We have a seven year old boxer named Duncan. Duncan is a messy eater. He likes to take a big mouthful of food and ends up spilling a good portion of it on the floor. Because Duncan is a messy eater we keep his food and water bowls in the laundry room. Tonight while I was making dinner, John was playing on the deck and Gillian was trying to sweep the kitchen floor with my broom. All of a sudden I heard little plinks and plunks. Gillian was picking up Duncan’s food and was putting it back into his bowl. I asked her what she was doing and she replied “cleanup!”

John and Gillian were really good for Mommy tonight. As a special treat I put on an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Gillian is just starting to watch TV and actually enjoy what she is watching. As the opening started, I heard John say to Gillian “it’s magic. You need to say the magic words.” Gillian wasn’t capable of say Meeska Mooksa Mickey Mouse, but by the end of the episode she was able to say “Toodles” and “Mickey.” Amazing how quickly they learn.