eureka

I read something profound recently, like as in this morning because I can't sleep and I don't feel like working or working out.  I read a letter from a mom to her son as he began a new school year, telling him that she didn't want him to try to be "the best" at anything but, rather, she wanted him to go into the new year working each day on being "brave and kind."  YES.  That is totally my desire too.  Brave.  Kind.  That sums it up.  That is all I really wish, in the end of the day, for my boys.  A life filled with brave acts and kindness to others and themselves.  I would like them to be happy along the way but you can't really appreciate happiness without a little saddness thrown in so I get that and I will be here to hold them and comfort them when the sad days come and I know they will come.  I feel very brave now but I hope I am as brave when the sad days are here.

I love my boys so much.  I worry sometimes that I don't say it enough.  I worry about Ben's cockiness and am annoyed by Joey's loudness.  I focus waaay too much on their faults and not enough on their brillant gifts.

Ben is a fiercly loyal friend.  He truly loves his best friends like they are family, like they are an extension of himself.  I have never seen a kid more supportive of his teamates when playing sports, either.  He is always the first to offer a high-five or a pat on the back.   Ben is so kind to little kids.  He thrives in a caretaker position and loves to set a good example for little watchful eyes.  Ben has a huge, silly, fun-loving personality and really I can say that about Joe too.  Both boys love to sing and dance and bring out the fun in everyone and every situation.  Life is more fun with laughter.  They totally get that and I love that about them. 

Joe is a gracious and kind friend.  He likes to make sure everyone is included in activities and has refreshments to enjoy as well!!  Joe will suggest things to do but is often the first to back down and change direction if his friend wants to do something else.  Joe is very flexible and I admire that about him and try to learn from him how to master this trait.  Joe is a super determined kid.  When Joey sets his mind to something, there is nothing stopping him.  A perfect example is how he would sink like a rock this spring at swim lessons but is now swimming all over the pool and DIVING off the diving board (he taught himself how to do that too).  Now I know most kids, eventually, master how to go from sinking to swimming but it was awesome to watch Joey literally do it in a day.  He decided he was done wearing a vest and that was that. 

I am so very blessed to be able to know, love, and spend time with these two crazies.  My best gifts ever.  My brave, kind, awesome boys.