts of it quite openly, The signs are everywhere---
For smears are on the windows Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize, I guess for the toys strewn on the floor---
But I sat down with the children and we played and laughed and read;
And if the doorbell doesn't shine, Their eyes will shine instead.
For when at times I'm forced to choose The one job or the other---
I want to be a housewife, But first I'll be a Mother.
~~ Author Unknown ~~
OK, am I just particularly sensitive or was that supposed to make me teary?...Thanks for the encouraging words. I suppose you know the feeling all too well (and you thought it would end when your kids grew up...too bad your grandchildren love to play at your house so much!) We know you love it!
A clean house can wait, that's what I've always thought about when I see the dustbunnies and cobwebs in our house. You never get another chance to play with your kids when they are kids, and time goes by so fast. Not to mention that it's just more fun to play dolls and dress-ups.
What's a mop?
As I'm reading I saying Ditto in my head. I feel your pain. I seriously feel like I've been doing laundry for 3 straight days. Sometimes I feel like buying new underwear is easier then washing. Thats why we have a three week supply and I get so behind.
Totally. I am going to market disposable clothes...we won't be around anymore when the landfills overflow and take over the world...
If Cleanliness is Godliness, Then I Am A Heathen.
Ever want to feel better about the condition of your house? Come visit us. It'll inspire lots of "I'm so glad I don't live there" thoughts.
did you know sheaux likes so much if you offered to fly her back and pay her in time babysitting your girls she'd leave tonight..... youd have a clean house and a night out! ...... she really would....
Post a Comment