I have been thinking lately that I nag too much as a mom. I try to be upbeat and positive but then I see dirty dishes left all over, dirty socks thrown in the family room, backpacks and coats flung where ever they entered the house and I freak!! So I have decided either I need to sell my house and trade for a less expensive one and hire a maid (Alice from the Brady Bunch would do fine) or have some serious strict rules that if not followed would have serious consequences. I am not asking for much. It's just that I never enjoyed cleaning before I had kids, I tolerated it when they were all little and irresponsible, and I don't mind it at all now that they are all in school but as soon as I finish it's 3:00 and I have to start all over again.

Five simple rules that, if followed, would make my life so much more enjoyable.
1. If you eat something, clean the kitchen after. Put all the food away, wipe the counter, wash your dishes and put them in the dishwasher.
2. If you wear something, hang it back up or fold it if it is clean, or throw it in the hamper if it is dirty. P.S. Dirty means it either smells bad or has dirt on it. Wrinkles do not make a garment dirty.
3. If you borrow something, but it back where you found it. Preferably cleaner or better than it was before.
4. If you sign up to do something take responibility for it. If you are on a team, know when the practices are. If you are in a class know when assignments are due. If you were given a talk to give remind yourself that you have a talk. If you need help, remind whom ever you seek the help of.
5. Put things back in their places. If you use a pillow, when you get up put it back. If you ride your bike, put it where it belongs when you are done. If you get the hose out to play in the summer, put it away when you are done.

These five rules would be heaven on earth if obeyed. There, now that I have vented I am feeling much better. I have just figured out family night for next week!