A lot of things in my life are messy… Poopy diapers (still not through potty training), dirty dishes, and if I’m being honest: My house. But there can be some beauty in messes as well.

When I was about 14 years old, one rainy evening at girls camp (the same one where one of my friend’s freaked out about lice), a friend and I slipped all the way up to our cabin because it was muddy.

My friend had the bright idea for us to get into a mud fight.

Prissy me? In mud?

I don’t know what overcame me, but I decided to go for it. After putting a plastic bag over my head to keep my hair as dry as possible (#naturalhairproblems) I dove in for some messy, muddy, fun.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new. I tried something I deemed daring and adventurous.

Recalling this moment made me think of my kids, who so far, aren’t real fans of being messy. My son hates dirty hands, and my daughter doesn’t like getting her clothes messy. But there are still occasions where they can’t resist getting their hands a little dirty, and I if I’m not panicking from the disaster before me, I can sit an relish in the beauty for a little bit.

I watch trepidation turn to triumph.

My son’s first experience with finger paints.

The excitement that comes from trying something new.

After a long draught, my daughter was finally able to give her rain jacket and boots a test drive.

The pride that shines after mastering a skill.

My baby boy learned all of his colors.

The beauty in the youthful joy they share.

I didn’t hide my makeup well enough.

As they’re unapologetically silly.

Shhhh. Don’t tell him there’s a little something on his face.

And bound to make a splash.

I’m telling you, these kids are going places!

They haven’t reached mud-fighting status yet. But with cute faces like these, and quality detergent to deal with the aftermath, I can’t say I’d complain if they did (so long as they kept it outside).

I think we all have a “favorite” kind of mess that we can tolerate. Maybe even appreciate. Like a sink full of dirty dishes after a delicious homemade meal. Or a pile of warm, freshly cleaned clothes right out of the drier that need to be folded and put away.

Sometimes it’s nice to get a little messy, and let your kids get into it too. Some day I’ll look back and miss the sticky fingerprints on my window panes. And my daughter won’t beg me to help with my makeup (trying to secretly use some herself).

Some day the toys now sprawled across my playroom will be replaced with formal furniture in a room that’s much more quiet.

I’m embracing this messy, chaotic, tiresome and oddly beautiful stage of life. Before I know it, it’ll be gone.

What’s your favorite kind of mess?

*Thank-you to Seventh Generation for sponsoring this story. I’m partnering with them as I share my imperfect life and ways I’m trying to improve it with you. If being more conscious of natural cleaning products, laundry detergent, and eco-friendly diapers are on your list of priorities, head here for more information. As always, all opinions are my own.

Tags: cleaning, lifestyle, messy kids, motherhood, photography, seventh generation