To clean or not to clean?

My son left for 2 weeks to the Boy Scout National Jamboree yesterday morning. It will be the longest I have ever been away form one of my kids :( I suppose at almost 13 he is thrilled and couldn't care less that I am missing him.

Well I was. Until I walked into his room late last night. :)

I repeatedly asked him, nicely, to make sure his room was clean before he left as were spending this week rearranging rooms and moving kids around. When you have 7 kids and only 4 bedrooms to put them in, it becomes a little like a Jenga game of bunk beds! I expect my oldest to keep his room clean because he IS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE HOUSE that has their own bedroom. I like to point out that even Dad and I share a room!

You always hear the stories of parents that send their kids to college only to have the child return at Christmas to see that their room has been turned into a craft or exercise room. I am thinking that this little boy might return to a newly painted pink princess room with bunk beds and a new room mate... his 4 year old sister!

Anyone, clean their kids room while they were gone? Have you ever done away with a child's room while they were at college? Am I the only mean Mom out there???

If you would like to see the adventures of Tucker and his Grandfather at the National Jamboree you can go HERE to my Dad's blog. My little Sister set him up a blog as he left so he could post us pictures from his phone. Isn't technology great?!

** On a side note, I am thrilled that my Dad has has own little blog spot in the world. He travels all around the world for his job and many times the grandkids have no idea where he is or what he is doing. With something as simple as a cell phone that takes pictures, he can keep connected with us. The kids can go everyday and see where Grandpa is and learn something at the same time. If you are thinking about blogging it is easy (and free) and a great way for your kids to see what your extended family is doing!