Son #1

Nathan, in my humble opinion, is the sweetest, kindest (?) most genuinely honest kid I know. Nathan is my bud, my smart and curious, sensitive, loving, helpful kid. And as such he is a little shy and kind of likes to fade into the background, and he's humble. Like most teenage kids, he is not too willing to be photographed, where on the other hand Cameron will ask me to take his picture almost every day. Hence all the pics of Cameron; and Nathan's are fewer and further between, but trust me, you should see my stack of Nathan's baby/kid pics. I just wish they were digital! Nathan is curious about a lot of things, we have great conversations about history, politics, religion, people and how they think, he thinks deeply, considers all sides, and makes his own conclusions and will tell people, especially (and even) his teachers! He's not afraid to tell them how he feels about where the thinks the world has gone wrong. (This is a historical point of view, not religous one). His teachers really have great things to say about him, they say kind things about this nature, that he is "A JOY!" that he's a "Deep Thinker" that he "Is VERY respectful and considerate." His history teacher tells me he asks Nathan his opinion often about what they're talking about (maybe too much he admitted), but he says Nathan will not answer immediately but really think before he speaks and give honest and inspiring feedback. The news that his teachers love him and aren't worried a bit about the other stuff.... is great because I'm ALWAYS concerned about his school progress, but parent teacher conferences are SO positive that they help me chill out, speaking of; I'm working on a piece about Nathan's personal struggles with ADD, more on that later, it's my work in progress. Nathan does have a good head on his shoulders, his sense of right and wrong are admirable. He will not buy into certain things, does not conform to what people tell him to do, and will quietly rebel in his head, but never want to offend anyone. He'll respond respectfully if he's asked but wont push his opinion on others, this is helpful in church, we try not to rock the boat there. :) I love our conversations and he is always willing to talk to me, and sometimes he wants more attention than I give him. (I need to be better at this) He's in that stage, you know, between wanting independence and still needing love, attention, and validation from mom. Nathan loves to cook, likes to play with his brother, likes to play cards and board games with me, LOVES video games and movies and some TV shows like Big Bang, Lost, and Hero's. He is into Lazer Tag, biking, snowboarding, fishing, and he recently has found that he LOVES working with his hands.

He's taking woodshop this semester and he's the favorite, the teacher is always complimenting him and his work. He's SO excited about all the projects he's doing. He has like 135% in his class, he's worked so hard last term that he "technically" could sit and do nothing this term and still get an "A". Here is his "Critter Catcher" that works like a charm, in fact it's SCARY it's so fast and loud when it snaps shut it scares me, he loves it! He's made a long board, this bat, and a boomerang, and he's working on a Mothers Day gift I'm not supposed to know about....

Nathan made this bat in woodshop

Here are some more pics of my TEENAGER, (UGH!) but what a cutie.....

St. Patty's Day

K, here's all my boys :)


Snowboarding with Dad, (And John)

Here he's patiently tolerating his brother

I know, I know, we're getting haircuts tomorrow.....

See?