Mothering Many

Dear Kids,
When called upon to do the dishes, please scrape the plates *before* you put them in the dishwasher. Chicken bones do not belong in there. And use the trashcan, not the sink. You know we do not have a garbage disposal, and there is also no swimming pool pump on our sewer lines. Do you really think we need to put that yuck into what will eventually come back into our house as drinking water? No? Me either.

Love,
Mom

Dear Kids,
I am so glad that you enjoy building, and I admire how creative you all are. But if you don’t mind, please pick up all those legos and the pieces from your plastic model kits, as well as the random thumbtacks, nails, screws, and assorted other small pointies. The vacuum cleaner hose and my bare feet will thank you.
Love,
Mom

Dear Kids,
I know that you enjoy riding your bikes. I know that you enjoy tinkering with them and souping them up. But do you realize that all those bike parts laying around make our yard look horrible? And that the actual bikes, if you persist in leaving them laying in the yard and driveway will probably get run over or stolen? No? Well, I know we don’t have fancy storage like these thule bike racks at cracksandracks.com, but we do have a lockable shed. I suggest you start using it.

Love,
Mom

Hi Guys!
Just a reminder: I know you are in school again now, and probably bored with it after 3 days. But my semester starts next week, and usual, I will have mountains of homework to complete. I will miss out laid back evenings and such, and I know you will, too, but let’s keep our eyes on the prize: in a couple more years, Mommy will be able to apply for Psychiatric Aide Jobs instead of “retail clerk jobs”, and hopefully be making more than minimum wage. That means you can be expecting more than minimum food, clothing and shelter, and won’t that be grand? So thanks in advance for your cooperation! You guys are the best.

Love,
Mom