It was done out of LOVE. Pinky Promise.

As part of her 'rage' if she thought that by screaming "I hate you mom" as she walked out the door was going to endear me to her and allow her more privileges...think again.  We have always encouraged honesty.  It's okay to have a bad day and to respectfully express it.  But all too often the rants turn into utter disrespect and sheer awfulness, if that's a word.

 This was a long-time in coming.  My back has been killing me the last couple of days and I SO didn't want to follow through with loading up the goods in Kenzie's room and moving them out.  She left me no choice.  She was warned.  Everything she has...down to the last decoration on her wall and the fluffly pillows on her bed are G-O-N-E.  For now. Let this be a lesson to ALL our kids that WE AREN'T KIDDING.

By law we are required to give her a place to sleep, a few clothing items, and food for her belly.  Basically, that's it for Kenz until she earns them back.  No pretty things to look at...no choice in shoes, no jewelry and knick-knacks.  A choice of her scriptures and only two books instead of 20, enough clothing to get her through a few days, which then she can wash and wear again until she earns more back.  Curt and I emptied her room while she was at school today.  I only wish I had a place to store her furniture. An empty room with a mattress on the floor would have even sent a bigger message.   But she most definitely got the picture as she burst into tears at the site of a more clean and minimalist room.  

She has to EARN every little thing back.  Let's see how quickly common courtesy returns.  It will be a tough test for all of us in improving attitudes; A powerful experiment in respect for her family, namely US, the parents.  An experience they won't forget in completing their duties and responsibilities as members of this family they belong to that LOVES them.  Tone of voice in our home is a big deal...some of us struggle with that.  I hope this improves everything about our home and making it a happier place for all for the spirit to reside.  I have hopes that gratitude for their blessings and their privileges will quickly return and enlighten them. Drastic, I know.  But we all know who is next if these things don't improve dramatically.  It's okay to have a bad day and to express emotions...respectfully.  Believe it or not, what Pres Hinckley said is exactly what we had in mind when we did this out of LOVE:

The kids came home from schoool--McKenzie burst into tears; Monson ran into his room to make sure it was just as tidy as it was when he left. They were polite, their attitudes had adjusted...let's see how long it takes for this problem to correct & McKenzie to earn her 'things' back!

Update: My mom asked what McKenzie chose to 'earn' back first. Funny girl, it wasn't the iPod or the boyfriend pillow with the speakers in it that plays her iPod; it wasn't the new pbk jewelry box full of gems that she got for Christmas; it wasn't the decorations. The very first thing she requested after a full-day of good behavior was her ratty almost 10-year-old baby blanket that hardly resembles a blanket at all. She wanted 'comfort.' She declared she couldn't sleep one more night without it. Next was the contents of her drawer with her drawing utensils, erasers and knick knacks. Then a couple of outfits, and finally her iPod. Now I know what to 'take away' IF when she has another bad streak of tantrums, disrespect, or an insanely messy room!