The Sometimes Housekeeper

I am a terrible housekeeper, like really bad. It's weird because I have distinct memories of rules for keeping my room clean as well as Saturdays spent cleaning house. And yet, the sad truth is that I'm a slob. Poor Jason! His borderline OCD has caused him to have to let a lot go in our house to deal with my shortcomings. The problem is that I let things go too long (lazy) and then the idea of getting things back to where they need to be is so overwhelming that I can't begin and then it gets worse and it is a terrible cycle.

I have frequently relied on Jason to help with things, which he is awesome he totally is always willing to do anything I ask of him. Even cleaning bathrooms!!! Well, in doing some spiritual reflection (weird right?), I began to realize that my laziness and my inability to complete these tasks MOST of the time was in fact a spiritual problem. My vocation is as a wife and mom. My primary concern is of course raising good, holy children. But, caring for my home is definitely an important part of this. Caring for our home in a way that provides a safe, relaxing environment is important for us. Not just because nobody wants to be in a messy home, but also because it allows Jason to have that relaxation time that he needs to do the spiritual care of himself that he needs. It all intersects and it's all equally important.

So, I set myself some calendar reminders and gave it a start this week. Jason cleaned the living room really well a few weeks ago and we've been doing a pretty good job of keeping it mostly clean. We have the boys help do a clean up at night before our family Rosary. I cleaned up the kitchen including sweeping and mopping this past weekend and am determined to keep it this clean. It's very convenient to have be able to have Benedict wander the kitchen just a bit while I'm cooking or doing the dishes. You would not believe how convenient! So, I have 2 days a week where I'm going to sweep and mop the kitchen, 1 day for the living room, 1 day for picking up and vaccuming the bedrooms and schoolroom, and 1 day for bathrooms. Laundry interspersed throughout with school every morning. It's a lot, but actually it's not. It only took me about 15 minutes to sweep and mop the kitchen yesterday afternoon because I'd just done it. I anticipate the bedrooms will take a bit longer to do this afternoon but only because it's been so long since they've been cleaned really well. 

It's not perfect, but it's a definite start!

Now for some unrelated photos! 😊