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Monday, June 8, 2009

A Slower Pace

"No one ever died from sleeping in an unmade bed. I have known mothers who remake the bed after their children do it because there is wrinkle in the spread or the blanket is on crooked. This is sick."
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"My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one else cares. Why should you?"
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With this being the first full week of summer vacation I was re-evaluating my priorities and schedule. It's a huge change to go from 7 hours a day to enjoy working in silence (or not!)....to 4 boys being home... loud, rowdy and standing in line for my computer, their computer, the cd player, both televisions,...with limitless snacks, meals, etc. etc. The days turn into whirlwinds!
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So, when I read these quotes by Erma Bombeck, I was reminded that I need to relax, go with the flow and enjoy these 75 days. I left the dishes in the sink until breakfast and lunch were finished. I only did 2 loads of laundry instead of 4! And I stopped and enjoyed my boys (after I turned down the volume on several of the electronics!) Tomorrow I'll venture to Sams Club and have one of the guys accompany me. It won't be my usual 3 hours of errands all efficiently done in one trip, but it will be some rare alone time with one son. I'm sure some things will go in the shopping cart that I wouldn't choose. But that's part of the fun! I may just leave the beds unmade and the dishes in the sink while we are gone! And I'll try to remember my camera just for you! :)

16 comments:

  1. I loved reading this ... I wish more mommies adopted your attitude. It's healthy, refreshing and oh so good for your five men!

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  2. Amen!

    We're a month into our summer break now... this week I've resolved to pick up the pace a bit, specifically in the areas of deep cleaning and cleaning out. When this week is over, I think we'll relax some more, in a clean house.

    Yes, do take the camera along tomorrow, I want to hear about the big outing.

    75 days... I cracking up that you know exactly how many days it is until school starts again!

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  3. Well, I can't wait to see your pictures and what you get at the hundred dollar store! :)

    It is amazing that our kids are growing up so fast and I do have to remember to slow down and enjoy them. My girls are the same age as your boys, so that's when I'll start having graduations, and it's not so far away. I have to remind myself sometimes how much I'm going to miss it when it's gone, these different ages and phases.

    Lovely post, and I love Erma Bombeck.

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  4. MG ~ well, I wouldn't have know the count except for my blog friend Natalie has a countdown on her sidebar til the first day of school! ha-ha...she has an autistic son...so we can relate to each other.

    I like your idea of easing up a bit and then doing a bit more cleaning half way through the summer. My house needs a thorough spring cleaning but I'm just going to do it a bit at a time.

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  5. Betsy, throw all caution to the wind and leave the beds unmade for a week! I bet the boys won't even notice. The dishes are another story...they stink after a week....

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  6. i love you...you are a fantastic mom! it is also good to know that it never gets "easier" the older they get...just louder!! LOL enjoy your 74 days left!

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  7. I love Erma Bombeck quotes, too!

    Honestly, I do tend to be pretty Type A, but I'm working on relaxing~ha! I definitely don't remake my kids' beds--I'm so proud when they make them all by themselves!

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  8. A good reminder for me as I am the Mommy that re-makes beds...what a waste of time...I often say perfection and worry are my biggest enemies!!

    I am laughing at your 75 days...that sounds pretty good but I know it will go by SOOOO fast!!!

    Here's to letting the mess sit and some SERIOUS play time with our kids!!

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  9. I think you have the right idea Betsy. Life could be so simple if we "could" let it. It's coffee first then straight to making bed for me...wonder why? No one will even see mine.
    Have a good day shopping with son, how do you decide which one goes?

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  10. I swear, if I pass away before my mother (God forbid), she'll put "She never made her bed." on my tombstone. (Which is an out and out fabrication, by the way.)

    Kat

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  11. Jill ~ Oh yes, and you know me....I try to get all the chores done and everything perfect and then if there's any time left I'll relax or do something fun. The problem is, there's never any time left at the end of the day. I just need to drop the chores and play. Afterall...the chores just wait for you...no worries...they'll be waiting when you come back, that is for certain! tee-hee!

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  12. So adorable! I loved your quotes. They make me feel better about my lack of care for my housekeeping.

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  13. My bed is often left unmade. I think it has that romantic look! And thank goodness there's no such thing as the kitchen police.

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  14. That the ticket. Take it all in your stride. you are an lovely mom and no doubt will eek out every bit of blessing in it.

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  15. I can SO relate. I was feeling so stressed with all the kids yesterday, and thinking the blog would have to go by the wayside this summer. I miss my solitude, but at the same time I don't want to "wish away" my time with the kids. I hope your outing with Harry went well!
    Susan

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  16. a wise woman you are, betsy! i think the sooner that women can learn this lesson, the sooner they can relax into themselves and truly enjoy life. did i mention that my bed has been unmade for two days, there are dishes in my sink and i have three pairs of dirty socks under my art table?!! hee hee

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