Notice the IMPERFECT picture...if you know me, that's progress;). Tonight as Michael and I watched my girls play soccer, gather at the bar for food, and dance around to music...it hit me. This is what life is about for me: being a mom and wife. The phrase, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all," seemed to fit.
I come from a LONG line of perfectionists. We (my six siblings and I) weren't just raised to strive for an immaculate home, made-from-scratch food, not a hair out of place, clean children 24/7, organization, and Windexed counter tops...it is in our genes. Unfortunately, I may try to aim for these pursuits, but I seem to maintain a pretty orderly household, make some things from scratch as I also boil Ramen in the microwave, allow Abby to leave the house sans a bow and curls, ignore the noticeable grass stains after a hard day of play, and close various doors to hide my piles of laundry. However...if you know my sister or me...we do manage to Windex those counters regularly if all else fails. Sometimes I feel like my best efforts fail.
I WANT to have it ALL together. Not to impress anyone, but just for me to feel like I do. These are days when I have to remind myself...there is more to life. It's probably okay to leave a dish in the sink (I have lately). It's okay to take time to dance and play with Abby, fill water balloons with Olivia, make brownies for Cassie, or watch a little TV with Michael rather than make sure that my house is just so. I wish I could have perfection...but I'm learning that my kids won't remember that base boards were always dusted and the floors were always lacking crumbs or dirt. They will remember the little things like story time, dancing and singing at the tops of our lungs, and if I kiss their dad. I may be an under qualified soccer coach, look dreadful in a swimsuit, and detest animals...but I hope that someday my kids will appreciate that I tried.
