"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing"

Only 5 days until Disney, and it's time for a cleaning day. The kids have asked me why bother cleaning when we're just going to leave the house for a week anyway? Good question. It made me stop and think.

I think it's because by the time we get home, I know the suitcases will be full of dirty clothes and new trinkets. We always seem to come home with more things than we left with.

The things I am looking forward to accumulating are pamphlets, papers, knowledge, experiences, and memories from the NDSC conference. I'll definitely be packing the camera! We're so excited, and it's hard knowing we have to wait until Thursday to get started.

One of the nicest things about vacation is that I don't have to do so many dishes or laundry. One of the worst parts about vacation is that I have to do the dishes and laundry when we get home! So, we clean. I have to admit, it's an excellent bargaining tool with the kids (and the husband!).

"Get that room clean (or pick up the toys, mow the lawn, take out the trash, etc.) or I'll tell Mickey Mouse! " Even Abigail pitches in to try and help.

So far, it's worked like a charm. :)