I finally figured out why my house looks "lived in".
It's very simple really...we live in it!
All 5 of us, well actually 6 of us,
if you count our dog Daisy.
Although we have a place for almost everything,
we are still in the process of training our
boys to put everything in its place.
This can be challenging each day,
as it seems to creep in often.
We have been trying to instill in our boys that it takes
every one to keep the household running.
EVERYONE!
I could easily get discouraged by the
"lived in" look in our home.
I could work really hard at preventing
that from happening, but why?
The only way my home would stay clean and tidy
is if we left for the entire day.
How would I home school or have a
warm meal on our plates if we were never home?
I must confess, I gave up on my old
standards of a "clean" house
some time ago.
I don't want my boys to feel like they can't enjoy their home.
Yes messes happen, but isn't that why we are training
our children to clean up their own messes?
I make messes too!
This happens when I am being productive.
I sometimes clean as I go.
And before my hubby gets home,
we will straighten things up.
I've been learning along the way to not panic
when things aren't spotless or put away...
I'll choose a messy "lived in" home
than a quiet tidy home any ol' day!
Set your affections on things above,
not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2
Thank you so much for stopping by!
I appreciate each one of you.
Hugs & Blessings,
7 comments:
Sometimes I get frustrated that once again I am cleaning the front door window since Megan drew a smiley face in the steamed up window. Then I think one day the window will stay clean and how sad that will be. Our children are with us for such a short time. I will take the smudged window and few scattered toys over a sterile environment any day!
How sweet and realistic your post is! It is one thing to strive to have our homes perfect and another for them to be welcoming to all young and old. To have the homey lived in look...the signs of life you could say. I try to remember a balance as I also seek to teach my children to pick up after themselves and to take care of what is theirs. Part of being good stewards of what we have. They house can be clean .... and then there is the homeschool projects. :) It is only for a time so smile through it. Making memories like your sign in the picture says. A precious time!
I think we all want a tidy home but it is hard when there are small children at play...heck, it's hard when there are no kids around! Our homes are there to live our lives in, not to tip-toe around afraid to make a wrinkle in anything. I think your sign is adorable! Have a blessed week and don't sweat the small stuff :)
Ahomes should not look like minimalist office waiting rooms, but places unique to your own family. My parenys had their own things and our house was nothing like anyone elses house. Other peoples houses were unique, too.
When our kids are home, and you are schooling them there too, the expectation of having a clean home at all times is just not practical. Do what you can, clean as you go, and enjoy the times spent with your kids. They won't remember the mess, but they will remember the memories! And that is what is important! We only have our kids for a short time - and now that my kids are both in college, I am so thankful for the memories along the way, the day will come when the house will be easier to keep clean, but for now, enjoy the memories you are making. Hugs to you dear friend!
I enjoyed this. I homeschooling to and as a type a person I have to often remind myself what your saying. Actually this morning I was a little frustrated because I'd been working hard in the home and it still felt like I never do enough. But I had a peace because I know that I do the best I can and we live in our home.
My house has that lived in look too...even though my children and grown and gone. The hubby and I along with the two dogs manage to keep the lived in look alive and well. It's all good though...it means life is good! Have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Vicky
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