Thursday, September 20, 2007
A Gift
When I was little I remember my mom cleaning (or at least really really tidying up) before her parents would visit. I tried to do this when I was a young bride before my parents would visit. Mom insists that she's coming to see us and not the house, but for some reason I never believed her. I was in this imaginary competition with my sisters to show our parents that I was the "better housekeeper". At least I think it was an imaginary competition. They may have been having the competition with me too, but only in their own heads of course! Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the gift. Mom continues to try to tell me that she's coming to see us and not the house. Well, now I'm going to accept that gift and not knock myself out trying to clean the house! I know there are some mommies who feel that they have to present their parents with a spotless house and beautifully made meals from scratch only to have their parents find something that needs cleaning, fixing or salt! Thankfully, my parents are not that kind of parents. I'll try to tidy up, might even make it around to vacuuming, but I am not going to knock myself out trying to out do my sibs! So, Mom, Dad, when you guys come tomorrow, you'll see the house as it is. I'm thankful that you know we live here in our house. We make a mess. We have a pile of happy kids. And I'm glad you're coming to see us!
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8 comments:
My dh's grandma always used to say (about a clean house and visitors), "the people who matter, won't care, the people who care, don't matter. She had a lot of expressions like that.
Boy, that was a great quote from Shelley. I was going to say something similar--and it is SO true about us grandparents, we really DO care more about you all than your houses!
Tara I will pray that you enjoy time w/your parents. My parents use to SURPRISE us with a visit! Oh yea, surprise at the kitchen door as we are getting the girls ready for school. I welcomed them in w/open arms! (dirty kitchen and all) Now that my dad has passed, I will never be surprised again...I rejoice over your visit!
Speaking as a grandmother now, I vhave to say I agree w/Shelley...they are coming to see you not your house...b/c you are what matters!
btw..I love quilting, we need to talk sometime. (after your parents visit)
Joy, DeeDee
My parents very OFTEN surprise us. I used to go into panic mode trying to have the kids stall them outside while I frantically picked up the Rescue Heroes and Barbie shoes littering the family room floor, shoved the mail off the dining room table and emptied the dish drainer. I find it so odd how they can "just be in the neighborhood" when we live in a highly rural area almost an HOUR from their house. Now I just welcome them in and say, "You'll have to excuse the mess."
Enjoy the weekend with your family, Tara! Parents and grandparents are such blessings.
Tara, I do believe we have more in common...I love coffee and friends too. I am also an amature w/quilting. My first attempt is not finished yet, but I fixen to finish it soon. It is a simple 9 patch that I have done by hand (I am quilting it now) Next on my list is a Victorian quilt. We must share some thoughts on quilting and reading! I love Karen Kingsbury, how about you?
Joy,Debi
I only have one kid, and I don't have time to clean before visitors pop in. I don't see how they could expect a spotless house with 4 kids. And it is like you said, they are coming to see you, not your house. I've always found houses that were too clean made me uncomfortable, like if I accidently dropped a crumb a neo-Nazi task force would jump out and flog me with vacuum hoses or something. But that's just me. LOL.
Tara, you have clean hands, a pure heart, and you are the mother of 4 of our grandchildren. You are good enough as you are and so is your house!
And you were misplaced from our family at what point in your life??? Did Everett teach you this?
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