favorite child -I don't think so!

So my son Jon, who works for computer frontline support at IHC was helping a physician at my old office today and asked if the physician knew me. Duh, of course he knows me - however, we are not each other's favorite people, so when he found out Jon was my son, he started asking questions. He only asked questions that the correct answer would have been Jeremiah, but Jon didn't want to embarrass him, so he just said yes to one of the questions. Thus, Jon has decided that Jer is my favorite. Let me just say - for the record - My grandchildren are my favorite! My kids are wonderful, but not near as much fun as the grandkids (since my kids were never this cute). However, also for the record, I love each of my children - not always equally. It depends on my mood, or who I've seen most recently.

Jim - the oldest, has always had a plan, and swayed the family to do things his way. He has lots of fun, and lots of energy, and I could never hope to keep up with all that he likes to do. He has great strengths and patience (you have to have patience when you are the father of Laine "the hurricane"). He deserves Laine, because she is so strong willed (like him) and now he is getting a taste of how we as his parents spent his childhood - more fun to come Jim, just wait! It's a good thing Jim and Marie have Romney to even things out a bit - although he has his moments too. What a sweet child!

Judianne has always been a lady. (code word for master manipulator) She was a girl from the word go - and we honestly wanted to lock her in a closet at the age of 12 because we knew she would be popular with the boys. She had her moments of giving us grief (who didn't?) but in the long run, she has proven to be steady and strong in all things. She is an awesome mother and at times her children remind me of Jer and Judi as children. Wyatt is so quiet, sweet and caring 99% of the time, then he has moments when he loses his temper without warning or, but calms down quickly and is his old sweet self again. Elizabeth is another little lady. (code word for master manipulator) Judi always tried to keep her brothers under control, and would often initiate "school" at home. I think she still holds "school" with her children. They certainly know a lot. Elizabeth can sing the primary songs right along with Wyatt. Not an easy task for a 19 month old. I'm sure she keeps Ryan on his toes too.

Jeremiah is the passionate one, and the one who lets you know how he feels. His talents and love of music have helped him in many ways. I also think he is the ham of the group (although Jonathan has more of that than you would think). Jer has no qualms about sharing his talents, and will vocalize his dissatisfaction with helping with the computer when he has other things to occupy his time. He is right - I couldn't afford him if I had to pay for his time, so I'm grateful that he so willingly helps his computer illiterate mom. He is also the most willing of my children to help out when asked. He will stick with you until a job is completed and doesn't make you feel guilty about it.

Jonathan has always been the funny one. He can be funny without realizing it, and we have all been kept in stitches at one time or another - "I'm the leprechaun" is a favorite memory along with our camping trips with the "ragman".

Jon is the one who is most likely to do something nice without being asked. He will just step up and do a good deed with no expectation of reward.

Jon can almost be defined by sports. He has always been a sports nut and was on winning football teams through little league and High School. While too small to play much he was an important part of the team. He was almost the “Rudy” of the Olympus High team. His coach would use him as an example, telling other team members that if they had Jon’s heart they would be great players. He also added to my own love of sports – as long as Jon was playing, it made it that much better. The years he played baseball were the only years I enjoyed the sport on a regular basis. I’m glad he loved basketball and football.

Ali will have her hands full keeping up with Jon's love of sports, but she seems to handle it well.

So - sorry kids, I don't really have a favorite - if you were to ask me under oath, I couldn't name a favorite. You all have your place, and I'm glad to claim you all! (spouses included)- Mom