A little perspective...

I believe that we need orderly homes if we are striving to create a home that is a relaxing place for your family. But I think all of this needs to be kept in perspective. If I am missing out on moments with my kids because I am worried about the orderliness of my Tupperware drawer, then that's a problem of misplaced priorities and needs to be remedied.

I plan to keep organizing and cleaning and attempting to get my home into the shape it should have been all along. But I refuse to spend every moment that my kids are awake working towards this end. I'll do what I can, when I can, and know that I've put in the best effort possible, without neglecting my kids or other responsibilities for it.

A few months ago a friend sent this poem to me. It so elequently expresses what I'm trying to say here.

DUST IF YOU MUST

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.

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Last night as I was working in the kitchen to get things cleaned up, Karsyn said, "Mommy, will you snuggle me?". I looked around at my disaster of a kitchen, the piles of work waiting to be done before I could go to bed, all the dishes that waited in the sink...and I said, "SURE!". How many more times will she actually want me to lay with her and watch Dora the Explorer? I've got to keep things in perspective and spending time with my children has always got to rank above keeping a spotless home. And I'm okay with that. 

Here are some pictures Marcus snapped of us while we cuddled.