Growing Up

I try to give my boys the opportunity to learn to do some "grown-up" things for themselves: make purchases with their own money, check out their own books at the library, handle their own banking transactions, etc. At Cory's birthday dinner they each were allowed to order their own meal. [Red Robin makes it easy being that the kids menu includes pictures of each choice. I had them circle what they wanted and then tell the waitress. They did a great job and the waitress commented on how well mannered they were.]

Today, Zane learned to bargain! He found a toy at World Market that was missing a piece. He still wanted the toy and asked if I thought it would be sold for less. I told him that he could ask when we got to the sales counter. To my surprise, he quickly agreed. [I wondered as we walked around the store if the clerk would think that I put him up to it.] We got to the counter and I made my purchase and then told the clerk that Zane had a question. He showed her the toy, explained about the missing piece, and then asked if it was worth less. [At this point, I mentioned that this was truly his idea.] She offered him the $4 toy for $2. After a moment of thought, he happily made the purchase.

It really enjoy watching them learn these life skills and know that they are gaining confidence with each experience.

Busy Boys

My boys do not have trouble finding things to do. They are not the type to complain about not having anything to do. I think I have only heard the word bored used in our house once or twice. I feel blessed that I don't have to deal with that attitude that seems to plague so many children.

They like building forts or towers with nearly every cushion/pillow in our house.




They were so excited when they discovered that Cade's little beads that expand in water would also stick to the ceiling. There were about 60 up there and it was very interesting and colorful; however, I was a little concerned they would stain the ceiling or dry and then damage the paint. They thought trying to get them down was also fun.




Sometimes I'm smart enough to harness their energy and put them to work doing things that I don't find the time to do. They had a great time washing windows.

Medic Luke

Luke loves first aid kits. I think he would spend all his money on them. He has quite the collection and usually takes one with him wherever we go. He helps his friends/family, but lends the kit to me if a stranger needs assistance. Some have suggested to him that he may want to be a doctor when he grows up. He doesn't want to be a doctor, but is more interested in being a medic for the fire department.



Luke bandaging Cade after a fall during the kids fun run at the Butterfly Run in Elkton.

Luke's Goals

Luke recently started 20 weeks of vision therapy. During one of our recent sessions, Penelope, his therapist, asked him to write down goals. I love the list he came up with:

1. Learn to swim.
2. Become a spy or ninja.
3. Go ice skating ASAP, but definitely before his is 16.
4. Be a Christian.
5. Learn how to make cookies.
6. Run a 5k by the time he is 8.

Mind your manners

The other day Cade and I were in his bedroom and evidently I interrupted him. He began to scold me for it and I reminded him that I was the parent and that it was not his job to correct me. The way I remember it, he said, "Someone needs to teach you." I asked Cade today what he had said and he told me that he didn't say "someone" needs to teach me; he said that my mom needs to teach me because I interrupt too much.

What's for dinner?

The other night we had potatoes and salad from our little raised bed gardens. I love providing the family with home grown goodness.



Also from the garden, but not on the menu, about forty roly-polys gathered by Cade.

Cade's Turn

Cade lost his first tooth on the first of July. I told Cade that the root on his tooth seemed long. After finding two dollars under his pillow, Cade concluded the Tooth Fairy paid him extra for the long root.