Spring Cleaning



Sometimes I get a little discouraged by pictures in home magazines with their beautifully photographed rooms and perfectly styled surfaces. Do real people live there? Do their boys come and sit on the couch with sweaty skin and stinky, bare feet? Do their kids wipe peanut butter on the upholstery instead of using a napkin? Do they find markers, crayons, earrings, blueberries, and popcorn between the seat cushions?

Do they put their feet up on the coffee table? In my house, that delicate vase of flowers and pretty tray would be pushed to the floor by textbooks and homework. Little containers for the many remotes? Shoved under a chair within seconds.

Magazines show dining rooms with place settings and cloth napkins all laid out in preparation for the next dinner party. Really? I find sneakers, belts, jeans, gym shorts, and backpacks on my table.

I'd been having a hard time getting back in gear after spring break and those perfect pictures weren't helping. Articles entitled, Same Closet, More Space, Less Mess, and Clear the Clutter: 46 Ways to Get Organized mocked me. It seemed like vacation had scattered stuff everywhere. But after my last post, where I waxed nostalgic about how I enjoyed taking care of my family, I felt too guilty to put off the big clean any longer.

So, I switched out those flannel sheets for cotton, put away those extra blankets, and opened up the blinds. I was going to get spring in the house any way I could. I finally tackled the corner piles. You know the ones filled with things piled neatly that you leave for so long you stop seeing them? Shhh...I think there were still a couple Christmas returns in there. I vacuumed up a ladybug graveyard around the windowsill and did three loads of laundry. That big pile of ironing is gone. I purged. Nothing was safe.

Spring cleaning definitely got rid of cobwebs and clutter, but it also did something unexpected. It changed my attitude. The living room sofa may not be pristine, but it's great for cuddling while we watch TV. The dining room table might not stay clear for long, but it can hold dinner tonight. It chased away my discouragement and reminded me that kids bring their messes, but they also bring their smiles, and hugs, and kisses. They bring their laughter and chatter. They bring real life to my rooms. And, most of the time, I wouldn't trade it for the cover of any magazine!


20 comments:

  1. You live in a real house and that is what matters. I love your post cuz I can relate. And you reminded me that I have to iron lots too =P

    #theprompt

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  2. We have 3 children and I am right there with you about the picture perfect house. It stays pretty enough for me to take a picture for my blog but that's about it! ;)

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    1. Ashley, glad to know you relate! I enjoyed visiting your blog today, thanks for stopping by here! :)

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  3. I am a clean freak, but something about toys all over the house just makes me smile!

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    1. I hear you on that! My girls have some dollhouses set up right now and it makes me happy to see their imagination at work! :)

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  4. Oh dear spring cleaning has been on my mind, but I have done nothing about it yet... Scary thoughts! Mel #ThePrompt

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  5. Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    We all have messes, Marie :0) Some days it feels like all I do is walk around and pick them up! And then there are days when I just let them go, and enjoy a cup (or two) of tea!
    I do love Spring (and Fall) clean up though. It always feels like I can think more clear when there's less clutter and piles. I'm sure lots of parents can relate.
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Have a great weekend!
    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks Suzanne! You always have an encouraging word! I hope you have a great weekend too. :)

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  6. I needed to read this! My house desperately needs a spring clean, and I also stare wistfully at perfect show homes and fantasise about living in a clutter free space... But I have three children who can undo my two hours of hard work, tidying and cleaning in about two minutes :) But, like you, their smiles and laughter make up for it! Thanks so much for linking to #ThePrompt x

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  7. Yay! A kindred anti-spring-cleaner - I love your positive attitude. And that's the best kind of spring cleaning, when you feel better afterwards, instead of worse!

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  8. I agree - my house will never match a magazine photo! But, I do think a few minor things can make for a more spring-like feeling! But I'm not trusting this spring enough to take off the flannel sheets just yet!!

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    1. That's funny! We've needed the flannel sheets here again, too!

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  9. I'm done stressing out how our house look like a playground. I tell friends who drops in for a surprise visit that my kids (6 and 1) do all the cleaning. :)

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  10. My house will NEVER be perfect because we have finger prints on some of the walls, some crayon marks too....ironing can stay needing ironed as I refuse - don't I do enough!? lol

    Great post! #magicmoments x

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    1. What is it about kids and the need to touch every wall over and over? :)

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  11. What a lovely post and a great reminder that our homes don't need to be perfect, they just need to have a little space to sit and be together! I have a day off tomorrow and I'll be spring cleaning too....wish me luck! #magicmoments

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    1. Hope you have great, productive day! Happy Spring Cleaning :)

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  12. i love spring cleaning!! its so so nice to mark the change in the season!

    thanks or linking up with #MagicMoments x

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