Maybe it's because I've been up since super early. Maybe it's because my husband's long work hours. Maybe it's because I have a huge trip to prepare for. Maybe it's because I fed my child a pop tart for breakfast and felt sooo guilty [minorly grossed out] by that. Maybe it's because my house never feels clean enough. Maybe it's because I folded 5 loads of laundry today and we all know how grouchy that can make me. Maybe it's because I've hopped on the crazy train.
BUT
I have felt like such a grump lately, and because of that I have a good dose of mom-guilt to go along with it.
Today as I was scrubbing my kitchen counters during nap time, being mad that I spend my free moments cleaning almost every. single. time. Right then it occurred to me that it's not so important if every crumb is off my floor. It's not so important if Grace decides to throw her meals [that I worked so hard to prepare for her] off her tray rather than eat them. What is more perhaps even most important is the attitude that I have everyday.
The thing that makes a house a home isn't tidiness, it's the laughter, the joy, the hugs, the peace that you feel when you are all there together. Those things are virtually nonexistent every time I am stressing over the chores or the crumbs or whatever is under my skin that day.
I don't really think that our kids will remember whether or not all the laundry was put away, if the floors were swept, or the counters were wiped down. What they will remember is if their mom radiated love & happiness to them. Or whether she was a positive force in their lives rather than a nagging one [I tend to stay more on the nagging side I think.]
The best thing that I can give my family is a smile when they're around, a hug when they walk in the door, and a kiss before they go to sleep. Maybe a meal or two mixed in there. Sometimes I feel like it is an art form to stop worrying about all the little things, and start living in the sweet moments.
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6 comments:
It's so hard to banish the mom guilt. I don't think I've actually been guilt free since my son has been born! But, you're so right. It doesn't matter if there are crumbs on the floor or if the counters are always wiped off. It's the love! Thanks for the reminder :)
New follower :)
My 26 month old son has loved helping me clean for about a year now. It's a good thing for him to learn and we are spending time together while getting something checked off the list. We have fun! Plus it leaves nap time for some me time instead of cleaning.
I love your blog!! Now following :) follow me back?!
I found your blog from the neesby notebook. This is such a beautiful post. I am the same way- I have to have everything clean, put away, taken care of, etc beofre I will let myself relax. This is a good reminder that there is so much more in life that is important than clean counters.
new follower :)
bonnie
bonnielouisa.blogspot.com
I'm not a mum but I am a wife and sometimes I feel something similar - the whole 'good wife' syndrome but I've learnt that sometimes the house will win and sometimes I will win. As long as the food is nutritious, the cookie jar is full and the champagne cold, I think we'll live :) I love your blog Jenna!
So true...
p.s. - New here; love your site; new follower. ;)
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