Our Little Helper

One beautiful evening we decided to do some weeding. This is more enjoyable than it sounds. The temperature and humidity were both kinder than usual, and the ripping sound a weed makes when you yank it out of the ground is surprisingly satisfying, especially when you get all of the roots. Ahhh, stress relief!

Weeding on your own terms is actually quite lovely. Tugging on waist-high weeds in the middle of a perennial farm in unbelievable heat and humidity while numberless insects sting and bite every inch of exposed flesh as your pray that if you pass out someone will find you before you lie in the dirt for too long...not so much!

Without being asked, Joshua came over to help. He started clearing out the dead leaves around the emerging vinca plants and throwing them in the green waste can, just like he had seen his father do. He loves his Daddy and follows Jason around doing whatever he does. Jason calls him "the Great Imitator." This terrifies me. The other day I heard hearty laughter from Jason outside. I asked what was so funny and was told it was a "father-son thing." I pouted for at least ten minutes until Jason decided that for the sake of peace in our home, he would have to come clean. He explained the while working outside he had felt the need to expectorate, and that Joshua in a pantomime of sound effects and bending over, had also attempted to spit. Mothers everywhere may cringe now if they'd like. Jason has also taught Josh how to make that "ahhh" sound after drinking a big gulp of liquid. They both think it's hilarious. And if I didn't want to try and civilize our family a little bit, I might crack up too. I do permit myself a little smile if I am in the other room and neither one can see me.

A child's willingness to help at this age is a beautiful thing. Alas, we know it cannot last. I know that at a tender age I became positively unbearable whenever I was asked to do anything that resembled work. Perhaps Josh will not do this. He really is a nice kid. And Jason is a very hard worker. Still, we have captured the moment on film in case it never occurs again.

Admire the intensity! Either that or the poor kid needs sunglasses.