Mommy and Daddy have been quite proud of me lately, more so than usual. I have been making a good effort to always do my best- apparently this is all they will ever ask of me. On top of the things I always do, like play nicely with others, use my manners (most of the time), help pick up my toys and just make life all around happier for Mom and Dad, I have been stirring it up with some super good behavior. For instance, at soccer I sit attentively and listen to my coach. I do every exercise she asks me to and I follow her directions word for word. (If I do not follow my coach’s instructions, the assistant coach- a.k.a. Mom, steps in and makes me sit against the wall and watch. That is no fun at all!) But, that has only happened one time, sometimes that is all it takes.
Another thing that I am good at- manners! As Mom says, “I am a great date and the perfect gentleman!” I have been doing great sitting up to the table in my chair, using utensils, drinking from a cup and using my napkin. That does not mean I do not enjoy finger painting on the table with my soup- I just don’t do it when people are looking- and I think that counts. Also, I always say thank you, and I am getting better at saying please. It is harder to remember please, my mind is just so taken, thinking about what I want. Where as, with thank you, I have what I want- and I can stop worrying about it. Sometimes if you throw in an “I love you,” Mom and Dad get over the fact that I didn’t say please- because, they pretty much adore me. (Don’t tell them I said that, if they know that I know, it loses its effect).
I have also been quite the help around the house. I am getting pretty good at picking up my messes. I have to be asked to- and sometimes forced to, but I do it! When I don’t do it- Mom goes all boot camp on me- and that is no fun for anyone involved! I try to to just roll with it and do my part- besides, when I am helpful, I get a sticker. I have so many now. My board is almost covered. I love putting stickers on my board, it makes me smile to see all of the fun stickers I have earned. I love finding the perfect spot for each new sticker . It really is an accomplishment!
I am a big help in the kitchen too, cooking is so much fun. I think it is more fun to eat food that I helped to create. I have my own special stool at the end of the counter. Every day Mommy and I prepare our lunch together and then we sit down and eat and talk about our morning activities or about what we will do after my nap, we also talk a lot about cars and trains, those are my favorite topics. Daddy and I have lots of fun in the kitchen too- we make all kinds of neat stuff, waffles and pastries, cookies- neat, fun stuff like that. It is more fun with Daddy, because he is messier than Mommy and he likes to play with his food, too. All around, Dad and I just have more in common- he makes me laugh so hard! He is just funny!
My favorite thing of all of the useful and helpful things I do, is by far, with out a doubt, no way around it- helping Dad fix stuff! The thrill that rushes through my body when he asks me to go to his tool box and get him a screwdriver or a pair of pliers- it is a thrill unlike any other that I have known. He lets me help him with everything. A leaky faucet, a leaky roof, taking a computer a part, building shelves for Mommy. When ever we see a problem, we get on it. We start by putting on our construction boots- or my tennis shoes, and our hats. It is important to have the right attire on the job. Then we grab our flash light and get to work. We get so much done around here, and we guarantee our work. We believe in quality and quality time!
Now I know what you are thinking. Chase, you do so much- you are young and you should be playing and getting into trouble. Trust me- I am greatly rewarded for all of my hard work. Mom and Dad are strong believers that with accomplishment comes reward. I get to do a lot of cool stuff, everyday! Trips to jump planet, riding the tractor at the grocery store, the indoor park at the mall, just playing outside and running up and down the sidewalk yelling “I’m running, Mom!”
This week because I was so good at home, soccer and school, Mom and I went on a cupcake date! We had cupcakes at the Barnes & Noble cafe, then we spent 2 hours playing in the children’s book section with the big “Thomas the Train” train table, I could stay there forever. We played so long that when we got home, it was already past my bedtime. And, to top it off, even though I should have gone to bed- Mom and I cuddled on the couch and watched a movie! Mom said it was one of the best dates she has ever been on and one of the best days she has ever had. We just got along perfectly that day- and I wanted to tell her something nice. So, when she got up to get napkins, because I had frosting all over my face, I shouted “Mom, I like you!” across the cafe! Everyone started laughing, Mom kinda cried, which I still don’t get that about her. But, it was a really good day. I don’t think I will ever forget that day, well I probably will- but Mom won’t.
So- you don’t need to worry about me. I am working hard, but I feel good about it. I am proud of myself. And, don’t be too hard on Mom and Dad for making a little guy like me work so hard. They believe in me, they know I can do these things on my own and that makes me feel good. Some of the best times Mom, Dad and I have together are when we are just doing the little day to day things. They just feel more special, because we are doing them together.
Chase
