Gratituesday: Time with the Younger One

Ryan is in Williamsburg with friends this week.  He’s having a wonderful time and doesn’t seem to be missing his Mommy one little bit…

Meanwhile, back at home, I am enjoying my one-on-one time with Connor immensely! 

I mean, honestly, look at that grin, how could I NOT enjoy spending time with that little character?!
 

As a homeschooling Mom, I spend a LOT of time with my boys, both boys, together… and I love it!  I love being such a part of their lives:  learning as they learn; watching them relate to each other, to other children, to their assignments, and to the world around them.  This frequent togetherness is not, however, without its downside.  The trouble with spending so much time with the boys together is that it’s difficult at times to see them as individuals:  to understand their behavior, their ideas, their feelings individually, and not as part of the unit.

This week, I have had the opportunity to spend time with Connor on his own; not as the younger brother, but as Connor, just Connor… and it is proving to be a wonderful time!  Connor is high-energy, social, and FUNNY!  This week, I’ve been able to smile at his antics, laugh at his jokes, shake my head at his determination, and wonder at the maturity of his thoughts… without having to look through the sibling rivalry, arguments, antagonizing, and tattling.  This week, I’ve been able to enjoy Connor and all of his qualities in a way that is hard to do when he’s part of the unit… and for that… for the reminder of all that is  absolutely amazing about this little guy… I am truly grateful!