it's all down to my 2 kids, 3 cats, 1 dog and lack of partner...

[booyhoo]

that's the conclusion i have arrived at for why my house is constantly 'a work in progress'.

i was invited in to my neighbours' house yesterday after knocking to borrow something and i almost dropped down at how clean the entire place was. everything was in it's place, no clutter whatsoever. just spotless. then later visited my friend and was once again struck with a massive pang of jealousy at how perfect her home is. neither of these two have children or pets and both have partners.

so i have decided that it is my children, pets and lack of partner that is to blame for the state of my hovel home. it's not my fault at all. i'm happy with this conclusion. case closed.

i like to think of my house as "lived in" rather than untidy

Yup, your house is a home that your family and pets live in. Your neighbours and friends have showpieces with no soul.
That's what I tell myself anyway.

Lack of partner? No, just do it yourself!

sara, it was tongue in cheek. chill.

it is 'lived in' and i do constantly tell myself that, but i do yearn for the day when they are all grown and i can have a souless home

Yes most of my cleaning is cat related, most tidying is DH related.

just be thankful that you dont have a partner as that would be even more mess

yes, more mess but half of the cleaning/chores to do. i wouldn't entertain a partner that expected me to wipe their bum aswell as the kids.

I saw this expression posted on another thread and it is so true! "Cleaning is like shovelling when it is still snowing" so true especially in my house!

purple i posted that same expression on my FB wall yesterday!! it is so true. no end to the cleaning when you have dcs.

It was a real eye opener for my little sister when she stayed for a while at how much cleaning and tidying was done to little effect!
When the Dc are grown up and moved out you will have loads of time to have an immaculate house. Unless you get more dogs. etc

"unless you get more dogs.etc"

you just know i will dont you?

Well it is my plan, I am not allowed a dog yet, although I am always looking out for breeds, I may like when I can, and so far I have three breeds in mind.... I am currently having to settle for two cats and three guinea pigs :(

You know there is something when you aren't planning any more dc (providing this pg goes well) but are planning your dogs!

good luck with the pregnancy!!