Shell's Diaries

When I think of these two names, I think of stalwart women who, though they have encountered experiences we will never fully understand or comprehend, have proven that what happened to them won't shatter them. I stopped short of saying...' haven't defined them' but perhaps, in some way, maybe it has. I do not remember hearing about the kidnapping of Jaycee Dugard June 10, 1991 in South Lake Tahoe, CA, although I'm sure I did at some point see it on TV.  But it wasn't until she was found August 25th, 2009 that I (re)learned about her story.  Just recently, she gave her first interview with Diane Sawyer about her horrific experience for those 18 years.  I was captivated watching the interview.  I do remember more clearly the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, June 5. 2002, who was later found March 12, 2003.  I will never forget this picture of her that was plastered all over the television. Just recently, Elizabeth testified in the case against her kidnappers,...

I will probably go down as the meanest mom around, if you ask my kids. (At least right now anyway).  Has anyone ever had the problem I am having, with kids not putting their toys away after playing? Granted, our situation is a little unique right now... my girls, nearly 7 and 3 1/2 are living in their playroom right now, sleeping on couches, and using the laundry room to house their dressers as well as their "changing" room.  My. house. is. a. disaster.!  My boys are living in our enclosed deck, which is also used as a "catch all" room for remodeling and our freezer is in there too.  We are in the middle (have been for 4 years) of a remodel, hence, the kids have been demoted to other rooms in the house while their rooms are being gutted and put back together.  I feel sorry for them, it's not their fault they have been uprooted to other, not so enticing, square footage. HOWEVER..... I have had the hardest time getting some of the brood to pick up after themselv...