Monday, August 1, 2011

Clean? Clean, I Am Not

I have never spent large amounts of my time being a tidy housekeeper.

Toys end up put back kind of where they belong -- because we spent our time playing instead of picking up. Dishes are put away after they air dry, because we rushed out after dinner for a night time walk, rather than staying in and finishing them. There may be a day or two, or three, where we go without orange juice, or bread...because we had to be up and out for a picnic at the beach, leaving no time for grocery shopping. The kitchen floors here have felt like sticky tape more often than they haven't, because we decided the pool was the more important thing to do that day.

Our laundry has multiplied itself after being left too many days on the bedroom floor, alone...and without adult supervision -- because the weather was just right for a bike ride instead.

After a rainy afternoon spent indoors a few years ago, pulling every game there was to pull out of the game closet and scattering their pieces across the floor, a neighbor popped in. She looked around quietly, though her eyes said everything. I knew she had her hand on her phone, unable to resist reporting to the subdivision about the craziness that lay before her.

Posing it as a question, though it really wasn't, she asked, "Doesn't..."this"...all of "this?" Drive you crazy?"

No, no it doesn't.

Because, "this" -


Alexander, at his first birthday party


Too soon becomes "this" -


Alexander,  leaving  for Encampment

And I spent my time being there for all of it.



************************

Alexander is away at a Military Encampment. This is his dream, and I remind myself of that, as I set the table for only four, not five, and make half of what I usually make for dinner...since the biggest eater and most ardent fan of my cooking is gone.

When you come back, my boy, I am making you that seasoned chicken you're crazy over. The one that's roasted in the oven till it's crispy brown, alright?

Gotta go now, the keys are getting hard to see.

I love you.

xo

80 comments:

  1. OK, now you're making ME all teary. They do grow up fast. But 16, wow!

    And I am right there with you in the housekeeping department, not a top priority here, either. When I read about a mom locking her kids outside so she can vacuum in peace I wonder if we are really members of the same species, cause I don't have a molecule of that in me.

    Also, I promise to keep you very distracted for 4 days at BlogHer. That will make the 2 weeks go by faster still.

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  2. Housekeeping wasn't my priority AFTER my kids moved out. I no longer had the motivation. This is a practice run, then he will be home and you can enjoy him for a while longer, before you have to deal with him leaving the nest. Cherish every moment.

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  3. I have to watch myself or housekeeping becomes a huge priority for me and I have to remind myself it isn't. For my kids are. Who wants to be only remembered for a clean house anyway?

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  4. I need you to keep blogging and writing, to keep reminding me to stop and scoop up my little boy and be there for all his moments and growing up. I don't want to miss a thing.

    When I grow up as a mother, I want to be just like you.

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  5. You truly focused on what was important. He won't remember the dust. He will remember the times spent making memories.

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  6. smiles. oh i dont think you will ever be sorry for spending all that time...and he looks like a fine young man...he will do fine mom...and be home soon.

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  7. Hugs and blessings to a mom who has her priorities right. Because of this, your son is following his dream instead of throwing them away like a lot of teenage boys do and you will miss him terribly while he's gone, like a good mother does.

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  8. Awww, I love this! And if it makes you feel any better, although your son has changed enormously, you haven't aged a bit :-D

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  9. wow, having joined the military when I was 17 I know exactly what you mean by being around to enjoy all of it. My mom was a CLEANER. and I'm sure she looks back now that I'm 34 and have been serving for the past 16 years and thinks...man, I missed so much. Your so is very lucky.

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  10. I wrote a long comment and Blogger said I made an error and it disappeared!

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  11. One of my bestest mommmy friends has adopted the same cleaning technique and it's one I wholeheartedly admire. Life is far too short to spend it all on cleaning and tidying; especially when the messes just keep returning. It's important to enjoy every bike ride and picnic and long walk instead.

    XOXO

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  12. Time flies for sure. I'm glad you can rest somewhat easier in the knowledge that you've been present for what really matters in life. And by the way - handsome kid! He looks so grown up!

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  13. My goal in raising my son is to instill in him a great disabling fear of the outdoors, insomuch that he will never leave my house.

    What a beautiful, beautiful boy you have.

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  14. What a beautiful post. I'm going to go hug my baby now.

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  15. Said goodbye to one boy yesterday and will say goodbye to the other in 20 days. I get you, Mama. I understand.

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  16. Waaaahhhh. Cyber hug from afar! And I too am a firm believer in living in the moment, and not missing those moments with my chicklets over having a clean plate to eat off of, or a clean pair of socks, or a crumbless carpet.

    So, in conlcusion, as to not start crying again, the messier the house the better the Mom. 'nuff said.

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  17. Aw, I know you will miss him! They grow up so fast. And my youngest daughter would be green with envy of him.

    I'm proud to say my home is Spotless. All of the laundry is put away. Every dish clean. Every bed made. Because an appraiser is coming to look over my house for a refinance today ; )

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  18. What a sweet post! You guys are lucky to have each other.

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  19. You're all so good to me.

    In this town, I know ppl freak out b/c I am not the most organized home.

    As moms see when they drop their kids off here. I see it in their eyes..but you know what? My kids think "m the greatest mom in the world.

    They tell me all the time.

    xo

    I LOVE THE INTERNET. You guys aren't invisible...you're real.

    *snif*

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  20. The day I actually put the laundry away is a good one for me. When I step into houses that are immaculate, I'm scared.

    Your son is beautiful. We'll be here to hold you.

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  21. u told him to drink lots and gatorade right? also if you can get ahold of him tell him to put salt on his food just for this week to help his body retain water. i had to eat bags of salt when i went to 4 weeks of encampment so i wouldn't pass out.

    Candace

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  22. We have moved so many times and had so many homes on the market - this one going on two days after I get back from Blogher in fact that my children have grown up in a virtual showhouse :(

    I try to do as much as I can with them, we travel a lot, I homeschool so they are here ... here even if I am not always 'present'. Blogging has to be a like to do and not a have to do ... but I read this, and my eye's fill ... because I hope I am doing the best that I can, but somedays, maybe not.

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  23. Oh the little boys? They grow so big, so fast...sigh.

    And when they follow their dreams it fills you with pride and tears at the same time.

    Big hugs to you...oh wait, I get to give you one in person soon!

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  24. Thank you for reminding me why I wait until my non-custody days to clean up the house. When he's at my house, I want to be *there* with him. Through all of it.

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  25. thank you for this.

    i get very down on myself when i feel like i am neglecting my household duties, but you're right, time spent being with my kids is time well spent.

    the rest can wait.

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  26. I may just need to print this post and put it up on our fridge, or better yet enlarge it and frame it for all to see as they enter my less than tidy home. We are kindred spirits my friend. Thank you for this post. Praying over at the Bungalow : )
    Dana

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  27. This is such a sweet and beautiful post! I often get down on myself when I feel like I'm not doing well in my "domestic" responsibilties, but I have to remind myself, that all that isn't what really matters, it's not what I'll remember. Thank you for the reminder.

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  28. This makes me tear up (I have been doing a lot of that lately. You did EXACTLY what you needed to be doing. My house is messy and it's not necessarily because we were doing fun things. That's my goal for this summer though.

    If you have time, I thought your boys might enjoy the story of D-Day that I wrote about two days ago. We took pictures while in Normandy and I did a quick synopsis of WW2 and of D-Day.

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  29. Oh, wow. Godspeed to your big boy. And cheers to you, mama, for having your priorities exactly where they should be.

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  30. You all make me so happy. I have OFTEN gotten on myself for not having the perfect home.
    But you know what all?

    My kids remember me with THEM, and not pushing a broom.

    I know...I just asked big boy.

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  31. That's what I love about you. Your tenderness, your priorities!

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  32. Oh sweet mama! Hoping your boy comes home soon! And guess what? The laundry is piled high, dishwasher needs to be run, but some sweet little baby is napping on my chest. *love*

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  33. I am proud of both of you. You for your support and love.

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  34. I think you absolutely made the right choice. The floors will ALWAYS need to be cleaned (as you will always be walking on them) but the boys - they grow up.

    I'm thinking of you so much this week. And I decided at the last minute to take my toddler to Vegas in part because of you. Remember that when I am cursing about the plane ride ;)

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  35. I can't imagine what this might feel like, I'm not looking forward to the littles getting BIG.

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  36. my heart literally squeezed with the love in this post, thoe moments that you know you have to Take and grab hold of...thank you for always doing that for me. Your gorgeous son has a pretty fantastic mom!!!!!
    God's speed to him and you on your travels these next two weeks. xo

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  37. You say that like having a dirty house AND ignoring my children is a bad thing...

    ;-) A.

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  38. This is beautiful! I agree with you. My children would rather have my attention than everything they own clean at the same time :-) xoxo

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  39. Shame on you for making me cry in the middle of the day. Your gorgeous boy... I will pray for him.

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  40. Between you and Imig, I'm a freakin' mess today.

    Beautifully written and point well made.

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  41. btw, where did his chubby cheeks go???

    CC

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  42. So sometimes I just leave the dishes in the sink not even WASHED, let alone air-drying.

    You're in good company (or at least mine) with your priorities well in hand.

    And that young man of yours? He's well-prepared for whatever challenges lie before him.

    Better still is that he knows there is a place for him when he's done slaying dragons and reaching for stars.

    Your home.

    The place you kept just perfect for him.
    (because your definition of perfect beats your neighbor's any day.)

    p.s. SHE is the rude one for showing up to a house unannounced with anything but a smile on her face and an open heart. Everything about you, my friend, is simply beautiful.

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  43. Wait, why is it that you're humor voice of the year yet your posts make me cry?

    Another beautifully expressed sentiment. I'll leave my dishes to air dry in solidarity.

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  44. Oh, the tears. So beautiful. I looked around my house just now. Laundry is piled high, dishes are in the sink, and the floors need to be mopped. But you know what else I see? All of my kids' toys out on the floor from a morning full of playtime.

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  45. Ok, I have to tell you, I'm a neat freak (I know, good luck with 3 young ones)...thank you so much for the reminder to chuck the Swiffer and go play with my minions.

    And I can't imagine how you miss your son. Sniff. Sniff.

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  46. That crispy chicken sounds damn good - I'll be over for some too! And your neighbors are CRAZY! Because that's what a house with kids is supposed to look like. Sheesh.

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  47. I completely agree - the dishes can wait...your children won't. Hugs to you...

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  48. I"M crying now. Good for you! Really good for you. Oh my goodness. Beautiful blog. I don't think I was as much fun as you were (let's get into comparing...) but i'm glad I was as available as I was. It's wonderful but so tough when they set off.

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  49. I try try try to be this way, most of the time it doesn't work... but I try. Please keep reminding me to try and try again.
    Blessing to your boy.

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  50. you're such a natural storyteller, as well as writer. sounds like the coolest house on the block, and the coolest mom:)

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  51. Awww. I am so teary now!

    But I'm going to count those tears as a good thing, because they make all the clutter in my house blurry, and therefor easier to ignore. ;-)

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  52. I'm a little weepy, as well. They grow up far too quickly. And laundry will generally behave without supervision...

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  53. This post got me all teary. You're a wonderful mom to your kids for getting your priorities right. You're an inspiration to all moms out there. Thank you for this reminder.

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  54. You ALWAYS tug at my heart! You are so right about this...they grow up really fast! What sweet photos. Thanks for the wonderful reminder!

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  55. Thankfully I have a long time to wait for that. What the hell did I just step in?

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  56. You are a mother after my own heart. I even smile as I trip over size 13 shoes strewn in every corner of every room. It goes so very fast....

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  57. I remind myself of how quickly time is passing when I bend over again to pick up toys or holler at my girls to stop running around naked and get in the bath tub. They're already 4 and 2 and I feel like their baby days slipped through my fingers. But I am loving every moment with them :)

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  58. p.s. check out my blog to see what my living room and dining room look like.....since June 25th!

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  59. I'm proud of your boy. I'm also proud of the way that you chose to look at housekeeping as you raised your kids. I hope I have the same outlook! Then again, I already don't do housework in favor of doing something more fun, so maybe I'm already there.

    If it's any consolation about being separated from your baby, you still look totally hot.

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  60. How people can judge your based on the appearance of your home instead of your heart is just crazy.

    Be you, un-put-away dishes and all, because you know you won't regret the dishes!!

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  61. That should be 'judge you based...'

    I'm getting over an ear virus and still have a touch of vertigo. (as if I wasn't dizzy enough before).

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  62. You're all so wonderful...we need to start a town full of people like us.

    Yes, we do.

    xo

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  63. Thank you for the reminder!! You almost make me want to go wake my children from their naps and hug and kiss them!!!

    ...But I think I can wait until naptime is over.

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  64. I come here with dry eyes...and then...darn you!

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  65. THIS made me cry.. I loved it. It was just what I needed today. Thank you.

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  66. this is so great for me to read today, b/c i had an absolute meltdown earlier today over the state of my house (3 kids on summer vacation and a clean house do *not* mix)

    so i will just feel good that i take my kids out fun places every day and we are having a super-fun summer and try not to freak at the mess inside our house.

    'cause the mess here? it's pretty dire.

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  67. Oh my sweet friend.

    Your words warm my heart and tear my cheeks. Always.

    Because your Mama love? Is pure and true.

    Enjoy that crispy chicken and love up your sweet boy {he knows that love is true, too.}.

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  68. Every time the boys drive me insane (daily) I try to remind myself how precious these days really are. Thank you for helping me with that again.

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  69. I love people who love being moms...truly love it! I always think of houses like mine (and I imagine yours) as looking lived in---LIFE goes on in them, and laughter and love. I like tracing some of the steps left behind when they head to spend the night at a friend's house, or off to school for the day. OK, but I will admit that I have cursed a few Barbie shoes on Legos in my day as they have tried to embed themselves in the bottoms of my feet.

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  70. Cripes! I'll just leave my heart out here in case you want to stab it some more, does that work for you? Sheesh!

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  71. Oh, momma - this is all too much.

    And, Alexander - be safe.

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  72. I couldn't agree more. I will never look back and regret that my floor wasn't mopped, or the house tidied up, but I will sorely regret missing out on playing with my son, laughing as we run around pretending to be zombies, giggling as we fill water balloons to throw at daddy.

    Wishing your son safety, and you a sense of calm, during his time away.

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  73. Oh my DEAR! The time does fly, doesn't it. Amazing. You must be so proud of your son. So proud!

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  74. I'm so glad to hear mother's say these things - that there are more important things than a spotless house. And that their teenage boys are maturing before their very eyes and how very bittersweet that is! My 16 year old (OMG-he'll be 17 next month!) is an amazing, mature, fun loving, all around great kid. And he's almost an adult. And last night I had a dream about him when he was about 10 and I woke with a tear in my eye!

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  75. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who still has dirty dishes hanging out in the sink b/c the weather was too nice out to say no when the Little Man barked like a puppy asking to be let out!

    And yes, I did mean bark. Not as in a descriptive bark. An actual bark. Because he saw a dog.

    Or so I tell myself.

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  76. I absolutely love this. Cleaning house is pretty far down my list of priorities. Congratulations to you and that wonderful young man you raised.

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  77. I don't get torn up about my house anymore. I love how you say toys are under the beds where they belong! LOL

    My son joined the Army Reserves. He leaves in 2 weeks for 25 weeks for basics and training! Am so excited he is getting on with his life. He has wanted to be independent since he was born! Congrats on your son living his dream!

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  78. Love trumps tidy every time: http://poopinmyhair.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/dirty-laundry-and-a-little-whine/ I can not thank you enough for your generosity of info today. Can't wait to hear you speak on Saturday and to discover every nook and cranny of your blog!

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  79. It took me a while to learn this lesson. there will be plenty of time for cleaning after they've gone. We have 5 kids, all grown and gone now. The house is actually clean now, but empty...

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  80. Read this at a perfect time. Yesterday was a doozie (the peak of summer break). Thanks for the reminder - they grow up too fast :)

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