... well i've been practicing some of the tips i've gotten from this site as well as the advice in the comments and disengaging does seem to work.

There are some things that I'm just letting run off my back:

1) Laundry constantly has to be redone because for some reason, no one likes to move from washer to dryer. So they sit in washer... mildew.. and they have to be rewashed. I use to go in to do my laundry and complain about how washing clothes over 2 and 3 times is a waste of money. NOW... I simply move clothes from washing maching to ontop of the dryer, and proceed to do my laundry. No fussing from me. Of course, there are now 3 piles of damp clothes in the washing room... but not a peep from me.

2) This is a big testing week for all 3 kids. We're fresh off a 10 day break for Spring Break and there are CRCT testing all week. Basically, you must pass the test in order to be promoted. 10 days go bye... no one studies. Now this isn't that unusual from normal days.. but this is a major test. 10 days of watching TV... playing outside. Not one book opened. They all claim they don't have any homework (lies.. i check school website and oh yeah.... ya'll got homework), and somehow.. their mother believes them. But.. i say nothing. (BUT I AM NOT DRIVING ANY ONE TO SUMMER SCHOOL!)

3) I'm no longer picking up behind them, but I do invite my friends over. And wouldn't you know it... now everyone is embarrased! Doesn't bother me. I march friends, family, neighbors right on in. I politely say excuse the mess for all to hear. Turns out this is embarrasing for others to see the house like that... but not embarrasing if no one sees it.

I guess all in all... i'm learning to step back. I keep saying to myself, I'll reinforce what she enforces. And that sure works out eaiser.. but not much is enforce. It's 6:45 PM, Math CRCT's are tomorrow... and they are outside playing. I can all but guarantee one child will be repeating her school year.