i'm either really smart or really stupid.

ah, parenting. an experience that cannot be matched. an experience that is not for the faint of heart.

so, it's come to pass that i pay the duke of fun 2$ a room to sweep and mop. the deal is, he has to sweep and mop the rooms i choose, when i choose them to be done. like he can't just do the kitchen or another room whenever he wants for a quick 2 bucks.

today, for instance, he is sweeping and mopping the dining room, the kitchen, the living room, and the bathroom.

it's also come to pass that i pay wingman 1.50 a load for folding and putting away a whole load of towels, washcloths, dish towels, and cloth napkins. he even rolls the washcloths just the way i like them.

today, for instance, he is doing two loads and is eager to get his money in hand.

i realize that as a parent, it's perfectly well within my GOD GIVEN AND MORE THAN EARNED RIGHT to force these children to do these tasks.

BUT, they already both have daily chores they must do, without pay, just to contribute to the household.

AND, since i've hurt my back, sweeping and mopping are out for now, and i CANNOT STAND folding and putting away. i can do laundry like a champ and pile it to the ceiling, it's the folding and putting away that gets me.

so, i'm either smart or really stupid for paying to get these chores done each week.

but, i've sure got some clean floors and there's no laundry mountain on my couch.

and i'm sitting here with you, a cup of coffee, and some peace and quiet while the boybarians toil away.

and, there's NOT ONE COMPLAINT AND THEY ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO DO IT BECAUSE THEY ARE GETTING PAID.

not bad for 11 bucks, huh?

and at count, wingman has 98$ in his bank account if he counts the 3$ he just made. and he's DYING to get to 100$ so he's BEGGING me for another job that might earn him 2 more dollars.

aaanndd i think i just answered my earlier query.

and sillymortalmama says HA!

some days i really do come out right on top.

x.