Family Conference for Summer 2012

This is the first summer, in five years, that we will have our entire family under one roof.  Yikes!  My oldest son, Tony (23), did not want to sign another year lease on rental property since he will be graduating from college soon.  Therefore, he made the decision to move back home and save money.  This was not his first choice I'm sure but it was the most practical.  My daughter, Allie (21), is also home from college for the summer.  Lastly, my husband Tony, youngest son, Andrew (18) and myself are thrilled to have everyone together.  And although we look forward to seeing more of each other, it does raise some concerns - so much that I decided it was once again time for a FAMILY CONFERENCE. 

This is our wonderful family!

Actually, I do not expect any problems this summer, however, I want us all to enjoy the summer and the best way for this to happen is to be proactive and discuss everyone's expectations.  


Here is a list of what we discussed - not necessarily in any order of importance.  


PLEASE...


1.   Be considerate and respectful of everyone in the house.


2.   Church - no one has to go to church with mom and dad but find a time that works with your schedule.


3.   Try to make an effort to spend time with the grandparents.


4.   Replace empty toilet paper rolls and Kleenex boxes.


5.   Shoes - put them on shelves or under the bench where we won't trip over them.


6.   If you use or borrow something, put it back where you found it (tools, clothes, computers, etc.).


7.   Don't leave your dishes/glasses around the house - especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.


8.   Put dirty dishes in dishwasher.  If dishes in dishwasher are clean, then empty dishwasher.


9.   Wipe and dry the kitchen counters (please clean up after yourself).


10.  Laundry:  don't start a load of laundry unless you are going to be home to put clothes in dryer and then fold them.


11.  Parking cars:  We will have 5 cars in the driveway.  This could be problematic - a few years ago, I backed up  into my sons car in the driveway.  We decided that Allie would make signs for each car as a reminder to look behind before backing up.  In addition, because we leave the house at different times, each night we would determine the parking according to who would leave the house earliest.   


12.  Car keys:  We should have an extra set of all car keys in the house.  If you leave the house (and don't drive) we need to be able to move the cars.


13.  Let us know if you are not coming home for the night (Tony and Allie).  Do not call to let us know in the wee hours of the night.


14.  Alcohol:  (Tony and Allie) - Do not call Andrew as your designated driver.  We do not want him driving late at night in locations that he is unfamiliar with.  Also, if you are going to drink our liquor, please replace.


15.  If you are going to have friends over, please let us know.


16.  Keep your bedrooms clean.  OK, let's be realistic - at least make some effort.


17.  Open the blinds in your bedroom each morning.


18.  We need to work on a house cleaning schedule.  Everyone should help.  I will not clean the kids bathroom!


19.  Grocery:  When you run out of some food item, write it down on the grocery list.  I do not want to hear any complaints of why we don't have...  Also, it would be nice to have some help when grocery shopping.


20.  Breakfast:  On Your Own - (Protein Shake/vitamins/etc.)
       Lunch:       On Your Own
       Dinner:      Please let us know if you won't be home for dinner.


** It would sure be nice if we could take turns making dinner (just a thought).


21.  Eat the food we have at home, it's so much healthier than "fast food."  Let's make a real effort not to waste food.  


22.  Please help pick up Roscoe's (our dog) poop!


23.  Jobs:  Save $$$ for college and some $ for summer fun!


The reality is that we know we are close to becoming empty nesters, were just not ready yet. Boo-hoo.  


Everyone have a great summer and love the ones your with!