knowing Harlen

I went away for a girls weekend with Melis this past weekend and came home to a house full of sticky notes reading “I love you”, “we love you” etc….all with illustrations of me, Bri, Haren..even the kitties and Murray, not to mention Harlen’s stuffties
Then, on Monday, H & I had a challenging day, to say the least. One of those days filled with me lecturing H on the many reasons why I was disappointed in his recent behavior and efforts in the respect, listening and self sufficiency areas. Those are my most hated days. I hate to fight with him and make him feel badly, even though it’s sometimes necessary in this charming little world of parenting. We ended the day on a good note, never going to bed angry is a rule in this house, but I know we were still both feeling badly about the day. And then the next day Harlen blew me away, he came home, made me swear to stay out of his toy room while he was “taking care of something” a few minutes. When he came out, he floated a paper airplane my way and asked me to open it. It read “dear Mumma, I love you so much and I hate so much what I did at Jarrod’s. I promise I will try my hardest not to do it again. From your love one: Harlen.” I was totally blown away …. Although I’m not sure why, I know how amazing he is, sometimes I just need to remibd myself I guess.

H came home from school today and said, “Mumma, remember a while ago when we were in the parking lot and you asked me if there was anyone I liked in the special way they show boys and girls like each other on tv? Well, there is someone. Can I tell you who it is? It’s Lauren.” I of course told H that he could tell me anything and I would never laugh or tell his secrets. We talked about it for a bit and what he thought made her special…turns out its because he thinks she’s kind, smart but mostly because she’s cute He told me that I was the only girl that he told and that he and his buddies Jarrod, Yosh, and Isaak have a club and talk about all kinds of stuff, including girls. I loved hearing this…it was being told with such innocence and such trust. I’m so happy that H has made such great friends, friends he can trust…. Friends he can TALK to..friends who are like him. It never ceases to amaze me how very special my little boy is.

H started his official SkiWard ski lessons tonight. Every Friday for 5 wks he’ll have a o e hour lesson followed by an hour or so of free ski. He’s been skiing for 3 years now and LOVES it.. Just loves it! Each year he gets stronger and better and this year, even though it’s only a month in, he’s progressing by leaps and bounds. I love so much that he is so enthusiastic about it, I think it’s a great match for him….fun with his daddio, fun with his friends and fun by himself! Nevermind all the fun with his uncles and cousins! And added bonus for SkiWard…. Fried dough of course

Yuck, New Years. Not that I mind a new year, I’m all for new beginnings and all, it’s just that the holiday of New Years is always so damn depressing. Kinda of like a sunny day to me, just too many expectations. We’ve been talking to H about resolutions and all, he seems to get the concept but can’t really understand why you’d bother? He is 8 after all
We spent a lazy day at home today, cleaning, organizing and playing with Toys old and new. A vivacious game of Nintendo Monopoly in which H slaughtered both Bri and I …. It was fantastic family time.
I have to say, I’m very much looking forward to 2012, lots of exciting stff coming up… My bro is getting married, my uncle & aunt are visiting from Alaska, Bri and I’s 10th anniversary, a McNeil family vacation on the Vineyard aaaaaannddd H will be turning 9.. My baby boy, so hard to imagine!