helpers

I'm not going to lie, today was a rough day with the boys. They weren't totally awful in church, in fact they have come such a long way since we've moved. But I'm being really strict with them to keep the good behavior up, and they were scolded quite a bit this morning. Aiden made us a little late because he was goofing off with his seat belt. And Devin was pretty much the Devinator all day. They have been very whiny and demanding, and talking back. Devin has told me "NO!" so much these last few days-I feel like I'm on my wits end at times. A lot of the times I think this blog reflects on many of our happy times, as it should; but we are also human, and my boys are boys. They aren't all smiles and giggles. They drive me nuts too (and my neighbors below as many of you know).
So after having such a hard day, all I wanted to do was send them to bed for the rest of the night. But, we got out and went to the park, had a great dinner, popped some cookies in the oven, and played hard (since I knew our neighbor was gone as we ran into her leaving when we came back from the park) until Micah was called back to the hospital. I looked through some of my photos trying to decide what to post about when I came across some pictures my mom took that have the kids cleaning. And it made me think about some of the wonderful qualities my precious boys posses...like the desire to help. They really do love to help (most of the time) and often are asking me if they can "help" too. They love putting the clothes in the laundry, and stirring the pot of mac n cheese. They LOVE doing the toilets, and often I find the Devinator "cleaning" them without my supervision. Yesterday Aiden saw me mopping and practically begged me to let him help. I don't want to ever overlook these things, especially as they get older-because I know it doesn't always stay this way!! But really, it's been good for me to take a step back and reflect on what wonderful children I do have. They are pretty well behaved for the most part, they love us unconditionally, and have the sweetest dispositions. So many people here have commented on just how friendly they are...and they're right. I have some great kids.

Making noodles with Kiki-I'm sure they're better at it than I am!!

Cleaning up all the flour, and everything else that ends up on the floor. I think they swept for like 10 minutes!

Vacuuming at Grammy's house. Now this doesn't surprise me one bit considering the long list of chores she always had for me and my sisters! :) But I know Aiden does love to vacuum-like his Mommy. Not sure why, but that is my favorite chore to do.

Not to be outdone, Devin is wiping the tray. She taught him how to wipe the table when he was just able to pull himself up. It was cute to see :)

So thank you Lord for my wonderful boys, and that they continue to be such willing helpers for years to come!