And I came to the realization

About October and for a little while (I'd say a total of about 6 months or so) I've been having someone come in to clean once a week. GASP! SHOCK! I've heard all the reactions. Some think it's very lazy on my part to have someone else come clean my house. Others think it's great. For me, it was a way to buy myself a little more time during the day to spend with my boys who are growing by the second and I can't get them to stop, so I just have to run along side and hope I don't miss too much. BUT, after some minor uncertainties in Jason's job, we decided to cut out the "fluff" expenses as we like to label them on our budget. I happily volunteered the cleaning lady since I've been cleaning my own house for years and done a very nice job. It was definitely a luxury to have her come once a week and finish up whatever I didn't get to, but certainly something we could do without.

Well, we miss her terribly. It's been about three months or so since she last came and unfortunately all traces of her are now covered by dust and fingerprints and some kind of residue I can't get out of my tub quite the same way she could. I try to get caught up on everything so that my house can be the oasis of clean I require for relaxation. But to listen to my boys, I haven't been relaxed for a couple of months now. So, do I trade off some time with my kids to get the house clean or just give in and let my awesome lady come back once a week. I know, I know. Millions of mothers have done my job for generations before me with no hired help. But my grandmother has long since passed away, and my mom's cleaning lady isn't nearly as good as mine..... so her advice goes out the window. This week will be the ultimate test. We have a week long trip to southern utah and camping in the sand (I do cringe a little as I type that). So we'll come home with gear full of sand to a clean house and I may very well lose my mind. Or just hire our cleaning lady back! :-)