Big Bro Hero

#4 is obsessed with #2. He wants to do everything #2 does. He imitates him, dresses like him, loves all of the same sports he loves.  He’s his #1 fan on and off the field. 

He brings his helmet to his games - I think he’s hoping they’ll need an extra player and put him in.  He watches him, studies his plays, imitates his walk and carries his helmet just like 2 does. 

After the game today, I captured this picture of him. Sitting back, taking it all in, pretending to be part of the team.  

But today of all days, he absolutely should want to be like his brother. 

#2 had a pick 6 which ended up winning the game for his team. He intercepted a pass and ran it down for a 30+ yard touchdown. It was his first touchdown of his life as he normally plays linebacker and doesn’t even touch the ball. To say we are proud is an understatement. It actually took everything I had to hold back the ugly tears. 

Just. So. Proud. 

He’s come a long way this season and I’m so proud of the hard work and dedication he has put in. He encourages his teammates and helps up the opposing team after tackles. He pushes himself at practices and gives it his all in every game. He spends hours outside of practice playing football in the backyard, practicing his kicking, sprinting, doing sit-ups and pushups...anything he can to get better. He literally eats, breathes and sleeps football.

He has the best coaches and the best teammates. They look out for one another, encourage each other and truly care for one another.  His coaches not only push him to his limits but constantly look out for his safety and well-being.  I’m not only proud of him but proud to be part of such a great organization. 

I don’t know what his future holds but I know I’m excited to see where it takes him. I will be with him every step of the way cheering louder than any other fan - and probably ugly crying from time to time. 

He told me after the game today that this was the best day of his life. I have to admit, this day ranks right up there for me too, kiddo.

Help

I saw this meme and it spoke to my soul:

Also Me:

You need to borrow an egg?  Absolutely!  Here, take the whole dozen.  Actually, they probably aren't that fresh.  Let me just run to the farm and get some straight from the chicken's butt.  I'll take your kids with me too that way you can have an hour or two to yourself.  Oh, and if you ever need a kidney, I'm your girl.

Why is it always so hard to ask for help?  I don't think twice to lend a hand to someone else but I'd rather cut off my own hand than to ask someone to help me.  (I’m sure every one of my friends reading this is nodding their head right now.)  

Am I too independent?  Too stubborn?  Maybe a little of both?  

Don't get me wrong, I need all the help I can get most times, but it's rare I will ask for it - or even take you up on it if you offer.  And when I do, I feel like I need to pay the person back, whether it be in cash or a return favor.  I don’t necessarily think this is a fault per se.  I like being independent and I LOVE doing things for others without getting anything in return.  I just wish every once in awhile I could ask for a favor without being so cringey.  

Anyone else have this problem?  If you don't want to answer that's fine.  Really, I don't want to put you out.  Totally okay if you can't.  Are you mad at me?  

My Girl

This girl.

The actual girl, not the dog.  The dog is clearly good for nothing.

The HUMAN girl.

She never ceases to amaze me.

She walked in after a 7 hour school day and 2 hours of cheer practice to see me fighting with her brother over homework. She didn’t even stop to drop her backpack. She walked straight in and said, “Do you want me to help him?  I can help him.”  She jumped right in and calmly and patiently explained his homework to him in a way that I could not.  She allowed me to step away and take a much needed breath.  She calmed both of us in a matter of seconds.

SHE DIDN’T EVEN TAKE OFF HER BACKPACK

Not many kids would do this.  Especially teenagers.  They're normally so self absorbed with a cell phone stuck in their face they don't even realize help is needed.  But this one is special.  While I'm sure she would have preferred to go straight to her room with her cell phone stuck in her face, she didn't.  She stepped in the middle of a screaming match and took over.  As amazing as this is, this isn't a one time thing for her.  This is her norm.  And I admit, I take it for granted.  Take HER for granted.  Often.  But nights like this it stops me in my tracks and makes me realize how truly blessed I am.

I know she doesn't realize how much I love her and I appreciate her.  In fact, she often accuses me of having a favorite child and it's never her. I explain to her mothers do not have favorites, we really don't like any of our children most days. 😉  But I do have my favorite parts of each child.

And this girl has so many favorite parts.

She is my first born. My #1.  The child numerous doctors and specialists told me I’d never conceive. The baby they said I would never carry full term yet arrived 10 days past her due date. The infant that was to be born so early and weigh so little that she’d never survive, came barreling out at 9 lbs 10 oz. She was a miracle from the beginning and has been gracing me with miracles ever since.

She's my fashion adviser, a second mother to her brothers, my shopping partner.  She's the kid who always does what I ask the first time and without complaining...well, most of the time.  She can calm her brothers down in a way no one else can.  She makes me laugh with her quirky sense of humor and goofy antics.  She tries new things and when she succeeds, she's humble - when she fails, she does so with grace.

She's kind.  She's Beautiful.  She's my best friend.

Is she perfect?  Of course not.  No one is.  But she's perfect to me.

I know she’s only a freshman in high school but I’m already completely panicking over her leaving for college. I mean, she was just in kindergarten yesterday - or so it seems.  In the meantime, I'm going to relish in her presence and soak in all the time I have with my baby girl.  I will do so with my eyes wide open because last time I blinked she somehow ended up in high school.

I pray she continues to make good choices, remains kind and always comes to me when she needs someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on.

And I pray she continues to help her brother with his homework.