This is such a wonderful post for the contest, @iamjadeline. You really moved by it and you are very thorough.

I have advice about cleaning. Make it a family project for you and your sons. It will not be perfect like you want to see, but try this:

• Pick some small area to clean; like a bookcase, or a closet, or a corner of one room, or one kitchen or bathroom area.
• Tell the boys you want to work together to clean it and get their ideas. Have them be responsible and try not to take too much of the lead.
• Help them, and teach them cleaning skills, and work for only 10-30 minutes as a team.
• Stand back a be proud of what you have done together.
• Do it again in different areas a few times a week.

They will be so happy to help you and they can do more then you will imagine. They will also take pride in the finished result.

I saw this idea recently in a fb parenting group and wish I would have done it this my son.