Have you forgotten about slavery?

So we finally broke down and got ourselves a cleaning lady (is that the proper name to use now days?) because being 8 months pregnant and with three other kids it has made it next to impossible to get all the cleaning done that I need. Sure, I can pick up the toys, put books and papers away, makes the beds, do the laundry but we're talking the down and dirty stuff. The toilets, the shower walls, the inside of the oven and well, you know what I mean. Today was her first day and as I write this she has already been here for 4 1/2 hours. Cordell and I thought it would easily take about 2. We were way off. Either she is very thorough or our house has gotten that bad.

So while she was working inside I took the kids outside to play to get out of her way. Abby started asking me why she was in there and why she was cleaning our house. I explained that it's hard for me to do it now because of the baby inside and that it takes a lot of time to do it when I am busy kids. I told her what she was cleaning and how often she'll be coming just to help out for a while. I thought she could understand that but she just looked at me with this disgusted face. I asked her what was wrong and she said "mom, that's just mean. It's not nice to have a slave. Don't you remember what Abraham Lincoln did for slaves? He stopped people from having slaves and now you went and got one!" Ouch! I had to explain that she does this as her job and enjoys doing it for people to make them happy. By having her come it helps us and helps her with a job to get money. Then she slowly walked away and sat by a tree.

I have a feeling Abby will never look at me the same! I'm a slave driver in her eyes.

Not so American Idol

For those followers of American Idol, be glad that we haven't ended up with something like this.

Magnificent Mustang

Abby was chosen by her teacher to receive the Magnificent Mustang award at her school. The teacher selected one student from their class to receive this award for the month. She received the award based on the "Character Quality of Caring".

The attributes she displays at school are kind words and actions, think about other people's needs and feelings, help others, and give to others without thinking about what they will get in return.

They have an assembly at school for all the kids and surprise them when their name is called out. We were sitting in the back and she saw us and was completely surprised and excited to get an award and to see us there supporting her.

It's nice to know how your kids really act outside the home. She has her own issues at home that we struggle with now and again. To learn that she really is a good girl outside the home makes us think we are doing something good as parents.

We are proud of you Abigail!