Homemaking Love

I definitely don't do homemaking in a dress

I cleaned someone else's home yesterday, and I came to an interesting conclusion. I think it takes courage to let someone come clean your house. You learn so much about people by being in their home. I definitely don't have anything to hide, but I'm somewhat of a private person and the thought of someone else going through every part of my home, even cleaning it (not the way I clean it), does not sit well with me.

I have had this rare opportunity to have some pretty eye-opening experiences in the past 7 months. One of those new experiences has been transitioning from career woman to full time stay at home wife/mom. Something that I didn't fully realize until yesterday was how much I love homemaking...making a home for my family. I love to clean and cook and do laundry. I love to give baths and grocery shop and find great deals on things we need. Don't get me wrong. I do not love every second of all these activities. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I've finished them and knowing that it is the small things I can do that meet my family's needs. If anything I do makes my husband and boys feel well taken care of and loved, it is well worth it. I am also not claiming to do any of these things perfectly...or without help. I am very particular about how some things are done...just ask my husband. There are pros and cons to this. The good thing about it is that if I get around to doing it, it will be done 'right'. The bad thing is that with a 3-year-old and an 11-month old, I don't always get around to it. And if I can't do it right and know that I'll get it finished, I'm not doing it. This results in a home that is either really clean and organized...or not.

I love that there are as many different ways to care for your family as there are wives and moms. Some hire someone to clean their home, and they have an amazing time making it messy together as a family. Some may not cook often, and they still make sure that their family is fed. Some may teach their 3-year-old to sort laundry and love it by turning it into a game. :) I love my guys, and it is a privilege to show my gratitude for the gifts they are in my life by serving them and providing a home that feels safe and is full of love and acceptance, no matter what that looks like for us. It gives cleaning toilets and wiping bottoms a whole new purpose.