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Monday, March 21, 2011

Light and Air

I bought my oldest an alarm clock, and told him that under no circumstances, "unless [he was] bleeding or on fire" was he to go downstairs until the clock read 7:00 AM.

Both boys woke up at 6:53. I heard their footsteps slam on the carpet as they ran in circles, squealing.

Seriously. Every morning they do this. 

Owen said, "Wait, I need to check the alarm clock."

"Alarm clock, Owen?"

"Yes, Joel, alarm clock."

There was silence as he examined the numbers. "Six-Five-Seven. Too early."

"Too early, Owen?"

"Yes. GET BACK TO BED!"

I heard the thump of his body as Joel hit the floor, wailing in protest. He wasn't really crying as much as making crying sounds.

I generally ignore these tantrums, which sprout like mushrooms, and are smashed just as easily.

But my first-born does not share my resolve. He cooed, as one would to a small child (unless--ahem--one is heartless), "It's okay, Buddy. I love you. We can go down soon, I promise."

His brother hiccuped and sniffled, "Hug, Owen?"

"Okay." The wailing ceased. They paused for a moment, then my youngest yelped, "I happy now!"

"We can go downstairs," Owen said, "The clock says Seven-Zero-Zero."

I listened to their footsteps tumble down the stairs, and blinked back my tears.

Yes, they will fight. Joel antagonizes. Owen is insufferably bossy.

But, for a moment, grace floated, as effervescent as light and air.

25 comments:

Formerly known as Frau said...

Love it! Have a wonderful Monday!

Minivan Lover said...

I'm SO excited for moments like that! Owen is SO stinkin smart!!!

TKW said...

Now THAT is a great way to greet the morning.

Anonymous said...

That is so sweet!

Anonymous said...

That is one of the cutest pictures ever! Love the story. You are blessed, my dear.
Have a wonderful week!

Kim said...

Okay those boys are simply delicious. I love, love, love those glasses. I wish an alarm clock would solve some of our sleeping issues.

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

So sweet. I'm glad you appreciated it pre-7 am. Sometimes I can't feel the sweetness that early!

VictoriaKP said...

I love it when brothers are so... brotherly!

My Owen is also the keeper of 7am at our house :-).

Ms. Moon said...

Grace notes...

LB said...

Awww, they are so sweet to each other!!! My oldest would probably have smothered his sister's head in a pillow.

Mama-Face said...

number one. This is so sweet and tender.

number two. your boys are crazy geniuses. I don't think my 10 year old understands a digital clock. (I may be exaggerating a bit... but not much.)

number three. your boys are crazy cute too.

Ash said...

NOTHING better! Nothing!! I always chastise myself for not taping their sweet interactions. But really, they are tatooed on my brain. I know you know.

Ohh, that picture! Such sweetness my heart hurts. In a good way.

Ash said...

P.S. in light of all the Red Dress chatter, you know my praise of your story and picture is sincere. I love that another mom is privy to those beloved brother chats, and I love that another mom captures the worshipping that is brotherhood.

And I love even more that that other mother is a friend.

That is all...sincerely.

Rebecca said...

I think I fell in love with the boys while looking at that last photo. They are precious.

Erin said...

This is exactly how life is in our house. It's so much fun to watch the boys literally become brothers!

Now...to get them to wait until 7!!!

Jack said...

Sibling love is awesome.

tracy said...

Oh my word this left me breathless. My favorite moments are the ones I hear from the next room...the ones when my daughters are kind to each other. Lovely.

Jenny said...

Oh, so sweet, sweet, sweet!

What a treasured moment.

erin margolin said...

precious! and i may have to steal this idea!! why didn't i think of it sooner?!?

also, are those the new frames?? they are ridiculously cute. the boys, i mean. well, the frames too, but you know what i mean.

;-)

xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

So sweet.

Anonymous said...

I love it! I have two as well and I love those little moments.

Plus - I think I need to buy my son an alarm clock. They are both up before 7 on a regular basis.

Eternal Lizdom said...

That is beyond precious!

Tracie Nall said...

So much sweetness! I love it!!

Reading things like this makes me long for a sibling for my daughter. Maybe one day. sigh.

Coby said...

I love those moments of grace between siblings. I also love Joel's hair in this picture!

Anonymous said...

I just bought Simeon an alarm clock and gave him the same speech. I can hear him pacing in front of it in the mornings. The moment the clock goes from 6:59 to 7:00, he breaks free of his room like a racehorse busting out of the gates.Hilarious!

This moment, though, this moment is priceless. Precious.