Routine

I left the Buying Of The School Footwear very late again this year, Little Man got his just a few days before term started. At age nine he is now the same shoe size as me which is ever so slightly horrifying. Little Lady was desperate for school boots this year as opposed to shoes, and the price of them was ever so slightly horrifying too. But she is super pleased with them, and to be fair they are a practical choice given the canal side walking we do to get to school in all weathers. More practical  than open topped mary-jane style shoes I guess, but still o-u-c-h at the £50 price tag.

So yes, shiny new footwear and a shiny new school year. Back to Routine. The Little People did seem relatively pleased to be back to school last week and we've all settled back into the swing of things pretty well I'd say. That's one advantage of having a Little B shaped alarm clock, our early rising makes for a leisurely start to the school day. We have some casual time to sit around in our jammies getting used to the day before we need to start pulling ourselves together. I've grown to like it that way. By the way, Little B is currently working to a 6am wake up schedule, so I think the super-early 4/5am starts that were a part of the summer months have ended now. Pheww.

My days last week picked up pretty much where they left off in July. Little B and I have an enjoyable weekly routine of being out and about every morning :: music group, toddler playgroup, cafe's, knit and natter morning, play-dates etc. We generally come home for lunch and then it's an easy few hours at home until we leave for school again at 3pm. Little B uses this after lunch time to sleep, and I use this after lunch time for Happy Things. No jobs allowed. Maybe a bit of hooky time, or a bit of time at my desk catching up in Blogland, I love this sweet, peaceful part of my day.

I often bake in this time too, I'm attempting to keep us supplied in homemade cookies  so that I don't have to buy any from the supermarket, but it takes some doing. The demand for these from all members of the family is high. I love to eat one warm from the oven with a hot cuppa tea, a favourite magazine and the sound of silence. Domestic bliss.

Of course my domestic day isn't all about loafing around flicking through magazines and chomping cookies. There are jobs to be done! The flowers still need talking to of course. My geraniums are continuing to flower very sweetly outside despite the rather dire weather we've had all week. It's been cold and stormy and wet here in North Yorkshire, but the dull light seems to make the flowers glow with such a brilliance, they look am-aaaaa-zing-zing.

I'm making the most of still being able to dry the laundry outside as and when the weather allows. There aren't many housework type things I enjoy to be honest, but pegging out laundry is up there pretty much at the top of my list. Yesterday it was warm and blustery so I stripped all the bedding off our bed and out it went to be infused with fresh air.

This week I've been experiencing my predictable, annual obsession with housework and routines. It's most definitely a September thing for me, I know this cos my blogging habit tells me so. It's like every September I get overwhelmed by a powerful desire to Nest. It's a response to the change in seasons I suspect, a base instinct of some sorts. So I've been thinking a lot in the past few weeks about domestic routines, about my general attitude to keeping house (which is utterly dreadful) and how I might be able to make some improvements. As you know, I absolutely adore my home, I love love love my role as a stay at home Mum and Wife. I've come to realise that this love manifests itself Creatively. In cooking, baking, decorating and prettifying. And for some obscure reason this love does not extend to the realms of cleaning and tidying.

Why doesn't it?????????

Why why why can't I learn to LOVE cleaning and tidying?????????

I was reading a beautifully inspiring post a few weeks ago about The Vocation of Being A Homemaker. Tina writes so passionately about her feelings on this subject, I was truly moved by her words and sentiments. But at the same time I was overcome by a sudden waaaaahhhhhh of jealousy. Why can't I feel the same? Why can't I make my house tidy and clean and orderly, what's wrong with me??! True, we are at different stages in life, Tina and I. She doesn't have three small children to contend with at home. But still, I felt desperate to experience the same contentment and  satisfaction and peace that she feels. I feel love and excitement and joy in my house, but not often peace :: tis too hectic and chaotic and messy for peace to descend!

So........pouting and foot stamping aside, I've given myself a wee talking to.

I. CAN. DO. IT. I can I can I can. If I want it badly enough, I can do it!!!!

I decided Routine was the key. A Daily Routine. No big shakes. All I need to do is a Little Bit Each Day. Starting with some much-needed decluttering.

I'm starting in the kitchen, that's it above look. It's a very small, cramped room, not particularly nice to be honest, but nevertheless I do spend a lot of time in here, and as it is so small there's not really a great deal of space to accommodate clutter. But oh-my, the clutter was there!! In huge great heaping piles!!!

This is the top of my microwave. The clean and tidy top of my microwave. Two days ago I decluttered it. These were the objects that had to be slung/relocated elsewhere....

half a broken hair brush :: colouring pen :: F&B tester paint pot :: kinder egg container :: lipstick :: AA battery x 3 :: port cork :: screwed up ball of tin foil :: 9V battery :: nerf gun dart x 5 :: bolt x 5 :: badge :: painted clay tealight holder (glittery) :: mobile phone battery x 1 :: Barbie top :: pink sunglasses :: pritt stick glue :: £1 coin holder :: spanner :: small screw :: broken beaded bracelet :: another broken beaded bracelet :: shopping receipt :: bit of cardboard packaging :: library card :: dvd :: pack of playing cards x 2 :: glass bead :: pen lid :: co-op £5 voucher :: vintage kitchen timer :: back of old mobile phone :: expired national trust membership cards :: plastic bag of misc bits n bobs (no one knows) :: beaded bracelet (not broken) :: sylvanian families bag of flour (from bakery) :: written note x2 :: spray can of Vanish power foam :: large reel of duck tape :: small reel of duck tape :: plastic Postman Pat figure :: small pot nappy cream :: allen key :: ribbon :: plastic tiara :: golf ball :: pocket fold up frisbee :: gloriously straight gloss hair serum :: long length of finger crochet :: plastic beaker :: drill bit :: cocktail stick :: spinning top

66 items in total, I kid you not. SIXTY SIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then went on to sort out my herbs and spices. Miraculously there were no out of date ones (I cook with these regularly), but it feels good to see it looking all clean and orderly.

The sink area came next, first one side, then the other. Removing things that shouldn't be there, rearranging the things that should be there and having a bit of a scrub round.

Feeling good. Still got a long way to go (top of the kitchen cupboards next, gulp), but in the words of The Fly Lady, I'm taking "baby steps".

In between all that hardcore domesticated stuff, I've been searching for some light relief. I spent a little bit of time yesterday going through the pile of summer magazines on my desk, photographing the bits that made my heart do a skip. Oh I did have fun!

I'm putting together a collection of the bestest and most vibrant bits from my summer mags, a visual celebration of Summer Inspiration to share with you. Can't wait!!

Summer does indeed seem to be slipping away from us here in the UK. We've been issued with a severe weather warning as the tail end of Hurricane Katia looks set to hit us this week. I took the above photo of the moon rise last night at 8.30pm...it seems such a shame (especially for the outdoorsy Little Peeps) that our days are shortening so quickly. They're forced by descending darkness to come indoors  earlier and earlier each night, kicking their heels with frustration cos it's too dark to carry on playing out.

I'm surprising myself by rather liking the earlier homey routine brought on by the darkening evenings, it's not so bad really. I've started lighting up my evening candles which always makes me happy, and I'm looking forward to the first Lighting Of The Fire this year too. I looked in my archives just now and noted that it was September 19th last year, so not far off.

We are definitely doing more snuggling during these early September days too, which in my opinion is nothing but Good. The blankets are in full swing, and as usual it makes me sooooooo happy to see my brood all cuddled up beneath my colourful hooky handiwork. There'll be a new blanket on the hook soon, something divine and cashmereish is being planned. I think blanket making is an amazing thing, the joy they bring to my little family is immeasurable. Truthfully I learnt to crochet purely so I could Make Blankets. I was incredibly inspired by this and this and I wanted in. So in I jumped and I have never looked back, I can honestly say that learning to crochet blankets has really changed my life. I can highly recommend it.

Speaking of crochet blankets, my beloved BB continues to delight me each and every evening as I go about my bedtime routine. I tend to head to bed around 9.30pm at this time of year, and with Little B waking at 6am I am getting a fabulous 8+hours solid, deep, blissful sleep each night. I never, ever take this for granted, I LOVE my sleep and appreciate my ability to enter The Land Of Nod within a few minutes of head hitting pillow.

Sometimes I can't believe how very much I look forward to my bedtime! It's one of the most comforting parts of my day. Snuggling under crisp, white cotton and colourful, woolly crochet, knowing my family is safe and sound close by, it's a feeling of true peace and contentment.

Wishing you sweet dreams tonight my lovelies, enjoy your head-on-pillow time!

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Comments

[Nanette Davis]

I love all your fun ideas and creative projects.

[Bethany]

Lucy Love, I laughed when I read this post because I have just come to the exactly opposite mindset. I journeyed the other direction! Really, I've spent the last three years reading those same wonderful homemaking blogs and obsessing over having a clean, organized "peaceful" home. You know what I see when I look back on the last three years? STRESS!! A stressed-out mama feverishly cleaning and re-evaluating schedules and tweaking routines and cleaning some more...and getting horribly crabby and snappy at her poor babies who just want to be able to make their lovely little messes in peace for goodness sakes!

A few months ago I vowed to toss it all out and stop reading those blogs. Now the house is a bit more sloppy and unorganized, but so much more joyful. I am snuggling with my kids and reading them stories and playing with them instead of obsessing over the cleanliness of the house. And you know what? My memories of the last few months are so much more full and vibrant than the last three years combined. So...Don't Knock Yourself Out!

I love your blog and your wonderful, chaotic, messy, colorful, vibrant, beautiful, place. Your children are very blessed to call it home.

[Claire]

Just back from holiday and decided upon my return that I need to tackle the way outstanding jobs in my home....but sat with a cuppa to catch up on my favourite blogs first and found myself smiling when I read this post...I have linked to it in the below post, hope you don't mind

http://craftedbyclaire.blogspot.com/2011/09/operation-declutter-nests.html

I totally know where you're coming from and you have spurred me on to get on with things thanks x

[angela-southern USA]

Thanks Lucy,its nice to hear the truth and not "everything is perfect" we hear so much.I'm with you and everyone else here:)My house is cluttered and messy at the moment.Too much hook time,not enough broom time;)One thing for sure,it'll be there when i get to it!With teenage Girls in the house its DRAMA,DRAMA,DRAMA all the time.Wouldn't change it if i could though.They'll be grown too soon.I try to keep this in mind:I'll have plenty of time to clean when they're gone.(if i want to;)Thanks for reminding us,no one is perfect.Happy cleaning!

[barbara]

finally someone honest. i feel the same! only knowing that there's nothing wrong with me and that it's ok feeling this way makes me feel better. thank you from italy!

[jeannette]

just came across this link in an old blog of mine about what i call "ritual labor".
http://www.amazon.com/Quotidian-Mysteries-22Womens-Madeleva-Spirituality/dp/0809138018
xxx

[Tas]

The top of our fridge is the depository for all homeless objects in our house.

I live by "Dull women have immaculate houses" Life is too short to want to clean your house :)

[Tas]

In our house, it is the top of the fridge, rather than the microwave that becomes the place where all items can be shoved if they appear to need a home.

I live by "Dull women have immaculate houses" Life is too short to want to clean your house all the time :)

[Wendy]

catching up back to work this week.

I do like yor kitchen clock. In fact I love your colourful house

[[email protected]]

Thank you for sharing your inspirations with us. You are an inspiration for me! I have a crayon-coloured granny square blanket and a natural brown and beige ripple blanket on the hook. It's my first crochet this century.

[Marie]

Hi Lucy. Like you I'm no lover of all things houseworkey. Adding working full time to the mix only compounds the problem around here. You should check out Flylady.net. There are some great tools on there get started with basic routines doing little things that really make a big difference. It helps me keep my head above the proverbial (messy!) water.

On the other hand.... I'm pretty certain that children remember much more the special time spent with them than whether the kitchen floor was alway clean! At least, I hope so ;)

xMx

[Anne Marie]

So, I'm not the only untidy one and person who hates housework. I have nice old, the carved Ercol stuff so like it to look nice butsomehow the things seem to get back again as my house is rather small with nowhere to store stuff.

Your house looks lovely and cosy and the crochet additions add to it so well. I must look out your instructions for wavy blanket. I have made your stripey bag in different colours, not so nice as yours but ....

[Donna]

Lucy this post made me laugh out loud in a very good way. I think it was the itemised list of things on top of the microwave which were just so random AND so reassuring! Where does it all come from? I'm glad you've discovered Flylady as I was going to suggest her; she works for me:-D You can do anything for 15 minutes, baby steps and even housework imperfectly does blesses our homes are my mantras. xxx

[Funkymonkey]

Thank you for your very honest post. You have a proper home, full of cosiness and warmth, not some bland, empty palace where you can't put a cuppa down. You 'show and tell' your life and home as it is..... which is very like most of us. I'd much rather read about real life than pretty pretty perfection...it doesn't exist.This post made me feel normal!

Tracey

[Seaweed & Raine]

Lucy, I that gorgeous picture of your desk just makes me want to sit down there and do something desk related - anything! It's beautiful, and inspiring.
I suspect Tina's kind of peace doesn't only come from domestic duties. There's the God stuff to it too I suspect. :) (Reading what you wrote I had a feeling that she was a Christian - so I checked her blog out). Mind you, being a Christian won't necessarily make your house tidy... mine's not! lol :)

[Laura]

I feel the same about tidying and cleaning - but I also know my head feels so much clearer when everything is tidy and clean, so I have an ongoing battle with myself!

If I say to the children we're going to have a tidy up, they ask 'Why? Is someone coming?'. Oh dear. :-D

[Meredithe]

I'm with you on the house cleaning - it seems it's just cleaned, you turn around, and it needs doing again. Much more satisfying working with needle or hook in hand....as you get something lovely for your efforts! PS How did 66 things FIT on top of the microwave??!! Had a good giggle. Thanks!

[Jane J.]

Thank you ... your blog always makes me smile! We've been having a little grey weather here, as well, so I came to visit for a little color!

[heidi]

as they say here... to begin to recognize the things that could really change for the better is a first, even if small step in the right direction, the baby steps! all the same: having three children keeps you on your toes to say the least and a quiet moment is cherished for special things and catching your wind... it is quite a challenge to balance the chores and daily routine and i admire anyone that can keep their three-ring-circus (job-family-housework) running smoothly and is never frustrated! (is there ANYBODY out there that can claim THIS? then feel BLESSED!) i have one of those 66 item collections in at least one drawer in EVERY ROOM. tsktsk *blush* i MUST agree with melissa... you reflect so much harmony and happiness, comfort and love... just the way it should be and thats the reason i always look in on you! love the attic pic of the moon above the smoke stacks! xoxoxo heidi

[mahek]

hI
Lucy,
I love love love your kitchen , I feel its not the size that makes a kitchen its the character, the warmth, I can feel that in the small things that you have kept on the counters the spotty jugs with spoons,spoonulas and other colourful stuff that connect with our day to day routine...
I would love to see the other side of the kitchen too so I could bring it in front of me where are the spoons kept on the left or the right? and the microwave?
I feel being there for your kids is good enough... can you show us some pictures of your daily dinner or food that you cook , I love your spice rack too its so so cute..

[Carole68]

Hey ! It's funny, because reading your post I was thinking "Routines are the key word, routines is what she needs" And Bam ! There comes the reference to Flylady. Excellent ! I also jumped in this morning and my kitchen looks better now.
With autumn coming up, I also want to take up my hooks again and make something... by the way, crocheting is what helped me quit smoking. It kept my hands busy and helped overcome the urge of a cigarette, stitch after stitch. I was so glad my sister had taught me a couple of years earlier !

[tracey dawkins]

you have inspired me - i have baked biscuits and whilst they were cooking i have cleared the top of my microwave too, only 23 items but an extraordinary amount of dirt! thank you for yet another inspirational post!

[Judy]

Dear Lucy
Thank you for putting into words exactly how I feel in September. I too this year have decided to start in a small way, and in the bathroom this time! Here's hoping we can keep up the good work xx

[Renee]

Stuff the cleaning snd tidying Lucy it just gets all messed up again:). Lovely post thanks for sharing

[Anita]

Lucy, I just love your blog. I always come here and get inspired. Thanks for sharing.