The Rake's Progress

Rake's progress

George has been making himself useful, both because he likes to rake and because he is getting paid by the pound.

He reminds us of his brothers from years past:

Birthday cupcakes

In honor of Georgie's birthday, Henry helped Mommy make cupcakes and then handled all the decorations himself.  Now he wants to open a bake shop with me when we're grownups and decorate cupcakes all day long.  So much for our plan to become Lego engineers...

Green thumbs

Summer job

Since Mommy and Daddy are living on a paltry law clerk's income right now, they are putting me to work as a day laborer. So far, Mommy and Daddy are my only clients, but I hope to get a good referral business going.

Plant propagation techniques

Daddy's Aunt Betsy is a plant expert, so I decided to impress her by showing off my dandelion propagation techniques. Thanks to my prowess, our yard back home is covered in them! I hope she appreciates my services...

Mr. Fix-it

Look at how handy I've become with home improvement projects and fake tools. Someone get me a tool belt, stat!

Perpetuating stereotypes

Yesterday I helped Mommy and Daddy clear off the coffee table. I found a book on gardening and said, "Mommy book!" and gave it to her. Then I found a book on home repair and said, "Daddy book!" and gave it to him. How helpful of me!

Green thumb

One of my favorite pastimes is "helping" Mommy in the garden. I really liked helping my grandma when I was in LA, so I am enjoying applying my skills to a new climate zone.

Locksmith

Yesterday I helped Mommy install a new deadbolt. Let's see how long it takes me to open the thing and escape when she's not looking!

"I help!"

Today I helped Daddy with our new power washer and Mommy with the shrubs. This was after I rode my tricycle all over the neighborhood and hugged several dogs I met on the way. When I rode back up the hill and saw Mommy waiting for me, I dismounted my trike and ran all the way to see Mommy.

Outdoor antics

Mommy finally nagged Daddy into doing something about last fall's leaves, so I generously decided to help. If I weren't around to assist, I don't know how those people would manage!

Ironing fun

I've been busy honing my ironing skills and developing new moves to score more points for difficulty. You didn't know extreme ironing was a sport, did you? I think it's a shoo-in for the Beijing Olympics--too bad I won't be old enough to compete!

Happy Valentine's day!

Just give me a bow and arrow (not an ugly camo one like Daddy's), and call me Cupid! I will doff my clothes and deliver a box of chocolates and a singing telegram for only $29.95.*

*Limited time offer, one per customer. Box of chocolates will be delivered to Mommy. Songs are restricted to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "London Bridge is Falling Down," and "La Cucaracha" (which can be very romantic when sung with the right accompaniment, I assure you)

The plant doctor

Today I helped Grandma with her gardening by poking her dead plants with sticks and kissing them to make them feel better. How empathetic of me!

Chores

Tonight Mommy and Daddy gave me a new chore--ironing. I'm supposed to do 5 shirts a week for Daddy, for fruit snacks and Barney privileges. Um, hello, Mom & Dad, haven't you ever heard of child labor laws? Minimum wage? Do I have to grow up and go to law school to reinforce my rights around here?

Making bread

Daddy and Mommy wanted to make something called naan, so naturally I volunteered to "help." I had fun kneading the dough with my grubby little fingers. I think I'm ready for my shot at Iron Chef now.

Wherein I "help" with the laundry

One of my favorite chores is laundry time. I especially like to scoop the detergent into the washer and pull out the dryer lint. Mmmm, lint. Today I was very helpful as usual. I stuffed all the clean laundry back into the dryer because my parents are slobs and let the stuff pile up. Shameful. What would their housekeeping skills be like if I weren't around to help?

[Edit: I just looked over this post, and I HAD NO IDEA that there was a reindeer on my butt. I mean, really, why would any sane person want a reindeer on their butt? He's wearing a scarf, too, it seems. No wonder Mommy always giggles when she puts me in this thing. I think I'll pee on it tonight and see who has the last laugh.]