E's Birthday

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Our son Ethan "E" turned 11 today. He is child number 2. Ethan is a great child. I enjoy being with him. I let him sleep in a little this morning, but then we had to rush around a bit. There wasn't enough time to make a big breakfast for him, so we stuck a candle in his Cocoa Pebbles and sang Happy Birthday. It worked.
Later, I took Leah, Sarah, and Jacob to Ethan's school for lunch. He's 11, but still gave me a hug when he saw me there waiting for him. He sat with me and talked to me about the different kids in his class. When lunch was done he gave me a kiss and a hug and then kissed his sisters and baby brother. Ethan is very caring and loving towards his family (most of the time.) He is always looking out for his siblings.
I have a very close relationship with our oldest child Brandon. I'm trying to have the same kind of relationship with Ethan. Lately I feel like he's been trying to share more and is feeling more comfortable talking to me. Our children are so special to me. The other day when we were at the park and there was a lady yelling at a child (not her own) I told Tom I was glad she wasn't talking to one of our children like that because I'd have to approach her. Tom made a comment about how there was no way I'd confront the lady. Ethan quickly reminded Tom about two times he's seen me confront another adult in front of him. Once when we were in Wisconsin and there was a man at the swimming pool making comments about my children and my nieces and nephews. Then there was a neighbor who lost his "cool" while talking to me about an incident between his child and mine. I was surprised Ethan brought these times up - but glad that he realizes that I will "defend" my children - and also glad that both of these times (there have been others, but maybe E wasn't nearby) I stayed calm. I try not to yell or say "not so nice" words. I personally find cursing to be immature. I'm not big on confrontation, but there is just something about defending your children. I am protective.
I am also proud to say that Ethan has proven to me that I can trust him to make the right decisions (at this point in his life.) We had a talk about him following rules even when Dad and I aren't around. I know it can be hard to do, and at first he struggled with what we talked about, but now he seems to understand. Rules are rules. He's a good boy :o)
Ethan loves to write and wants to be an author of "creepy" stories someday. (He already has a great title - which I'll save until he has written his first book.) He is a creative story teller. He also loves to play baseball, four-square, and video games.
So there is my blog dedicated to our birthday boy E. We love him. He is a very special part of our family.