I’m wondering if I should apologise to the nation because clearly I have been hoarding every colouring pencil and hair band that exists in the UK, in my daughter’s bedroom.

Today I have been a ruthless Frog…. a Frog that laughed in the face of chaos.

I have been a brave but cruel Frog (gloats & slurps another sip of Chianti)

Middle Frog refuses to doesn’t like tidying up and I have been threatening to go in and clean out her bedroom without mercy for some time. This morning I woke feeling brave and confident.

I ate two bowls of Rice Krispies and had an extra drop of milk in my tea to strengthen my resolve.

I donned a grim expression and entered the room equipped with a roll of bin bags and sheer determination. I am a brave Frog indeed.

It was difficult to know where to start.. I made the decision to climb over everything and tidy my way out. Sadly I didn’t realise it would mean missing lunch and having to beg for cups of tea every hour, but I battled on as only a Mother could.

Mid morning Middle Frog stuck her head through the door to see what progress I’d made.

Her eyes fell upon the 2 bin bags, bulging with ‘stuff’ (technical term) and she gasped!

Middle Frog: ‘Mum don’t throw that out, I want to keep it’

I have no idea what she was referring to , I merely carried on with my task and stated that Mummy had requested the room tidied on many an occasion and therefore Middle Frog had had her chance to do it and keep what she likes.. today Mummy was doing it her way…..

Horror raged across Middle Frog’s face but she dared not tackle Mum on a mission.

Darling Husband quietly cooked a roast dinner and rolled his eyes each time another bin bag appeared.

So I have finished the room, it has sparkling windows, I can see the carpet and it has been vacuumed thoroughly and there are 3 empty toy boxes sat under the window looking a little forlorn. I shall be cancelling Christmas for fear of any more plastic arriving in the house or more books appearing (damn all this literacy).

Middle Frog is pleased with her room, though somewhat dubious about what exactly I have thrown away.

I feel triumphant and all powerful, I have achieved something today, really achieved something.

Climbing Everest? Walking unaided to the North Pole.. pffft! that’s nothing compared to what I’ve faced today.

Tomorrow I must ensure I have the smelling salts ready for my Lady that Does…..