Hard lessons to learn/teach

Today was one of those days I had to teach my children a hard lesson. Our house looks like a toy factory explosion. Well-meaning friends and family (whom I love) like to express their love for my children by purchasing every toy known to man. While I appreciate this, I don't enjoy the fallout. Ryan and Jenna have not learned the importance of picking up their things. The only way they will do this is if I yell, scream and threaten bodily harm (I'm only half kidding, here). I asked them to pick up today, while I ran errands. When I got home, the house looked worse than before I left-Thanks, honey! I have packed up the majority of toys in the playroom. Some will find new homes, some will be stored and brought back at a later time, and the rest that were really beyond repair have gone to the garbage can. My children are currently in their rooms picking up and putting away. I think (hope) I have made an impression. Fingers crossed.