So I don't FOURget

I have been recording "Jake Quotes" for several years now for several reasons.  First, I can't possibly remember them all, not with new ones happening nearly every day.  Second, people would probably think I was making them up (but really, you can't make this stuff up).  And finally, I feel like it is the bet way to capture who he is and years from now I know we will all get a good laugh when we look back and them.

A few months ago we all went out to lunch at a Chinese Buffet.  After we finished up, I took the boys out to the car while Arthur stayed inside to pay the bill.  As we walked to the car I guess Jake was observing the diversity of the patrons and he proudly announced his findings, "This place has food for everyone...regular people and Chinese people."

We had a similar experience when Robyn, Jake, James and I, all took our first trip to the Amish market.  As a quick side note, I am slightly obsessed with the Amish!  I couldn't have been more excited the first time I saw families riding around with their horse and buggy.  And don't get me started about how beautiful there homes look at night lit up in candle light.  But anyway, I guess I have made my feelings quite clear because just as we approached the door a family all dressed in long denim skirts was exiting.  "What a cute Amish family!" Jake exclaimed.

There is no question that in most ways Jake is Arthur's mini me, but every once in awhile, he does something that is ALL me.   Like the night Jacob could be heard (probably by the entire neighborhood) hysterically screaming from the bathroom, "Just give me the band aid!  JUST GIVE ME THE BAND AID!!!"  While it sounded like we were trying to extract one of his vital organs, Arthur was simply trying to remove a teeny tiny sliver of glass from Jake's heal with a set a tweezers.  As I lay on top of Jake, trying to keep his skinny little body from thrashing, I couldn't help but laugh a little.  I know it sounds horrible and I know that he didn't appreciate it either because through his tears he spat, "It isn't funny!"  I tried to assure him that I really wasn't laughing at him...I was laughing because in that moment I saw myself more clearly in him than I have probably ever have before.  What can I say, of course Jake would inherit my most charming trait!

Jake loves to draw and when you combine that with his passion for insects, or should I say arthropods, it is no surprise that he loves to draw insects.  The other night he was out in the homeschool room working on a page full of butterflies while Arthur and I talked in the kitchen.  After a few minutes he came in and I assumed he wanted to show off his work, but instead he just held his paper down looking very solemn.  "Mommy, I tried to do a butterfly...but...but...promise you won't laugh."  "Of course I won't laugh, Baby!" I assured him, as I thought, "What sort of terrible mother would laugh at her child's art?!?"

Well, unfortunately this one.  I didn't mean too, but this kind of caught me off guard.  And for just a moment, my heart started to break and I began to mentally berate myself for being such a horrible mother.  And as I saw his beautiful little face fall, I was sure that I would be the reason he would never draw again, and then suddenly, he smiled...a great big, "Gotcha!" smile!!  Forget art...give this boy an Oscar.  That was good...too good!  Only four years old and he already knows how to play me...now that is all Daddy.

As Jake and I read scriptures together or talk about spiritual things, especially the Savior, I am both amazed and impressed by the deep understanding he already has.  The faith of my little boy is already such an example to me, and I am often reminded why we are commanded to be like little children.  I love to listen to him pray.  As we get closer to Arthur's deployment his prayers become genuine and sincere.  He always asks that, "Daddy will be safe at work, and safe at war."  Then at the end of these faith filled big boy prayers he says, "we say the things..."  It is just a little word, but it reminds me that he is still my little four year old.

  

Being Brothers

If you had ask me several months ago, I would have told you it was impossible.  But something happened during Arthur's last training...my boys started to become friends.

Look closely and you will notice this is not the sweet moment it appears to be at first glance :-)

Our days are still far from timeout free. And Jake is still known to try and get his shots in when he thinks no one is looking.  But James not a sitting duck anymore.  He has no problem dishing it right back...and more and more often he turns out to be the instigator.  And as the tables are beginning to turn on Jake, I think that James may have finally beaten into his big brother's head (literally with hot wheels, Thomas the Tank engine, and the occasional maraca) that brothers are more fun as friends than as punching bags.

And so now a new chapter begins in our home, and it is appears to come with lots of new blessings and challenges.

Nothing warms my heart like seeing my boys play together.  I love to stand in the doorway of their room and watch them both sprawled out on their tummies playing cars and listening Jake chatter away while James responses in engine revs or exaggerated nods.

Of course the game usually ends with James getting physical because Jake as gotten too bossy or Jake becoming physical because James isn't playing exactly was Jake wants him to do.  But they are learning, and these moments of content play give me a few blissful minutes of alone time which heaven known I will need in the months to come.

Jake is also really starting to enjoy his role as a big brother.  He is beginning to understand that his little brother really does look up to him.

We talk a lot about what is means to be an example and how James is watching and learning from everything Jake is doing.  More and more I notice Jake trying his best to be the "good example."  He will talk to James in this sweet little voice and call him "Jamie."  He will want to share with him, show his things and even help him get dressed.  Luckily,  James loves to be doted on by his big brother and will usually welcome all the attention.

But let's be honest, Jake is a little boy.  And what is more fun than getting a little naughty and wild...that's right...getting someone else to do it with you.  And so my sweet little baby James has joined the boy team.  And while they have definitely bonded over teaming up against Mommy (and sometimes even Daddy), I can't help but smile as I watch them crack each other up.

Many of life's most valuable lessons are learned in our relationships with our siblings.  We learn to love, share, respect, trust, protect, and forgive.  I know that one of the greatest gifts Arthur and I could give our boys in this life is each other, and I hope and pray that this is just the beginning of a friendship and love that will bond them forever.

I know I tell you everyday, but never forget that I love you each of you more than life and am honored and privileged that both of you call me "Mommy."