Happy to announce...we are ready for Christmas...with sole thanks going to my wonderful husband.
The boy teethed all night and was up early,and as I fuzzily attempted to program the Keurig, the hubby sprightly sashayed down the stairs announcing that he had taken the day off work to do some last minute Christmas shopping and that he would require the boy for the whole morning.
He wanted me to have a 'selfish day', and I did so. After the boys left there was the natural "pick-up" to do, placing puzzle pieces back into their correct spots, and re-ordering semi-destroyed books.
First things first... I took a shower and not one of those showers that at maximum last 3 minutes and have a curious toddler peering around the shower curtain. This was a real shower, I shampooed and conditioned my hair...I luxuriated in body scrub, a gift I had received last Christmas and which had sat depressingly in the storage cupboard begging to be used. Once descaled and sufficiently relaxed, I reordered the shower caddy and then cleaned the shower while the conditioner still sat in my hair. I found it rather amusing that I did this, I enjoyed the shower time immensely and yet the only thing I could think about, was if I cleaned the house I would be super happy.
I am a sweat pant kind of a mama...although I honestly can say I have never left the house in them, they are for comfy house time only. I pulled them on fresh from the dryer and kicked off my morning. My mental list to prep for Christmas was truly as long as my arm. With Fin being so out of sorts it has been difficult to get everything done and especially to the standard I would like. It is amazing to be 'sans toddler' I couldn't believe how much I was getting done in such a short amount of time.
The house was deliciously smelling like Mrs Meyers Lavender, Base boards were clean, rugs where vacuumed and the fridge was wiped out. I had Murphys Oil drying on the wood floor and the laundry was neatly folded in the basket waiting to be distributed upstairs.
I managed to fit in a lovely chat with a neighbour, and a phone call with a close friend. I explained to her that I was 'hands free' and I proudly listed all of my accomplishments that morning. I was really surprised by her reaction, she felt that I was not having a 'selfish day' by catching up on chores. She said that I should have gone out, had my nails done or gone to the movies to 'get out of the house', now I understand the need for all mothers to relax and take time for themselves but isn't every mother different and their needs are also naturally different and most likely like me vary day by day. I explained to her that my need today was to clean my house, and get ready for Christmas by doing so I was creating a lovely and comfortable environment for my son and husband to come home too and that made me happy. I was surprised that my friend felt that I was submissive by taking care of our home, and quite honestly my feelings were a little bruised. I didn't want to go to the movies to then come back to a dirty house. I love our home and I enjoy keeping it tidy (as tidy as it can be with a toddler). My Mum taught me to 'Always leave your home as you want to find it', this is certainly a little saying that is always with me. I am not submissive for changing the bed or vacuuming the rug...yes there are days were it can all be a bit too much and yes dishes do sit in the sink over night but I will not apologise for what makes me happy. I find a great sense of control in keeping the house straight and I always equate the tidying of the house to keeping my mind in order...do I sound like a crazy person??
When the boys came home, my husband asked 'How did you enjoy your morning?' followed quickly by 'Wow the house smells clean', and I answered quite happily 'Yes, I just made lunch.'
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