roundabout request

A few weeks ago Jadon & I were talking about fear. I was trying to explain the difference between the kind of fear God doesn't want us to have (we can have peace because He is always with us), & the kind of fear response God has actually given us so that we can jump to action (for example, if we were faced with two lions in the house). As is often the case, Jadon had a quick answer to everything I said, including the following:
"If there were two lions in our house, I'd go get the knives & immediately throw them at them like darts..."

Then, with a look of pensive realization, he continued, "That's why I want a dartboard, Daddy!"

1st 10U hat-trick yesterday

Jadon played probably his best game yesterday at Icetown:
4 goals (the first of which was when his team was shorthanded due to penalty), a few good passes, & staying ready for the rebounds. Also, a wonderful team mentality when he was in the lockerroom afterward, of special note since he was just moved to this team in the middle of the season & still doesn't know everyone yet. We are very, very proud of our son. (Thank you, Heavenly Father!)

our little gentleMAN

Earlier this evening while strolling outside at Citrus Plaza with Evangelina & Mommy ahead of Jadon & me, we approached the doorway at Barnes & Noble when Jadon sped ahead of Evangelina & Mommy (a rather long way around a table) to grab the door handle.  As our women walked in, Jadon declared, "Ladies always first..."  Then with the women safely ahead, "...then, human beings." 

time is NOT money

One of the poignant things about the whole process of considering changing jobs has been Jadon's matter-of-fact perspective on the importance of time-off from work, at least in comparison to salary.  When I've shared with him the two main options before us, with one making more money (over time) but with less paid time off & the other making less money but with much more paid time off, he's repeatedly stated what to him is the obvious answer: the job with more time off to spend with the family.  Earlier today when I told him of our decision (which happens to be the one with the less time off), he even cried briefly, not realizing that the decision was far more complex than thinking about money vs. time off.  In fact, we made this decision in great part because it would mean a lot more daily time together with family (eg: before school & after work) than if I stayed with the job with more time off but had to make an hour's commute each way.  

I'm currently (slowly) reading "The Five Love Languages of Children," which lists physical touch, affirming words, acts of service, gift-giving, and quality time as the five love languages that people (including children) 'speak' & understand, with each person often 'speaking/understanding/desiring' one over the others.  I already knew that physical touch & affirming words loom large in Jadon's understanding of love.  Quality time, I'm realizing (& am humbled by), is quite important to him, as well.