My Brother is Awesome

So...you may be wondering "who is her brother and why are we just now hearing about him?"

If you're my parents or another family member, you probably have other questions, such as, "What in the world is she talking about? She's an only child!"

Yes, 'tis true. I am an only.

There are times I have begrudged it, but I have grown to realize that it is a pretty sweet gig.

However, I did not bestow the same gift upon the PBA.

And much as they argue, I know (sometimes it is deep down where I know it) that they truly love each other and would go to the ends of the earth for one another.

At least I hope they would.

I tell myself that otherwise I would be in a puddle on the floor.

As you may recall from previous posts, the PBA have journal writing as part of their weekly assignments. Today, they came to me as always, asking for the topic.

I have to give them a topic otherwise I get variations on the same topic each time…football, football and more football, with maybe some Lego discussion thrown in from one; Hunger Games or archery from the other child.

Don’t get me wrong…I’m glad to see them be passionate about something but I don’t want to read about those same few things every time.

Today, I'll admit, I was not prepared with my answer. Yes, I know: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15.

But they weren’t asking about my hope…which is unfortunate, because I did have an answer for that.

My 10yo, however, had a potential journal topic up his sleeve and threw it out there for my approval.

"How about 'Ten Reasons That My Brother is Awesome.'"

In the background, the 11yo was shaking his head "No", so of course I said, "Yes! That would be fantastic....thank you so much for suggesting that.

So with an eyeroll, the 11yo plodded down the hallway to write about his brother.

The 10yo, on the other hand, was practically skipping off to complete his journal writing.

I still haven't discerned his motivation on that, except maybe he had a little "love burst" for his brother due to some heart-felt kind words and hugs recently from one brother to another, as we sat and watched the coverage of events in Boston unfold.

Regardless, it was a fantastic idea, so I went with it.

Plus, as I already admitted, I didn't have anything else.

So, I won’t make you wait any longer; here is the 10yo's List of  "Ten Reasons That My Brother is Awesome"

1. He helps me with work
2. He lets me have paper when I do not have any
3. He plays with me
4. He comforts me
5. He wrestles me
6. He makes me laugh
7. He helps me with sports
8. He gives me awesome presents
9. He does funny things
10. And most of all… HE LOVES ME!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the #10 the most.

Now, as I said, the 11yo wasn’t feeling as “loving” toward his sibling, and his list clearly reflects this smidge of tween vibe he’s been putting out there for us lately. Here is his “Ten Reasons That My Brother is Awesome”.

1. He plays with me.
2. I have someone to annoy.
3. We wrestle sometimes.
4. He sometimes stops something when I ask him to stop.
5. He likes things that I like.
6. He sometimes is funny.
7. I would have no one to punch or kick when I am mad. (Mom Disclaimer: he has never done this…pushed his brother? yes; punched or kicked? Never…that’s just swagger talking.)
8. He is not always a big cry baby.
9. We like to connect on mine craft and my town.
10. He usually is there for me when I am down.

Well, it’s kind of nice on some points. #10 is about as close to "He loves me" as the 11yo will admit, though we all know that he knows it's true. We're in that "I don't necessarily always care to admit that I even have a family" phase with the 11yo. If you've never experienced it with your children, it's really fun...you should try it. And I already know it has potential to get worse, so I'm really not complaining.

And I must admit that it’s not nearly as snarky as I had anticipated. But considering how nice the 10yo was, it goes without saying that they will not be reading one another’s lists. I don’t want to tempt fate and risk #7 on the 11yo's list to come to fruition, because the 10yo starts something he shouldn't. Not that that has EVER happened.

Have a fabulous day!

Clearly an older picture, but one of my favorites. Sweet boys...I KNOW they love each other.