Ho-Hum Housework

I absolutely love having a clean house, but I absolutely hate how quickly it seems to get dirty. I know I speak for everyone there. The phrase "I just cleaned this yesterday!" is heard a lot out of my mouth in our home. Between a toddler, a husband and a dog, crumbs are my biggest challenge. Needless to say, I would die without my vacuum. I think I have the only dog in America that does not clean crumbs off the floor, oh no my dog even makes his own. Now I feel keeping the house clean is my "job" because I am fortunate enough to be the one home with Ella. Trust me, I have the easy job in our family. Nick helps out too which I always appreciate and thank him for. When we first moved in together he was the cleaner, not me.

Back to having a clean house. It's great, I find I feel more relaxed, at ease, at peace, in a better mood. However you want to phrase it, I think the majority of the population feels that way. I really enjoy it because I am home so much. When I am done with the housework I decided to tackle that day, I usually look around and enjoy it for a few minutes. I certainly know it's not going to last. I usually have to vacuum at least three times a week, dust twice a week, bathrooms once a week and the kitchen seems like a never-ending task. I know you all can relate.

What I have learned staying home with Ella is it's alot harder to keep a house clean when people are always in it. I have also learned taking just a little extra time each day for little things makes a big difference on those days when I have the bigger jobs to get through. Such as putting the dishes in the dish washer right away instead of stacking them. Putting the clothes in the hamper right when they are taken off instead of on the floor. I know a lot of people dont but making the bed actually makes you feel like you are in a cleaner, more orderly enviroment. Not to mention it might help keep spiders out of your sheets, just something to think about. Also just putting things away as soon as you are finished with them helps me. Wiping off the counter in the bathroom after I put my make-up on and do my hair. Oh yeah, and rinsing the sink after brushing your teeth. We are talking a minute or two for all those tasks but it really adds up and makes a difference in your home. It also makes it easier to do the "big" clean when the time comes. Older kids can be taught to do a few of those things also, like rinsing the sink after brushing, dishes in the dish washer and beds. Easier said than done, I know. (I have an older neice and nephew.)

Finally, on those days I just dont want to clean, I make a list. Lists really do help you feel like you are getting stuff done because you get that satisfying task of crossing it off your list. Before you know it your whole list is crossed off and the rest of the day can be enjoyed without further chores. Obviously if you're at home with your kids, it's not always THAT simple. If Ella is playing by herself I try to get as much done before she decides she wants a playmate for a while. Nap time is another great time to get your stuff done, obviously. I always try to make the most out of the hours Ella is sleeping so that when she is awake all we really need to do is play. Besides I know that the reason I am home is her and not housework. Happy cleaning!