so i'm not celebrating today in the fashion i would have hoped. however, i've got lots of love in my life. erich gave me these valentine's treats this morning. and none of that nasty hershey's stuff...i got me some chocolate storybook!! his grandma just called to tell me that he's been doing chores around their house to save up and buy these for me. he wanted to earn the money. GAH! he's so wonderful.
after last night's good ol' fashion iowa snow dump, my hard working little man is outside clearing a path for me. he loves to put on his old school neon snow suit and spend hours outside building mountains of snow, eventually to be dug into forts. he's such a good boy, i love him so much. my neighbors marvel at his work ethic - he goes out in the morning before we leave for work and school and clears not only our path but the neighbors. he's got boundless energy and a heart for helping others. i'd like to take credit for this but i can't - i'm kinda lazy and selfish. but even since he was a little scridlet, he'd keep busy. "Ewich bizzy", he'd say, as he toiled away at watering plants or sweeping the dirt from the porch. 
it's amazing to watch him develop into a person. he's always been one - but to see these characteristics strengthen and to see over time how that is truly how he is. one thing i hope I don't do is build too many expectations upon this admirable trait. i don't want him to think that the only time he'll get praise or adoration is if he's working. everyone always comments on what a hard worker he is, so i don't want him to think that's the only reason he's loved. so when he feels like taking a break or just doesn't want to shovel or clean, i just let it go. that kid has done more for others already this year than i probably have in the last 10 years!! 
besides, there are so many other things to love about him than just his desire to work hard. he shares my love of salt & vinegar chips and sushi. what 7 year old ASKS for SUSHI?? he's learning how to save his allowance up for big, cool, things that he wants, instead of blowing it on every little trinket that is waved in front of his face at the store. he's an EXCELLENT reader (he got that from me), and will read to me from his books with inflection and timing. he loves napoleon dynamite even moroe than i do. he has a sweet, kind heart that i am TERRIFIED will get broken. of course it will some day. i just hope he never lets heartbreak make him think less of himself. isn't it a sad truth that your parents do totally know how wonderful you are, and yet can rarely convince you of it?love you buddy... you are my best.
mom
