Day 128: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 14

I have been at odds with my son lately. He is almost 10, very smart, very determined and I am very ready to wring his neck  (in the nicest, most loving way possible). So, today's gratitude's is all about my son because I need to see him as God sees him.

1. Z's creative mind. No sooner than I am done reading or explaining a history lesson & Z will already have a great idea for a re-enactment or something to create out of LEGOs that perfectly fits the lesson. He does a great job of grasping the central idea & then making it real for all of us.

2. Z is a builder at heart. Every 6 weeks he gets a woodworking kit in the mail (thanks to my mom). He loves these kits & zips right through them. In the beginning I would tell him to read the directions and take his time. He didn't listen, but he doesn't need to either. Sure he could be a little more percise with his measuring, but he is great at figuring out how to build things. He has made some pretty cool things with LEGOs and with these woodworking kits. He even likes to help me figure out how to hang pictures or build a shelf.

3. He takes after Steve when it comes to video games, board games & strategy. He loves playing video games & he always figures the tips & tricks out first. He loves to share his knowledge with everyone. Steve & I have to stifle our smiles when Z imparts his wisdom to Steve. Z also enjoys playing chess or Axis & Allies or Magic with Steve - he learns the basic strategy & does a good job of building on it.

4. Z has a very tender heart. He hates to see anyone get hurt or get into trouble. He is the first one to bring you a comfort item - especially if you are sick or hurt. He tries his best to help people choose the right to avoid getting into trouble as well.

5. Z can be pretty silly which can make me laugh (when I am not tired or exasperated). He will do his own sound effects & theme music while playing. He has all sorts of crazy voices & personalities for his stuff animals. And he can write fan fic on the fly. When the children want to do a round robin or just play a game it is usually based on a movie, book or video game - Z comes up with some of the craziest & silliest scenes, but always manages to keep true to the spirit of the movie, book or video game.

Love ya, Z!