Continuing my series on Clean Rooms and the lack thereof in my house…
First, I want to clear up some confusion from Monday’s post about the teenagers and clean rooms. Those pictures and conversation were from several weeks ago and we did have a very nice Thanksgiving.
Mostly because I did not take pictures of their room during their Thanksgiving break.
Second, I know it is Thursday as I have now come out of my heavily medicated state from back-to-back migraines. I had to go easy on the first round of drugs because I had to drive to the airport to pick up PhilBillPaul and Scary Baby on Monday afternoon. So Tuesday is but a blur and therefore no Wednesday post.
That explanation is really just for my mom and Granny as they sometimes stress when I don’t stick to my blog “schedule.”
Now back to…
Clean Rooms
After we surprised Scary Baby with her Thanksgiving trip to Texas with Daddy, we struck a deal that when she got back, she would be cleaning out her dresser drawers and closet that were atrocious.
I have never seen clothes multiply more rapidly for one child than this one. She goes to sleep and in the morning her drawers won’t open because they are stuffed so tight. Her closet has its own issues. Seems clothes jump off the hangers and pile themselves on the floor.
In a tribute to her 10 year-old independence and my vast experience with the first three darling children, I let her tackle this on her own.
Why?
Because they have all repeatedly told me with love in their voice, “PLEASE STAY OUT MOM. I CAN HANDLE IT AND DON’T NEED YOUR HELP.”
So this time, I listened and said I would leave her alone.
For anyone wondering, I did give her clear and simple instructions.
- Clean out one drawer at a time so it’s not so overwhelming.
- Create a Give Away pile with clothes that do not fit and are not stained or torn.
- Create a Throw Away pile for clothes that are too gross for you or anyone else to wear.
I was a little annoyed when she said, “Come in and look BUT don’t worry, I’m NOT done – it’s just really funny and I want you to see it before I start.”
And yes, it was quite high until she JUMPED into the pile.
Lord help me but I didn’t see anything funny. And I crawled back into my room thankful for remnants of medication still floating in my system.
But then I summoned her back to my room and said “Here’s my camera. Take before and after pictures so you can document your progress.”
She was all excited to take pictures and asked how many she should take. Love digital…take as many as you want!
Then I fell into a deep sleep for about two hours until she was pecking on me saying, “I’m done. Want to see the pictures?”
The darling kid actually took aerial shots of inside her drawers.
FYI: She took 19 pictures. I edited that down to 5 just for y’all.
Lesson learned: Never doubt your child’s ability. They can do just about anything they put their mind to!
I’m pretty sure Scary Baby is for hire and will come and clean out your child’s room for cash. She’s always looking for ways to earn a little money.
P.S. I still have to review the Give Away bags – I have often found perfectly good clothes in them because, by the end, the darlings have a tendency to stuff anything in the bags because it is easier than folding or hanging.
