I have a confession to make.
It’s something that’s really not a huge deal, but I am honestly a little embarrassed to admit.
I have a house cleaner.
I started using one a while ago to help with the big cleaning jobs around here. I do fairly well with keeping up with things on a day to day basis. But it is hard to get to the big jobs, specifically…..mopping.
I struggled with my decision to get help with cleaning because I do believe that it’s a part of my role as a wife and mother. But, honestly, with the deployment, I’ve had to learn my own limitations and make some compromises in order to survive. This was one of those times.
Having her frees me to spend more time with my children. I don’t spend my days running around the house cleaning and ignoring the girls and Will.
I also have four hours of free respite care for my children a week.
Before I got help with the housework, I was spending this time cleaning or stressing about cleaning.
Now there is no stress and I’m using the respite care for what it’s intended for….to get some respite! On Friday mornings, I usually put the kids in respite, get some coffee at the Java Cafe on post and spend time blogging or scrapbooking.
The lady who is cleaning for me is absolutely incredible. She goes way above and beyond my initial expectations. Way above!
When I returned home from my respite time on Friday, there was a note on the kitchen counter that she and her kids wanted to do all of my laundry.
They brought several baskets of laundry up an hour later. And it was so wonderful to be totally caught up with all the laundry….at least for one afternoon.
And EA was just as excited as I was about the clean laundry that entered our house! (well, almost)
Uma says
Bravo for recognizing that you need your me time! I always feel guilty that I have to spend 30 minutes out of Chase’s 2-hour morning playtime to vacuum (I’ve got a light sleeper, so during her nap time I get to do some quiet cleaning). We have two big hairy mutts, so not doing it is not an option. And how cool is your cleaning lady?
I love the pictures of EA with her little rag doll thingy. I had pillows that I dragged around everywhere with me when I was younger. It took me nearly 3 decades to finally be able to put them away in storage. Your pictures made me want to go dig them up.
Uma’s last blog post..Fortune Cookies
Pat says
Do not feel embarrassed at all! I’m proud of you for knowing what you need and going for it. For 15 years I had someone come in every other week to clean my house. I think it is more important for you to find “me time” than it is to stress over a clean house. My mother and sister was horrified about it and tried to make me feel guilty but I didn’t let them. It was well worth it and I’m not sorry about it at all.
Pat’s last blog post..
Suzanne says
Awesome possum.
Suzanne’s last blog post..25 Random Things
Stephanie says
I have to agree with your other commenets. I think it is so important to recognize your own limitations and address them. I remember feeling so awful that I was happy that my children were starting school here just so I could have some time to myself. Then I realized that I was enjoying the girls so much more once I had some time to myself. God gives us what we need.
Stephanie’s last blog post..A lot of Stuff
Taylor at Household Management 101 says
Hi, I’m new here, but I like your blog a lot. I don’t think there is anything wrong with getting help when you need it. You aren’t expected to be Superwoman. The most important thing is for you and your children to feel loved and well cared for, and you do that however it works best for your family.
Don’t feel ashamed for making sure you and your family are comfortable and happy!
Taylor at Household Management 101’s last blog post..Jan 29, Household Inventory – How to Create One Quickly And Easily
LifeAtTheCircus says
I applaud you Monica. For knowing what is most important and for swallowing any pride to keep the most important thing the most important thing. I also applaud you for then sharing this with others so that they too can feel comfortable accepting help and not trying to be super mom. I really hate it when women feel like they have to put on airs that can do it all perfectly. We can’t do everything perfectly. We have to make decisions and choices and strive to balance. It seems it is a daily balancing act making sure our priorities are in the right place and then keeping them there. From what I’ve read in your blog, I can tell you are an excellent wife, mom, and home maker. Keep it up girlie!
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Yesica says
aww she looks cute folding clothes
Yesica’s last blog post..Mother Admits She Doesn’t Love Her Daughter
No Name, Please says
Awww… Sometimes it breaks my heart knowing I’m not there with them. Still, I’m glad I still see them on video chat sometimes. They are such sweeties. Will is just as sweet as the girls, too. Aunt Monica, Tell the girls and Will I said hi.
Love, your Niece
P.S. I’m still MC buddy! 😉