Good Moms Have Sticky Floors, Messy Kitchens, Dirty Ovens, Piles of Laundry, And Happy Kids
I saw a quote the other day that said: 
“Good Mom’s have sticky floors, messy kitchens, laundry piles, dirty ovens, and happy kids.”
What a great reminder. Being a clean freak myself, sometimes I just feel like I HAVE to spend an hour cleaning my kitchen before I can do ANYTHING else. But, when I take the time to rock my baby to sleep or read another book with him, I am
reminding of what is most important. Of course we can’t just let our kitchen become unlivable and we DO need clean clothes, but I think the answer is a good dose of moderation in all things. Sometimes we just need to put things down and play with our kids! I loved this story in an article by Richard G. Scott about playing with his children:
Once I learned an important lesson from my wife. I traveled extensively in my profession. I had been gone almost two weeks and returned home one Saturday morning. I had four hours before I needed to attend another meeting. I noticed that our little washing machine had broken down and my wife was washing the clothes by hand. I began to fix the machine.
Jeanene came by and said, “Rich, what are you doing?”
I said, “I’m repairing the washing machine so you don’t have to do this by hand.”
She said, “No. Go play with the children.”
I said, “I can play with the children anytime. I want to help you.”
Then she said, “Richard, please go play with the children.”
When she spoke to me that authoritatively, I obeyed.
I had a marvelous time with our children. We chased each other around and rolled in the fall leaves. Later I went to my meeting. I probably would have forgotten that experience were it not for the lesson that she wanted me to learn.
The next morning about 4:00 a.m., I was awakened as I felt two little arms around my neck, a kiss on the cheek, and these words whispered in my ear, which I will never forget: “Dad, I love you. You are my best friend.”
If you are having that kind of experience in your family, you are having one of the supernal joys of life.
My challenge this week is to stop what you are doing and play with your kids. I promise you won’t regret it!
Sarah and Brittany have been friends since the beginning of college. They studied Recreational Therapy together at Brigham Young University. They have always had a few things in common: fun, family, friends and faith. Click on our names to learn more about 
Thanks for reminding me that children/people are much more important than things. Or clean floors.
So as far as I can tell you are really good at this. I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts about family recreation, putting family first, creating good traditions with your family… you name it. Why don’t you do some guest blog posts for us?
I love this story! If only everyone could realize that it is the little things we do that matter. I’m still working on this, too! =)
Almost every story I hear from Richard G. Scott makes me cry, as did this one. Thank you for posting. On a side note, I love your website! I’ve just discovered it along with Michelle’s Fun on a Dime. We are LDS also, and it’s always good to have a reminder that my family is what centers me, and that more time with them is usually what I need.
Thanks for your comment. It is true, quality time with our family can make a world of difference. That is exactly the message we are trying to get the world to hear. And for some reason we all need those reminders
As I sit staring at the Himalayas of laundry on my kitchen table and the Cheerios embedded in every soft surface I can see, I thankyou for this reminder. Love the quote!!!
Oh I love the imagery! Isn’t it so true! I’m glad I’m not the only one!
I know this post was nealy a year ago but I feel compelled to comment. We are a homeschool family and sometimes I feel that my value or right so teach my children is measured by how well I can manage their education AND the housekeeping. I will spend hours scrubbing and disinfecting things just in case someone happens to stop by. I do laundry everyday so we dont have baskets full at any moment. But I have been wanting a loop hole. I think you gave it to me. I’m going to have a friend engrave this into a sign and hang it in my home to remind me, I dont teach at home to prove anything to anyone, but rather to know that I am doing all I can to be sure these kids are honest, intelligent, God fearing people when they become adults.
Thank you
Tandi, I’m so glad you commented! You sound like a truly amazing mom and I know I have days when I feel like I need to do everything perfectly too. I think what you said about not raising your kids the way you do to prove anything to others is a great reminder. We can’t do everything, but it sure sounds like you are choosing the most important things to focus on!!!
If this sign is true than I’m better than a mom. Happy kids, clean floors, ovens, clothes, and cooked dinners.