Okay, I would vacuum more often, especially if I had children with allergies and /or asthma. (Very frank question: Are you sure you're supposed to have pets? Bird dander can be terribly iritating for many people, as can cat or dog dander.) Just gotta ask.

The other thing is, I love things clean, too. And got a lot of unfair blame for "messes" when I was growing up (also shared a bedroom with my sister). I wasn't stealthy or clever enough to always clean when Mom was watching (lil sis was!). I did it then the same way I do it now---cleaning as I go, working on different areas on different days. A little at a time, then things don't get too terribly out of hand.

And I will say, it NEVER did get out of hand when I was single, living alone. Everything was organized and had a place. Having a man to tidy up after has left me feeling that old resentment again at times. (He was SO neat and tidy when I met him.....whaaahhhappened????) He is so spoiled.

So, I do ask for help now (am not afraid anymore), when I really need it. Just on projects I know he can handle---otherwise, it'll have to be done twice.