thankful thursdays

i'm thankful for...

helpful hands.

when my children were younger, they wanted to help mommy all the time.

so i gave them their first official chore...folding washcloths.

that meant, we always had crazy stacks of washcloths on our shelves, and i had to learn to deal with it.

they got to help and contribute and i had to encourage and praise...and leave the messy washcloths alone.

fast forward a couple of years later, they still fold the washcloths, but they are now able to do so much more.

this summer we discovered that my oldest (8) can vacuum! it was a total rite of passage because that was my chore growing up, and i was seeing my daughter follow in my footsteps. 

i was proud, excited, and a little revealed that i was about to get some real help around the house.

i called my mom as cami was vacuuming and held the phone up for her to hear..."this sound is cami vacuuming the house for the first time...woo hooo!" (i'm serious...I really did that!)

they even like cleaning the baseboards for a little cash! i give them huggies wipes (the best) and a small bucket to put their trash in and they finish in warp speed, crawling into small places, and reaching spots i could never get to. they strategically split up to cover the most area all while giggling and bragging at how well they are doing. they then literally thank me for their opportunity...brilliant, i know!

so, today is our normal "cleaning day" at the house. i was sweeping and mopping, cami was vacuuming, and cari was dusting and cleaning the mirrors. i turned the tv on for awhile as they folded their laundry and put it up. with all the help, i was able to clean our fridge out...just in time for the new school year approaching.

i have had to learn early on to let the little hands help and not worry if it is not done perfectly or maybe the way i would do it. I had to learn to praise them for their eagerness and willingness to help and not rob them of the opportunity to contribute and be apart.

the day is coming when those little hands have practiced enough times to get it right and you will appreciate it even more :)

i am so thankful for those (little) helpful hands!