1stMoon Reflections

My house has that "lived in" look. If you come to visit me you will likely find a basket of dirty laundry sitting in front of the washer, another in the bathroom closet. You will see shoes by the front door (several pairs at least), newspapers sacked up in front of my parent's TV waiting to be recycled, yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks next to my mom's chair, a stack of library books on the portable cart in the living room, toys happily perched on a TV tray (unless the cat has knocked them down), a kitchen floor that is swept, carpets that have been vacuumed, and clean dishes in the drainer waiting to be put away.

Like I said, my house has that "lived in" look. There are some pretty knick-knacks on the shelves, and antiques here and there; but it is certainly not a designer showplace! It is comfortable and clean - if a bit cluttered. The house fits my personality and life style. I have more important things to do thaan clean house all day!

A house in an expression of the people who live there. My house says "Come on in! Take your shoes off and relax." Have you ever been to someone's house and you were afraid even to sit down for fear you might displace something? That kind of place makes me very uncomfortable. Just as my house would make others equally uncomfortable, I'm sure.

What does your house say about you? Make your house an expression of who you are. Don't get too hung up on the magazine pictures of those perfect living rooms, kitchens bathrooms and bedrooms. How long do you think they stay that way once the kids come home?

As long as your house is reasonably clean (no food or dirty dishes lying around, clothes piled in a central location, etc) don't sweat it! Life is too short and kids grow up too fast to put all of your energy into something that can't possibly stay "perfect"!