I have a born helper!

Tonight as I was helping with the pajamafication(new word trademarked by Kami Pettit ), something miraculous happened! 

It all begins on a crazy Sunday evening when Brad and I had were in different places at different times.  He had a missionary meeting right after church. After that meeting, he went out on his home teaching visits. I had a stake humanitarian meeting at 5 pm that usually does not end until 6:30 pm. He had missionary visits at 7 pm, so we had to rush to make dinner, have a little family time, and then Brad left before we all could finish our meal.  It normally is not like this on Sunday.  Today was an exception.  After dinner, I did not feel like doing dishes.  Instead, I played music on the computer with my children and delighted in watching Mama Cass, Ella Fitzgerald, Simon and Garfunkel, and Julie Andrews sing in perfect harmony and melody.  We all were mesmerized by their talent. 

Brad came home at 8:30 and we noticed that we lost track of time.  I quickly set to work to get the kids ready for bed.  Katie looked at the dinner table and said, "Mom, our table is not clean!"  I agreed with her and told her that I will do it when everyone is in bed.

After I helped Lizzie brush her teeth and yelled at Scotty for the 5th time to put his pajamas on, I did not see Katie.  I called for her and she said, "I'm cleaning!"  I came out and she had cleared the table of all the dishes, put away the condiments, and was wiping down the table with a wet wash cloth.  This little angel girl is only two and a half and she did this all on her own.  I cry as I write this because every mother deserves a little help now and then.  All my children enjoy serving me either with a smile or a simple "Is there anything I can help you with mom?"  These are the moments that I am so fortunate to experience as a mother.  These are the moments I will always cherish because they get me through the times that my children argue or try to maim each other.  Mothering is the best most challenging job I have ever had.  I hope I never get fired!

Katie helping me butter the corn before it is grilled.  She did this on her own while I went to a meeting without Brad knowing.  As you can see the butter dish is empty and most of it is on her.  She thought she was in trouble when he took this picture.