Best Friends....

My two youngest boys are truly best friends. When Joe went away for three days last week, Peter was actually "Joe-sick". He'd come up to me every half hour or so and tell me with puppy- dog sad eyes that he missed Joe. And that it's not fun without him.

Joseph is 9 and Peter 6. They are as different as night and day. Peter is aggressive and bossy. Joe is passive and easy to please. I'm so thankful for the design evident in their birth order...Joe is just old enough to understand and tolerate Pete without taking offense. He's quite patient with him.

The other day I observed them sitting in the back seat, buckled and waiting to go somewhere. They didn't see me, but I saw them! Peter had his face in Joe's neck.  Joe had his arms around Pete. They were cuddling and just showing affection, it was so sweet! Wish I had a video of that.

I believe the reason they are so fond of each other is that they're together so much. Joe called while he was away those three days and filled Peter in on everything he was doing, in a most animated way. Joseph is not being pulled away from his family friendships and loyalty by friends at school nor on the team. He's not ashamed of his little brother in any way. He never tells him to get lost when an older friend comes to play. Having his little brother with him is natural to him and the best. I'm so thankful for the great example all of my older children have been in this...often inviting a younger sibling along, including them in on what they are doing and learning.

Having grown -up brothers and sisters has given these boys vision for their lives. I have heard them discussing at length:  businesses they plan to have,  trucks they plan to buy, how many children they hope to have, places they want to live etc.

I  love watching them grow and learn and figure out what life is all about.

For these things I am grateful. Thank You Lord!!