The other day, we visited some family. Their home was immaculate (duh, she had guests coming, who doesn't clean!?!), but not only that, it seemed kept up, and well organized. My husband commented on how nice it would be if our home were that organized still (we were pre-child neat freaks). He marveled that they had three children, yet still had "neat freak" status. Anyhow, after staying with them for a few days, I pointed out that she cleaned and organized while her children were at school, and when they weren't at school, they were either outside or at soccer practice (hence, not messing up the place!). Anyhow, I told him our house would be that clean as soon as our children were in school. Then it dawned on him that they won't be...unless we decide Not to homeschool, which he is strongly for. Anyhow, I pointed out to him that a house keeper would be cheaper than a private school, and therefore I could focus my efforts better on schooling the children at home. At this point in time, we can't afford it, but feel that perhaps in the future (when he's not a graduate student while I stay home). We also hope to find creative avenues for housekeeping, such as helping a student pay for college by hiring them as the keeper, as someone gave me that opportunity and I was extremely grateful.

Anyhow, my thrilled-ness was that it didn't take a lot of cajoling to get him to agree!