Messy House Ignored Resulted in Great Morning
I have this great neighbor who lives two doors down and has a few girls (ages 8, 5 and 3) that my toddler really admires. My girl simply cannot walk past “Soozie’s” house without insisting we knock on her door. So, we are often just “dropping in” on Susan. She’s great about it — always offering coffee, some delicious home-baked treat or rice balls served with a yummy Japanese dipping powder whatchamacallit that she made in minutes via a food processor and ingredients from the Asian grocery.
Me — while I’d like to be the neighbor that anyone feels comfortable “dropping in on”, I’m not so much. But I’d like to be.
Today, when I got home from the gym early (in the pouring monsoon-like rain) I looked around my house and here’s what I saw: a sink full of dirty dishes; cereal and milk spilled on the kitchen table; toys scattered around the family room; unmade beds; laundry in the dryer waiting to be folded; laundry in the basket waiting to be put away; paperwork all over the counter waiting to be filed; emails to be answered; school forms to fill out; and, toilets growing that lovely coral/pink colored ring around the bowl at the water line. (I know, TMI). I had plenty to do.
Guess what I did? I called “Soozie” and invited her and the girls up for coffee and playtime. My toddler got a “new” $2 garage-sale Cinderella Barbie castle yesterday and I knew her girls would love playing with it. And it just seemed like it was time to return the “drop in, you’re always welcome” feeling that Susan is always extending to us.
I had a lovely morning of coffee and friendship and laughter. And my girl had fun playing with the older girls and not having a Mom rushing her from room to room while we tried to clean the place. I have GOT to do that more often, and I must find the secret to exuding that “drop in, you’re always welcome” vibe that Susan gives off to those who meet her.
What about you — are you the neighbor who makes others feel welcome, or are you more like me (very appreciate of that neighbor but not as good as being that neighbor).
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#1 Sharon Melton on October 9, 2009:
Way to go Mom. More mother’s really need to do this. Wish I had this advise given to me when my children were young. I was always trying to be the “good wife” and keep up with the house, cleaning, cooking, laundry and my children, etc.
All young children need the that very special bonding with mommy, but also with other children and Mom needs to take some time for herself also.
#2 Cousin Tonya on October 10, 2009:
Wow Michelle! You are an awesome inspiration! I am so glad to have found your blog. I have a quote I want to share with you that I borrowed from my friend Michelle that I went to high school with. I want to get it right so I will post it later. Keep enjoying those beautiful kids!
#3 lipsticktocrayons on October 10, 2009:
Thanks, Tonya. I’m glad you find the site, too. I’m looking forward to your quote. Who can’t use some great words of advice now and then, eh?