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Post by littleengine on Jul 14, 2010 8:13:40 GMT -5
Okay, I'm posting this in the hope it will give encouragement to other moms who are trying to desqualor.
I've been trying really hard to keep the kitchen clean. For about two weeks now, I've been really good about staying on top of the dishes, and wiping down the table. This is a HUGE change for me; for most of my kids' lives, the kitchen has regularly been unusable about 90% of the week, with occasional angry BIG CLEANS on my part that only last a day. "Normal" for them has meant lots of rotting food from pots that aren't cleaned, and no clean dishes to eat out of...you know. Anyway, so this year I've been trying hard to improve, and especially these past two weeks I've been really doing a good job.
Last night I went to bed without doing the supper dishes, because my DH said something mean and hurt my feelings, so I felt like going to bed rather than staying up to argue would be a good idea. Anyway, this morning the children woke up and came downstairs like normal. They saw the dishes left out on the table, and in whispers, decided to "make a big surprise for Mommy!" They cleared the table, wiped it down with a rag, and even took out toothpicks to clean the crack where the table folds down and crumbs gather!!!!! I lay in bed smiling and listening to them working together. It was such a great feeling!!! When I walked into the kitchen, I gave them big hugs and kisses and lots of love, and they begged to wash the dishes that they had put in the sink. My kids have never been able to do dishes, but now they can. I taught my 7 and 5 year olds how, and left them to do it. They did a super job (one mug broke, but that's okay), and I am just crying with joy because:
--All my efforts this year are paying off. I feel so thankful. There were many times when I felt so angry and hopeless at my situation, but I am so glad I persevered.
--My kids are helping keep clean. I don't have to do it all myself.
--They WANT to be clean. I have shown them a better way of living.
--I am teaching them skills they will need for life. I always felt ashamed that I wasn't; now I can.
I feel so loved and happy and thankful.
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MiSC
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,611 
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Post by MiSC on Jul 14, 2010 8:32:18 GMT -5
Tears are welling up in my eyes aafter reading this. I'm so happy for you and for your kids. What wonderful people you're raising. And I'm so glad that your efforts have been acknowledged. You're doing just beautifully. Good job, Mom!
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Post by dtesposito on Jul 14, 2010 9:07:27 GMT -5
Littleengine, what a wonderful story! How much easier to approach a problem together as a team--Kids surely do learn from watching you, even when you're not overtly trying to teach something.
I'm so happy for you after what you went through in your basement!!
Diane
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Post by messymimi on Jul 14, 2010 10:57:49 GMT -5
Dear Little Engine,
You have proven that you could, indeed!
Now, because you can, so can all the cars on your train, right down to the caboose. 
messymimi
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Post by gottaproblem on Jul 14, 2010 12:27:21 GMT -5
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Post by clutterfree on Jul 14, 2010 12:48:29 GMT -5
This is wonderful!
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Post by midlife on Jul 14, 2010 13:04:09 GMT -5
I too got tears in my eyes reading this.
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Post by sparkle on Jul 14, 2010 17:12:48 GMT -5
Well, this just made my day! What wonderful kids, raised by a wonderful mom. What a team!
Thanks so much for the post.
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Post by glimmercat on Jul 14, 2010 17:21:12 GMT -5
Wow! That's great news. meow |
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Post by success19 on Jul 14, 2010 17:51:13 GMT -5
That is awesome - they got lots of hugs for that I am sure!!
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Post by littleengine on Jul 14, 2010 21:12:51 GMT -5
Thanks guys!  |
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hopehope
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815
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Post by hopehope on Jul 14, 2010 23:55:42 GMT -5
Yay!
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Post by puppybox on Jul 15, 2010 11:34:32 GMT -5
wonderful!
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Post by ClutterBlind on Jul 15, 2010 20:50:54 GMT -5
Good for you & the kids!
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Post by messimo on Jul 16, 2010 14:48:27 GMT -5
Oh, how touching! What sweet kids!
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