Can We Just Freeze Time on This Boy?

As any parent will attest, there are times when you absolutely adore your children, and other times that you could really use a break from them, sometimes, a long break.

Brayden and I had some serious clashing in the weeks leading up to Christmas vacation. I think he was a bit sleep deprived (the one sure thing in his life that will always cause meltdowns) and ready to be done with school and ready for vacation. He at one point, even had to write a major apology letter to me as his behavior had become quite disrespectful.... it was a bummer and it made me quite sad thinking perhaps we'd passed into an age where this would be the standard battle.

Then, Christmas break happened and Brayden did what Brayden most loves to do - he got to have family time, lots of family time, and time to play, play, play with his favorite people - and didn't have to wake up for anything in particular. And, what do you know, the old Brayden emerged. Oh, how thankful we were.

I expected us to have some hic-cups as he returned to school, and yes, there have been some of them, but surprisingly, I'm actually finding myself even more fond of his company.

So, here are few things that have either had me laughing, sighing, or simply wishing we could freeze time-

- Brayden was chosen to be the "Star Student" (the kids all get chosen at some point through the year) - and did a great job describing the pictures we put together. When the topic of his stay at the hospital in Hawaii came up we asked him why he had to go to the hospital - his answer was, "because some dust particles got stuck in my brain"..... I don't think that was quite the doctor's diagnosis, but, whatever.......

- (This one kind of sounds self-absorbed, so please understand upfront that when it was said, I looked AWFUL...) Upon waking up on Saturday morning one of the first things out of Brayden's mouth was the following: "Mom, I want to tell my whole class something about you, but I think it might be rude" (So, you can guess what I was thinking - something about Mommy's bathroom habits, burping habits, etc.... uh oh....) but instead, here's what he said, "I want to tell them that I have the prettiest mom out of the whole class" Ohhhhhh! My heart melted and I told him how sweet that was and how much I appreciated it, but we both agreed, that yes, that might make other kids not so happy..... But, boy did that start my morning right!!!!

- Brayden officially has a girlfriend now. Her name is Allie and she looks like a little Leanne Rhimes with glasses - just the sweetest little thing. Yesterday, however, was a bit traumatic for their relationship. Brayden got into the car crying that one of his FORMER best friends had betrayed him by telling Allie that Brayden liked her (wasn't that the truth?). He was concerned that that had caused the end of their relationship. Fortunately, one of his other best friends was coming home with us for a playdate and had some inside information. Apparently, little Allie had asked both boys how Brayden really felt about her. This was good, because Brayden thought the boys were just bragging their inside secret about Brayden's feelings towards Allie, and because of this other friend, we now know that Allie truly wanted to hear about Brayden's feelings, and not only that - she loves Brayden! - and told both boys that. Oh, the drama! John and I both had our own conversations with Brayden that night about girls needing to know how boys feel about them, and how Brayden needs to let her know himself. I'm pleased to report that Brayden did just that today. Tomorrow, he plans to ask her what her favorite kind of candy is, so in the event that they still "like each other" come Valentines' Day - he'll know what to get her. Awwwwww......

- Finally, Brayden proved we can trust him, at least in these circumstances: When at a friend's house and the mom gave him the opportunity to go ahead and play whatever PS2 game he wanted including a rated "M" game - he matter of factly pointed out that he wasn't allowed to play Rated M games...... Even better, he was happy to come home and report all of this to us. Good for you, Brayden. Alright, he's mastered saying "no" to Rated "M" games - if we can just master that same response to drugs, alcohol, sex, and everything else we all fear as parents....... - which is why we can refer once again to the title of this post......