I am sure most moms can agree that we would rather play with our children then clean the house, right? Well, this is especially true for me. However, I have some what would call an over obsessive clean gene. The need for my house to be clean is a big issue for me. Not sparkling clean- like those houses you see on TV. No, I am a bit more realistic than that. I know being a mom is about making more time to spend with your children then worrying about the dishes. But, this doesn’t mean there can’t be a balance.

You see, I do like a clean house. Clean to me is no piles of dirt on the floor or dirty clothes either. Also, once you can see the pile of dishes in the sink I think its safe to say its time to do them! Some other little things that can help my very (oh so very ) small house look cleaner are hanging up your coats and putting your shoes away. It’s the little things. So Yes! , there are piles of laundry waiting to be done ( all in their hampers of course), and dishes in the sink and even piles I sweep into hiding spots around the house until I have time to pick it up.

The other night, Landon wanted to play hide and go seek. I obliged and started to count. I was in my room with the door shut, so as I counted I started to pick things up. Freaking Genius! Not sure why it dawned on me that particular day, but I realized I could play & clean at the same time! It was my “AHA” moment…..a little sad I know, but it was! As I went looking for Landon in each room, I picked up the first thing I saw out of place. Landon had no idea what I was doing! He was giggling more & more which let me know he was enjoying not being found.

But Of course I knew where he was. I told you, I have a small house! Nonetheless, I went into every room until all the items that were easy to spot were back in their place. I swear, I am a smart woman, but I have no idea why this hadn’t come to me sooner. After that 1/2 hour game of hide and go seek, my house was clean, Landon was exhausted and I felt so productive. So, this week we have had more hide and go seek games then I think we have played in a lifetime. But, we are both extremely happy when it’s all over. Isn’t happiness all that matters?

So what games do you play to make cleaning more fun? How do you clean and play at the same time? With our lives so hectic it’s sure nice to find ways of using our precious time more productively isn’t it? I sure think so….