Tuesday, December 2, 2008

A Pat on the Back

A pat on the back is needed at my house tonight. My teens have been exhibiting the exact definition of "lazy" (ie: teenagers). It is very annoying. I came home yesterday to find them playing video games while the trash can was still at the curb, dishes on the counter, and other such lovely things. Mind you, they arrive home at least 45 minutes before me----if not an hour ahead!!

Let me just say, I fussed nagged big time about their lack of effort. It was not a lovely initial "welcome home, mom" kind of conversation.

So today, when we left for work (an hour before the teens), Dave left a note on the door for them.



Simple and to the point.

When I got home, I did not see the usual green "I am done cleaning" light on the dishwasher.



I started to get a little irritated. But as I investigated more closely, I found the kids had not only emptied the dishwasher (and reloaded with dirty things!)



but also emptied out the sink of the newly washed dishes.



Wow.

,hen Alex announced he was doing laundry. I looked at them in disbelief. Then Katie said,

"We are tired of hearing you fuss every day when you get home."

Glad to hear it. About time. Really. I know it's no fun to unload a dishwasher but doing it before mom has to either fuss or do it herself really gains good kid points. :-) (and yes, Katie reads this blog--but never seems to comment!!)

Being the good mom that I am (hee hee), I made cookies for the kids tonight. Nothing like I usually do but the typical



But sometimes these are enjoyed more than mine from scratch. Huh.

Guess that tells me which cookies to make.

A public thank you to my kids for stepping up to the plate. I hope the effort continues!

Please. Pretty please. Or mom may lose her mind more than usual.

That would not be a pretty picture.

I promise you.

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If you missed the "Best authors/books" post, please scroll down. Several of us are wanting to share ideas on new books!!!

10 comments:

Denise Grover Swank said...

Hats off to your teens! (that's Trace's new phrase but its "rats off" as he mimics taking off a hat-- must have been on Tim and Eric...) ANYWAY>>>> Good job for the teens, I'm totally impressed. I told Julia and Jenna tonight they could chose folding 3 loads of laundry or rinsing dishes and loading the dishwasher. They chose folding clothes (yes!!!)

Margaret M said...

It sounds like some teens are counting down to Christmas!!! Enjoy each and every day!

Jaime said...

Sweet . . do you think they want to come to my house and tackle my sink and dishwasher too. :) Good for them, I hope they feel just as proud of their accomplishments!

Doug and Terrye said...

When everybody pitches in it leaves more time for Mom to do those special things like bake cookies. :)

Terrye in FL

Anonymous said...

If you find a cure for teenitis, bottle it! I'll take a dozen! LOL

Laura L. said...

Yay kids! I'm impressed and so happy for Mom too.
I hope it continues!
Please put extra candy in their stockings. :)

Carrie said...

hahaha- I like Margaret responds-yeap christmas is coming only my kids get not better but the other way-I think they know that I give in to fast!

Kim said...

Wow, I'm impressed! We write notes and some how they just get covered up by the newspaper. Maybe I should try taping it to a door as well. Three cheers to your kids!

As far as books I just finished reading, "The Shack" by Young. A good read.

JShannon said...

Wow, You are lucky. I have gone "on strike" several times to try and make everyone realize all I do. Unfortunalty I have gone "on strike" as long as 2 weeks and it does no good. ***Sigh*** so I just do it myself.

a Tonggu Momma said...

That is so sweet! They sound like good teens. Obviously I haven't parented teens before, but I do have experience of a different sort -- we led a teen small group for seven years (followed a group from seventh through twelfth grade). Teens are, by definition, more likely to sit than work. AND more likely to sleep than sit. But your teens sound wonderful! Good job parents! Good job teens, who are becoming their own independent selves now.