On not flunking

I did not flunk my oral Spanish exam. For this I am most pleased.

Jacob

Jacob was grounded from the Wii and the computer until Friday. He turns 7 today actually. We always let the birthday boy choose a restaurant for his birthday. Tuesdays are crazy normally because of Cub Scouts and this week Gene has softball and I have a 7 p.m. meeting at church.

Jacob suggests that we go out to eat Wednesday instead. Suspecting nothing, mom walks into the trap.

"Oh honey. I would hate for you to miss your birthday dinner."

"That's OK. I don't mind. I think it would be less crazy."

"OK. Well, is there something special that I could cook at home tomorrow instead?" mom asks, still not sure if he's really OK with this idea.

"No, I don't need anything special."

Mom's heart swells with pride at her selfless son.

He continues. "You know, what I'd really like is to be ungrounded from the Wii and the computer. I mean, it's my birthday."

Geesh! This kid is clever.

Maternal Moment

Everyone knows I love my kids, but I'm also a big whiner. Raising kids is hard work and it's often relentless. Sometimes I worry that I lack some maternal genes because I don't wear the badge of selflessness proudly and certain mom things do not get me all a-flutter. My mom, the original mama bear, swears each baby has a scent of the gods. I remember her spending hours smelling her grandsons. Yeah, I do their laundry, and I know what they really smell like.

Tomorrow, my baby turns 7. I made his sugar cookies on sticks (stupid box and its stupid ideas) and I color coordinated the frosting with the craft sticks (oh, my little darling loves the organization I sought in my former childless life). Thankfully, there were only four colors of sticks. Everyone knows I am far from being a gifted baker and/or decorator, but Jacob peeked out of bed and he thinks my cookies rock.

As much as I adore baking, tonight I felt a strong tenderness toward my son as I sewed his badges on his Cub Scout uniform. (By the way, I also lack advanced sewing skills). As I thought about those beautiful brown eyes and his unbelievable ability to make me laugh and marvel one moment and on the verge of losing my mind the next, I found myself smiling. My little storyteller has devoured stories I've read and books I've treasured. He shares deep insights about my God and reminds me that someone is watching. I can only hope that he feels cloaked in love tomorrow as he puts his Cub Scout shirt.

Yeah Jacob!
Today our reluctant 6-year-son learned to ride his bike! He absolutely was not going to do it at noon. He did it in 30 minutes on the Shunga Trail. Now he's an expert.

I am in line to board the Ferry to Ellis island.

Jared's victory

Jared can now buckle his seat belt. He has been counting how many times he has done each time he gets into the car. I cannot tell you how much happiness this brings me.