Makes a Mother's Heart Happy

Kudos for Gabriel:

1. A couple of weeks ago Gabriel realized late at night that he didn't have the clothing he needed for school the next day. He gathered up his dirty clothes, brought them to the laundry room, put them in the washer machine and started a cycle. (He even added other clothes to make the load full.) Then he asked me if I would put them in the dryer before going to bed so they would be ready in the morning. Ummm...of course! (That was after the double-take)

That may not be a big deal in some families but in our house the scenario usually goes something like this...
Child: "Mom, I can't find _____ (insert item of clothing), is it clean?"
Mom: "Did you bring it down to be washed?"
Child: "I don't know."
Mom: "Find something else."
Followed by grumbling and complaining.
Our deal is simple. They bring it down. I wash it. They put it away. If it is really important they need to mention it specifically to me a day ahead. Otherwise there is no guarantee.

So to have Gabriel do it all on his own was awesome!

2. Sunday Gabriel needed to iron his shirt for church. He was running late. He got busy ironing and was VERY careful about doing it just right. Then he put the shirt on a hanger so it wouldn't get rumpled while he showered. (Bonus - he didn't complain about having to take a shower in the first place and he was actually quick about it.)

Again, not a huge deal - except it usually goes that Gabriel doesn't even notice/care if his shirt is wrinkled. If he does notice/care, he makes an official complaint and asks to borrow one of dads. Assuming of course that it will be fixed the next time around. Which it usually is...sigh. (Can only blame myself for that.)

So what could have brought about these developments? Gabriel has been working on his Duty to God, a program that is part of deacons quorum at church. One requirement was to wash and iron his clothing for a month. He completed this with instructions and reminders from me. However, these incidents occurred after the month requirement was over - and on his own initiative.

I guess these are signs that my 13-year-old is maturing...hooray!!!