Housekeeping :: Elizabeth Bennet :: Love
From my perch on the couch, with a copy of Good Housekeeping next to me (ah, the irony), I see a living room with toys scattered everywhere; a floor desperately in need of vacuuming; a kitchen filled with the remnants of everything we’ve eaten in the last 24 hours; and (happily) an open window with springy weather outside.
Monday I was feeling quite like my old self again – running around to Walmart and the dentist, doing three loads of laundry, and making delicious chicken spaghetti. I was so optimistic when I ended the evening by 1) putting all the laundry away, and 2) putting Christian’s toys away. The house was actually tidy when we woke up the next morning. How refreshing! I had high hopes for my productivity level the next day.
Alas, on Tuesday morning a vicious sore throat attacked (yes, I still have a sinus infection), as did a recurrence of nausea. I haven’t been sleeping well either, and have been utterly exhausted. Meanwhile, Christian hardly napped. Thank goodness, he’s been napping like a champ today.
I really can’t stand living in a chaotic, messy environment. (Ask my college roommates.) My garage and office need probably a good week between them to clean out, and the rest of the house, which I usually keep up with pretty well, has built-up grime and general clutter. I’ve been cleaning the kitchen an average of once a day, before I make dinner – which is super annoying and intimidating to attack at the end of a long, tired day.
I am looking forward to feeling better, Lord willing, and getting this place shipshape and organized before #2 comes along. I’m also excited to get back into exercising.
On the bright side, I got the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice from the library yesterday. I haven’t seen it for a couple of years, so it’s been fun to revisit the story during my downtime.
I loved (and desperately needed) this post from Passionate Homemaking this morning. I actually own the book she quotes, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
“When our eyes are on ourselves and our inner cravings for approval are found in our own doings, accomplishments, and successes, we have lost sight of the gospel. As wives and mothers, it is easy to get depressed and discouraged because we are setting our hope on our own accomplishments, and not on the truth of the gospel. Did my child yell at me? Then I have failed as a mother. Did I only get one thing done on my to-do list? Then I have failed as a homemaker.
Where should your eyes be? Upon that beautiful Savior who suffered and died for you. We must cling to the truth that his love is ours right now – in this very moment – fully, completely, and unalterably ours. His approval of you is not based upon your performance, your goodness, your success…it is all based upon His undying love for us.”
Deep sigh of relief… now, it’s time to dig myself out from under the dishes.
Photo credit
Thanks, LeAnna! You’re always so encouraging.
It’s really great how focused you are on your role as a wife! I really admire that about you! Do you and your husband ever split up chores around the house, or even just have a little help? I definitely do the majority of the tasks in the home, but Charlie cleans the dishes every night after I cook. It’s his way of being thankful for my cooking. It really is such a nice way that he serves me, even though he’s the husband.
Thanks, Katy! When I’m healthy and not pregnant, I try to own my role at home, meaning I don’t ask AJ to do much since that’s my full-time job, not his. But he still helps out in the evening, getting Christian ready while I do the dishes sometimes, or helping with the dishes.
While I’ve been sick, he picks up the slack in tons of areas, doing dishes, cleaning the house, folding laundry, etc. Last pregnancy he did even more because I was even sicker.
That’s sweet that Charlie does the dishes for you. 
I know things were different in the brief period of time that we were both working full-time. We cleaned together, shopped together, etc.
Your post blessed me and reminded me of the verses that God keeps laying on my heart this year:
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53: 4-6
I’m glad my post was a blessing… I was just passing along the blessing. 
Thank you for sharing those verses. They are definitely some of my favorites.
LOVE that quote! Wow! What an amazing God we serve!
Beautiful post, and LOVE that quote!
When I became a stay at home mom I thought that once I figured out a routine and got it in place that would be it and things would run smoothly from there on out. Now I really understand what the saying “seasons of life” is all about. We change, our babies change, our commitments change…but He remains the same. I know how you feel, I’ve been in various stages of control and chaos in my home and routine.
So sorry you’ve been under the weather. I’ll pray you start feeling better and that God shows Himself mighty in this situation.
Amen! Love your perspective. And thank you so much for your prayers.
I remember the morning sickness magically passed at 14 weeks (Like everyone promised) and don’t worry, you can only do what you can do…it’s really hard when you just don’t feel good. Sorry you have a sinus infection on top of the pregnancy! Just hang in there!
I know these days well. Having our house on the market has forced me into a position of keeping things tidy, but I have to admit, decluttering has been the best thing I’ve ever done. Still, the past few days have been slow (with Q being sick) it’s so hard to get things done when either yourself or your children are sick, so many needs and only two arms. I’m so thankful joy isn’t dependent on the *things* of life, but I can be content in whatever state I am in. Including knee deep in laundry. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself…
Hang in there, sweet girl. I’ll continue to pray about that sinus infection, our God knows what we have need of!