Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Does Mommy-work ever end? Do I get scheduled time off :)?

Holy cow, I've been trying to stay on top of everything at our house while catching up on the rest of things that have gone undone. Let's just say that this house hasn't been mom-ified in a LONG time. It's funny the things that I do when I am the one cleaning. Since I haven't been the one doing it and now I'm back doing it, I notice all the things over looked (from my view). I in no way am giving discredit to my wonderful hubby, who in the last few years has picked up more than his fair share of slack. It's more the small things that I do; I'll give you some examples. Okay when I clean I do small little things that help keep certain things maintained: When I wipe the counter I wipe the fronts of the cabinets below (especially the grooves that food and who knows what collect on), or when I "spot clean" the floor or even mop the floor I wipe the tops of the baseboards and the bottom 3-4 ft of wall, along with the light switch plates, electrical outlets, window seals and doors (especially by the door knob)...never fails they always look dirty!! With 5 little ones dragging their fingers across the walls everyday - I'm already out numbered! When I do laundry I keep a rag hanging above the washer that I wipe down the washer and dryer with because of the lint and over spray (from my pre-treating obsession) that collect on top of them, or even the floor right in front of the washer because the over spray attracts dirt etc. Then I throw it in the washer and it starts all over again - I know I'm weird (OCD as Chad would say). When I vacuum I always get the tops of the baseboards and edges, or when I pull the couch out to vacuum behind and under it I wash the wall above and behind the couch. I do this because somehow finger prints and spilling streaks find their way there - even if food isn't permitted downstairs :). So these things are well overdue for a good scrub down; I'm trying to do this gradually because with all that has to be done, I'd run myself into a 5 day resting period - pacing myself is SO important. From the scrubbing my hands are so waterlogged, red, dry and bleeding in some places. I just can't believe all a Mom does in a given day and how the smallest of things can take so much time. I've been out of the loop it feels for WAY too long I've forgotten all that is done. I did the bare minimum for SO long that the everyday thing was not the normal - even just above bare minimum amazes me (GO MOMS GO!!). I wont go into it all right now; it is too involved - but I'm amazed at the things I am doing, I can't imagine what all I'll be doing when I'm feeling even better. I can't believe the amount of laundry that needs to be done in a week (let's be honest...everyday) so that laundry isn't spilling over 5+ different baskets of laundry scattered all over the house! I am constantly straightening and picking up little things here and there because of how fast in can engulf a room. I'm just in awe really and can't explain it. By the time the girls get home from school, we work on their homework, reading, baths, dinner, brush their teeth, say prayers etc...it's already past 9 pm! I know I'll get better at this and faster; funny thing is as crazy as it is, I'm enjoying it and love to crash into the recliner at the end of the day and feel satisfied with all I've accomplished! I feel like a Mom again and I've missed her :); that is my little rant for today. So here is my shout out to any Mom out there, I've told my kids this and I'm starting to believe it..."Moms are MAGIC!". Thank you Heavenly Father for lifting us up and carrying us as we keep moving forward!

1 comment:

Chris Hughes said...

Catharina,
I loved that post. Honestly we are magic and thanks for all our strength from the Lord. I feel overwhelmed with 2 but someday want 5. How will I ever handle it. You are even more magic than me :)