[Tink]

Thanks all, I was so grossed out that I hesitated to post this, but I really did need to vent. I have now vacuumed every bit of carpet and fabric and crack and crevice. I bleached my vinyl floors, and counter tops. I have gathered all the kids "stuff" and put it in piles and plan to put it on the back porch. If it's still here by Monday the whole works is going in the dumpster. I've reached my limit.

Greg called, so I told him what's up and he made the mistake of laughing. I don't think he'll do that again any time soon! He said he wasn't laughing at the mess the kids had left me, but that he likes to see my "spunky side". He said he wouldn't have wanted to be a fly on the wall during this 'cause I'd have surely swatted him! He's got that right!

I just don't understand how they think it's ok to act like this. I've never treated anyone like this. I try to keep the house clean and taught them to do the same. WHY they'd think it's now different since they no longer live here is absolutely beyond me. I plan to set some ground rules and boundaries for all of them and if they don't abide by them, I'm going to lock my door when they come.

Enough is enough. If they don't respect me, there's no reason I should tolerate them. It really sucks to have to feel this way about your own kids, but I just can't see any other way to look at it.