This morning was like any other morning; my kids were up at 7 am, breakfast, TV, playtime while mommy cleans and checks emails. While I was cleaning the kitchen from breakfast I noticed the kids were being really well behaved. (That should have told me right there they were not!) Instead I thought little about it and kept on with the dishes. After the dishes I went to my next spot to clean which was the living room. The kids have a table and two chairs in there that they sit at to eat meals and draw. The table was covered in black crayon. I was a little upset and told them both that’s not how we played with crayons and cleaned it up. (Soap and warm water did the trick.)

Five minutes later I walked further into my living room, where it turns into my dining room, and noticed that the time out bench was out of it’s place. I turned it right side up to put it back where it belonged and what did I find…..BLACK CRAYON! I was very upset at this point! They both got time out and we again talked about how we play with crayons. Then I went on with cleaning (soap and water again got the few marks off).

As I am turning around from putting the time out bench back what do I find??? Their slide (that usually looks like it is brand new) COVERED in black crayon marks!!!! I was furious! The WHOLE slide is covered and I am not sure how to get it out! My soap and water trick from earlier did nothing! I am freaking out because I cannot get the crayon marks off and this was a present to them from their Nana!

I wracked my brain, searched the net, and asked friends… I was told many tricks that may have worked but nothing I had here at my home! Finally, one of my fans on my Facebook page, Infant and Toddler Mommies, said baking soda and water! They said to make a thick paste; take a clean damp rag, and SCRUB! The slide was completely clean in fewer than 15 minutes!!!! Oh and while I was scrubbing my kids had to sit in floor and watch me until I was done. They tried to get up a few times but when they realized how upset I was they sat patiently and watched.

One big thing I learned out of this: MAKE SURE TO BUY WASHABLE CRAYONS!

PS: I later found large crayon marks on their bedroom door and still have not located the black crayon.

This post was contributed by my friend, Linda. She’s a busy mom of twins who always has a smile on her face. I feel blessed to know her!