what to do, what to do...

Last summer, I learned the hard way that it is imperative that Avery has a plan for each day. It doesn't have to encompass the whole day, but there has to be something to accomplish or look forward to. Despite my not-so-structured nature, I've been able to accommodate that need better this summer, but...

With the last minute nature of Miles' surgery, I really didn't have much of a plan for how to deal with the rest of the kids. Within a few hours, Avery was driving me NUTS because he didn't have any structure. He had read all of his library books. He didn't have Miles to play with. We don't have video games. He I couldn't host a friend. What could he do???

Ever since our trip to Dick's sporting goods the other day, Avery has been perseverating on the idea of getting catcher's equipment. So, I made the mistake of letting him look for a set on Amazon and he became quickly obsessed with saving up for it. I'm all for safety in baseball, hard work and saving up, but did I really have capacity to deal with this??? It takes a lot of work to put your kids to work.

Out of sheer necessity to preserve my sanity, I put Avery to work this morning to clean up our construction site/family room. He worked his tail off and organized, moved tools, swept and vacuumed it up. Ch-ching. He made bank.

But, he wanted more work... (ugh...)

I got out a ladder and had him work on pulling off a rotten board from our garage. He worked on it for awhile, but then determined he needed a saws-all to finish the job. Okay...but I couldn't devote time and attention to overseeing that project. Ch-ching. He made a little bit for good effort.

But, he still needed more to do... (oh.my.word.)

So...after thinking for a few moments, I figured now would be a good time for him to learn how to cut-in and roll-on paint. He's 10, right?! But, first he had to sand and prep the walls (just a little bit). And then he had to remove the switch plate and railing (yay for getting to use tools!). He's really focused and loving his job. Ch-CHING! He's definitely gonna earn a good wage for this one!

Here he is working on the stairway down to our basement. We've needed to paint it for five years. I think I like having an eager 10-year-old!!!




You might wonder why I didn't have him unload the dishwasher or do laundry. Well, he has to do those things on an almost daily basis. Pro bono. That comes with the territory of being in our family.

he takes the mound

Just when you think baseball season is over...

...the league throws together a tournament team and your son pitches for the first time ever.

standing in the mirror with avery

One surprising thing about Avery is that he's very verbally affirming when it comes to my physical appearance. On those rare days when I slap on a little extra make-up and wear jewelry, he doesn't miss it. Better yet, he'll say, "You look really pretty." It's shocking really, because, as I've told you, he just doesn't say much.

A few weeks ago, we were both in the bathroom while I was waxing my eyebrows:

Avery: Why are you "ear"waxing your eyebrows?

Me: It's not earwax, honey.

Avery: Oh. Well, it looks good when you do it.

Simple. To the point. Affirming.

Yesterday, however, I looked repulsive as we both stood there looking in the mirror. My hair was frizzy. I was paler than usual.

Me: I look horrible.

Avery, pausing to take it all in: I think it might help if you wear a hat.

Simple. To the point. Honest. I had to laugh (and put on make-up and fix my hair...)

Avery? A-ve-ry... AVERY? AVERY!!!

You wanna know how to get Avery's attention? Don't call for him like you would anyone else. Say, "Avery! CATCH!!!" He'll drop whatever he's doing and fly around the corner ready for whatever you have to throw his way. I'm not kidding.

marching to the beat of his own drum

Avery's always, always, ALWAYS tapping his toes on the floor or thumping his hands on the table. The kid loves a beat. Here's a little clip of Brent and Avery just riffing along. It's not the best I've heard, but it's at least a sample. I need to get him lessons...but drums??? Do I really want a drummer in the house?? I think I've already got one.

it's moments like this...

...I'm grateful they are seven years apart.

Avery is 8-yrs-old (but, please don't tell him!)

Each of my kids is my favorite. I've told you most about Miles because he's the most bloggable. You've seen mostly pictures of Jillian because she's the baby and she hasn't started losing any teeth. But, what about the tall kid with floppy hair and the most responsibilities? What about him?

Avery kinda stays under the radar. He's introverted. He doesn't like to use words much. He has but few requests: food (half the time I say yes), t.v. (rarely do I say yes), and playing ball with the neighbors (sure, go for it!).

But, here's something about him you'd only know if you lived here...
He's an early bird. He's oftentimes the first one up. He doesn't make a ruckus. He likes to have a quiet morning to himself. Many mornings, he'll get up, get dressed, make his bed and get himself a bowl of cereal. Is this normal eight-year-old boy behavior? It gets better. When I was in my first trimester and dealing with insomnia, battling unbearable fatigue, he was so helpful. At the first squawk from Jillian, he'd be at my side asking, "Can I go get Jillian from her crib for you?" What a blessing!!! Even now, tears well in my eyes as I consider the help my son has been to me.

In an effort to honor my oldest son, I'll be doing a mini-series of posts for and about him.