So I had a few moments this morning…

all to myself and you know what I did?

I did the dishes. In silence. And it was lovely.

And here was my revelation.

I actually like cleaning. With a few stipulations of course.

I like cleaning by myself.

Okay, I guess that is the only stipulation.

Here’s why…

*I like cleaning when it is not going to get messed up. If I swiffer the floor with the kids around, it is dirty within 30 seconds of finishing. And of course, picking up toys while they are around is totally pointless.

*I like people to see the finished product, not the “in progress.” I like to clean when Stephen is not around and have him come home and notice something has been cleaned.

*It is therapeutic for me to clean in silence. Is that weird?

While all these things are great in theory – or my dream world – I am a stay-at-home MOM. And that means I have children around. All the time. So I am trying to find ways to clean and pick up with the rugrats around AND do it joyfully.

Even when they spill apple juice on my newly swiffered floor.

Do you have any brilliant ideas for cleaning with little ones around? Do tell! Please!