Being a clean freak by nature having a "dirty" house really puts me in the bad mood . But with homeschooling 5 and 7 y olds , running after 21 months old and being 34 weeks pregnant cleaning just gets put on the 'back burner" (even with my boys having chores) . So this morning was one of "those" as I looked around dog food spilled all over the floor, dishes piled in the sink and smelled the bathrooms that have to be cleaned .
So as I sat for a second to check Facebook(the extend of my social life on most days:) ) I saw this quote on friend's status........
"One day there will be no pitter patter of little feet. And as you look around at everything in it's place, you will realize that immaculate is overrated."
Wow, how true is that ,it's so made me cry.
YepI love this one too..
have this cross stitch.....
Housework makes you ugly..
I must be quiet beautiful.. at this point.
Wish I could give you a flower for this post! What a beautiful reminder of what's truly most important!
Agreed. I don't want people gathered at my funeral talking about what a clean house I kept.
It is a touching saying .... and I am like you, someone who prefers a clean house. However, I also like to have a "home" which means.. despite enjoying it clean, I definitely have times where I don't pay as much attention to it.. Don't get me wrong, we aren't slobs :) but I don't freak out over the little stuff. this also includes things like using my china... how many brides have received china for their wedding and only use it on special occasions.. I used to be one of them :) but then , one day I said, you know.. I am gonna use ALL my "stuff" I mean, what am I saving it for.. to me, every day with my family is a special day.. so yeah, I use china, "good linens" :) and whatever else.... no more saving up for something special... and if spills and clutter are around the house, I will clean the obvious stuff, but no more sweating the little stuff.... we are not perfect but it's the people in my house I want to enjoy.. the rest comes second..
Sounds like you are doing a great job in your household!! my best to you!
It is very true. I am not a neat freak but I keep things in order pretty well.
I'll never forget as a teacher when children were celebrating moms and there was a questionairre for each child (1st grade level). One question was what does your mom like to do .... the responses varied with laugh, C., play, and 1 child's answer was vaccum.
These celebrations were posted on the walls in the classroom for open house. That mom felt horrible when she read hers.
Time flies.. seems like yesterday my daughter started K and this year she will be a senior. Enjoy them while you can.
Absolutely. Toys means that I have a child and that child had time to play and that I probably got down on the floor with her and had a tea party. Which is not to say nothing ever gets cleaned, but my priority is not an immaculate house every day.
I agree! But... isn't it nice for those first 10 or 15 minutes while the house is immaculate... before the first glob of something hits the floor or the sheets come flying off the bed to make a fort. I revel in those few moments and then grab a flashlight to go read stories inside the sheet tent.
My parents have had a plaque in their kitchen for the last 35 years that reads... "Never get so busy making a living that your forget to make a life." That's one that rings true for me and I was so glad when they gave us one for our house too!
Our house is generally picked up, but I would not call it "clean". Too many other things are more important to us. And when people come over, they feel 'comfortable' in our home. I hate going to houses that are spotless and you feel like you can't touch anything or it will get broken or dirty. Cut yourself some slack. Just try to keep up with what is obvious, the kitchen and bathrooms and declutter. Decluttering has made a HUGE difference for me and hubs and kids keeping up with it. I can't believe how fast life passes us by. Don't spend it being unhappy. Good luck!
I am at the other end of the spectrum with my youngest going off to college. So I know that's true!
Have fun with your kiddos today!
Updated
I am at the other end of the spectrum with my youngest going off to college. So I know that's true!
Have fun with your kiddos today!
Nice, thanks for sharing.
Here is a site that might help if you are interested. www.flylady.net
Jen
Very Nice! My favorite is:
"I hope that my children looking back on today, will remember a mother who had time to play. Because children grow up, while we're not looking. There are years left ahead for cleaning and cooking!"
Am glad am an anti-neatness freak... :P
My house is clean and hygienic , but seldom neat and organized. Somehow, I find comfort and peace of mind in between a little chaos. Too much neatness and all things tucked away in their places, sometimes makes me paranoid. :)
just made me cry too... I'll have to remember that...
Love that! Thank you for sharing!
This is so true!! thank you for sharing :) You may get frustrated over those messes at times but I think looking back at this quote wont make you feel so bad when you see those messes. Thanks L.! :)
I'm glad you wrote this - I needed to hear it!!!
Oh, so true!
Thanks for that reminder! I needed that!
Love it and an excellent reminder. Thanks for sharing.
I think there is a balance. I think it is very important to have a clean home for the health of you family, in order to teach your children how to clean and take care of themselves and a home, and to be able to enjoy your surrounding and not feel like you are living in chaos. But you need to allow your children to play, get toys out, paint, be loud and have fun. And be there to enjoy the fun times with them. There is a quote that I have heard and always gets me every time I read it.........One day all the piles of laundry will be gone and you'll realize you miss them profoundly.
My philosophy is think about what you want flashing through your mind as you lay on your death bed. Is it a clean house or time with the hubby, kids, grandkids? Then act accordingly!
A perfect clean house is simply an ambitious dream with little ones running around. They are not interested in keeping the sofa cushions plumped up just right or making sure the nicknacks are dusted and that the rug's fringes are perfectly aligned. What a wonderful view they have. Their view is innocentand is so unadorned with trying to impress. I like a clean house too, but I can recall many a Saturday I spent cleaning rather than having fun with my daughter. The dirty house will still be there...if nothing else.
