John

Since it's been so long, I figured I'd update on each kid (or "kid"...gosh he's growing up!) and have a fresh start.

This week we went to the strawberry patch.  John ate a TON, put a few in his bucket, then landed himself on this tree with a book.  That about sums this kid up.  He LOVES reading.  He enjoys playing with the boys next door, but would rather have a little alone time.  We force him outside, and lots of times this is his idea of spending time outside.  This year he has played soccer (goalie and midfield mostly), basketball, and is about to do swim team again.  He is completely in for the experience and fun.  There may be one or two competitive bones in his body, but they're really hard to find. 

John has grown so much in so many ways.  Physically he's right around the average I imagine, but he's grown so much in other ways.  John is great with kids.  He loves little ones and helps so much around the house.  We ride the line of helping lead versus not trying to be the authority, but he really does want to help and does a great job of it.  I trust him enough (most of the time) to keep the younger ones safe and out of trouble (if that's a thing) for an hour or so at a time.  He's gained so much responsibility and respect for authority, most of the time.  One of my favorite things about John is that even thought he's somewhat introverted, he has a gift of including the ones who aren't naturally included and giving grace to the ones that other kids have trouble finding grace for.  He helps the girls with their homework when I'm tied up or when the way I'm explaining things just doesn't make sense to them.  He is still very creative.  His art projects from school this year have been fantastic.  The things he builds with Legos, although he doesn't build nearly as often anymore, blow my mind.  I'm not sure I can still beat him at chess.  He's really thriving at his new school (not so new anymore...almost finished with his second year there).  He makes great grades in a very challenging programs, and as far as I can tell, he enjoys school.  He loves working on projects on the computer.  He recently was recognized with the Griffin Award at school.  It's a quarterly character award giving to a boy and girl from each class.  I think it's really a testament to the changes we've seen in him over the past year.  He really is growing into himself as a great young man and leader.  Granted, there's a good way to go, but he is on his way.  He also is growing into his own humor.  He is very sarcastic, but is finally learning more appropriate use for his sarcasm.  He has a smile I could die for.  He plays hard to get with affection, but for the fun of the game, and I love him for it.  I'm so proud of who he's becoming.  If I could only get him to look me in the eyes when I'm talking to him and stop fidgeting!  Oh, and he can work a Rubik's cube now.

UPDATE:  Just a few hours after I wrote this, I asked John if he could hold down the fort while I took Eve to deliver a birthday invitation.  We stayed at her friend's house for a bit and came home.  When I walked in John was sitting on my overturned laundry baskets.  This drives me crazy because they always play in and on them, and they're all broken because of it.  Not the first time we've had this talk, so impulsively I yelled at him.  He got up, and out from under the laundry basket popped a crying Jake, "I don't like it under there!"  I asked John, "Does this seem responsible to you???  Is this how you hold down the fort????"  His response, "I didn't do it while you were gone." (in his best innocent, I don't really understand what the problem is tone).  Boys.