Tonight we spent time as a family doing the dreaded Yard Clean-up. The kids were not excited–they wanted to play ping pong. But the city chipper guys were coming to chip up the dead trees—which still needed to be hauled to the road—and with our mountain snow finally melting (it is MAY after all) the yard was revealing its previously hidden “treasures”. So we all trudged outside for Family Bonding Time (or was it bondage time, at least to the children).
But I have to tell you, I truly love working as a family! Within a few minutes, I could hear my husband and our three teenage boys talking, laughing, teasing, and generally being guys while they lugged tree trunks. Birds chirped (I know, the Snow White theme will begin any moment), even my littlest one swept with the big outside broom, and everyone did their part.
In a short while the yard looked great, the trees were piled high and deep, and the little ones were ready for bed.
But the best part, and reward, came when my youngest son came into my room and said with force, “Mom, I think we need to have a Parent Appreciation Day once a month.”
I’m not kidding. And it gets better.
He said, and I swear this is verbatim as I was doing this blog, and instead began typing what he was saying:
“I noticed you and dad aren’t getting the respect you deserve. We need a day when you and dad don’t do anything. No chores, no laundry, no anything. And we kids come up and massage and lotion your feet, and we bring you drinks and food. We clean up after ourselves and babysit ourselves. You guys don’t do anything, that would ruin the day.”
Did I mention that I love working together as a family??
So, when a family project calls, gird up your loins and fresh courage take. The joys, and benefits, might pleasantly surprise you.
All my best,
Connie
