The Are More Than Twins to me ….. so much much more.

See them, they are my muse…. each one brings something special into my life and reminds me that no matter what the future brings we still has so many possibilities.

The one in red is Devin. I have spoken about Devin many times and he brings to my life so many lessons & laughter. My boy was the first of the twins born , he was 9 lbs. of boy. I was so happy when they said he was healthy and safe.  I wanted to see the little man that had been taking up space on top of his brother that was buried in my back!  Funny thing is that i don't remember what happened that day … so much excitement and so much in awe of having twin boys.
The one in blue is Ethan. Ethan I haven't spoke about as much, he was 8 lbs. and very alert from the first moment he cried.  He has enough personality for a 7 foot man , remember he is only 7 years old!  He is a riot and is really smart, not just book smart but street smart. He shares his secrets with me and tells me all the time he is never moving out and will be with me forever. He is 7 , and my mystical powers will wear off soon enough and he won't even acknowledge me one day. I do laugh so much with him and he reminds me to let things that upset me go so I can laugh again.

Both of them are smart kids.  But they are more than my sons ; the are my teachers as well.
I have been challenged by them both and each at different times in my life, but never have I looked back and not found the lessons they taught me.  They inspire me to pursue so many things and never give up.  I will try not to let them down.

When they were little and cried I learned to be patient and find ways of distracting them from their tears.
When they were older asked me questions, yes at the same time, I learned to pay attention and answer what they asked. They didn't always like the answer but that wasn't the point.
When they help me laugh I know that they are here on earth to keep me focused and to realize how rich I really am.
When they hug me I know that no matter what, that each bond is clear and they know my love is endless and true.
Having them in my life has brought adventures, worries, challenges, and happiness into my life.
You know when they say count your blessings … I always look at them and the first 2 blessings are right there !

The year ends and what have I learned .. more than I imagined :)

So , the school year is coming to an end and I am taking a deep breath and smiling a big smile.

I am proud to say that each child has made amazing strides academically. Alexandra is moving up to the 7th grade and has made the principals list again … her goal was to maintain this all year and she did it ! So proud of her and all her hard work.  Ethan is moving up to the 2nd grade and is reading well and Math is his best subject. His energy to learn is amazing and it make you want to learn too. Devin has been doing great and his adjustment to a new school and environment went really well. His work at school is been progressing and he is moving on to the 1st grade.

I think that after working with kids all year , not just my own, I have learned so many things.
1. If you mess up … erase it and start over .
2. Listen and you might hear something new; even the youngest child can teach you something.
3. Saying "thank you" makes everyone smile.
4. Even when you aren't good at something; trying means you never fail.
5. There is always more than one way to learn something new … just keep trying and be proud of what you have done.

Devin brought home an art project recently.  He is not fond of doing art, but he did his best and it came out great. The frame he painted and decorated was beautiful and so was the smile in the picture that was in it when he gave it to me. He looked at me and said; " Are you proud ?" I looked at him and said; " I am always proud of you and everything you do." He smiled and hugged me and kissed me. That reaction was all I needed to know that he liked what I said and was saying thank you for all the love.  Devin speaks volumes when he is silent … you just need to listen and watch and its all clear as crystal.

The one thing I have taught all the kids around me this year (mine included) : there is always more than one way to learn something , just be patient and ask for help if you need it.
My heart skips a beat when I think of all the things this summer has to offer and how lucky I am that I get to be part of it.