Blog comment (see Resolution blog) turned Blog Entry

Okay ... so I was telling Em that her suggestion of a child's chore chart just might be what we need to get the "kids" to cooperate.

I've had enough experience with chore charts, and I know they do work. Thanks to court ordered parenting classes that I had to take (and "graduate" from) during both of my divorces. Gotta love Friend of the Court and their interference - I mean, assistance.

Anyway ... the rest of the lengthy comment was going to be:

But I may not have to worry about chore charts IF my mother has her way. My folks own this house, I rent from them. Mom's back on her "sell the house" kick. And just how did the kick happen this time?

The tree that fell last week! That's how.

A little set up here (man, I just love these little gotta-set-the-story-up segments) ... The tree that fell did it in two segments, the first being a few years ago when half the tree fell. I told my mom then the tree needed to be removed, it was dead. And I told her over the next two years that it needed to be removed. Her response was always the same ... "that's what homeowners insurance is for". I'd tell her that I doubted they'd cover a tree that was already dead. But she insisted that it'd be covered.

Skip forward to two hours ago, when the insurance adjuster was here inspecting not only the damage, but the tree remains that still sit in my backyard. She's telling me they won't file a claim, as it's obviously a dead tree that should have been removed by the homeowner long ago, and it's cheaper to fix the neighbor's fence, replace his swing set and have the electrician do the repairs than it would be to file the claim and raise the insurance to an ungodly premium (since this is technically the fourth tree to fall in 14 years).

I then call Mom with the news and get an ear-full. How it's my fault the tree was dead, how it's my fault it wasn't removed. How dare I not have removed the evidence before the insurance adjuster arrived. All my fault! She then starts the "we're thinking about selling the house" stuff again.

Well, that would definitely solve the Wrecking Crew problem, wouldn't it? No need for chore charts if they have to find a place of their own. Oh, talking to Married Son after the call he's decided to apply for a "real job" as a tow truck driver. Get a regular weekly paycheck, in the hopes of having enough income to rent a place of their own. He's there now applying. Wish him luck!!

Single Son and I have talked, too. He's saying "no worries, Mom, we get a two bedroom apartment. Me and you and Spot (his cat obviously). No Wrecking Crew. We can survive living in a smaller place."

Yes, my son loves me and watches out for me. I think he likes having someone who will do the shopping and cooking ... and to be quiet honest, I like having a built in security guard around. LOL. It's still not an empty nest, but he stays pretty much to himself when he's home. Not that moving will happen soon. It could. But then, Mom's made threats before. So, we'll see.

Until then, I'm gonna go dig up my chore chart file. Yes, I kept it!! In the hopes that one day, my kids would seek my wisdom in such things to use with their children. Little did I suspect I might be using the file on grown-up kids.

Here's one I just found on the FlyLady website. Feel free to snag it if you are in need of chore charts ... notice it's bright primary colors to capture the child's attention!

And no I'm not changing the "before school" or "after school" headers. Let them complain I'm treating them like children!