What do you expect? He was only born in 2006!

Less than two days after I'd posted this YouTube video featuring comedian Louis CK on Conan, Miles gave a perfect example of how far we've come technologically in such a short time -- and how kids today are completely unaware of it. Thankfully my example is not one of him complaining, but rather...well, just keep reading.

Tonight we were doing a 'family game night' of sorts, something we need to do more often but haven't lately. After dinner Casey suggested we play 'Go Fish' and Miles was beyond excited when I agreed to play with them. Our family game night usually tends to be spent playing a Wii game, like super-strike bowling. But Miles enjoys the card games just as much -- I think for him it's about all of us doing something together.

I think we were just into our second game and it was Miles' turn. Suddenly he stood up and began running toward the bathroom, but stopped to yell back at us, "Pause the game!" and kept going. As Casey mimicked pointing a remote at our pile of cards, I threw my head back and laughed. Miles soon made his way back to the living room, laughing along with me as he had realized what he'd said.

Without getting too deep here, that was one of those moments where I wanted to ask if I could press the pause button and make it last a little longer.

Wordless Wednesday

Best Homework Ever

Last night Miles had his first homework assignment, which involved working on the letter E, matching rhyming words, writing his name and the number 3. Casey and I sat and watched as he held his pencil and that little face showed such concentration. It was all too adorable for me, and I couldn't help but kiss his cheek as he worked. Each time he'd finish one task on the paper, he would turn my way and look for the praise and encouragement he needs when learning something new. At one point though, Miles stopped his work to smile at me. He tapped his chin in thought and said, "Mom, I think you're going to be so proud." At this I burst out laughing, then hugged and kissed him and told him he was right -- I would be so proud of him forever and ever.

Heart Stickers

Nearly one week ago, my blog turned seven years old. Seven! Back then, I think it was sometimes called a 'weblog.' Yikes. Sounds like the dark ages, huh?

While I'm thankful for this outlet for my creative writing and a way to connect to a lot of fascinating people (and lifelong blog friends!), I am thankful for much, more more. Of course I am talking about Casey and Miles. Being the only girl in the house -- unless you count Junebug the cat -- I get to feel pretty special most of the time. But my two boys are so much sweeter than anything I could deserve. I'll give you an example.

For the past several days I've been struggling with a slight cold, but worse than that is the ear infection along with it. My ear aches most in the mornings and evenings, and it's become frustrating (especially with the difficulty of hearing). So I'm sniffling, coughing, aching...all the usual that comes along with a cold. Not feeling great, obviously, so I was resting my head for just a bit before fixing dinner this evening.

I walked into the kitchen, and the first thing Miles said was, "Mama...we have something for you!" and I could see a white folded 'thank you' card in his hand. I'm not sure whose idea it was to give me a card -- it could have been either one of them -- but it didn't matter. I opened it up to find the inside covered with little heart stickers and Casey's handwriting. Miles had asked him to write these words:

Dear Mama,

We'll give you two hearts. Love you Mama. We kiss and hug you forever and ever.

I don't know about you...but my heart was pretty much filled from the beginning of that note. In that moment there were no colds, no earaches, no sniffles that could contend with such love. I went on to cook a meal for my family without complaint after that.

Does my ear still hurt? Yes. Do I still feel achy? Sure. When I glance over and look at that heart-filled card, does it really matter? No way.

Thank you, God. Thank you for two of the best blessings you have ever given me, and ones that I deserved the least. Thank you for Casey and Miles.