The Self-Parented Child

Tonight Jude decided that if no one else is going to do the laundry, he will just have to take charge himself.  Someone has to be responsible around there.  I believe he was thinking that maybe, just maybe, if I get my clothes washed and folded Mama will dress me.  Afterall, what other explanation could their be for her leaving me naked so much?*
By the time I came upon this scene, Jude had already initiated getting the laundry basket from his closet, hauling it to the laundry room (moving his little picnic table to get in), and unloading almost the entire (very full) basket into washing machine.

Jude encored his laundry routine with reading "Federal Regulation Aviation and Aeronautical Information Manuel" for his bedtime story. I warned him it was boring. He gave me a "I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it" look.  

*The actual explanation for tonight's cloth-free fare was Jude's decision to shove beets up his sleeves during bedtime snack.  Yes, he had requested those beets.  And casserole.  Which we haven't had in weeks.