When love became a chore

So now that John and I have been married for almost 10 years, I can finally say I know his true weak spot - his back! His mother must have sat for hours when he was growing up scratching his back. Not hard or too soft, a certain way that I have never completely learned correctly. So when Ashlyn and Joshua became old enough to take on this role, my not so good backscratching came to a haul. Well, sorta. So, they would all be getting along so well, horse playing or spending time together and the time came. "Can you please scratch my back Ashlyn?" or "I'll give you a hug if you scratch my back Joshua." That lasted a few months and then came more bribery. "I'll pay you a quarter if you scratch my back Ashlyn." A little more backscratching occurred this way...

Well, yesterday something kinda funny happened. The 3 kids made a big mess as usual after breakfast creating some sort of "new dish" (some candy, water, and smashing) in the kitchen. Ashlyn was a huge helper and was washing the bowls they used. She said, "Mom, maybe we can make a chore chart today and I can start doing an allowance again." We used to do this when she was younger, but than kinda got rid of the paying part for most of those chores. She said, "I think I can do the dishes, make my bed, brush my teeth, and pick up my room everyday for money. Oh yah, and I can scratch daddy's back too!" I started laughing. Then she said "Joshua and Caleb can also brush their teeth and make their bed...maybe everyone can scratch dad's back for some money too!" I guess that has become a new "chore" for everyone now, poor John!