I’m about to air some dirty laundry.
Well – actually it’s clean laundry – but that’s the problem.
You see – I have a few pet peeves – and this is one of them:
We spend time gathering dirty clothes, sorting them, washing them, drying them and folding them into nice piles for each child – only to have them dumped in front of their dresser.
Yes – the same dressers that we bought for each child, moved in and helped them organize.
Some kids would leave days worth of clean clothes on the floor – and just dig through it to find what they wanted to wear.
But not anymore.
This momma made a new rule.
By the time our home school starts in the morning – all laundry must be put away.
Of course one of the children asked, “But what if it isn’t?”
I just smiled and said, “You’ll see.”
I checked every day – and I’ll have to admit that the kids did great. It took two weeks before someone forgot. But when they did – I was ready.
I slipped in, grabbed the offending clothes and hid them – saying nothing. Yep – I kidnapped the clothes!
Several days went by. This child looked a little confused – and started wearing some interesting combinations – but said nothing.
Finally when the poor kid had to wear shorts to bed in January because they couldn’t find any more jammie pants – I stepped in.
“Are you missing anything?” I asked – oh so sweetly.
“Um…no. I don’t think so,” replied the offender.
“How about some jammie pants? Or socks?” I volunteered.
“Oops.”
I required a ransom to be paid for the safe return of the missing clothing. They offered a piece of chocolate – but no – I had other ideas.
My upstairs bathroom is now sparkling clean and with all the grunts and groans I heard in the process – I don’t think this child will become a repeat offender. 
Mission accomplished.
Next on my list of pet peeves – making their beds and hanging up the towels in the bathroom.
You know this is kind of fun – and I just hope it’s habit-forming!
Months, three to be exact, of preparation.
, 
My nephews from Chicago were here last week.
