I know it is seemingly insignificant...but the house is still clean! See, I got the house almost all the way clean. Then I had a LONG talk with the kids about keeping it that way. Then I had to spend some time each day being the cleaning freak, pointing out each and every little time the kids didn't clean up after themselves. I had to really work it and the kids were really upset with me. I kept thinking that when the house is trashed it is really hours of yelling. When it is only a few little things, at least I have less time yelling!
The added bonus is that our wonderful exchange student appears to be VERY willing to help without having to be begged! She jumped right in as I was both emptying and loading the dishwasher. James spilled something and before I could react she had grabbed a towel and was cleaning it up. She has randomly grabbed the broom and swept both the kitchen and living room and the kids appear to notice! Today after dinner, without me having to say ANYTHING, they helped with the leftovers and cleaned up all the empty plates. Then BOTH older girls went straight up and took showers without prompting! I admit, I am waiting for the novelty to wear off but until it does, I am going to do my absolute best to make my appreciation known and be the happiest I can be so that the kids realize Mom is a LOT more fun when she isn't fighting a filthy house all the time!
The house isn't spotless, it is lived in on a daily basis by 7 people. However, the house is company ready and that for me is HUGE!
Have a wonderful day and I hope you have a breakthrough with whatever you have been struggling with! It feels amazing!
So glad it's going well.
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