Keeping it together

The blog has been remodeled!  It needed a "fresh coat of paint" anyways.  I wanted to give it a new title and had to think on that one for a bit.  I settled on Lyrics, Laughter and Lullabies because it fits my life.  I love music and I'm married to a songwriter.  Music is just a part of our world and it seemed appropriate to have it in the title.  And we do laugh, a lot.  Lullabies was obvious because of having a kiddo but I also chose it because I am learning to relax and feel the peace and comfort from resting in His arms.  I referenced romance in the description because not only am I happily in love with my adoring husband and I am deeply loved by God.

So there you go!

Yesterday, two friends that I greatly admire, had some encouraging words to share and it just got me thinking.  First, I was surprised by their comments.  And that simply goes to show that we are our own worst critics.  But I wanted to share with you a method that I have implemented in hopes that it helps out someone else.  I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats waiting to see what my big reveal is about and I am sad to say it's about keeping your house clean.

I'm sorry it's not more interesting.

Ok so my friends mentioned these things:
1. That I seemed to have figured out how to have a good balance between working and having a family
2.  I seemed to have it all together.
Neither of these friends know each other and so it was just odd that that this happened in the same day. Please note, this is not a pat me on the back session.  I don't typically think those things about myself.  I desperately try to have a good balance and keep it all together but often find myself falling short.  I am aware that my perfectionism stems from an unhealthy place and I am on a journey to fix that.  I am also an organizational freak.  I just love for things to be organized.  I feel like it's the one way I stay sane as a working Mom.

Anyways, I will now admit that for my first four years of home ownership (and yes, ahem, it was a town home) I had a very sweet lady who would come clean my house every 2 weeks.  I really don't enjoy cleaning, especially after I've worked all week and have to give up precious time on the weekends.  It was so nice to have her, especially after Addy was born.  Who wants to scrub a toilet when you are sleep deprived?

We recently built our new home and in an effort to save money, i let the cleaning service go.  Boo!  But I was determined to find a way to take on a dirty house and more importantly, STAY ON TOP OF IT ALL!

My method is not something new.  I believe it's suggested in many self help/make your life easier books.  But it works for me and I wanted to share it because I hope it can help someone else.
I created The List.

I assigned chores for the days of the week.  No chores on  Wednesdays (family  night) or on Sunday (because we all need a day of rest.)  During the week, the chores really don't take more than 30 minutes.  And I do have 3 full baths to keep clean.  I tried to pair up chores that would be quick and easy.  I know it's not deep cleaning  but at least let you feel like you have a presentable house at all times.  And when people are coming over, you aren't scrambling to clean the black mold out of the toilet bowl.

The monthly chores don't happen monthly (I have yet to do the baseboards!) and the daily chores don't always happen every day.  But when it's broken down like this, it's not so bad to do two days of chores at the same time.  My husband is even inclined to do a chore or two instead of feeling overwhelmed with my statement "can you clean the kitchen?"  Another learning moment for me is not criticizing the way he helps but to be thankful he did it.  The one chore that takes the longest is mopping the floors.  My first floor is predominately dark hardwood and it's a pain in the butt to keep clean.  I just give up on it being spotless with a dog and a toddler running around.

Anyways I hope this helps someone out there.  I've been doing this method for 4 months and it really does help me have some sense of balance.  Being off this summer, I find myself slacking.  I keep pushing them off for the next day instead of just taking the time to clean.

Now if someone could please tell me how to get the laundry to do itself.