That Does It!!!

All last week I begged, I pleaded, I explained and I even went so far as to show my daughter and sons how to clean up after themselves. I told them repeatedly that if they didn't make the effort to clean after themselves, I was throwing their things directly into the trash.

Today was a long day, full of crying and fussing, arguments and tantrums. Then at nap time they wouldn't go down, waking Annabel. I walked up the stairs and was greeted by the biggest mess the world has ever seen.

And I snapped.

I walked downstairs and grabbed several trash bags and proceeded to Arwen's room where I started grabbing and stuffing anything and everything I found. She asked me what I was doing and I responded, "teaching you a very valuable lesson". She started screaming and yelling so I did what she had coming, I busted that hiney and then returned to my task.

I have emptied her room of every object laying on the floor out of place, including her video games. They are currently sitting in garbage bags. I have decided that we will NOT purchase anymore toys for any of the children. The boys rooms are next as well as the playroom.

Their next shopping excursions over the next couple of months will entail good behavior in exchange for ONE thing. And if they keep making messes I will continue to bag it up. I'm sure the goodwill has plenty of children who would love to take advantage of my children's wastefulness.

What a deal!

As we were driving home from my MRI Friday I noticed tons of tables set up from various people selling goods off the side of the interstate. I love a good bargain so I looked at the window as we passed to see if anything caught my eye from the road.

Right as we were about to turn off I saw it. I made Jimbo pull in (which he wasn't too keen on, he doesn't enjoy yard selling or second hand things the way I do) and got out to ask how much. When I was told 5 dollars I couldn't pass it up.

Not only is it a fun toy that the children love but it's in perfect working order. It plays songs, the door creaks when opened, the mailbox says "you have mail!" when you open it, the porch light comes on and off, the doorbell still rings, you name it, it still does it. The only drawback are the little shape pieces that fit into the door are gone but who needs more stuff like that in a toy filled house like ours anyway?

I brought it home and cleaned it up, the kids just love it. You can't beat a deal like that!