My children are getting to the ages that I am trying to be more deliberate about "training" them to take responsibility for themselves as well as their place in the family. This is a constant thought on my mind. Parker turned 11 last week and he grows bigger w/ every breath. He's so responsible for an 11 yr. old. I have to remind him at times to not take on too much because he is ONLY 11. It is such a fine line between making them be responsbile for chores and such around the house and allowing them to still be little. Mary Paige has a heart for service and loves to jump in and help me in the kitchen. She's quite good at it too. For a girl of just 9 to be able to clean up the kitchen about as well as I can is something that has come naturally for her. She can follow a recipe and carry through to the end and make something that tastes wonderful. Reese is learning that there are responsibilities to being an older brother as well as privileges. He seems to get "caught" in the middle at times. At 7 I couldn't be prouder of his willingness to help be an example to the younger boys while being younger than the older two and not getting as many responsibilities and privileges. Gabriel,5, is learning to listen to the guidance of the older three while trying to make right choices that his younger brother is watching him make. He too is a wonderful helper! This morning I have had a hard time getting some things done because he has been "helping" me so much and gets frustrated if he can't "help" me. Miles,3, is learning to clean up his own messes w/o any assistance from the older ones. It is too easy for me to request one of the older ones to clean up after him instead of training him to do it himself. I have alread invested the time in the older kids so they will follow through. Miles, however, I have fallen short on. He is so proud when he does a "job" for Mommy but I need to be there through the whole task to make sure he completes it. Making sure I am intentional w/ each day is a constant thought. Remembering every moment w/ my family is a teaching moment. Oh, Lord may I always be shining your light into my families lives.