For Sammie, my daughter, my hero

love mom.

Sally and Jimmy plopped down on the sofa feeling very bored. Their dad was at the computer trying to get some work done. Their mom was in the laundry room folding clean linen. Mom, said Sally, we're bored. Mom said, well you can help me with the laundry. Jimmy and Sally looked at each other and went to help Mom. They each grabbed a corner of a sheet. Jimmy took it and put it over his head. Boo! I'm a ghost and I'm going to get you! Eeeeek! Sally laughed, and they chased each other all over the house.

When they got tired, they plopped down on the sofa again and Jimmy said, Mom, we're bored! Mom was in the kitchen washing dishes. Well, you can both help me do dishes. Okay they said. They went to the sink and began to scrub dishes making lots of suds, too many suds. Watch this, said Sally. She made a ring with her fingers and blew a large shiny bubble. They watched it float up until it popped. I can make a bigger one. Said Jimmy. His was twice the size and it floated up to Sally's face and popped on her nose. Soon they were pretty soaked from the splashing and bubble making. They were having fun.

They went back to the sofa and noticed their dad at the computer trying to work. Dad, we're bored. Their dad replied, without looking up. Well, you can help organize these papers I have scattered here. Okay, said Jimmy and Sally. They grabbed the papers and began straightening them. Want to see something? Said Jmmy. He folded a piece of paper a few times until he created a paper airplane. He threw it across the room and it landed on his dad's desk. Let me try, said Sally. She made a paper hat and said, I am Captain of this ship and you're my prisoner! Oh no I'm not! Yelled Jimmy. He crumpled up paper balls and pelted his sister with them. One bounced off his dad's head. His dad gave Jimmy a stern look. After they cleaned up the mess and helped Dad organize his papers, they went to the back yard and plopped down on the grass watching Mom rearrange fresh flowers into a vase.

We are so bored Mom. Mom looked over at them and said, well you can help water all these flowers and plants for me. And after that, please make sure you clean Mr. Jellybeans birdcage. Okay, said Jimmy and Sally. They grabbed the bucket and got to work. Mom sure has a bunch of plants. Said Jimmy. I know, said Sally . It looks like a jungle out here. All of a sudden Jimmy started to bang on the side of the bucket like a drum. Oh oh! Whispered Jimmy. Do you hear those drums? Yes, said Sally playing along. It's the islanders, I think they are banging on the drum for it to rain! Do you think it will make it rain? Asked Sally. Sure! Said Jimmy. And he took the bucket filled with water, and showered his sister with it. There it is! Ha! I'm going to get you Jimmy! Sally grabbed the bucket and chased him.

They played in the yard for a long time. They also swept the porch and remembered to take care of Mr. Jellybeans. After they were done, they went around and found Mom in the garage putting stuff away on shelves. Hi mom, can we help? Said Jimmy. Of course. Mom smiled and directed them to stack some boxes neatly in the corner. Then she went to start dinner. After they were done, Sally said, look at Dad's bike. And she climbed on it. Then everyone else climbed on pretending they were going on an adventure. Let's go everyone! Vroom! That didn't last too long because Dad came in and told them to get down because it wasn't safe. But, before they did, he took a quick picture with his cell phone, then helped them down.