Counterproductive

So today was a bright, sunny, day and I had the brilliant idea to clean up the yard.  I trudged outside, broom, garbage bag, dog and children in tow.  First, we cleaned and swept the front porch and cleaned up the front yard.  All good so far.  And since that went quickly, and the side yard is a mess, I transferred us all over there to work.  Big mistake.  Warm weather and my side yard = gigantic muddy mess.  Meagan decided to go back and play with the chickens, who in turn, decided to chase her around and peck at her legs.  So she started crying and running away (from chickens) and proceeded to slop through every muddy spot she could manage, with the dog, whom has not been groomed in ages and is therefore VERY hairy, right along with her.  So after a few futile minutes of cleaning the garden, we called it quits.  All the kids stomped in, tracking mud on my nice clean sidewalks and porch.  And then the dog.....I really should have taken a picture.  He was a giant mud ball.  I had to carry him in, to save my house, and place him in the bathtub, where he proceeded to shake mud all over my clean bathroom, and give him a bath which he protesteth much.  Now I have mud prints on my concrete, muddy boots on the front porch, mud on my bathroom walls, a ring of mud around my bathtub, and a wet dog, waiting to dry completely, locked in said bathroom.  Not sure that I got very far ahead today.  I think I'll take a nap.