July 12, 2023

White Flag

I've finally done it!  I've given up on housework!  And caring!

Not entirely, of course.  I don't want my kids touching a filthy toilet seat or eating out of an overflowing garbage can.  This isn't Hoarders or anything close.  But sometimes the dishes sit in the sink overnight (those darned ants love that--but give me a break, our whole neighborhood is under attack) and often I let the floors go unswept for a week.  It lends itself to a fun game called "what's Jude eating now?"

I've certainly allowed myself to become more lax about picking up toys all day long or even caring that Kid A's room has books strewn across the floor.  And I didn't get mad when I nearly slipped on one when checking on him last night in his bed.

It feel SO good to surrender, really it does.  We spend so much of our lives fighting for things to be orderly, perfect, under control.  That applies to our homes, our kids, our appearance, our thoughts.  And in that fight, we really don't enjoy our lives very much, do we?
This weekend we're hosting a small picnic in honor of Jude's first birthday.  And I haven't done a damn thing yet.  I'm just so tired, which makes surrender so much easier, that I just don't care about fixin' things up purty.  I'll throw up the shade tent, grab some buckets of water for the kids, have Chris tend the grill.  I may even pick up a pizza along with the tubs of ice cream.   Thank goodness I have a great baker for a Mother-in-law, who's bringing the cake, and a friend who's pitching in with a salad.

So next time you have a big event planned, hang out that white flag.  You may just enjoy yourself!  Or maybe someone will just think you've lost your mind and use it to slap you back into reality.

6 comments:

  1. So...I'm having a birthday dinner for my father and my son, AND doing a family "party" for just our immediate family on Sunday, and you know what?

    I'm waving my white flag too. ;)

    I'm glad I'm not alone!

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  2. Oh Kathleen, I sooo know what you are talking about. It seems I get so agitated trying to keep the house looking somewhat good. The only reason I want my house to look good is if someone unexpected would stop by, I would be so embarrassed. It doesn't bother me if it's my sister or even most of my husband's family...but if it was our pastor or a neighbor, I would die. Of course they would never show up on a day when I just cleaned my house and it was beautiful!! hahaha! But, I have to tell you, recently, like last week, I decided to bring most of my scrapbook stuff, quilting stuff, sewing machine, ink pads, drawing pens, and stuff like that, into the dining room where we have a huge table and lots of light. I told myself to not care and to enjoy being able to use this stuff freely without worry if someone stopped by. After all, it is creative stuff, not trash! I have to say, the surrender to this fun chaotic dining room table is fantastic. I am actually sewing a little every day, making cards, my kids are doing origami, I made bookmarks for my giveaway on my blog and I am loving it!!!

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  3. I do believe my white flag was hoisted many moons ago!

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  4. You know, I think I may need to do this right about now with my health situation; lord knows I can't control what's going on, so why even try? Just take it one day at a time.

    Good advice :)

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  5. There's nothing wrong with raising the white flag. Too often times we tend to strive to other people's standards and that includes our home. I like to keep my house clean but it can't pass a white glove test. I'd rather spend quality time with my kids and family than worry about household chores.

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  6. I've been doing this a lot lately! Um and the dishes... they sit for a day or 2 at a time. The fruit flies are currently lovin' it. LOL, aw well.

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