The most amazing Big Brother

Every Sunday when Casey leaves to go back to LA, he always tells Ash "you help mommy this week, you are the man of the house, you be good ok?" Ash really takes it in, when Casey says this. Ashton is THE BEST helper. Today, he offered to clean his bathroom (it isn't perfect, but he is only 5) he fold towels for me, he sets the table, and most of all he watches over his baby brother, and plays with his sister. He is always offering to help, and asking if I need anything done. Of course, he has his moments when all these 'big brother/man of the house' duties gets the best of him, and he has a melt down, but he is amazing. Really, I am glad he is my first child, he carries a lot of weight on his shoulders for a 5 year old, but he does really good at it. He makes me smile often.
I love:
*that we can cuddle and watch Jon and Kate plus 8 together (we both LOVE this show, and its 'our time' to snuggle and spend time together each week- just the two of us)
*he is so smart. He is already starting to read. I love the preschool he is in (wee wonders preschool) and I am super sad that Rylee won't be able to attend next year. He has learned so much from Miss Kalli and Miss Lori. They have been the best teachers.
*Ashton loves play doh. He is so creative too. He is always thinking of something to mold that stuff into. He has quite the imagination.
*he loves to help me in the kitchen.
*he can pour his own cereal and milk now. I LOVE this! Really, it makes me smile frome ear to ear.
*he loves to pick out his own clothes, and is really particular if they match or not. He loves style.
*He loves to play outside. I have yet to meet another little boy that loves outside as much as Ashton. I think if he had the choice, he would live outside.
*he loves showers. He showers himself now (doesn't need moms help anymore) and could spend hours in the shower, if the water stayed warm that long :)
*Ashton loves to listen to me read stories from the 'Friend'. He is learning so much about the church and gospel principals. He is really smart, and pays such good attention in primary.
*He is OBSESSED with legos. I think its a 'boy' thing. He is constantly asking to play with them, and builds the coolest things.
*He loves playing the wii.
*He is a good eater. Sometimes he eats more than me! I can only imagine what his teenage years will cost! Good thing I have started couponing :)
*He loves his dad. Daddy will often take him on a date when he comes home for the weekends. Ashton usually write up a list of things that he wants to do with Casey. Last week the list said stuff like :
1. go camping
2. play baseball
3. catch bugs
4. go to the park
5. paint together

He actually writes the list out himself. He can write really well.
*Ashton has such a sweet personality. He is so compassionate and loving. He always puts others before him. He is such an example to me of service. This boy is so strong in the church, at such a young age. He is always reminding me that we need to read our scriptures, or that we need to have family home evening, or we need to say our prayers. (when we say our nightly prayers, we kneel in the living room, and Ashton is always first, then Rylee, then Boston, then me- and he always reminds us that is the order!)
Ashton, I love you. You are such an amazing little man. I am so privledged to be your mommy. I am thankful that you are a part of our family, but most of all, I am thankful that you are such an awesome, fun, loving, energetic, dirt loving, little boy!