My daughter, my helper!

The other day, Rachel did something she shouldn't have done. I got onto her and reminded her why we don't do it (whatever it was) and she said she was "sorry". I told her it was okay, but not to do it again. I think I even gave her a little lecture. Then, she looked at me and said, "mommy, I made a "stake"and everyone makes "stakes" sometimes. I thought that was hilarious, because she obviously meant "mistake" and she also wasn't impressed with or impacted by my lecture. Note to self: keep reprimands short and sweet!

I know I've said it a million times, but Rachel is a HUGE HELP to me!!! She really does a great job of looking after her brother. And, I don't want y'all thinking that I place this huge responsibility on her...I really don't! She just assumes that's her role, and I appreciate all the help I can get! Today, we went to 3 different stores and that's always a tiring ordeal. At Sears, I had to take something back and then got something else. So, we had already been in there for awhile and the kids had been so patient. I had just let Bradley get down and I told him to stand with me and sissy. He looked right in my eyes, and YES, he did understand me. He even stayed there...for a couple of minutes. The clerk even said, "wow, he's young to listen so well." As she was saying this, Bradley took off through the clothing aisles. Then, Rachel took off after him to keep up with him. I tried to grab my receipts and item and took off running in the direction that they had run. I couldn't see them, so I said, "Rachel, where are y'all?" She answered me and said, "we're looking at the princess bed." This was a very LONG ways away from where I had checked out. Thank GOD they didn't get kidnapped or anything. Well, I was mad and I popped Bradley on the butt for running away from me. Of course, this made him start wailing very loudly. I also stopped and thanked Rachel for staying with Bradley and making sure he was okay. I mean, if she hadn't followed him, he wouldn't have been able to answer when I called and I would have been even more frantic trying to find him. So, obviously this was my fault. I shouldn't have Bradley down and not been holding his hand. And, I'm VERY thankful for my precious daughter who so willingly helps her mommy and so lovingly looks after her brother.