Bye Bye Pig Sty

I’m tired. I’m sick and tired of feeling like we’re covering the same ground every day. Bottom line is we have bad habits. If we (the kids mostly but James and I do it, too) didn’t leave stuff out we wouldn’t have to put it away later. If I cleaned up the kitchen right after a meal, I wouldn’t have to come back and do it later when the food was starting to stick or worse, not have enough dishes or room to cook breakfast the next morning.

I could go on and on and on.

More than a clean home, though, I want a well-functiong, smooth-running home. Like a well-oiled machine. Obviously good habits are a big part of that. So is a change in attitude. We also need a good nod to proper organization and the right tool for the job. I also need first-time obedient children and a good dose of self-discipline — just sayin.’

But even on top of all that, I also want a “homey” home. I don’t want a home so messy it’s stressful and unappealing, and I don’t want a home so spotless and white it’s institutional. But I often don’t feel like I “get to that” part of taking care of my home. It’s hard to focus on beautifying, decorating and arrangind things when there are dirty dishes screaming for attention in the sink and dirty laundry calling you from the hamper.

I will have this. All three. Call me greedy, call me silly, or as I prefer it, call me determined and taking this bull by the horns. I’m going to get this. I can do this. Not by myself, obviously. I  need an agreeable husband, cooperative children and I’m relying on a HEALTHY dose of God-provided self-discipline and endurance.

It won’t be easy.

To make that more enjoyable (or something) I’m asking you all to join in with me. I thought about signing up for the FlyLady again, but it’s really not a good fit for me. I need to take an approach that addresses practical, parenting, spiritual and self-discipline aspects. I’ve already written out a plan for the first month. And it’s a really good plan! I was going to start at the beginning of January, but my husband has challenged me to start exercising in January and I don’t want to make too many changes all at once. Also, my last Advent post will be on January 4th, so at this point in time, I’m thinking I’ll begin making a focused, intentional effort towards a smooth-running home beginning the 2nd week of January.

So. Whattya say? Anybody else need to do this– Or am I the only one…?

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