Trust me, I’ve been there, too. But, don’t worry. These are the best kinds of messes to have — the kind that come from embracing life and enjoying every moment.
So, my new philosophy is all about striving to keep the clean, messy house.
Nobody wants an all-out dirty house. But a messy house is different; it is one full of life, love, laughter … and resulting debris.
If a spotless, impeccable house is your heart’s desire, just remember, not everything that looks great on the outside always is.
The animal cracker confetti, piles of dirty dishes, glitter in the carpet and magic marker on the dining room table, are all just signs of life.
Let’s be honest, you can’t do a whole lot in life without making a mess. And where’s the fun if you can’t get your hands a little dirty?
When my kids wipe their noses on my bed, or stuff Cheerios down under the couch cushions, I take a deep breath and tell myself that life isn’t about the stuff you acquire, but the cherished (disheveled) moments you spend together.
I like to think of my house as a gingerbread house. The stickier it is, the better it tastes. The more gumdrops, M&M’s and frosting, the better received it will be. Left alone, it just wouldn’t have the same appeal, and I know Hansel and Gretel wouldn’t have ever ventured inside.
But I also know just how important practicing random acts of cleanliness each and every day are, too. Because if you are like me, I consistently remain about two steps behind the kids (even my biggest kid — my husband). They leave a trail of candy wrappers, crumbs and toys in their wake; I never can quite seem to keep up.
But mess and dirt are not the same thing. And if people don’t like your mess, these are not the best kinds of friends to have anyway. Real friends should love and accept you for who you are (despite who you are related to).
Though my house shows the wear and tear of two little boys who run around having the time of their lives, my house also knows that it’s lived in, loved and appreciated.
And I wouldn’t trade my clean, messy house for anything. I want people to come inside, grab a snack, settle in, and feel at home here … just like we do.
I like to think of my house as a gingerbread house. The stickier it is, the better it tastes. The more gumdrops, M&M’s and frosting, the better received it will be. Left alone, it just wouldn’t have the same appeal, and I know Hansel and Gretel wouldn’t have ever ventured inside.
But I also know just how important practicing random acts of cleanliness each and every day are, too. Because if you are like me, I consistently remain about two steps behind the kids (even my biggest kid — my husband). They leave a trail of candy wrappers, crumbs and toys in their wake; I never can quite seem to keep up.
But mess and dirt are not the same thing. And if people don’t like your mess, these are not the best kinds of friends to have anyway. Real friends should love and accept you for who you are (despite who you are related to).
Though my house shows the wear and tear of two little boys who run around having the time of their lives, my house also knows that it’s lived in, loved and appreciated.
And I wouldn’t trade my clean, messy house for anything. I want people to come inside, grab a snack, settle in, and feel at home here … just like we do.
