My Big Boy Helper

So for those of you who have been reading my blog for the past year know that last summer was a doozy. Josiah was very mischievous to say the least and was definitely a challenge. That challenging behavior has continued all year and finally just this week I have seen a significant change in his attitude. This week has been pleasant and I have really enjoyed spending time with him.

Yesterday Naomi took an extra long nap in the afternoon and Josiah and I were able to spend some time playing together and working together. After playing I started to make dinner and he asked if he could help. I was a little reluctant because his help in the past has turned out to be a whole lot more work for me. Also, I was chopping vegetables and wasn't sure about how he could help. Since Naomi was still sleeping I decided that help wouldn't be too bad. I set him up with a paring knife and a chopping board. I gave him a large piece of yellow squash and showed him how to cut it up. All the time in my head I am thinking, "what are you doing?"

He did a great job cutting the vegetables. He cut yellow squash, zucchini squash and green onions for me. About the time he was finished chopping I started to mash the potatoes and Naomi woke up. So, I gave him the masher and showed him how to do it and then left him unattended to get Naomi. Again I'm thinking, "what am I doing?"

When Naomi and I came back down stairs the potatoes were mashed beautifully. He did get a large amount of splatter on the kitchen counter, but I think he did a great job. I am so proud of him.

The best part about him helping was when we sat down for dinner and he said that yellow squash was nasty (before he even got any on his plate), I said to him, "you know they taste much better when you've helped make them!" He piled them up on his plate without hesitation and said, "Wow! These do taste good!" He is such a cool kid.