An early start / flowers

T had to leave at 6am this morning (he's away for another few days... bottom lip out) & Hug didn't want to miss him so he woke up at 4.30 am!

Thankfully, I didn't get up until 6 & after waving daddy T off we were into the breakfast routine. Hug started to stir up a bit of trouble (the *I'm looking for trouble* type that I'm sure any parent of siblings will recognise!) so I applied my new approach - which is: if you have time to sit around and cause trouble then you must need a job! Now, I don't know if this technique will work forever but it certainly did me well this morning :)

I explain that it isn't a 'punishment' - but he will have an extra job to do - and I quickly racked my brain for an appropriate task "Ummm... could you please empty the washing machine for me". Well, both the washer & dryer were full & he wanted to empty both so showed him where the dry clothes could go & then the basket would be free for the wet. "Thanks Hug :)" But, no, that wasn't enough - he also wanted to help me hang them out. Now, I don't usually hang out washing at 6.16 in the morning (!) but what the heck! It was lovely listening to the morning birds & Hug was strangely excited to be in charge of pairing & hangings socks.

Inside again, he said that he wanted to help with *more* extra jobs! I'm so loving this ;)

I insisted that they get themselves ready first (doing the jobs on their morning charts) & then they helped to make my bed (with just a few tears over how the covers should sit ;) & then Hug said he would like to vacuum. He vacuumed the lounge-room & the kitchen. Lovely wanted an special job too so he carried the recycling out to the bin for me.

So, by 7.30 we were out in the garden - all jobs done & both boys ready for school - & picking flowers. Well, I wasn't picking - I was photographing - obviously ;)

Then when one of the boys that goes to "school" with Lovely turned up unexpectedly, with his dad, so they had a run around in the yard while we drank tea. Phew! It's only 10.15am now & I'm sure it's gotta be time for bed ;)