Eight and Six

What was it my mother said?  Are the even years easier or harder than the odd?  Either way, these boys are eight and six years old now.  I made the mistake of saying Mark was five the other day, and I was quickly corrected by the six year old himself!  He lost his first tooth Monday.  He was at school, in P.E. class.  I will have to take a picture of him this afternoon.  It's all happening so fast!  He told us Sunday night that he had a loose one, and when I picked him up Monday after school, it was in the bag.  He was so proud!  He had proudly shown it to all of his classmates.

Nathan is working on a loose one on the top, too, but he doesn't talk as much about it. His just quietly fall out.  He's also waiting for the top two to come in.  Every now and then he mentions that he doesn't know when they'll be there, but we just say, "They're coming!  Everyone's teeth come in when they're ready!"  Funny how we see their personalities even in the little happenings of childhood.

On this quiet Wednesday morning, I am having a cup of coffee while the November sunshine streams in through the den windows.  I should be doing laundry, or prepping my grocery list, or bringing down my items to consign and donate.  Or cleaning a bathroom.  Eight years ago, Nathan would have been exactly 1 week old.  My tasks were to hold him, feed him, and wash our laundry.  Our meals were provided.  My mother was probably here helping me.  What a difference a few years make! 

We celebrated birthdays with NC/SC family last weekend...and I just wanted to record a few thoughts about each boy at this age so we will remember what they were like at 8 and 6.

Nathan - Loves to read Hardy Boys and Magic Treehouse books.  Loves clever rhymes.  Loves all things electronic.  Loves to explain things.  Moves deliberately.  Loves to make plans.  Loves to ride his bike.  Loves being outside.  Loves being at home.  Loves music.  Loves to talk.  Loves waking up early.  Has his own "office" in his closet.  Loves camping and kayaking.  Loves doing projects with his dad.  Loves his friends.  Loves his dog. Loves to laugh.  Loves his brother.  Favorite foods are poppyseed chicken, grilled chicken legs, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese and homemade bread.  Is loyal and considerate and helpful.

Mark - Loves learning to read on his own.  Loves Legos.  Loves climbing.  Loves riding his bike.  Loves running fast.  Moves quickly.  Loves his friends and makes new ones almost daily.  Loves adventures.  Loves camping and kayaking.  Loves to sing.  Loves sleeping in.  Loves sports and games.  Is very competitive.  Loves to dress up.  Loves to make others laugh.  Loves his brother. Loves doing projects with his dad.  Loves his dog.  Favorite foods are grilled chicken legs, hamburgers, fried eggs, grilled cheese, and pretty much anything we put in front of him.  Is outgoing and kind and generous.

Oh my, there's more to write.  I knew that would happen.  If I could just sit here for a long time and write and write....but that's something for another day.  Right now, I really do need to put the new neon orange and yellow sweatshirts in the wash for two little boys who will be wanting them tomorrow!