If this doesn't warm your heart then you just don't have one....

Yesterday I was trying to convince Caden that he needed to clean his room. I realize that my children are 2 and 3 years old but they are actually pretty good at picking up after themselves. I have been relentless about throwing away your trash when you're done and putting your dishes in the sink. Little Macy has to get on her tippy toes but she does put her dishes in the sink when she's finished eating, both of them do without being told. Even at Macy's bday party she would not throw her wrapping paper in the floor until I told her it was okay just this time. So anyway, Caden needed to clean his room. Macy cleaned hers the first time I told her to. Caden needed a little convincing. I sat him down and said, "Caden, Daddy works very hard so that we have money to buy you toys. Not all kids get to have a bunch of toys like you do. Some mommies and daddies don't have enough money left over to get to buy lots of toys. You are very lucky to have the things you do. So, you need to be thankful for what you have and take care of your toys by putting them away." I figured my speech would go in one ear and out the other. I always try to talk to my children just like anyone else. I don't baby talk them or dumb things down for them. I thought it might have been a little over his head though. I was so wrong. He looked up at me with his big brown eyes, his face all lit up and just like he had come up with the most amazing idea ever said, "Hey! Maybe we can get all of the toys we are finished playing with and take them to all the kids that don't have any toys!" He was so proud of his statement. I was so proud too. I'm not going to lie. My eyes teared up. I find that I am much more emotional as a mother as I ever was before. He immediately cleaned his entire room. We haven't gone thru his toys yet, but all that evening and all day today he has been asking when we can gather up our used toys to take to kids that need them. I am so proud of my son. He has a very genuine generousity inside him that inspires me. When he said that to me it made me feel like I must be doing something right.

Caden is at such a wonderful age. He's in that stage where the things he comes up with are hilarious. This is definately my favorite age so far. He asks why every other sentence but he seems to really grasp the answers I give him. I'm telling you, if you are ever feeling down or just in a slump or something come to my house and spend 10 minutes with Caden. I promise you that you will leave feeling happy and refreshed. And you will probably leave with a funny joke or two to tell your friends about my silly little Caden.

In summation....Caden inspired me this week to genuinly reach out to other people who are in need. He had absolutely no hesitation at all to part with his toys so that other children would have something to play with. I admire his unselfishness and hope it has rubbed off on me!