The previous thread about laundry reminded me of my "precious moments" with SD this week. SD has been here since last Saturday afternoon, so all of her Spring Break. I guess BM is bribing her with "gifts" to go to her Easter egg hunt tomorrow. SD didn't want to go back to BM's and I think BM knows it, so she must hide eggs with money in them to grab SD's attention, but I digress.

SD is 12 and has no responsibility whatsoever at BM's. This is a fact. Well, DH and I worked all week and SD wanted to have a sleepover last night. Fine, she hasn't done anything all week except veg out, so we were totally ok with that.

I ask her if she has laundry to do and she says yes. Usually I throw her stuff in with mine, but I don't do my laundry until the weekend, so I told her to just toss her towels and sheets in with her clothes (a small load) to not waste water. She brings her laundry to the laundry room and walks away. Here is the convo that ensued:

Me: "SD, get in here! You need to start your laundry!" *as I'm motioning to the detergent

SD: *Huffy and annoyed* "Why do I have to do it? I won't have to do my own laundry until I move out anyway so why should I do it?"

Me: "You wanted to be here half the time, yes?"

SD: "Yes."

Me: "Great! In this house, I am not a maid, and I won't wash your chones (undies) until you're 18!" *I proceed showing her how to set the washer and how much detergent and scent crystals to use.

That load went into the dryer and she was shown how to clean the lint catcher and use dryer sheets. We started her comforter in the second load. She also helped me roll meatballs for the crockpot (reluctantly), but she did it! She even text me about 8pm Thursday night saying her laundry was put away and that dinner was great!

Last night, she and her friend made a box of mac n cheese. This morning, their bowls and the pot are crusted with dried cheese and one still had shells in it. I told DH he better text her and tell her to soak her bowls! I'd say this week was pretty successful and I hope SD can go to the Easter service with us tomorrow morning before BM wants her back!

ETA: SD has outgrown all but one pair of jeans at our house and we are donating the rest. The last month or two, she has worn the exact same pair when she comes over. I asked her where she likes to get jeans from and she says "I don't know, GBM buys them for me because I guess she feels obligated". Yes, GBM buys 99% of SD's clothes and BM just lets SD walk around in ripped jeans until GBM buys her some more. What a POS. I bought SD 2 nice pairs from Wal-Mart when I went shopping this morning, by the way. Only cost $14! Wow, BM, I'm sure CS could buy that on your weekly trip to Target!?? *Scratches head (BM and GBM have a ritual of going to Target every. single. Saturday and SD is walking around in ripped jeans? *insert major eyeroll