Growing like a weed...

I joke about Ashley one day doing all the chores that I don't look forward to (that's why we have kids, right?!), and although we're not quite there just yet...Ashley definitely loves following me around and helping out with the house. She comes running everytime I open the dishwasher and hands me everything to put away, helps me load and unload the washer and dryer, and even helps wipe the furniture down when we dust! All this, and always with a smile! A few weeks ago, Ashley wanted to take on the heat with us, and make sure the plants got their water!! This has become a favorite "chore"...

Refilling with Daddy's helpI put so much time and effort into trying to plan activities, lunch dates and fun play dates, and that's good, but is that for me or for her? I say it's for Ashley, I feel it's for Ashley but when she's telling me "I'm upset and tired" and I'm responding, "This is fun Ashley, don't you see the fun!?", I may have crossed a line. I've realized it really doesn't matter what we're doing, it's that I am so fortunate to be spending this time with her, witnessing her growth, wisdom and awesome personality. The plans don't need to be grand, nor the time expensive. That's the lesson Ashley has reminded me of, aren't children amazing?