maybe a one-time cleaning would be a good birthday present or something!

the cleaner has come and gone. It's interesting - the big things like floor, carpet, couches and stovetop all look great. Of the little things, there are all these things she did that I wouldn't have thought of, but also small things she didn't do that I definitely would have, if I'd been doing a thorough cleaning myself. It's funny how everyone has their little things they notice. I don't mean this to sound like I'm faulting her at all... on the contrary. This is a big load off my mind considering all the parents visiting.

I've told the cats they must not shed between now and Friday!