I read a blog recently, written by a mother of boys, who wrote a post called "25 Rules for Mothers With Sons." It was a list of what she thought to be the most important things she could teach her boys; a mantra for the men she believed they could and would become. It got me thinking of what I want to be sure to teach Cole and Kellen about life. I owe it to them to put some thought into it, I suppose if for no other reason than to repay them for all the things they have taught me. Although I don't write on here as often as I would like to, this is something I feel should leave its mark...
To my boys,
These are the things I promise to spend the rest of my life teaching you. I will do my best to lead by example but I will make mistakes; and we will learn from them together. I love you more than you will ever know.
Love you to the moon,
Mommy
1. Laugh
It seems so simple but I think it's so important. Laugh with your friends, and with each other. Learn to laugh at yourself and don't take yourself too serioulsy.
2. Do Your Best
You don't have to win every time. Sometimes you will learn the most when you lose. If you do your best I will always be proud of you, and you will only then be able to be truly proud of yourself.
3. Say I Love You
Don't assume the people you love already know it. Even if they do know you love them, saying it is the best gift you could ever give to them.
4. Be Grateful
You will never have the most toys, the biggest house, the coolest clothes, or the perfect life but be grateful for what you DO have. Remember it's not what you have in life, but who you have beside you.
5. Give
Give love. Give friendship. Give your time to help someone. Give to those who have less than you and then remember to thank them for what they have in turn given to you.
6. Go For Your Dreams
Don't ever tell yourself you can't do something. If you want it, go for it. I will be your biggest cheerleader.
7. Be True To Yourself
Don't ever be afraid to be who you are. There is no one else like you, and you are special exactly the way you are. No one else can define you. I hope you ALWAYS march to the beat of your own drum.
8. Be a Good Friend
As you grow up you will learn that the number of friends you have matters much less than the bonds with the few who you consider to be family.
9. Let Go
It's a big one. Let go of fear. Don't be afraid to get a little dirt on your hands. Let go of what others think of you or who they think you should be. Let go of failures. Let go of those who have hurt you and hold tighter to those who lift you up.
10. Forgive
Sometimes it will be really hard. Forgiving doesn't mean that you haven't been affected by the actions of others, it just means that you've accepted the way things turned out and can move forward without the weight of that burden holding you back.
11. Say How You Feel
Just because you are male doesn't mean you shouldn't grow up learning how to verbalize how you feel. I promise to help you understand what you're feeling and come up with the words to express it.
12. Show Respect
Respect everyone. Respect isn't just for those who are older than you. Respect your things. Respect others' space. Respect privacy. Respect yourself and know what you deserve.
13. Believe
Believe in something. Whether it's a defined religion or just believing that there is something out there bigger than you are. Believe in love. Believe in compassion. Believe in right and wrong.
14. Be Each Others Best Friend
Encourage each other. Trust each other. Be each others' biggest fan.
15. Be Humble
You are amazing. You will sometimes be the best, the fastest, the smartest, and the most handsome but remember to stay humble. Let others tell you how wonderful you are. Be proud but do not boast.
16. Never Settle
Sometimes it takes patience, but never settle for less than you deserve.
It's serious work, ya know.
Giving Cassidy a thorough check-up
Cruisin'
This station was really neat. There were a bunch of car parts and you had to build a car and then you could race it down this ramp.
Suzi helping Kellen with his car
Kellen could barely see over the top of the ramp, but that didn't stop him!
Here you could build a track on a magnetic wall for magnets to roll down
This is definitely a REAL saw! I was pretty nervous at first but they both did really well and were very careful with the saw. 
My pizza delivery boy!
What a fun day! 