Lighting Candles: 8 Years

Friday, December 20, 2013

8 Years

To My Darling Nathaniel Corse Boyle,

You are 8 years old today. 8 years sounds like a very long time to me. Yet, it seems like we just brought you home from the hospital. Not really, but in my sentimental mother's mind, you will always be that Christmas baby.

You are a big 2nd grader, finishing up your first semester at MRH Elementary School today. Dad & I have used the word rockstar many times these past few months, as you continue to marvel us with your academic accomplishments. Some tasks come easy to you and others don't, but you press on and find happiness in learning.

You do very well with the social aspect at school too. And I know why. You always seek to help people be included and never shy away from someone that wants to be your friend. I've watched you befriend people that I didn't think you needed in your circle. You knew they needed your friendship and didn't walk away when forming that bond was difficult at times. Your strength in this area amazes me and you have not once come home and said you didn't like someone at school, even when I thought you should have. We could all take a lesson from you.

You love your sister fiercely. Even though she bugs the tar out of you. I tell you that this is a little sister's job. Truth be told, you are nicer to her than she is to you, most of the time. But she is the only one that you allow to call you "Natey" without getting mad. I hope you are always as loyal to her as you are today, and she the same to you.

Your imagination is still in full-force and you still enjoy Legos immensely. Although Dad & I have a love / hate relationship with the Legos, we know they have helped your little creative mind so much. Unsolicited the other day, you told me, "Mom, when I grow up, I want to work for Lego for 2 reasons. One, so that I can do something that I like to do for work, and Two, so that I can help other kids use their imagination." This would make us very proud and we'll keep reminding you of your dream!

You finally got one of your big wishes this year. A pet that will actually let you touch it. Truman brings you so much joy and Dad & I are happy to be let off the "I Want A Dog" bus for a little while.

We still read to you at night before you go to bed. Usually 2 chapters of a book that we are reading together. And our routine since you were a baby was always to sing songs after books. But it seemed like you were out growing this part of the routine, so after the book is read and the lights are turned out, I started doing something a little different this year. We instead do a little "Repeat After Me."