Parker and I are so very much alike in many ways. He and I both know it. We have a few helpful characteristics but a lot of times this means we really butt heads. (Think two stubborn mules who both are convinced that they are right and if they are not right are willing to hold their stance to the death anyway. Not pretty, I know. But there is a significant bit of truth here.) But this has nothing to do with stubbornness or mules or anything unattractive so I have no idea why I am telling you this. I'll shut my trap now and tell the story. (Have I mentioned that I tend to ramble?)

I have been down with the flu this past week, so for the most part, the kids have been on their own for food and schoolwork and playtime. Periodically they would come in to check on me and try to hug me. I would shoo them off with warnings of flu germ and ickiness and "I love you guys. Don't touch me." And send them on their way.

From my bed, I could hear Parker taking charge. No shocker, I know. Alternating between praying for him to make good choices and be a kind, dictatorial big brother and thankful that he was taking care of things that I could not (like feeding the two of them) I simply listened.

On day two of being laid-out-flat-and-my-body-weighs-eight-thousand-sixty-two-pounds-and-I-cannot-lift-even-my-pinky-toe, I decided I had to go get something to eat so I could take my medicine.

I shuffled to the kitchen, looking around for children. None were in sight. I poured myself some water...and then I saw it. I looked again and a smile broke my face for the first time in days.

On a white, folded piece of scratch paper, in Parker's penciled scrawl, was a list. Not just any list. But a detailed itinerary of he and Caroline's day. Apparently he knew they needed some structure to their day and set out to give them some. Here is what I found: (Keep in mind that they do their individual schoolwork first thing in the morning and they know everything else has to be after their work is done.)

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Bacteria farm

2:00 legos

3:00 computer games

4:00 Play time

5:00 Keva planks

6:45 dinner

I got my food, giggled and went back to bed. Sometimes being a little obsessive-compulsive comes in handy!

Posted by stephanie at February 20, 2008 07:57 AM

I love it! Stephie, thanks for the laugh to start my day.

Posted by: Ruth at February 21, 2008 08:13 AM

That is so awesome! Go Parker! ps - what are Keva planks? Inquiring minds wanna know!

Posted by: Tricia at February 21, 2008 01:14 PM

It's good to see that he was able to knock out two hours of computer games and Legos before he squeezed in a little play time. Priorities, and all that.

Posted by: Andrew at February 24, 2008 07:18 PM