Noah and Caleb

Noah

Noah made his First Confession on Saturday, December 1st. When I asked him how he was doing he just said “I’m going crazy.” He was anxious, nervous, excited, scared, worried, and hopeful. All those feelings. I’m guessing “overwhelmed” might have been a better word for it. He made me laugh as we prepared for the day. He kept worrying about not saying things when he was supposed to say them; such a detail person. He also was nervous that he would forget a sin he needed to confess, yet I assured him that right now he doesn’t have too much to confess. He was so happy that he was getting to do such a grown-up thing. As we sat waiting for his turn, he asked me if he would get to take Communion next time we went to Mass, his eyes were hopeful. I had to tell him not yet, he had more classes before he would get to have his First Communion.

Needless to say John and I were very proud parents.  We were proud that he had taken the preparation classes seriously and was being more mature in Mass.  One Wednesday night I went to pick him up from Faith Formation his teacher said he was so smart.  I of course said “thank you.”  She then went on to say we must really work with him at home because he knows so much, even more that she did.  I was a little shocked.  I really didn’t know what to say.  Thank you?  I did manage to tell her we did talk about things at home, but that I sometimes wonder if he listens.  She reassured me he was listening.  I guess I shouldn’t complain when they ask so many questions and we get into our long deep conversations.  They may be long and tiring, but I guess my boys are learning. 

 

Caleb

One night, Caleb came to John and I to ask if he could let Ian sleep on the top bunk-bed. We have the boys split between two rooms with bunk-beds. Of course the older boys got the top bunks. Our reasoning when we first started this was that Ian and Eli were still getting used to the idea of waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. So, when Caleb came to us he said “Since Ian hasn’t gotten to sleep on the top bunk so he wouldn’t have an accident, can I let him sleep on my bed now?” We thought that it was VERY nice and thoughtful and let Caleb ask Ian if he wanted the top bunk. Ian said YES! He was very excited to get a big kid privilege. Caleb got major brownie points that night!

 

Caleb has always been very worried about others.  I tend to get frustrated with that, since a lot of times it leads to fighting between him and his siblings.  He wants to help and they REALLY don’t want his help, so then all I hear is screaming.  I know he means well, but when you are tired and all you hear is screaming from your kids you don’t care about the “good intentions,” you just want it to stop.  This time there was no screaming involved and I was able to really enjoy the good intention.  He is such a sweetie.  Couldn’t ask for a more thoughtful kid.


My big boys reminded that no matter how frustrating they can be at time, they are good kids. I know I can forget that daily, not just with the two of them; but all my kids. They are wonderful and are still learning how to be better. Funny, they are what makes ME want to continue to learn how to be better.