I need a sticker chart. I need a sticker chart with the chores I need to do written in huge, red, encouraging statements like:
Vacuum, dangit!
Scrub the tub, it's growing mold
Sweep the floors already!
Clean toilet bowl, it stinks
Bathe the child!!!!
The floor has disappeared: pick up clothes off of the floor and launder them
Aye yay yay. There are so many things I have yet to "master" as a domestic engineer/housewife/sahm. Ever since V. was born and Job started working, I've kind of been dawdling in getting my act together. In the first year of our marriage, I worked and Job was in school, so he was able to do the brunt of the housework (he was, indeed, the "househusband"). And although he does help out quite a bit with housework, he doesn't have the time or energy to clean to the degree that he did before (I don't want to give the idea that he doesn't help me, he really does).
Anyway, my "work" now is managing the household, making sure our space is livable, clean and organized to the best of our ability. Ick. I'm not good at this. I like it, in theory, but I'm not a natural. But having a child forces one to "get with the program." And to be quite frank, it's time I quit farting around (sorry to drop the "f" word like that, mom :D).
Because one thing I have learned is this: You can deck your halls, walls and living space with expensive Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel equipment (salivates), but even the most well-decorated home won't look good if it isn't tidy and inviting. I think of the monastery in Goldendale, and how the nuns really do an amazing job of creating a comfortable, peaceful place for guests. And that's because they keep the quarters humble, efficient, clean and simple. With prayer, they prepare a resting place for pilgrims and create an environment that mysteriously elevates our hearts to prayer. Shouldn't our homes be the same?
Every time I think, "Oh I wish I had nice furniture and beautiful home decor," I have to stop and remind myself that the most comfortable homes are those that are free of excessive messes, clutter and dirt. Of course, there will always be the toys on the ground, a misplaced pair of shoes, water pools on the bathroom counter, a "nest" of afghans and blankets on the sofa, and that's okay. They're reminders that life is being lived and that the home life is alive and kicking. But when I start to daydream about a cleaner and more organized home, I know that the answer is NOT in a shopping spree to the Container Store ("Oh, if I just buy organization paraphenelia, the clutter would just go away..." HA!). Rather, the "power" lies in me, in getting up and picking up, throwing out, de-cluttering, vacuuming, etc., and creating an environment of love, prayer and peace.
And so this little housewife needs a little help, a little incentive. I need a sticker chart. I think I'll start one today. And what do I get when all of my "stickers" are earned and in place for the week? A latte :) Of course.
4 comments:
Oh, I like the self-motivation idea! Has Susan Sophia told you about the "Mother's Rule of Life"? Or did you read her posts about it?
Google it and see what you think...the book has helped me start to "get my act together" though I'm far from where I'd like to be.
She has a great perspective about not just having a clean/tidy house for the sake of cleanliness but so your family can have a functioning space and life in which to pursue God and living for Him. She also incorporates time for prayer, the importance of it and lots of other good things. I'm not a "schedule" person but having a schedule has been freeing, I don't have to think about what to do everyday (if I follow it, that is).
Anyway, check it out...:)
You and me both !
I have done a load of clothes washing from our holiday (we got back yesterday) but the house looks like a bomb site and i just can`t motivate myself at the moment. Perhaps a tasty chocolate treat would do the trick to persuade me to get the house clean and tidy today .....
I agree with Laura. I know it takes a lot of getting used to after being a (ahem, puts on official voice) Productive Contributor to Society (ahem) but you need to realize that you are contributing just by being with little Vasilia and caring for her and meeting her needs. Yes, you need to eat, but no, your house does not need to be perfect. Comfy, yes. But just wait until she's a toddler....then you'll find out about mess! When there are toys all over the floor and picking them up only results in toys all over the floor 5 minutes later. Then you might give up the idea of a perfect home. ;-)
I still need to figure this out myself, of course....here I sit while I should be packing for vacation. Ah, here I go. Good luck!
How is the sticker chart going? You have a lot of insight, Katie. It seems like you are doing a great job finding your way through being a mother, homemaker, and wife. Especially, considering it's all happened so quickly for you. I had six years to adjust to the whole wife thing, you would think I'd be better at balancing it all. I hadn't really thought about creating a home of prayer. I mean, ofcourse, I know the value of prayer in a daily life, but I never considered how I can set up my home in a way that would be an enviroment of prayer. Like you said. I will consider that when I go about rearranging and putting things in order. So, thank you for that.
How true, that we think we need to buy more things to solve our home problems. That is exactly what are society is telling us, it is pounded into us through most forms of media. Sometimes it is difficult to decipher what I really need from what I want. Our needs are far more basic, our needs would put a lot of stores out of business. Something I am really working on. Sorry I am going on and on, you've just stirred up some thought. You should proud of yourself. : )
Take care
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