I have often wondered if I would ever see the day.....the day that my children would become my little helpers. This morning they were my BIG helpers....and even without any promptings from mom! They were eating breakfast when Angeline announced to me, "Mom, Nic and I will take care of cleaning up the breakfast mess". Oh. Interesting. That sounds good, but I really didn't have much faith that they would carry through. The next thing I knew Nicholas was up at the sink "washing dishes" and Angeline was putting the milk and other various items back into the refrigerator. Then she wiped off the table. Next she got the broom out and proceeded to sweep not only the kitchen floor but also the dining room floor. Meanwhile Nicholas was still plugging away at the dishes.

Not only were they being great helpers but they were doing it willingly and cheerfully. I gave them many words of blessing for their cheerful, willing helpfulness. I guess the words of affirmation really got them both on a roll because they proceeded to tell me that they are going to help clean up the kitchen everyday!!! Angeline even said, "Mom, I will be your cheerful helper ALL the time. Even when I do not feel like helping, I will try really hard to be cheerful." I do not think she totally realized the hugeness of her commitment, but I applaud her for at least wanting to be a blessing to me.  Her parting words were, "Mom, now you will not have to do ALL the work around here anymore!"

I am blessed indeed! Even if their attempts at helping aren't always exactly helpful I am still blessed to have sweet children who want to help me.  Their joyful spirits this morning touched me profoundly. And I again realized that giving to others brings a person undescribable joy. A life of selfishness is rotten and miserable.  I want my children to grow up knowing and experiencing that joy. I know that this needs to begin at home with a mom who is willing to give and give and give to her family and do it with joy.

I know that this picture really has nothing to do with this post. But I just love my cute little guy all dressed up like a princess. He lasted in this dress for approximately 3 min. He was hilarious walking around in it....he just cannot get that dainty lady step thing down pat. That's ok, I really don't want to have a feminine son anyway. Right now he has on a dress up dress but he is wearing his rubber boots with it....go figure. He's a boy!