I wave the little white flag.
I believe that women who keep their homes “perfectly together” either
a.) have a staff: a nanny, cleaning service, or a live-in grandparent.
b.) have zero hobbies other than homemaking.
c.) have closets overflowing with piles of crap just minutes before company arrives.*
I admit to doing “c” before each party and play date.
But, I am getting better.
Purging out crap and decluttering my massive collection of books and crafts.
I don’t have any of the services mentioned in “a”, but my mom does help me out. I wish I only had the house to consume me at times because my ”B” is overrun with blogging, crafting, sewing, painting, jewelry making, and real food cooking.
I’ve always struggled with organization, but have a profound love of art and things beautiful.
I am a Libra after all, the vainest of the astrological signs. Here’s me, unwashed hair. Probably have gluten-free oatmeal all over this shirt. The buddy, to your right, Monkey Magoo, is responsible for 98% of all housework here at the estate.
I try to focus on the little things in the house that aren’t run over with Thomas the Tank Engine and fingerprints.
Like when I make something pretty in a house full of testosterone.
Each day is a pile of laundry and mountain of dishes.
Also factor in that my oldest is in preK in the mid-afternoon, which makes-getting-anything-done…well, impossible.
I dream of having a
or having some mad witchcraft skills
Between fighting autism’s ugly underbelly
cooking everything from scratch
screaming at insurance companies on the phone
schelpping two 40lb kids in and out of my unfriendly Jeep 5 days a week
for a less than 3 hour preschool
I live in my muddy SUV
{did I mention the grounds at Moose’s school are MUD}
and run to and fro like mad woman
in rain boots
even when it doesn’t rain
due to the mud pit that is my son’s school
I am a useless heap by 2:05 p.m.
so watch your step
you may kill yourself on a toy car
and meanwhile
my head’s in in the clouds
reworking that old manuscript
making goods for my etsy shoppe
coding galore for a *new* website
that is top secret
with my business partner and mom extraordinare…
Karen.
{wish I could tell you more…I am about to burst}
I am pulling 18 hour days.
somedays, I forget to shower.
my socks don’t match.
sometimes, I wear the kids’ socks.
or no socks
with the rain boots.
Mommy’s busy.
Working on her dreams
Playing therapist on the floor with Moose feeding him his “sensory diet”.
Mixing supplements.
Baking GFCF goodies from scratch.
Reading Is Your Mama a Llama for the 1000th time.
Driving to and from preschool.
To and from therapy.
My bedroom door is always closed for a reason
As usual, great post…the last picture says it all….:) xo
Lu
Ps. I’m a Libra too…
Oh my goodness, that is the coolest photo with the green paint. This post warmed my heart as I remembered my little boys. It goes by so quickly. I’m so glad you know what’s truly important.
Warmly, Michelle
LOVE… and relate
And you are a really phenomenal writer 
Hope you have a good week, mud and toy cars and all 
Thanks for keepin’ it real! My house is very close to what you describe (including the ruined couch and dining table). I don’t think my boys will remember how nice our couch was or if the floors were a little sticky. They will remember how much time I spent with them, how much effort I put into making ALL of their GFCFSF etc. food and treats, and the creativity and fun that I brought to the sensory diet and therapy homework.
That last picture makes a messy house worth it doesn’t it?!?!
I love how you tell it like the rest of wish we could!!!! After just cleaning my house yesterday and reorganizing a new play room for the kids (we had to move three rooms of things to accommodate a very large, very FREE TV!!!), and seeing how quickly they can turn my organized dream into a complete disaster, I feel your pain!
I also wish I could remember what movie that was from…now if you said a quote from an 80s movie, I may have had a better shot! lol Keep it up, you’re amazing.
I LOVE this post…all those pics of the kids messes are just classic…and that book. haha I don’t have kids but you made me able to totally relate…and then adding the autism element. Bless you!!!
Can’t wait to hear about the “new” site.
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
I love your post. I love your in-your-face honesty. I’m dying to know the big secret project …
Oh, and I have the exact same red couch! Mine, however, isn’t too sticky. It is doggy though. Ernie the beagle has claimed it as his dog bed and frequently tries to “push me off” with his extended paws …
The kids have made the family room sticky, though And that couch is shredded. And I keep complaining and asking them when they will stop being so sticky? Because they are 11 and 14 years old!!!
Linda
Being the only female in a house full of boys, I can definitely relate! Keep going, Mom – you’re doing a great job!
Great post! Really excited about finding out more about the new website. When will the reveal be? Love that sweet pic at the end! Thanks for sharing.
Better to wear no socks than no bra, eh?
(Are those price tags on your lamps?? NOT JUDGING – since I feel like I return more than I buy – just curious. My autistic one can’t STAND to have any kind of tag on anything. Including tags that may be sticking up on other peoples shirts. In line at the grocery store. Keeps me on my toes….)
Awesome post:) Sounds a lot like my house filled with boys and sticky floors
amen sister. love this and it is so true!