A combine, my boy and a special moment.

Last Saturday night Adam and I were driving South on Patterson Road, headed towards Gun Lake Campground for the annual Trick-or-Treat event. Jeff stayed home with Miles, who was home sick with a fever.

We were chatting with the radio off, windows down, and sucking in the last of the unseasonably warm air, when we spotted a combine to the right in the distance. Knowing how much he loves combines, I pulled off on the shoulder and we sat there, watching this combine work over it's rows, from right to left. Turn. Left to right.

I dare say we were both mesmerized with the combine in that moment, but for different reasons. Adam was trying to figure out the inner-workings of the machine out, talking about parts and wondering if it had a headlight in case it got dark outside. I was savoring the magic of the glorious background the leaves on the trees created for the combine. Reds, yellows, browns. It was all made richer by the warm fall air that was wafting through the window. I wondered what the driver was thinking about, as he was working his way through the field. Was he listening to the radio, or simply the hum of the machine? Did he find the job as relaxing as he made it look, or was it just another "chore" to be checked off his presumably long list? Did he spot us looking at him up on the hill, and more importantly, did he have any idea that his work was making an impact on a little boy, watching eagerly from afar?

Funny how a simple thing like stopping on the side of the road to watch piece of farm equipment can turn into a memorable "moment" with your child.

Soon the hopper was full with whatever it was full of and the combine turned to go back to where it came from. We drive off towards the campground, Adam talking about headlights and me thinking about how God shows up in the funniest of places.

I wonder where I'll find him next?

Fabulous Five.

It's unbelievable to me to think that I have a 5 year old. Five! He had a great birthday, made possible by a much-anticipated Transformer-themed birthday cake and his loving family surrounding him. I'm certain that when he went to bed that evening he felt loved and full of excitement about his new toys. A great day for him indeed.

Here's 5 things I love about Adam, in honor of this joyous day:

1. His attitude - both good and bad. I often hear other mom's say "my kid is so crabby today!" Adam may get (easily) annoyed/frustrated by me, Miles, even walking to the school bus when it's cold out (just wait buddy, just wait!), but he's quick to snap out of it. He wakes up bounding with energy and ready to start the day...and that energy continues to nap time (yes, he still naps!) and then right on up until bed time. His generally good-natured take on life is fun to watch.

2. His nurturing spirit. He is a kind soul, and really takes a leadership role with Miles at times, lovingly showing him "how to" do something or helping him with this and that. And then they quickly go back to fighting, but I digress.

3. He loves to laugh. He and Jeff had a wonderful time at Michigan's Adventure this summer. Guaranteed he was the only 4 year old to ride "Shivering Timbers" that day, so in these situations it pays to be tall. Jeff said that after the initial shock of the first run (and some tears!), he eagerly rode it several more times that day, laughing all the way.

4. He loves to read. I cannot wait for him to begin to read. I have a feeling he will love to read on his own as much as he loves being read to. Current favorite books are those in the Curious George series as well as longer stories such as the classic "Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel."

5. He loves his Daddy. When Jeff comes home, Adam lights up, and that makes my heart swell with pride. The two of them (well, the three of them, usually) quickly get to work of playing catch, chase, building legos as soon as dinner ends. I love the "before bed time scramble" that happens around here, as the freshness of Daddy being home from work often gives both the evening and the boys new energy and a happy vibe.

I'm looking forward to this next year, seeing how he grows and matures as a result of being in school every day. Happy Birthday, Buddy!