Empty Threats

OK, so I admit it. I am turning into my mother more and more everday. It first started out with the little things. I am known to be a little ditsy somedays. Sometimes I will find myself having little nervous mannerisms like my mother. Other times, I see a picture of myself or look in the mirror and realize that I look more and more like her than I ever realized.

But today, my friends, was the day when I can't deny it anymore. AGH!! I AM TURNING INTO MY MOTHER!

When I was about Caroline's age, my mother hounded me to clean my room on a regular basis. So much, that she threatened to RAKE any toys that were still on my floor at week's end and throw them away. Being the brat that I was, I took her threats with a grain of sand and ignored her. What mother in her right mind would throw away perfectly good toys???

I remember vividly sitting on my bed (with my Holly Hobby bedspread) when my mom busted in that day with a big Rake and a black Hefty bag. It was too late. My mom was mad, more like pissed!! There was no turning back. She was done being the nice mom. I thought that I had the meanest Mom ever that day! I sulked for days and days. I was devastated. I deserved every bit of it.

You see, looking back, you didn't mess with my Mom. She was no-nonsense when it came to what she expected of us. When she asked, you did.. or else! She was the parent that you didn't want a spanking from.

Well, I have met my match. If I should say that my child has one flaw, it would be that Caroline is messy and doesn't mind living in clutter (just like her father - but that's another story). I have to constantly ask her to clean her room and of course, she blows me off just like I did my own mother. I have sat down and told Caroline the story about how 2-Mama raked my room and threw away all of my toys and I learned that day to listen to her and never ignore her.

My story-telling has worked several times in the past, until this week. I have threatened and begged, and even last weekend yelled downstairs to Scott (knowing that he was outside and couldn't hear me) to bring the rake up, but have never come this far.

Today, I brought the rake up. I am done being the Nice Mom. And, it felt good!!! I didn't say a word, just brought it up and subtly set it right outside her door.

Notice Caroline glued to the TV before she noticed the rake sitting there.

Caroline's toys were spared and she got to work very quick after she saw "The Rake". I may need the rake next weekend, but not today! Thank you for being so tough, Mom!