I Have My Pride

One thing I can rightly be accused of is talking about my kids too much.  There is just something about their accomplishments that makes my heart swell up and skip a beat.  Don't get me wrong, there are times I want to leave my cart, run down the next aisle and exclaim, "Who's kids are those!" (I could get away with it too because all my kids look just like their dad and very little like me).  But I think that's what makes their accomplishments so sweet.  As their parent, I know their struggles and watch their progress and so to see something defeated or mastered brings me such joy.

Yesterday was one of those special days when one sentence out of my son's mouth made me gulp down my enlarging heart.  Andy gave the kids special permission to stay up late and read (or look at pictures for Abby) if they sat quietly in their beds.   Ethan took a flashlight and grabbed a book Andy had been reading to him at night.  They were about halfway through it.  The house was quiet except for Abby's occasional stroll out to the living room with things she had to do before she could sleep (I bet you didn't know 4 year olds are unable to sleep unless they pee three times, drink water and get tucked-in again if their covers get messed up).  Finally, it was 10:00 PM.  A little, sleepy-eyed boy comes out to us with a flashlight and book in hand.  "Mom and Dad, I finished this book."

There it is!  Did you miss it?  What's the big deal you ask?  Let me explain.  You see, Ethan has been reading for a little while now.  He has been reading level books for beginning readers.  Last night he took the next step on his own and finished a chapter book.  It was Magic Tree House: Revolutionary War on Wednesday.  Maybe not a big deal to the observer but to his Mama who's been working with him for the last year on reading, immeasurable pride.