Have you ever sat and truly listened to your child, or a child? They're such innocent, charming, beautiful creatures. Their imaginations are wonderful, vibrant, creative and carefree. If you haven't stood side by side and listened intently to your children lately, give it a try - you'll appreciate it later.
Tonight Hot Rod and Princess wanted a PB&J. Of course it's way past their bedtimes, but I'd rather them go to bed with a full tummy, smile on their face, and love all around them. (I'm feeling extra special gushy today.) Hot Rod is off in his own little world of Avatar but Mini-Me has decided to help me unload the dishwasher, chattering away about nothing too serious, before I make the promised sandwiches. She wants to be a big girl and put away the silverware, gather the plastic cups and bowls. I agree, I appreciate the help and enjoy the company in such a mundane task and feel it's good for her to develop the idea that we all help out to achieve a clean house. She proudly announces that she's put all of the silverware away and closes the drawer. I finish loading the dishwasher and Hot Rod comes down to check on the status of that PB&J - they're hungry.
I set out to begin making the sandwiches and Princess wants to help. I agree and she gets her plastic knife while I grab a butter knife out of the drawer. I get out the necessary ingredients, plop her up on the counter and we set to work. She decides to tell me a story while we make the sandwiches. This is how it goes: Once upon a time there was Hot Rod and Princess and Mommy. They were hungry and wanted a peanut and jelly sandwich (no need to correct her lack of the word peanut butter, it's cute) so Princess and Momma made a peanut and jelly sandwich then they went upstairs and everyone ate. They lived happily ever after. The End."
So in the eyes of a 3 year old girl, all that you need to live happily ever after is a peanut [butter] and jelly sandwich, go upstairs and eat it. Oh to be a child again, when the biggest worry is what game to play, which pencil to use or which hair bow you like best. And all that's needed to put a smile on your face is to sit on the counter and help your mom make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Enjoy these little moments, they don't last and one day we'll long for the days where you're making a sandwich side by side listening to the chatter and laughter of your babies.
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