What I think...

Jakey & Bobo --

As you both are well aware at this point, it is my firm belief that young boys belong outdoors. I think you need to hunt for bugs and put your feet in the grass and have dirt under your fingernails. I am also aware that neither of you is as convinced of this as I am. You both much prefer the air conditioning and carpeting upstairs (where the toys are). Someday though, I do believe that you will thank me for shoving you out the back door -- and not letting you back in when you tell me it's hot outside. (Sorry to sound rough but, you live in Texas -- suck it up).

I am of the opinion that you really need to experience things for yourselves. And you both have such great imaginations (I love to watch you stack the patio furniture up and pretend you are in the Mystery Van) -- this is a skill set that I want to encourage and develop. I think that boys need to pull the legs off of bugs to see what happens.

So, I was of course delighted on Friday, when the hoses had been on for an hour, but suddenly the noise is gone. There is total silence. A quick scan around the side yard yields me no information -- you are out of my line of sight. So I step out onto the deck and call for you -- assuming you are in "the hiding place". But no, your voice indicates that is not where you are...so I walk to the edge of the deck and lean over the railing. And there at the top of the hill I see you -- with the hoses and covered in mud.

"We're building a brick dam! But our first one didn't work, so we are fixing it..." and you grab a nice big gooey handful of mud and grass and slam it on top of the fine brickwork that you are using as the base for your dam.

You two totally rule! I can't wait to see your next project!

Emily Grace,

I do not want you to believe that you are a princess. I do not want you to believe that everyone will fall at your feet. I do not want you to believe that life is a fairy tale.

I want you to be full of joy and grace and strength. I want you to know that you are capable and brave. I want you to be full of hopes and dreams, and be willing to work to get there. I want you to be a light in a dark world.

But oh my little girl, you do have the sweetest little face. And I do believe you might be the prettiest thing I have ever seen...