Thursday, May 19, 2011

Taking Over

I have had a very easy pregnancy so far with little room for complaint. But today was one of those rare days when I just felt pretty crappy. It hit right around dinner time. I had awful indigestion plus I felt really nauseated. Making dinner just really wasn't in the cards, which usually wouldn't be a problem, except Jon had to walk out the door right at the same moment I had finally laid my large self on the couch.

At the time, I thought my only chance for help had just walked out the door. But thankfully, a fantastic helper was ready to step up and take her place as woman of the house.

"What would you like for dinner, mom? I'm gonna make it," Scarlet informed me.

"Umm, what do you know how to make?"

"Well, I like to make soup. Do you like egg soup or bean soup with carrots or red soup?" she listed off.

I think I can identify bean soup with carrots and red soup is tomato soup... but egg soup? I got nothing.

I thanked her for her willingness to help, but since we lacked the ingredients for all of her carefully planned meals, I had to veto. I suggested maybe they just have cereal tonight for dinner.

"Cereal? Okay.... (she paused to consider). I know! Mom would you like me to make you cereal or pancakes?" she asked.

"You know how to make pancakes?"

She then explained to me how you get the gredients out of the cupboard, get them in a bowl and stir them up, and then you just turn them into pancakes! Her firm look of capability never even wavered from her face.

Though it would have been quite amusing to watch the attempt, I saved myself the kitchen cleanup and went with cereal.

She took over from there. By the time I made it over to the dining room table, all of our cereal choices were set out on the table along with bowls, spoons, and milk. She had helped Rhode find a seat and pushed him close to the table and was in the process of pouring him a bowl of Fruit Loops.

Rhode was not nearly as appreciative of the service. "No sissy, I want the cimmamim cwunch!"

"Sorry Rhode, you have already chosen. You have to stick with your choice. You can pick the other cereal tomorrow," she informed him.

Yes, this is exactly what I tell my children if they decide post-milk pour that they would rather have a different flavor.

I sat down and poured myself a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats and tried to get comfortable in my chair, when Scarlet appeared beside me and poured my milk for me. Her milk and Rhode's were already poured without a drop lost.

She then directed Rhode to offer our prayer and we enjoyed our meal. I decided to help myself to a second bowl and Scarlet was there moments later to refresh my milk. After dinner, she wiped down the table and helped me clear the dishes so that I could 'sit down and rest my tummy' as quickly as possible.

"Mom, did you like the dinner I made for you?" she asked.

Did I like it? Did I enjoy a moment of being taken care of while feeling down? Have I loved every time she has chosen to pick something up for me or grab something upstairs for me so 'I can rest your tummy'? Am I more proud every day as I realize chores around my house have actually become easier with her help?

Yes, most definitely yes.

7 comments:

Heidi Noel said...

Ahhhhh. So sweet. I wish I had that kind of help. We love 'carlet. ;)

Campbell Family said...

I hear you! I feel the same way about Johanna! Glad she's helping you rest your tummy :)

A Bug's Life said...

this is seriously so sweet. What a great helper. daishan

Brad said...

I love hearing about the everyday happenings of the Nielsen house. I am glad that Scarlet and Rhode have already forgotten about the waiters and food on the cruise.

Mindy said...

That is great. I love Scarlet.

Samantha said...

Remember how Scarlet is only like 22 days older than my kids? Now, remember how she seems like she's 322 days older than my kids? Wow. You've got a little grown up on your hands.

Peggy Dee said...

Scarlet wiped the table after the meal? I say we put her in charge of every meal! What a great helper. It doesn't sound like you need my help in July... but I'm still coming!!!