clean house thoughts

As I swept the floor this morning (see above picture. Yes, that's lots of zucchini bread crumbs) I was deep in thought (quit laughing). I don't necessarily consider myself that great of a housekeeper. There are lots of other things that I would rather do than clean house, (like my painting projects in the previous post). But at the same time, I want to live in a clean house. I can live with a little clutter, because let's face it, there are six kids here, there's gonna be clutter. But clutter and clean are two completely different things.

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Family legend states that when my Dad's mom Betty, got married, she had never cooked a thing. Not even boiled water. Her own mother didn't like messes, so she cooked everything and didn't allow her daughter to participate. In my opinion, not knowing how to cook for a girl (yes, call me sexist) is a major problem!

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Contrary to the above thought, I am a big believer of "kids in the kitchen", meaning they make their own lunch every morning and I let them make treats (mostly) unassisted. I want them to feel comfortable in the kitchen and know how to function there. For example, last night Rooney and Proto made zucchini bread all by themselves. They did a great job, it was yummy. I've happily eaten several pieces.

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Yet, at the same time, I too cringe at the MESS that comes with the cooking. I cringe at the aftermath in the kitchen every morning after lunches are made. I am still shuddering about the great "honey attack of '09" when someone last Spring made a Peanut Butter and Honey sandwhich for lunch. I cleaned up honey from the counters, floor and walls for days. I think honey may still be off limits for kids.

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So how do I balance these two ideas? Self sufficiency in the kitchen for kids is going to result in messes. Big sticky messes make me crazy. I've mostly decided that having the kids cooking trumps my craziness, so I'm learning to deal with it. It's going to take some work on my part though, I admit it. In the meantime I just keep on sweeping up that zucchini bread and washing up the stickum. With a smile on my face.

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In other news, this darling baby girl has learned how to stand up. Bring on the mischief!

1 Comment

undefined:

I totally feel you on this one. I want them to start learning to make things, but YIKES--the messes they make! I have to keep reminding myself why I am doing this when the practical, efficient side of me knows I could do it faster & neater! But cheers to you for raising self-sufficient kids!!

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