HoneyBees and HandMaidens

Today I had 2 little angels at my house...in the form of 2 of my sisters. They popped over for a few hours this morning to help me. My Mom has done a wonderful job of teaching all of us girls how to run a home, organize, clean, and cook. Today I was the recipient of that training!

Therese tackled the grubby high chair and the fridge. Now that's true sisterly love! She also did a major tidy up all through the house and folded 3 loads of laundry. While she was doing this I fed the baby, did more laundry, and read to the kids. Eva had fun playing with and entertaining the boys.

Right after Madeline joined the family, Justin told me that I needed a "hand maiden" just like the Proverbs 31 woman. I couldn't have agreed more! I still think it's a great idea. Just a duplicate of me, you know...Someone to cook, clean, and do laundry. That way I can tend to my children, play outside, do "school" and not finish those things and have all that housework staring me in the face. Hmmm...sounds like a good idea! Usually it's a "good" day if the laundry is done and supper is on the table. All that "extra" stuff falls by the wayside, compared to teaching and training my little guys! I've had to lower my standards a lot in terms of a clean house. (that's hard for me, since I'm a type A++ person--ha!) When I was newly married, my house was very clean! Now I'm satisfied w/ a tidy house. I have to remind myself that my children are more important than immaculate floors and dust-free furniture. Justin reminds me..."Where there are no oxen the crib is clean"


Thanks T and E for helping me today. It was a big blessing. You two reminded me of the chapter Justin and I are memorizing:
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not everyman on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."