This last month has been full of sickness in our home. Lots of coughs, ear-infections, Hives, sinus infections, etc, etc. Lots of sleepless nights, and total exhaustion. . .
I enjoy a clean home. I do my best to keep things tidy. I let the kids play with toys and make a mess throughout the day. But before Charles gets home, I try to make it clean and comfortable -- so he can come home to peace. I can never provide quiet, but I can provide peace. :-)
So, the other day, I was SO tired, and sick. All the kids were home early, and William went down for a nap -- so I thought I would try and take a nap myself! Sam and Dan came into my room with me, and they played PBS on the computer. I NEEDED sleep, I had been up coughing all night long. Anyhow, the house was a MESS! Dishes piled-up, clothes everywhere, the living room was scattered with backpacks, toys, shoes, who-knows-what. The bathroom was gross, the kitchen was scary. I mean it was just messy -- everywhere! (2 bedroom house does not take long to get messy!) I had not done any cleaning all day, and I was "saving" it for 3pm, and I was trying to gather some energy for that time -- I was so, SO, tired! I cuddled up in my bed, and I drifted off to dreamland. . . finally!
"Rrrraaaaarrrrrrrr!!!!" I was awoken by the sound of Charles' voice, along with him jumping on me like a predator on his prey . . . which scared the crud out of me! He was home EARLY!! NO! I was happy to see him (of course) but then reality came to mind. "You are not suppose to be here!! I have not cleaned yet!!" Were the first words out of my mouth. "No! You are not suppose to see this!" I whined. Charles was laughing hysterically. He was really in shock at how gross the house was. But he thought it was pretty funny. Laughing. Lots of laughing. Like I said, I ALWAYS have the house clean when he gets home -- it is just one of those things I like to do! Charles got to see what happens when mom is off-duty. (Which never happens!) I think he gained a new appreciation for the real work that I do each day. I know he has always appreciated me, but I think, now . . . it is even more. :-)
I told him to leave, so I could "redeem" myself. He took Daniel with him to the store, and I worked my magic. I called in all my animal friends, and we got the job done. ;-) All sparkly and clean. :-) Charles was even more amazed when he got home to a sparkly home -- after seeing the tornado damage that I had cleaned.
A homemaker's work is often only noticed -- when it is NOT done! :-)
Amen Sister! Well done. Holy cow, I can't imagine how you pulled up the strength, but we just do. Women have such great power, we can never limit ourselves. With such divine nature on our side, we will never fail.
ReplyDeleteI agree about having the house 'picked up' before Daddy gets home. It really does provide them peace. They do notice it...sometimes, they just get use to it and forget to praise the heck out of us. I have often thought, we don't see what our hubbies do at work all day...do we thank them every day they come home from work for going to work that day? Who knows what "mess" they had to clean up. : )
Keep up all the good work and good works you do Mari. Sure hope you feel ALL better soon.
love you sister,
Kary