OK...so lately I have been struggling a lot with protecting the feelings and emotions of my kids...mainly the older 3. Mom's naturally want to protect, to defend, to shield. I realize that these little people will have to experience trial and heartache. They are both necessary for growth. I know that. It still doesn't take away from the fact that I worry when they worry, I'm sad when they are sad.
Where is this all coming from? School issues mostly. Last week we had SEP's, or parent - teacher conferences. All 3 of the kids are doing well in school. Really well actually. I am proud of them. Alex (4th grade) is reading at a 6th grade level. I'm not saying this so people can compare. I'm sure many of your kids are reading faster...or possibly slower than that. Anyhow, he was thrilled and proud. Lizzy (2nd grade) is reading at a 4th grade level and Emily (2nd grade) is reading at a 6th grade level too. Here is where I start to worry as their mom. Some are obviously doing better than others. The conversation in the car was touchy. Emily was thrilled, and rightfully so, that she was reading so fast. Who else would she rather share that excitement with than her family? She told everyone, then asked how thier reading was. Lizzy was proud to announce 4th grade. She didn't see any need to compare to Emily's 6th, I guess. That was my first worry. Lizzy, and her tender little emotions. Alex had a different response. He didn't believe her. I think he was embarrassed that his 8 year old sister was reading as well as him. I explained that she was more like the beginning of 6th, and he was almost 7th. He was actually a little teary by the time we pulled into the driveway.
How do I make my home a safe place? A place where we can celebrate one another's accomplishments, even if they exceed our own. I struggle with it myself, so how can I teach my children? They should be able to brag if they want. To their family. Without the worry of upsetting someone. Yesterday, we went to Krispy Kreme for report card donuts. They get a donut for each 4 on their card. Alex had 6, Emily had 7 and Lizzy had 5. I worried about my sweet Liz, so I found another spot on the girls cards that had number grades, only 3 of them. The girls each had 3 there, so that is what I used. I explained that since Alex was older, he had more grades, therefore more donuts. I couldn't have Lizzy leaving with less and wondering why. What would you have done? Seriously. How would you celebrate with the 2 and explain to the 3rd? I may be under-estimating Elizabeth. She may have been just fine, but I didn't want to find out.
I'm finding that motherhood is all about nurturing. That is my role. That is my job. To fill these little people up. Constantly. They may leave for school in the morning with a full tank but come home almost empty. My job is to be sensitive to them, pull them aside if I need to, and add more love. More security. More confidence. Reminders of who they really are.
My nephew Aaron is 11 today! Happy birthday handsome boy! Aaron is the youngest of my brother's 4 boys. He is such a tender kid. As you can tell from the first picture (taken by my brother Joel by the way...most of these are), he is a momma's boy, through and through. Thelma adores him and he adores her. They have a very dear, sweet relationship. They are truly connected. She worries about him, she protects him, and he lets her.
Aaron is a bit of a daredevil. That may be due to his having 3 older brothers who are daredevils too. The kid keeps up with them, but in doing that, breaks A LOT of bones. I'm not even sure how many he has broken, but I heard that the last time he left the hospital with his parents, they walked past a vending machine and he asked if he could get something next time he broke a bone. :) Lots of worry for his poor parents.
Aaron is a happy, playful boy. He reminds me a bit of my Lizzy. You will see him playing by himself a lot. He doesn't necessarily need other people to make him happy. I think that is such a good trait for kids to have. He is intense about football. He plays, but more impressive, he knows EVERYTHING about BYU football and the NFL. Players, stats, old scores. He reads book after book and memorizes what he sees. Ask him a question...he'll know the answer...I promise. :)
Aaron loves to fish, just like his big brother Matthew. And he's persistent. Persistent and patient. My mom says that when they were visiting last summer, the boys fished every day. Aaron never caught a thing...until the last cast of the last day. Never whined or complained, just kept at it. Don't you love that?
He takes after his mom and dad and is quite musical. He plays the violin, but more importantly, the trombone. His daddy plays the trombone, and what little boy doesn't want to be just like his dad. It is so great that they share this passion. I think it actualy inspired my brother to dust off his old trombone and get to playing again. Aaron has actually had a solo in his band concert!
Aaron seems wise beyond his years. He is quiet, contemplative, and tender. We love him so much. Happy Birthday Aaron! 
