We are leaving today for a much-needed vacation in Panama City. The whole family is going – parents, sisters and all the kids we have accumulated over the years.  

In preparation for my trip, I made a list of things I needed to get done (this column included) and things I needed to pack. One of the dreaded things that I had to check off that list was to clean out my car.  

It is pretty much a rolling garbage dumpster at this point. So, I spent most of yesterday getting all of the toys, shoes, books, clothes and trash out of it so I could take it to the carwash and all that. Well while I was cleaning it out… I entered the third row. DUN DUN DUN. 

I have had this car for going on four years and I do not think I have ever once set foot back there and after yesterday, I could have gone my whole life without doing so and probably will not ever again.  

There were empty cups galore, a bunch of missing items the kids have lost in between the seats and a McDonalds bag full of french fries and half a burger, among other unidentifiable things.There is no telling how long that has been there – probably years.  

I definitely needed a shower afterwards.  

Keeping a car clean with three kids is hard, but there have been times when having a messy car has come in handy. For instance, one day Ashton left the house for school with no shoes on! We did not realize this until we pulled up in the drop-off line and she went to get out of the car. But guess what?! We had an extra pair stuffed away somewhere. Not to mention the extra roll of toilet paper that has most definitely become a necessity.  

I have vowed to ATTEMPT to keep my car at least somewhat clean from here on out and plan to give the kids a lecture on their complete disrespect for my back seat. I will never enter that realm again, but if I just MUST, then I will be more prepared next time…like with a hazmat suit!

(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three girls, publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal – and owner of a clean car.)