Joy

All my kids bring joy to my life, but as a parent you know the one that you simply can't take seriously, is always reaching for more in an unconventional way.

Catherine reaches for more education and learning, reading everythign she gets her hands on. Daniel reaches for more learning in how to be a leader, teacher and a better person, Steven reaches for another large double shot espresso and keeps me reaching for the asprin.

Steven tests life. He strives to experience everything he can. No, not in the conventional way by reading then doing, but by reaching for 2 cinderblocks, a large plank and his dirt bike. I reach for the box of bandaids and the salve.

Logic says you can't make a jump with a plank at the angle, he is out to experience it before reading the rules. The way he expresses himself makes him one in a million. He can be stone faced, but looking in his eyes, you know something is cooking. His body may be still, but his mind is trying to figure out how he can keep the dog still long enough to paint his toenails. He takes school a bit differently. Once he learns something he hates shoing he can do it over again. Thus, his placement in accelerated math and reading. If it's in print it's a fact, he'd rather learn by trial and error. Yes Steve, gravity is the same as it was yesterday.

Taking pictures with this child is a lesson in futility. He has taught me more about patience, looking at things and getting ideas before I read the rules and patience to try again.