Blame it on Rooney

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

The teenagers are home today.

Somehow that always puts me in mind of Paul Revere's Ride and want to shout, "The Teenagers are Coming! The Teenagers are Coming!" While generally they are pleasant lads... they do come with some baggage...mainly in the way of noisiness, large quantities of food consumption and messes.

Truthfully though, I enjoy having my kids home and actually look forward to their days off from school.  I am as excited about the countdown to summer vacation as they are, even as I have to continue to crack the whip and robotically repeat over and over, "Is your homework done?"

The only downside to their vacation days is they never seem to coincide with my vacation days.  That would be because unless I physically leave this house and go far, far away to a place with 24 hour maid and food service, I don't get any vacation days. I know many of you can relate to this reality that comes with the blessings (and I do mean BLESSINGS) of having a home to maintain and a family to feed and clothe.  

To say that housework is like shoveling snow in a snowstorm might be some of the truest words ever spoken.

Today was no exception...

There was laundry to be folded and put away.

There were beds to be made (in all their pink cuteness).

There is this disaster that needs to be dealt with by one of the aforementioned teenagers.  Did I tell you they are messy? 

I just closed the door...

And then there is the small issue of my sons thinking that somewhere in this house lives Alice (from the Brady Bunch- I know, I'm dating myself) who will be coming along shortly to clean up this mess and shoo the little scamps outside so they can throw the football around and end up breaking Marsha's nose.

Luckily, just when it seemed there would be no choice but to give into the demands of everyday life...

...there was this face...

...just begging to get outdoors...

...silently pleading for a romp in the sunshine...

...asking for nothing more than to get out of this house and have a change of scenery.

And wouldn't you know? That was just what I needed to!

So, instead of looking at piles of laundry, dirty dishes and unmade beds.... I got to see this:

Thank you, Rooney Booney Boo.

At least I have one child who knows what Mom needs. ;)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Rooney is a genius :) I say listen to him every single time. I remember those days all too well.  I swear I had to wear a Hazmat suit to clean my DD's room after she left for college every fall. We all need an Alice in our life.

[Doris]

My sons are home from college - they also think that Alice will be here soon.  Rooney has the right idea - and what  a beautiful view!! Enjoy!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Seeeee  doodles know whats best !!!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Lori! No, you didn't! Love your photos.

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Ricki- He IS a genius! The question is always whether he chooses to use his powers for good...

Bonnie- You are sweet.  He is unquestionably adorable.  I think I left adorable behind about three decades ago. :)

Doris- Thank you for providing me with yet another excuse to let the housework go! I may never vacuum again!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Rooney must have seen the saying "housework makes you ugly!!" The last thing a doodle wants is an ugly momma!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

You two are absolutely adorable! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Rooney you're a genius!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Ahhh, F... there are so many things my children are old enough to do themselves.  What do they say about how there are no bad dogs, only bad owners/trainers?  I am the first to admit I am not the most stellar child trainer when it comes to household chores.  But I promise, my son WILL be cleaning his room this weekend, and just for you, I shall give Miss Pink Room her first lesson in bed making. :)

Karen- Yes, Rooney is definitely one of my easiest children. ;)

Donna- You had me at "five garbage bags" ready to be donated.  I LOVE getting things cleaned out and donated.  When I get in a purging mood my husband has been known to warn the kids, "Better nail down anything you don't want to end up on the front porch! Mom's got that look in her eye!" I heartily support your efforts but agree you should reserve rainy days for the serious cleaning.

Carol- Yes they do!!  They also need to have kids old enough to be left alone (or with an older sibling) so mom is free to take off at moment's notice.  Love that we have gotten to that stage!

[Carol and Banjo]

Every Mom needs a Rooney!