House Rules

My husband and I are fairly laid back, but we wanted to have some house rules we could use for almost all ages.  While here visiting my family in Florida, I saw they had this awesome "Our House Rules" tapestry posted on the wall.  It was a gift to them from my uncle.  I haven't live at home for 8 years now, but I was the oldest, so they still have kids at home.

It says: 

Dear Family, we are Blessed to be together in this place...But you must do your part so we'll have Harmony in this space.

If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you slept on it, make it up.
If it barks or meows, feed it!
If you turned it on, turn it off.
If it cries, love it.
If you want to borrow it, ask first.
If it rings, answer it.
If you opened it, close it.
If you wore it, hang it up.

Here is a picture. 

Now, some of these rules don't really apply for our house, but I like the idea none the less.

So here are Our House Rules:

If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you take it out, put it up.
If you break it, admit it. 
If you borrow it, return it.
If it is yours, take care of it. 
If it belongs to someone else, ASK before you use it.
If you don't know how to use it, leave it alone and ask for help.
If it will make someone happy, do it. 
If it will hurt someone's feelings, keep it to yourself.
If it barks or meows, feed it and love it.
If it is empty, tell us so we can refill it.

I am sure we will find more "rules" and guidelines once we have kids, but I think these rules are great for any household.