TOTALLY WITH YOU ABOUT THE FLOORS!!!
I don't know how it happens, but.... ewwww. We also just got 2 dogs (in springtime!!) so all of a sudden I feel like both my carpet and kitchen flooring are dirty ALL the time.
On that note, I forgot to say; sometimes I am cleaning while the kids are around! Everyone is in their booster/high chair finishing snack, and I will run a vacuum over the living room real quick. I can see them, they can see me, we sing a silly song if someone doesn't like the noise.
I like to call it multitasking.
And yes, never forget the value of free play. You would never leave 3 one year olds to their own devices unattended, but that's why naptime is awesome at that age.You can usually get an hours or two that way. But 2 and 3 year olds can begin to play independently for periods of time, absolutely.
What a great idea about hopping in for a quick refreshing shower. Looking back on the times that I have done that, I agree that it helps big-time. Everything else be damned, "Momma" needs some me time. Then the rest of the evening can go on with a more calm and relaxed parent.
PS> Yes, this job is way more demanding, both physically and mentally, than others give it credit. I think everyone thinks of their one or two children, who have grown up together, and are in their own environment, and goes "Hmm, can't be that tough." But double (or triple) the number of kids, and you get ten times the amount of mayhem, hahaha!! Plus, these kids are not siblings, they are strangers in a different setting. Totally different equation. SIGH... thank goodness for this forum, indeed.