You know that place where you’re so behind in your laundry you still have last week’s piles sorted and waiting to be washed when you realize you need to do this week’s laundry? Then you realize there’s hardly any space in the laundry area to add the “new” clothes?
Yeah. You could say I’m there.
(You could probably also say I’ve seen one too many State Farm commercials lately.)
Anyway.
After Hannah Beth left on Thursday, the thought came to me that, Hey, maybe it’s time to stop pretending to be sixteen and remember that I have a house and children to take care of. Oh yeah.
I promptly sat down that night and made a list of all the things I need to get done before John gets home.
Whew.
There’s a lot to do. And not a lot of time to do it–a fact I’m only too happy to have to deal with. But still, there’s a lot of last-minute things to do. And those of you who remember the weeks before Merritt was born will know how I tend to get when I have a mile-long list of unreasonable expectations for myself.
My perfectionism comes out IN FULL FORCE.
Needless to say, in all my unbelievable excitement over John coming home soon, I started stressing out a just leetle bit. John even picked up on it over the phone and asked what the deal was.
“Uh, well, I’m so, so super duper very really crazy unbelievably unspeakably excited for you to come home. And so I made a list of everything I want done before then, and, weeeeell…”
“You want everything to be perfect, right?”
You’d think he knows me well or something.
Then he went on to tell me that HE doesn’t want everything perfect. HE doesn’t care. HE wants things to be normal around here. Comfortable. Lived in. Like he doesn’t have to be careful not to mess up our perfect life.
And THAT, my friends, is why I married this guy.
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
Yay!!! I am so excited for you!!!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Tracye says:
It’s going to pass so quickly! I’m so glad you’re on the home stretch!
Just don’t wear yourself out trying to make everything perfect, that you’re super exhausted when he gets home!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Chantel says:
So so glad that the ‘end’ is in sight. When your guy is back with you, and your little family is complete, I can’t think of what could be happier!
*hugs*
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Nicole says:
I can totally and completely relate to you here, Ash. I want everything perfect, just like Mary Poppins. And Jason says the same things John does. ;)
Didn’t we marry smart men??
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Becoming Me says:
I get you, and I am so happy for you too!!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
coljefferson says:
Whoohoo!!! By the grace of God, you’ve made it, Ashleigh. :-D When does he come home?
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Tiffany says:
Isn’t it funny the things we need to get done that they (husbands) don’t mind so much. I know John and he just wants to be home with you and the kids but I also know you and know you want everything to be perfect! Just remember don’t stress your body out!! Do what you can and let that be that. We are so super excited he’s coming home soon.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Grafted Branch@Restoring the Years says:
He’s a keeper! I’m really excited for you too, Ashleigh.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Steve n Vickie says:
Yippeee!!! The day you’ve been waiting for for so long!!! Don’t stress. You’ll get all the necesaries done.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
bethany says:
sooooo excited with you, my sissy….and can’t wait to welcome him home with all of you!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Denise says:
You know what? He absolutely means what he is saying.
I think if you’re a perfectionist (*cough* like me *cough*) then this is a really normal struggle when your military guy has been gone so long and you want him to come back to a – no – to “THE” perfect home. You want to make all his dreams and longings of being away fade as he basks in the joy and peace and perfection of you, the boys, and his home there. And that’s ok. :) So long as you don’t let that be the absolute goal. Because the goal is really just to show hiim you missed him and love him and are SO glad he’s back.
Our return date only changed by a week earlier, and I was running around like crazy just trying to get everything done that I’d been delaying on. It happens. And we’d gladly trade things not getting done for having our beloved husbands home earlier, wouldn’t we???
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Amy says:
I’m so happy for you that he is almost home. The next few days will fly by as long as you’re working at that list.
(And I too make tons of lists to keep busy when my other half is gone!)
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 7:56 am
lady jane says:
Soon. He'll be home. Soon. :o)
Thank you for posting about Christopher Laurie's passing. How very bittersweet. While it's wondrous he's with our Lord right now, my heart breaks for his loved ones. His father was my pastor for a few years. <><
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Anonymous says:
when does he come home, ashleigh? bet you absolutely CAN. NOT. WAIT.
heidi
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Katie says:
Just so glad that he’s coming home soon enough that you are able to start flipping out about getting things done! :)
Seriously girl – 5 days on my own with ONE baby was enough to start pushing me toward the end… you are AMAZING.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Cailin Yates 16785083 Arbonne International says:
love love love hearing about the “boys” coming home! yay! and I hope you get enough done to keep the perfectionist at bay without wearing yourself out.
Best Wishes
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Adventures In Babywearing says:
How sweet. And I’ve been hit with a major kick in the pants to get myself in order, too. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, but I do need to get myself in gear!
Steph
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Sara says:
Reading his reply to you made me tear up. I’m so happy that God has blessed you with the most wonderful husband. I’m so excited for you guys… I love you guys
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Ginger says:
So sweet sigh….
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 4:12 pm