I love what you've said here and could echo a lot of it! I know some mothers with really small kids who have clean houses all or most of the time, but I also know that is all they pretty much do. They have no hobbies or other enjoyments that take their time. I rather look back and know I read that book or sewed that dress or wrote that blog entry--and, of course, spent time with my kids-- than to look back and know my house was always spotless. That just isn't as much of a priority for me!