Teenage Bonding

P and I have always had a special bond. We get along and, for the most part, have the same sense of humor. He has taught me to hug more naturally and to say 'I love you" regularly. He has good manners and is polite to most people. Is he perfect? No. There are days he can drive me crazy, and days I drive him crazy as well, because I'm far from perfect either. But we have a bond and love hanging out together. 

E and I are a bit of a different story. We have spent a lot of time together this Summer, but some days I'm doing my thing and he's in his room doing his. He doesn't always want to run errands with me and would rather be by himself most of the time. I don't always find his sense of humor funny. His mood can literally change from minute to minute. BUT, I do appreciate a lot about him. His sense of humor, which I don't always understand, can also have me belly laughing. I'm envious that he's got his dad's quick wit because I don't have it. I appreciate that he's inquisitive, which can lead to some really good conversations. I appreciate that he talks to me about school life, friends, frustrations and successes, and asks my advice on those things. He's quick to help me with outside chores and enjoys learning new recipes with me in the kitchen.

Last night was one of those times I want to remember when I get frustrated with E (which is why I'm blogging about it). I made a nice dinner after P got off work.  Both boys couldn't wait to go "hit digs" (mud riding for you older folks) in the side-by-side since it had rained all day. They inhaled what little dinner they ate, ready to get back outside. Rob fell last week and hurt his back so he came home from work and fell asleep on the couch. E ran out the back door and a second later came back in the kitchen. He asked me if I wanted him to come sit with me so I wouldn't be eating alone. That was about the sweetest thing he could've said. Of course, I told him to go have fun with his brother, that I was fine eating by myself. But it warmed my heart that he'd even think to ask that.

Later, after the boys cleaned the mud off themselves, E asked me to scoot over so he could cuddle up with me on the couch. While cuddling, we got the giggles because E was talking to me, but Rob answered him, thinking he was talking to him. We looked each other in the eye and then fell out laughing. It made me realize that he and I laugh together a lot more than I think we do. Yes, we are very different and get on each other's nerves a lot. But, I do love and appreciate our fun times together!