Happy New Year!

Here's four reasons why I'm the luckiest woman alive :

Evan: 

He is loyal and brave with almost superhero instincts.  If he sees someone who needs help...he doesn't hesitate.  In a lot of ways, I wish I could be more like him.  Last year in school, Evan was sent to the principals office because he was in a fight.  I wish you could read the letter from the principal.  Honestly, it seemed like a formality.  I'm not ashamed of his actions.  Some other boys were picking on one of his friends, so Evan stepped in to his rescue.  Evan knows not to fight, but he won't hesitate to help a friend.  As punishment, he had to write a letter explaining what he would do differently next time. 

He rolls with the punches and can laugh at his mistakes.  He's honest.  One time while I was showing a vacant apartment, Evan and Andrew were outside playing.  Evan came up to me in tears trying to tell me something.  He had peed on the garbage bins!  (I hope my boss doesn't read this blog!)  He knew after he'd done it that it was a bad choice, and he knew he needed to tell me even though I'd be mad.  I wasn't mad.  I could see his predicament.  He needed to go, there wasn't a bathroom and he didn't want to disturb me while working.  I was disgusted, but I was proud he told me the truth, I just wish it wasn't in front of potential tenants!  We talked later about what might have been a better choice than peeing on the garbage cans.  I know if I ask Evan a question, he'll give me the truth.

Andrew:

He's determined.  He's perceptive.  He's sensitive and sweet.  He prefers his family over friends.  As much of a challenge as it can be right now, when I need to leave him with someone or drop him off at preschool, I try to picture him as a teenager and remind myself that someday he might not want me around anymore, and that will break my heart. 

He's strong willed. He likes to work hard.  His memory is incredible!  And he's incredibly giving!  For his birthday this year he was flipping through a toy magazine and actually picking out things that Evan and Sadie would like!  He told me he was going to ask for these for his birthday and then give them to Evan and Sadie.

Sadie:

She is a joy.  She's the happiest little human I have ever met.  She's polite.  The other day she was watching a Barney episode.  Evan was playing his guitar...loudly.  Sadie very sweetly walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder.  She put her face right in his and very sweetly in her own way with hand motions and pointing, asked him to be quiet because she was watching Barney.  We all got a kick out of it. 

She's patient.  She submits to her pokes and medicines without understanding, but with trust in us.  She is brave.  She loves people, and people adore her.  On Thursday when we went in to receive a blood transfusion, I realized what a fan base she has!  The minute we walked in it was all "Hi Sadie!" and smiles and waves from doctors, nurses, cleaning staff.  And Sadie loved it.  Her nurse said they were all fighting over who got to be Sadie's nurse today.  And on the way out she was giving hugs, and waves and "byes" to them all.  She is so easy to love! 

Dave:

I don't want to embarass Dave too much, but I will say that I love this guy!  So much of what I adore in our kids personalities come from him.  He's a rock.  (And I'm not just talking about his body!)   He's brave and tough, yet sweet and caring.  He's brilliant, yet funny.  It's hard to find a man like him and I'm lucky he's mine!  We've had a crazy 9 years, and this year will be no exception!  But I'm so glad I get to go thru it with Dave by my side.