One BIG Mess

Yesterday I walked into the kitchen after my shower to find this lovely mess created by Derek and Caleb.

The water is one thing.... but syrup and chips and candy! There was a LOT of water too. The water covered the entire kitchen floor, soaking the area rug under the table and leaking into the new floor in the family room. Caleb was standing at the sink throwing water over his head. He was soaked head to toe in water with syrup all over his head, neck and shoulders. Derek was at the fridge, I'm sure planning his next move.

I was trying so hard not to LOSE it. First I had to give Caleb a bath and told Derek to STAY in his room. After Caleb was clean and not sticky anymore, I headed to the kitchen to assess the damage. How on earth did they get that much water on the floor? Then I found the answer hiding behind the island. I have a tall umbrella stand that they used as their "mixing pot". It had syrup all over it and filled with water and food stuff. Looks like I was just in time before they poured that batch on the floor too. I used towels and paper towels to try and mop it up.

The problem was it was soooooo sticky from the crazy syrup. I kept thinking, "How much syrup did they use?!!!" Then I found the empty small bottle of syrup PLUS our refill bottle. The small bottle and refill bottle were full prior to their little adventure. I guess they thought, "Hey, we're out of syrup, why don't we get the BIG bottle out of the pantry." I'm glad my kids can problem solve, but this was over-the-top.

As I'm trying to get this mess under control the two little monkeys start throwing toys and wrestling in the family room. Once I started cleaning-up, I was then covered with the sticky goop. So every time I had to leave the clean-up-zone to settle the boys down, I'd make another spot to clean-up. I could feel myself losing it.... so I called my friend Suzette to come over to help. She is great and understands the terror of little boys.

Suzette came and saved the day (and the boys). This was the tipping point after four days alone wit them while Clint was running the Ragnar in Las Vegas. My patience meter was below empty.

So thanks to a Little Green Machine and my visiting teacher, Suzette, the mess was cleaned-up and both my boys are still alive.