Finding Joy in the Mess

When Colt and I decided to make the transition to being a one income, working dad, stay-at-home mom family, we had a long conversation about our expectations of each other. I won't bore you with all the little details of our discussion but the one thing I decided on for myself was that I would be in charge of the cleaning and care of our household. Somedays, that's way easier said then done. There are days when my husband comes home from work and the house is a mess and I don't even have a plan for dinner. Since I feel it's my "only real job" in life right now it's easy to feel like a failure. My husband never once complains. He looks around, kisses both of us, and tells me to go take a break while he catches up with his baby. That man sure knows how to make me feel loved!!! I dread the days the house is messy, though, and have worked really hard to make even the mundane chores fun for both of us! I've learned to make almost any mood Cwyn might face work into my plan to clean up for the day. My girl does best when she's kept busy (unless it's a half hour before or after nap time) and usually just needs a new activity! She thrives on challenges and could spend hours figuring things out. She may only be one but she sure does like to help! Her need for new activities and her love of "hepin" her momma pushed me to really make it a priority to work her into my daily chores. A little pan of bubbly water and some of her spoons to "wash" keeps her entertained while momma washes the dishes. She "matches" all her socks while I fold laundry. She holds the dustpan for me when I sweep, "heps" me clean up all her toys, and LOVES cleaning out my cupboards ;) It's so hard to spend every day fighting the different moods this little girl throws my way so instead we're learning to find joy in the mess!