I am a self-proclaimed neat freak. I like things clean. I thrive off of order and tidiness. Everything in my house has a place and try every single day to make sure things are back where they belong. I like my counter tops clean and the clothes in the hamper. I make up beds as soon as feet hit the floor, so yeah...obviously, I like things clean.

But...sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on the mess and creativity of my children. One day I know I'm going to wake up and their stuff isn't going to be all over the place. Their messes will be contained to their room where they probably will prefer to hang out. Their toys will be replaced with gadgets and gossip. This phase of life is so fleeting and I've decided to embrace the mess and enjoy my kids "leftovers".

After I drop my kids off at school each morning, I come back home to a "mostly" clean house. The breakfast dishes are put away and beds are made. But, I've made a point of keeping their "piles" and messes as they were. I've left their toys and games and cards just as they left them. And then I grab my camera and document these beautiful parts of our life.

Sure, these photos aren't amazing or perfect, but they are our life. Our days. Our messes. And just like faces and special events, these "leftovers" are just as important to capture, I think.

When's the last time you stepped back and EMBRACED the mess, rather than cleaning it up? Have you ever grabbed your camera and looked at those details through the lens before tidying up? If you haven't, I challenge you to do just that! Walk around your home. See the messes and piles and toys and try to capture those "leftovers" now, for soon those leftovers will be gone and replaced by something different.

Happy Thursday, friends! Thanks so much for stopping by! xo