29 December 2009

Same Time Last Year

Well today I spent a moment or two reading through my previous blogs. It really did only take a couple of moments as I haven't been as devoted to blogging as I would have liked. I'm working on getting better at that.

I scrolled down all the way to the bottom and read my blog entry dated December 29, 2008. And here we are ~ December 29, 2009. I remember that day very well. I recall vividly that day at the Mall of Louisiana and the assault to my senses. So it's a whole year later and things have changed, but much is the same.

The pre~Christmas hustle and bustle was the same, but things were much less hectic this year it seemed. The Christmas cards were out a whole week before the Blessed Day arrived. Garrett and Thomas got to see Santa without a whole lot of trouble. Okay we did have to wait in a line for a little while. Mike would say it was much l o n g e r of a line than he would have liked, but it really wasn't that bad. We took the kids to Santa's Magic Kingdom in Eureka, Missouri. It was basically a Jellystone Campground turned into a huge light display, complete with the Hannah~Barbera characters all around. They weren't like walking around or anything exciting like that~ just wooden likenesses of the Jetsons, the Flintstones, and of course Yogi Bear. Mike kept saying we were experiencing a Hillbilly Christmas. I asked him if we fit in with the hillbillies or did we stand out? He said we blended in just fine. I don't know, my kids and I didn't have matching camouflage jackets like the mom and her children behind us in line. Oh well, we saw Santa, took a picture and enjoyed the lights. Christmas lights are a joy to behold, hillbilly or not.



We missed Greg that night. It was probably one of the first outings we've been on as a whole family since he left. Other than church, but that's not really an "outing." Mark brought his girlfriend, Melissa. Different girlfriend than the one from last year's blog.

Last year I wrote from Louisiana. I'm not there now, but I will be in 5 days! I am longing for some down time for reading, hanging out with family and relaxing. Plus I'm craving some beignets and poboys. It's time. But I will not put on 5 pounds like I did last year. That will be different.

So while some things are different, it's mostly the same old same old as I say. and that's good. The same wonderful feeling that the holidays bring. The same trip to Louisiana, because that's HOME. And that will never change. And my kids are a little taller, hopefully a bit smarter, but still playing those same old same old video games that Santa brought. Well, not the exact same games as last year, but they're all the same to me. And yes there were only 7 of us home this Christmas, not 8 like last year, but the love I have for all of them is the same, only I think I actually love them more. And that's really all that matters.

20 December 2009

Happy Birthday Greg

Early New Years resolution ~ write more in my blog. More than every 4 months anyway! And update the music in my playlist!




I'm writing today because I'm feeling kind of happy, yet kind of sad. 20 years ago today at 11:36 am a beautiful baby boy was born. Greg was always a bundle of energy, always very alert, very wakeful at times that I didn't want him to be. He was my only baby that really had bouts of colic. Oh how he loved to swing, and swing, and swing! Sometimes he'd be swinging at 3 in the morning. Only constant repetitive movement would keep him quiet. Like the spin cycle on the washer. Been there, done that. But it was short lived as the spin cycle only lasts a few minutes. Constant white noise would keep him hushed too, like the sound of a vacuum cleaner's hum, the static sound from the TV when a channel won't come in. He outgrew the colic in a few weeks, but the constant motion and noise continued. He was always into everything, climbing, running, making noises!

That energy was channeled into sports soon enough: baseball, soccer, basketball, and last but most definitely NOT least... football. He loved football: watching it, playing it. He played in middle school and into his Freshman year of high school. He continues to love watching it, both college football and the NFL. He is, without a doubt, the New Orleans Saints #1 fan!

That constant energy manifested itself in ADD symptoms, difficulty paying attention and organizing his time. Greg also loved to talk, and still continues to enjoy conversation about his interests: sports, politics, entertainment and now religion and his faith.

And so here I am, missing him terribly but so proud of him and the energy he is expending right now. Only he's not watching his favorite team as they make history and are Super Bowl bound. He's not staying up all night any more playing his favorite games on his XBox. He's no longer debating friends, family and teachers about politics. His stereo is no longer blasting his favorite country tunes. His time and energy are spent in much more noble endeavors. The late nights are no more, unless he is struggling with insomnia. The music and sports are mostly things of the past. Greg is now busy finding souls to teach, giving service to those in need. Those busy little feet that were always running and jumping have grown to become steadfast and sure, filling shoes that are likely becoming worn from constant walking and pedaling. The tiny 6 pound 14 ounce babe has matured in mind, spirit and body. I do truly miss him terribly at times, but take comfort in the knowledge that he is Okay.


Sometimes I imagine hearing his odd noises, banshee yells, and nervous hand rubbing...
I cherish those memories, yet I realize he's creating new ones, touching people's lives in countless ways. I can yet hear the pitter patter of his little feet running toward me. But then I hear the sound of those same feet, slower and more steady walking away from me and towards a
new world just waiting.

15 December 2009

Christmas Letter 2009

A merry, merry Christmas to Family and Friends!
2009 has been a year of Changes . . .
Michael’s time with Thomson~Reuters is officially over. We are grateful for the many months he has had to prepare for the layoff. During this time, after much prayer and consideration, he decided it was time to venture on his own and has started his own consulting business, Expense Reduction Analysts. He already has begun work with a couple of clients and has some promising prospects for the new year.
Gracie completed nursing school in May, began working as a treatment nurse at a local long term care facility in June, and passed boards in July so can officially add RN to her title. She has been working part~time since then, but will begin full time hours in January. The work has been more enjoyable than expected, but at the time of this letter is seriously considering applying for a hospital position.
Greg is away from us this Christmas. He is currently serving a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter~day Saints in the Boise Idaho Mission. He is presently serving in Caldwell, Idaho and seems to be loving it. His letters and emails home are encouraging and upbeat, which for Greg is a wonderful thing! We miss him terribly but are so proud of his decision to serve and teach others of Christ. He has immersed himself in teaching and service to others. For those of you back home in Louisiana, we have said that he is the New Orleans Saints’ good luck charm. How else could they be doing so well, if not for the service of their Number 1 Fan! Before he left, he predicted this would be their year and that he would miss seeing them play. But then again, he always says it’s their year. LOL
Mark is a Senior in high school this year. It’s hard to believe we’ll have another one graduating soon. He decided not to play hockey this year, but ran Cross Country in the Fall and beat his previous times. He is looking forward to playing Lacrosse in the Spring. He enjoys writing and is seriously contemplating a future in broadcast journalism. So many comment on his great speaking voice, so who knows?? For now he stays busy hanging out with his friends and his girlfriend and working at Waterway Carwash.
Lindsay, a Junior, spent the beginning of the school year cheering for the high school football team. She is doing terrific in school, as always, taking two college level classes in Spanish and Anatomy & Physiology. She spends her spare time hanging out with friends, babysitting and making sandwiches at Quizno’s. She’s become a beautiful young lady and has a fun personality.
Todd is in 7th grade. He is all about ice hockey right now and pretty much nothing else. He plays C team for the high school, which is the prep team for present and future high school players. He holds his own out on the ice and isn’t afraid to check (hit) a Freshman or Sophomore who is much BIGGER than him! He’s already scored 2 goals so far this season and is only 1 of 3 7th graders to make the team!
Thomas will be 10 in January. He has adjusted well to the changes 4th grade brings and we are adjusting to his recent diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a high functioning type of Autism. He still loves Math and his video games. He has earned his first degree red belt in Tae Kwon Do. He’s also a terrific speller and will be representing his class again this year in the Spelling Bee.
Garrett is now 4 and so not a baby anymore. He goes to Preschool twice a week. He mastered the potty in the Spring before he turned 4 which was a huge relief! He loves Batman, Spiderman and Transformers, loves to sing songs and is in constant motion. Life is never dull when Garrett is around! His constant energy reminds us of Greg and he also shares many of Greg’s mannerisms, but continues to look more like Todd.

31 July 2009

My Summer So Far. . . in a Nutshell

The last 3 months have passed too quickly. . .

In May I graduated from St Charles Community College School of Nursing. I did not actually attend the graduation ceremony (been there, done that once before), but did attend the traditional pinning ceremony. It was a special night and all of my family including my mom, dad and sister, Stephanie were able to attend. Except Greg who had to work. The following week I accepted a position at a well-known long term care facility in the St. Louis area. I completed my training about 3 weeks ago and am now "on my own". I stay very busy and am usually on my feet about 9 hours a day. I am working part~time right now and that is more than enough! I am happy to say that I passed my boards and am a licensed RN! I enjoy the time I spend working for the most part.





At the end of May after much anticipation, Greg received his mission call. He will be serving in the Boise, Idaho mission. He leaves on August the 16th and will report to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) on August 19. I am excited for him and am proud of his decision to serve, but am of course heartsick at the thought of him being gone for 2 years! We (or I should say, I) am in the middle of getting things ready for his departure. Shopping is just about done, but there are always little last minute details. Greg will probably become ready about 24 hours before he boards the plane! He is such a procrastinator! One of the ways he has prepared is by attending the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois. Michael and I, as well as Michael's parents were there to accompany him.




Garrett, otherwise known as "my baby" turned 4 on the 8th of July. It's hard to believe how fast time flies. Although I think the same thing when I look at Greg and try to imagine him being gone and grown. In fact today Garrett was laying in my lap and I called him "my baby" to which he promptly responded,"Mom, I'm not a baby anymore~I'm a kid!" So he is and so I must get used to it!






The rest of the gang will soon be starting school. Thomas just earned his red belt in Tae Kwan Do. Todd is preparing to try out for the "C" team in hockey. He's excited to be playing with the big kids (7th, 8th and 9th graders). He and Mark both attended Boy Scout camp a couple of weeks ago. Mark also went to University of Missouri in Columbia to attend EFY (Especially for Youth). Lindsay went also and both had a wonderful and memorable time. Lindsay is our major traveler of the summer. She spent a week at Girls' Camp, a week at Cheer Camp, a week at EFY, and is now gone to Pennsylvania and New York with family friends.






As we have prepared for summer to end and Greg to leave, we decided that now was a perfect time to have a family picture, especially since it had been years and years since our last one! So last week all 8 of us climbed into the Durango~ an adventure that doesn't occur too often anymore with all the teenage drivers in our household ~ and drove to Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville for a photo session. I'm including just a few of our favorites of the MANY, MANY pictures! We're so grateful to Ben and Becca for their time and patience and am including a link to their blog: blimbam.blogspot.com


05 May 2009

Oh the Joy of a Clean Bathroom

My master bath has remained wonderfully tidy for the last month! The secret to a blissful bathtime experience? A lock and key. Yes, we actually installed a new doorknob that requires a key for admission. There's even a second key in the event that one gets misplaced. (I accidentally locked it in the bathroom once.)

I realize that these were rather drastic measures, but something had to be done! My kids are not happy at all. They have to ask permission to get in. They think it's all rather silly, I mean they have to stand outside in the hall so they can't spot the key's hiding place. And perhaps it is silly, but it's necessary silliness. We finally have the upper hand. Who knew it could be that simple??? What other schemes can I come up with to hinder their irksome, careless ways?

I'll certainly come up with some ideas as I soak in a luxurious bubble bath, enjoying the fragrances of my newest candles, catching up on some relaxing reading and hearing the sounds of voices and pounding on the door - "I need my shampoo, my razor, my tub toys..." - and I respond, smiling, "This is my bathroom, your stuff shouldn't even be in here!" And it really IS all MINE! (and Michael's of course) Amazing how such simple things mean so very much! Calgon, take me away!!!

04 May 2009

Still Catchin' Up

Not an original title, but oh well! I was just reading through my last blog entry and decided it needs to be updated - and will try to be more upbeat.

Let's see, Greg is still preparing for his mission and is making progress. Mark has set aside plans for another war documentary so my house is spared! Lindsay still has not asked to retake the driving test - and I'm not pushing so the vehicles and nerves are still intact! Todd is playing hockey with the BIG KIDS! He is the youngest on the team and has scored a goal and has no fear of those somewhat larger than him hockey players. Thomas had an awesome progress report (all A's and B's) and we are still waiting on that psychologist's appointment. And by far the biggest news of the last month is that Garrett has FINALLY mastered the art of using the potty all the time. Mike had a job interview AND his present job has been extended until the end of the year. I finished preceptorship in Labor and Delivery and absolutely LOVED it! Yes, I most definitely want to practice OB nursing one day. I have begun the job application process, but it is definitely slow and I'm satisfied to wait and see what comes my way. I have only 11 more days until my pinning ceremony - the end is so clearly in sight now, just a couple of tests to go! Hmmm . . . what else? Life is good and we are definitely blessed.

April also gave us the opportunity to celebrate Easter and remember and give gratitude for the Lord's atoning sacrifice. The bunny came and left way too much chocolate - but I haven't gained any weight back and in fact am ready to start back on that lovely road of weight loss. The trees and flowers are blooming, grass has to be cut already. Spring has finally arrived with warmer temperatures and also reminded us of the new life we are promised. That promise of life and better things to come has taken on even more special meaning these last few weeks. I have had the opportunity to reflect on memories of someone dear who has left this life way to soon. I have to have faith in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father has wonderful things planned for Henri - but I know also that so many will be impacted by this tremendous loss. I am especially saddened because I had not seen him for so many years, but hopeful that I will see him again!

So, it was a little more upbeat, but sad as well...... and full of Hope and Promises!

27 March 2009

Just Catchin' Up

So, I haven't posted anything in over a month and am frankly wondering what I have to say that would be of any interest to anyone but myself. And the truth is that it's not all that interesting to me but, in the interest of keeping up with things here it goes: I'm just playing catch up with my life and busy kids. (And by the way I am totally in awe of those of you who can blog about a piece of lint and make it way entertaining!)

My kids have been on spring break this week and I have been at school, mostly. So my house is ready to be condemned. The kids do not do their own laundry and do not do the dishes without being asked, so enough said on that subject. And of course they've been showering in my bathroom. (see previous blog)

Lindsay failed to pass the driving test twice - I am sort of relieved, for at least another week until she tries yet again. It is hard to parallel park a Dodge Durango though and she actually got points taken off for driving below the speed limit! That's OK, just go ahead and drive like a little granny. She had cheer tryouts last week and she is now a Varsity cheerleader!

Mark is off planning new war videos for his American Lit class (they're reading a novel about Vietnam). So more destruction to come! (umm, see previous blog on boys).

Hockey is over for a brief while. Todd will start again next week with Spring hockey, Mark is done till next year.

Greg is planning for his mission by playing video games nonstop in between college classes. If you don't see the connection, that's Okay because neither do I.

Garrett is still peeing and pooping in his big boy pants which is really disgusting. Michael tells him he won't turn four until he stops and then Garrett cries. Potty training is supposed to get easier with each child, I thought. I was obviously misinformed!

Dear Thomas is in his own world watching Phineas and Ferb and playing Wii for way too many hours of the day. He's driving us crazy for a new video game which will not happen and he doesn't understand. He is a lesson in patience for me! We have been to a neurologist and will see a psychologist in a few weeks about a possible diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. Too heavy to talk about here and now, so will save that until later.

I am starting my preceptorship in Labor and Delivery next week. I am excited, but am dreading getting up at 4:30 and working 12 hour shifts. I finished my resume and am getting ready to start applying for jobs. Even though there is a nursing shortage, the hospitals are cutting back on hiring for awhile.

Mike is still looking for a job. His lay off is not effective until July, so we remain hopeful. He's looking into starting a business if nothing else surfaces before then.

Okay this sounds kind of depressing which was not my intent. Blogs should be fun to read. But, I'm happy and we're well and the kids are growing like bad grass! Todd, especially. And I know we'll be blessed someway, somehow! When the Lord closes a door, he opens a window, right??? You just have have your eyes open so you can find it!!! So, I am caught up, for now. . .

19 February 2009

Why Boys Need Parents

This was actually written by Michael, but I am including it here because it is an absolutely true list about our boys (one, in particular!) Many of these things are actually amusing to look back on, while some are still quite distressing! This was inspired by an e-mail sent to us about boys and their antics - I think ours definitely top the list!




1.Playing with matches on the carpet can result in carpet burns (not on your skin)
2.Setting your younger brother's toys on fire in the Garage (where all the gasoline and paint is stored) even for school projects, isn't always the smartest thing to do, and it tends to upset your 3 year old brother when he later sees the video of his toys burning.
3.Dumping all of the items on the floor in order to use the island in our kitchen as an operating table for a WWII film reenactment for school, is not what your Mom had in mind when she said you could have a few friends over to work on your school project.
4.Using the rear window as a backdrop for shooting the pellet rifle isn't the brightest thing to do.
5.Apparently some teenage boys aren't aware that pellets easily go through plastic jugs and can still penetrate at least one layer of double paned glass.
6.Golf balls are great fun to hit with baseball bats, however the golfers usually don't like it when there are hundreds of balls on the course and they don't know which one is theirs
7.Fortunately some police officers only give warnings for hitting golf balls with a baseball bat onto local golf courses.
8.Speaking of police officers, having one show up at your door at 3:00 a.m. asking if you own a car with license plate XXXXX (that fits the description of your son's vehicle) can take years off your life when you know your son was at his friend's house spending the night
9.Ding Dong ditching at 3:00 a.m. in the morning can result in the police visiting your house when your son was foolish enough to go in your car and have the license plate taken down.
10.Not everything you see on U-tube should be tried, especially making flame throwers involving gasoline tanks that you strap on your back
11.When it's cold outside, shooting hockey pucks in the garage is better than freezing, however when you miss, a garage door makes alot of noise but is useful in stopping a puck.
12.Garage doors even though they can stop a puck, dent pretty easily. If enough pucks miss the net the door begins to resemble an inverted golf ball.
13.If enough pucks shot in the garage miss the net and hit the garage door, it will sometimes dawn on a boy that it isn't such a wise thing to do, therefore changing the direction you are shooting can be advantageous, at least until you realize that sheetrock walls will not stop a puck.
14.Locking your friend in the closet can be pretty funny. At least until he decides to brace his feet on the back side of the wall and try to push against the door. Did I mention that sheetrock will not stop a puck, well it doesn't do well at stopping a size 11 shoe either.
15.Driving your car 700 miles on a road trip at 90+ miles per hour can get you home pretty quickly. It can also get you a pretty hefty speeding ticket.
16.Driving 700 miles at 90+ miles per hour can also pretty much burn ALL of the oil in your 13 year old car (the one with worn piston rings).
17.Shooting paintball guns in the house isn't what your parents intended when they said the walls needed painting
18.Hot dogging on a jet ski can be fun, but pulling it 10 feet across the sand (back to the water) can be quite tiring.
19.When you live in the country, your mother may tell your son it is okay to pee on the side of the pool rather than going inside to the bathroom, however that same boy may not know that you shouldn't do this at the outdoor swim meet at the Country Club Pool.
20.Wrapping several packs sparklers tightly in electrical tape can cause a pretty serious explosion. When you live in the country it can be a fun thing to do (and quite dangerous). However, if you live in the city don't mention this to your sons, they may actually attempt to do this.
21.Toy cars don't always flush down a toilet, nor do toothbrushes or combs (however a 1 week old $400 retainer for braces goes down quite well).
22.VCR's don't require coins to make them operate, in fact it often causes them not to operate. Did I mention that VCR's don't like small toy figures either.
23.Computer keyboards don't work well when you spill soft drinks into them, it tends to make the keys sticky.
24.Did you know that Dry Ice when placed in a 2 Liter bottle with some water makes cool land mines on scout outings.
25.Soaking a rag in kerosene, tying it tightly in heavy string and lighting it on fire, can make for new more exciting version of the hot potato game you played as a kid (I recommend wearing leather gloves in case you hold it too long). I also recommend not doing this near dry fields or your house (having a bucket of water nearby is also recommended).

02 February 2009

25 Random Things about Me

I was asked to write this for my Facebook profile, and thought I would include it here as well:

1. One of my favorite things I've done is take ballroom dance lessons with my husband. Unfortunately we have both forgotten so much we would have to start lessons from the beginning. But that would be fun!

2. I absolutely love to eat mashed potatoes. It's one of my favorite things that my mom made. I love breads too. I think I could live on starches and be happy. Maybe not that healthy, but definitely happy!

3. I am in my last semester of nursing school. It's a lot of work but I feel a sense of accomplishment.

4. I don't really feel that I have discovered any of my real talents. There are lots of things that I enjoy but I just don't think I am particularly great or talented at them. At least not in the creative sense, like art or music, cooking, sewing. But I do well in school and actually thrive somewhat on studying and doing my best. I love to learn about things I am interested in. So can school be my talent???

5. As much as I like to learn, I can't stand to watch educational stuff on TV. My husband does, but I just can't get into it.

6. But I love crime dramas and medical shows (real or fictional) and love talk radio. Oh and country music videos. This is when I have the time, which is not now!

7. I love going to concerts (country music ones, that is!). I have seen Kenny Chesney twice, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Alabama ( I think 4 times), Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks.

8. I have a quote in my profile: "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous". I really believe that. There's no such thing as coincidence.

9. I love to burn candles. I have Spiced Pumpkin from Yankee Candle burning right now. I stock up on them and always have to stop in Yankee Candle whenever I am at the mall.

10. I am a certified elementary school teacher. I taught for about 8 years before and between pregnancies. So why am I in nursing school? Heck I don't know - see #4.

11. I have become such a night owl recently. I have been getting by with 4-5 hours of sleep on some nights. Preparing for my career in nursing. I think the night shift will certainly fit me best.

12. I really, really long to be a neonatal/postpartum nurse. I felt a clear sense that is what I am supposed to do when I was assigned to that unit in my clinical experiences.

13. I truly love babies. They make me smile. They make me cry. They are so innocent and beautiful - straight from our Father in Heaven.

14. I am quiet by nature. I often enjoy just watching people, total strangers,usually. I contemplate them and create stories in my mind about them. I wonder if I'm ever on target? I just love wondering what's going on with others.

15. Because I am quiet, I feel I'm probably considered to be snooty or aloof. I'm certainly not, but I often wonder if I give that impression.

16. Because I am quiet, I tend to surround myself with loud, crazy, busy people. That would be my family. They probably don't think I am quiet, though. My closer friends tend to be more animated and talkative.

17. A friend once told me that I was a good listener and it meant a lot to her. Even though I didn't offer much in the way of advice, I just listened and let her express herself. That made me feel good and I've tried to remember that being quiet has its strong points.

18. I like being at home. I am seldom home for long stretches of time (except when sleeping), I am usually on the go, running my kids here and there. But I am a homebody.

19. However I do love to go for drives - long drives with no particular destination in mind. I'll go the long way at times just to see if there's something different or special. Beauty can be appreciated in so many places.

20. Which reminds me of my favorite vacation ever. Mike and I and 5 children went camping out west for 2 weeks during the summer of 2001. We spent about 3 days somewhere in Colorado (near Pike's Peak and Royal Gorge), 3 days at Moab, 3 days outside of Salt Lake in the Wasatch Mountains, and about 4 days at Yellowstone. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I want to go back soon.

21. Two place I've never been that I would love to see - Hawaii and Australia!

22. It's snowing tonight! I love the snow! Not that I am really into playing in it - I just love to watch it fall. Especially big, fluffy snowflakes. Each one different - not one exactly like the other. Kind of like Heavenly Father's children. Each one pure and clean as we come to Earth. Did I mention I love babies???

23. I love all of my children very much! It is amazing how different each one is! - like my own personal snowflakes.

24. My husband and parents, and Stephanie are a huge support for me. They are so good to me! I know I am so lucky to have all of them.

25. I just got braces (again!) almost a week ago. And they still hurt so bad, it's driving me crazy! Works pretty well with the Weight Watchers plan, though, so I won't complain any more.

31 January 2009

Big Girls Don't Cry

Ok, this will be a pretty short one, but cute! The other night I was feeling a little bit down and became a little weepy. Todd asked me what was wrong and I responded that I would be fine, that sometimes moms need to cry. To which Garrett, my sometimes adorable 3 year old piped up without hesitation, "But Mommy, big girls don't cry." Todd says, "Yeah, like the song." Their comments brought a smile to my face and wouldn't you know, I stopped crying! Like magic.

21 January 2009

Get Out of the Bathroom, Please

Okay, so we have 6 children and 4 bathrooms (3 with bathtubs/showers).  So in my mind this should not be a problem.  But there is a something very troublesome going on in my home, in particular my bathroom!!!  Why, with this many tubs and showers and toilets and mirrors and electrical outlets, is my bathroom the only one deemed suitable for everyone's use? And I mean everyone! It would not be so bad, but the problem is compounded by the fact that few if any of the kids actually pick up after themselves.  Instead my bathroom generally looks like a tornado (no, make that a hurricane, because of all the puddles ) just went through it.  Dirty clothes and socks and underwear, not to mention towels that are NEVER reused all over the floor and countertops!   The problem was so bad a few months ago that I posted a DEAR CHILDREN sign on the bathroom door requesting that it only be used in dire emergencies.  It was not so politely ignored.  There is hot, running water in the other lavatories so what's so great about mine?  Yes the bathroom is bigger, as are the shower and tub, but these children are normal size.  They don't generally require extra space.  I often tell them sad stories of how I grew up in a one bathroom home -a small bathroom at that!  But they haven't any appreciation for what I am talking about.  We have talked about getting a new lock with a key (did I mention that they can pick the lock?)  But what if we lose the key.  This could be a big problem for me. I've lost lots of keys in my lifetime.  And do I really want to get locked out of my own bathroom when I really have to go???   I know, I should never have let them use my bathroom in the first place.  But I never realized I was creating such moochers.  At this point all that's left to do is leave them with a mother's curse: "One day when you have children of your own, you'll have this lovely bathroom or car or piece of furniture or whatever it is that you hold dear and then you'll have kids just like you."  We all know how it ends.  I just don't understand it.  It's just one of many pet peeves.  Like, why does someone have to be told (husbands included) that the sink is overflowing with dirty dishes and this problem can be solved by emptying the dishwasher?   Why do my kids never ever get to bed on time? Does it have something to do with the fact that I am never on time for anything else?  But even once they're in their rooms, why does sleep elude them?   So many questions, but never enough in the way of answers.   Oh well, gotta love 'em, bathroom wreckers or not!