Ok, So my DH and I have my SS's for 6 weeks in the summer with them visiting their BM EOWE. We picked them up last Friday for the holiday (See Road Trip) and are almost through the first week. 2 weeks ago, I make up a chore list for the boys. It comes down to we clean a room every evening M-Th, Fri, Sat, Sun off. They do dishes every night. I even made up little cards for each room stating everything that needed to be done in order to clean a room. Very detailed. I gave these to DH 2 weeks ago to review and asked for his imput. Was it too much? Was there anything he didn't want the boys doing? Did he have any questions/comments? He glanced at it all and said he thought the boys should do chores.

So Monday, our first cleaning day, I was pretty excited. I knew I would have to show the boys what was expected and what clean really means (per DH their BM is not a housekeeper, and based on the boys I would agree). I knew this would mean more time at the beginning, but when they know whats expected and how to do it, it should only take 15-20 minutes an evening. Well, in the middle of teaching them, DH stepped in and said it was too much. That this wasn't any fun for them. Of course they heard him and just quit. I was so mad. My BD2 was cute though. She came in and said "I help Mommy" and proceeded to mop the floor. I got him along and asked him if the boys were part of the family or guests. He said family and I told him that chores were a part of that. I explaned the chores again and he said he was in agreement again. I then told him to tell the boys that so they knew it wasn't just me. He never did. I mark down on the chart that the boys only 1/2 did their chores.

Tuesday, DH took the boys with him to the store after work so BD2 and I had the livingroom cleaned before the boys got home. I mark on the chart that BD2 and I did the chores.

Yesterday, when I got home SS10 is laying on the couch watching TV. SS12 is nowhere to be found and DH is out in the yard. I tell SS10 to get his brother and start the chores. He says ok but doesnt move. So BD2 and I get the chores done and after SS10 comes into the kitchen and askes what is for supper. I ask him where his brother is and he doesn't know. I ask where did you look. Nowhere. OK fine. I told him to get his dad and brother for supper. He goes outside and then comes back in a little bit later. I mark down on the chart that BD2 and I did the chores.

When DH and SS12 finally come in, I found out SS10 didn't actually tell them that supper was ready. That he just waved. I tell DH we need a family meeting. I ask him to tell the boys that he is in agreement that they need to do the chores. He says yes but he doesn't think that I should be standing over them when they do them. I tell him, that they need to know how to do them before being allowed to do them alone. He says everyone knows how to vacuum and dust. I said Sorry these kids don't. Nobody has taught them what clean means or how to do it. Right then SS12 says I don't know how to dust. I just smiled. Out of the horses mouth. Then SS12 sticks his finger in the butter and spreads it on his bread. How perfect!!!! This proves the kids have no idea about cleanliness or germs or anything. DH was so mad that I was right. He told the kids that they will have to do their chores every night and that either he or I will supervise.

Tonight, they have to clean their bedrooms. Aren't I just the evil stepmom?