In His Free Time...

The way this boy feeds his mind makes me giggle! 

He does things like find giant clocks in the neighbors trash pile on the curb, scoop it up, bring it home and gets the gear ticking again. He does things like spend his entire Saturday coding his Arduino. He is constantly teaching himself about the periodic table, looking up videos and information on YouTube. This guy has always marched to beat of his own drum and I find it quite fascinating at the things he is truly passionate about. If he had it his way, he would be a current member of the high school robotics team and would get special permission to take the chemistry, calculus, algebra and physics classes as a 6th grader. His little mind loves complex ideas, mathematical solutions and scientific ideas. 

He told me just the other morning that he "was so excited" for 8:00. I asked him why and he said, "because that means I get to go to Science class." He truly loves nothing more than immersing himself in learning! As hard as some aspects of school are, this boy thrives on learning! 

Last week, he found an old water pump and spent the entire afternoon outside taking it apart and trying to get it to work. That same week on the way to school, when I asked if he had any upcoming tests, he said that he thought he might have a math test that day. I gave him a "this is news to me and did you need to study" look and his little eyes gave me that ornery twinkle as he said, I hope we do! Micah and I always laugh with each other about his quirky, nerdy ways, because really, there aren't many 12 year old boys who spend hours learning about the periodic table for fun! 

Oh Remi, you are one of a kind and I love watching you embrace the gifts God has given you, full speed, with confidence and fire!

 

Corona Conversations...

If your home is anything like ours, then the Coronavirus has most definitely held it's place in family conversation.

On the way home from school the other day, Remi mentioned needing a portable charger for our upcoming ski trip. I chose that time to tell him that the market was crashing, the oil field unstable and that right now, we are not buying anything that is not absolutely necessary. Both boys listened and understood in their own ways.

It's no secret that my boys are literally like night and day. One is as happy and light-hearted as the sun and the other as serious and analytical as a dark cloud at times. Sure, they have their similarities, but overall, they are two very different little boys. After having this conversation with them, I was reminded of just how different they are when I was able to witness what they each took from this very conversation...

Later that afternoon, at Remi's baseball practice, Roen said, "Momma, why is it that we can't buy stuff right now? Is it because everything has that Corona stuff all over it?" Bless his heart, he takes things so very literally and often only listens here and there, resulting in many jumbled up ideas. I just giggled, because in his Lala Land mind, this is what he took from our whole conversation about the market, how it affects Daddy's oilfield company and how it affects our economy.

The next morning, Remi woke up early and found me outside letting the dogs out, fully dressed at 6:00 AM. He quickly told me he was going down to his workshop to build, and off he went! Right after I finished getting the bacon fried, he came upstairs with a homemade portable charger. He had taken a battery pack, connected it to some wires and then connected those to a wall plug he had taken apart. It ended up shorting out and so it didn't end up working, but I was astounded. That little 'fixer' thought, if I can't buy it, I'll make it!

From that little 10 minute conversation, I had one boy simplify the whole thing, letting it all skim right over his head. I had the other going into survival mode. These two boys balance out our family in the most perfect way and these little moments make me love that Roen is always there to make me laugh and Remi is always there to make me think.

A Sweet Story...

So a few days ago, after school, Remi told me a really sweet story. I don't think he really realized what a kind and thoughtful act he had done, but my momma heart melted.

There was a little boy in Remi's class who brought a boat to school made out of popsicle sticks- just glued together to make a little raft. In order to receive a large number of points on this project, each boat had to hold 15 pennies for at least 30 seconds. Well, his little boat just couldn't do it.

Remi said he immediately began looking around the classroom for materials to fix this problem. Remi is my Mr. Fix-it and loves nothing more than a good problem solving opportunity. He spied an old zip-lock baggie and knew it would do the trick. He asked his teacher if he could help this little boy and she said 'Lets put Remi's engineering mind to the test!'

He blew just enough air into the bag, then glued the raft to the baggie and it went from holding 8 pennies to over 100.

Best part of the story...

The little boy went from a failing grade to a passing 70.

I know Remi didn't really realize what an awesome thing he had done- to him he just went into 'engineer mode' and did what he loves doing, but to me, this was the very best part of the entire project!

A Sad Converstation About Our Reality...

Yesterday, we were leaving piano lessons and I hear this conversation between the boys...


Remi: There are some schools up North where the kids keep rocks in their desks in case bad guys come.

Roen: The rocks might break a window, though!

Remi: Well, what would you rather happen? Be stolen or killed... or break something?


The reality and innocence of this conversation broke my heart. On one hand, my very observant 8 year old, is way to aware of the things that are happening around him for my comfort. On the other hand, my very sweet 7 year old doesn't understand the reality of 'bad guys' in schools and is more concerned about breaking a classroom window.

I hate that Remi is at an age where he understands fully what is happening in schools. I hate that he runs these scenarios in head, knowing that this is really happening in schools all over the country. And although I love that my little Roen has a mind full of all good things where there is no room for bad guys outside of movies... I hate that this reality makes me have to explain to him, that yes, a broken window would be a best case scenario.

Our little people have some pretty heavy burdens taking up space in their little heads- burdens that I don't always know how to comfort...

so on this summer day, I am simply happy that they are at home with me, safe from the bad guys, where our days are full of racing scooters, swimsuits and popsicles.

Blue & Gold Banquet...

Last night, was Remi's Cub Scout Banquet. This was a ceremony celebrating all the hard work he has put in this year leaning new things, bettering his character and working hard at earning his badges.

He was so proud of his new badges, and immediatley took off his belt and added them on. He recieved his Tiger patch showing that he is now working toward earning his Wolf badge. It was really neat to see the older Cubs being initiated into Boy Scouts... both boys watched wide-eyed as they got their stripes painted on. I think Roen can hardly wait until next year when he can join the fun!

Each boy pinned their mothers with the pin they recieved their badge in. This was really sweet and a total surprise to me! At the very end, this is the prayer they said over the Scouts...

Look down upon my son, Dear Lord.
This smiling cub of mine.
Please take his hand along the way
So he may never stray.
Bless my son tonight, Dear Lord,
And help him walk with thee.
Give him comfort, warmth, and love:
He's all the world to me.
Bless his daily efforts,
And make him strong and true:
For life's a heavy burden.
And we're all in need of you.

This is called the Cub Scouts Parent Prayer and I had to fight back tears as they said it last night. In a world filled with "moments of silence" praying in the school cafeteria, while being surrounded by peers, is just pure goodness.

After the ceremony was over, and we had the boys setteled in bed, Micah told Remi he loved him and how proud of him he was. Remi said...

"I love you and I'm proud of myself too. Very proud."

I know some of you don't know Remi personally, but this is a big deal for this little boy. He is not one to be proud of himself often. He is a perfectionist and is only truly proud of himself when he feels he has really mastered something. He tends to be very hard on himself and has extremely high expectations of the things does.

Remi has done a lot of growing up over the past year, and I can't help but feel much of this is due to Cub Scouts. These boys are highly encouraged to rise above, no matter the situation and I feel like I have watched Remi's little character transform. His stubborness has softened into "Yes, Sirs and Yes, Mam'ams", his sweet little heart has learned how good it feels to serve others (many days, he wakes up and makes not only his bed, but his little brother's bed too) and he has gained the confidence to make good decisions, even when others around him may be making bad ones.

I could not be any prouder of this sweet little boy...

A Prayerful Heart...

Last night, after books, going over spelling words, practicing our math facts and lights were turned out, I laid in bed with a restless little 7 year old who sometimes has trouble turning off his imagination long enough to fall asleep. I was snuggled up real close- just the way he likes it and said a little prayer good night to him. Sometimes he prays for us, sometimes we pray together, but last night he just listened to my words that were tailored just perfect for him. After I said 'Amen' and kissed him on the cheek he said,

"Mom, you talk beautiful."

I am not real sure how those four little words could make such an impact on my heart but they did. I know it was Remi's way of saying he liked the way the words I said made him feel. Of all the things I do with boys, praying with them is the most intimate. Especially with Remi. He is always so careful to listen to the words I say, and often times, I hear him repeat those words in his own little prayers.

Praying with my boys is my way of teaching them to ask for forgiveness everyday and to be grateful to God above all else... and if I do nothing else in this life, I hope the little prayers we say together at bedtime will create a lifetime relationship between them and God.

Cutest Santa Letter Ever...

As of yesterday, I have the cutest Santa letter ever in my possession.

Besides the fact that Remi is our little 'fixer' around here and this letter just fits him to a 'T', I love that he didn't ask Santa for anything.

I can't help but think of things Remi would say to Santa if he could have an actual conversation with him...



"Dear Santa, Do you have a hole in your sled? If you do, I will fix it."

A Girlfriend...

Although, Roen has had at least 3 'girlfriends' by the age of 4, Remi has always been super embarrassed about girls.

But...

I am pretty sure Remi has a little girlfriend at school- although, there is no way he will ever admit to this!!

Last year, in Kindergarten, I got a note home from Remi's teacher about Remi talking too much to a little girl named Dani Jo. Then after watching him play with her an entire recess one afternoon, I came to the conclusion, that he might like sweet, little Dani Jo.

This year, when I saw that she was not only in his class again but the teacher had their desks next to each other at Meet The Teacher, I just had to smile.

Last night, as I was putting Roen to bed, I asked him who he had played with at recess. He told me that Remi and Dani Jo chased him and his buddies around all recess. Of course, I couldn't wait to see what Remi would say about this! I guess I just think it's so darn cute and funny all at the same time!

So, first thing when he wakes up this morning, I mention it to Remi, and at first he tried to deny it. But after explaining to him that there was nothing wrong with having a girl for a friend, he just looked up at me with those big, sweet brown eyes and said, "I love you, Mom."

I think that was his way of admitting that he thinks Dani Jo is pretty special and that he loves me because I'm ok with that :)

Science Treehouse

Thursday, when we were headed to the dentist, Remi had out his marker and paper and said:

"Mom, if I'm still a kid when the trees get big, can I build this?"



This is a science lab that Remi dreamed up to build at the top of our trees.

Oh, how much I wish we had giant trees that could be the home of an amazing tree house. These little conversations mean so much to my heart because one day our trees really will be big enough, but then my Remi will be grown. And, by that time, I will probably be sitting on my front porch rocking chair remembering this conversation with my 6 year old Remi, wondering where time went.

Carrots in Your Eyes...

Talking about 'long eyes' with the boys...

Remi: "Mommy, carrots are good for your eyes."

Me: "unhuh"

Roen: "I don't want to put carrots in my eyes!

Remi: "You don't put them in your eyes, you eat them!"

Remi Humor...

The other day Remi and I saw a spider as we headed out the door and were getting in the car....

Remi: I bet that was a Daddy Long Leg

Me: No, it wasn't

Remi: What was it..... A grandpa?

He was being dead serious! 

Beautiful Words...

Sunday morning at church service, Remi was pretty tired, laying in my lap and looked up at me...

Remi: Your hair is beautiful... and you are beautiful too

Sweet words from my sweet little man!

A Conversation About Heaven...

Right before Easter, we were driving to church on Wednesday night. As we passed a cemetary, this is the conversation I hear between Remi and Roen...

Remi: (telling Roen what the cemetery is) People die and you did a hole and bury them... Some people go to Heaven. You know how they get there, Roen?

Roen: Yes

Remi: No, you don't

Roen: Oh, no

Remi: God comes down on a cloud and get them and it goes straight up to a clubhouse or somepin (something) golden

Long Eyes..

Earlier this week, driving to swim lessons (we were almost there)...

Remi: I see swim lessons!

Me: You do? I don't see it yet

Remi: Mmmm hmmmm, it's far away. I see it 'cause I have really long eyes!

I just love the things that kids say when they know what they mean but can't quite put it into words!

Mommies & Daddies...

As I was getting Remi all settled for nap the other day, he specifically wanted all his Build-A-Bear babies in bed with him. He has five big Build-A-Bear stuffed animals and one little bitty baby one that goes with one of the bigger ones. Anyways, as he grabbed the little bitty one he said...

Remi: This is the baby and all of these (pointing at the 5 big stuffed animals) are the daddies

Me: Well what about the mommies? Does it have a mommy?

Remi: Yes, but they are all in Africa

This just made me laugh!!

Prayers With Remi...

Last night, while I was saying bedtime prayers with Remi...

(I always start the prayer off and then tell Remi to pray for at least two things he is thankful for)

Me: Ok, now what are you thankful for?

Remi: all my new toys, and my tool bench... even though I don't know how Santa got it in the house...

It is so funny to me that he even thinks about these things! On Christmas morning, as he was pondering this very idea, he told me that he bet Santa took apart his tool bench, brought it down the chimney and then put it back together. Apparently, this is an issue that is ongoing in his busy, little brain!

He Is Alive...

Several nights ago, I was laying in bed with Remi finishing up our nighttime prayers...

Me: and thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins

Remi: But Momma, He got up....He alive!


Isn't sweet how Jesus lives in even the tiniest of souls. Moments like these are my 'God moments'...the ones where I really feel like He speaks to me.

Melt My Heart...

Sunday night, I was telling Remi goodnight. After I told him I loved him and was walking out of his room....

Remi: Momma...

Me: Yeah?

Remi: I love you more and more and more

Me: I love you more too

Remi holds up all ten fingers...

Remi: Momma, you see all these fingers? That's how much I love you

Who Will You Marry....

Yesterday, I was talking to Remi about how I wear jewlry and Micah doesn't while I was getting ready. I explained that girls wear jewlry but boys don't. I went on to tell him how the only jewlry Micah wore was his wedding ring. That went into marriage and how it means you love someone alot and forever...

Me: Who do you think you will marry one day?

Remi: Ummm....RoRo

Me: You can't marry your brother! You have to have a girl and a boy to make a family

Remi: Oh, well maybe Anne...she's a girl!

Anne is my mom and I think it is sweet that Remi 'wants' to marry her at 3 years old :)

The Love of a Child...

A couple of nights I had just finished reading Remi his bedtime story and saying prayers...

Me: I just wanted to let you know that you make my heart so happy

Remi: you make my heart so happy too

As I am hugging his neck...

Me: I think God gave me the most perfect Remi

Remi: Well, Mommy, I think God gave me the most perfect Mommy and Daddy and RoRo