Harrumph!

{seven year old, picture day, that is not a smile}

Can you see the expression on this one? Whereas big brother is pining for button-down shirts and ties, this one positively lives in t-shirts. His upper body wardrobe consists of precisely two types of clothing- short sleeve tees and long sleeve tees. Needless to say, he wasn't happy this morning when it was time to get dressed and I presented a freshly pressed, long sleeve, button down, collared linen shirt. Oh horror of horrors! He stomped and threatened and left in an angry huff! Oh well, it's picture day and mama's got the last word. ;0)

{addendum: tonight I could not get him to take a shower, so I threatened, "If you do not get in the shower right now, I will get you another long sleeve, button down, collared shirt to wear to school tomorrow!" Man, he was in the shower before I finished my sentence. My husband came upstairs and asked what had I just said, rolling his eyes. Hey, it worked!}

A Week of Firsts!

Phew, we've had a week of firsts around here! This may very well be the happiest little boy on the planet. He has waited sooo long to lose a tooth. And now, just two short months from his 8th birthday, it finally happened. He was thrilled beyond words and talked about it all weekend long. He cradled that itty bitty tooth in the palm of his hands as if it was the most precious diamond in the world. And of course, there was much speculation on how generous the tooth fairy might be. Now, there are at least three more of those little suckers loose and awaiting a good tug to free them from their confines. Man, I guess the tooth fairy hasn't been made aware of the recession! Someone, that would be moi, needs to visit the ATM asap.

{1st tooth lost, September 6, 2009}

Someone's Come Out of Their Shell

This is the second born performing with his school class in a little program entitled "We are One Big Happy Family." Until recently, he has been the "quiet one." Definitely not an attention-seeker, always there to calm the waters and be the peacekeeper. But all of a sudden, a star is born. Both at school and especially out on the soccer field, he has become a powerful leader, outspoken and confident. Oh how I love this boy!

The quiet one.

I always wonder what's going on in this kiddos head. He is of the pensive persuasion, and when he has something to say it is often "deep" and profound, even for a newly 7 year old. Unless it has something to do with video games, then he is a chatterbox without an off button who prattles on and on about mario and crash and sonic and the newest-latest-greatest level he has attained on the planet whosit in the galaxy of whatsit...

Goodness gracious I love these boys so full of life and promise.

This is why I had kids...

First night of Hanukkah, gift giving has commenced. The second born opens his gift and then comes up to me and the mister:

S: Thank you for my present.

Us: You're welcome, do you like it?

S: I love it...but I love being with my family even more!

Aaahh, that kid melts me into a pile of slush every. single. time.

Just Because...

I love you. xo-mom

Thinking out loud

Lest I get too excited about my grown-up night out, my boys are always there to bring me back to earth. {Context} I was just telling the mister about the life of a blogger whose blog I follow daily. She just happens to live, year round, in one of our favorite vacation spots, AND she is an interior designer with a blossoming business. As I uttered the words, "someday that would be a nice life to have," along zips by second-born and pronounces, without so much as an after thought-

Second born: "Mom, I'm going to do number two!"

Mom: "of course you are, call me when you're done"

Oh well, I must not forget my place in this world, I wonder where a*s-wiper goes on a resume, is that even a job qualification?

Swept Away

This one completely, totally, hopelessly takes my breath away...{rosemary beach, april, 2008}

It happened so fast

7

6



Six to seven, in the blink of an eye!

GOAL!

Today was our last soccer game until Spring...I love watching this boy play. He has such a natural talent and a true love for the game. When he plays, all the shyness is gone, he exudes confidence and plays center stage. And, as in all walks of his life, he wears his heart on his sleeve and that's why I love him so.

Gameboy

Lets cut to the chase, I LOVE this kid!