They're adorable, they're maddening and I love them to the moon and back...they're my boys.

I don't mind bragging a bit, my kiddos are awesome.  I am blessed with 2 boys, ages 11 and 8, and they absolutely rock. Being a single mom isn't easy, but I wouldn't trade those hooligans for anything.

Why my 11 year old rocks:

• He invited me to a special breakfast at school as someone who is a good roll model for him.  His reason?  "You teach me how to eat healthy, mom."  Ironically, the special breakfast served will be donuts. :)
• He believes in paranormal phenomena such as Bigfoot, Chupacabra and aliens.
• He can't decide if he wants to be a paranormal investigator, A 'Ghostbuster', or a Bigfoot chaser when he grows up.  What a huge decision!
• He is challenged by his math class, yet can quickly figure out how to play any game imaginable on the PlayStation   
• He is enamored by Godzilla and cannot get enough of the movies, toys and books.
• He quotes from the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' book series.
• He loves to sing.  His current favorite?  The 'Ghostbusters' theme song.
• He busts out with an "I love you, mom!" at any given moment, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
• He has autism and is a bit awkward socially, but he practices and tries hard.
• He will try most any new food.
• He's a thinker.
• He's sweet.
• His favorite snack is fruit.
• He still asks to hear the story of how he farted on my sister when he was less than 1 day old.  (it was a big one, so I guess I can understand)
• When we are planning an outdoor activity, he tells me, "I'm more of an indoor kid, mom."
• He still sleeps with the remnants of his baby blankie and a stuffed Yogi Bear from a camping trip years ago.
• He loves to read, especially graphic novels.
• He is a talented artist.  His specialty is monsters.  Go figure.

Why my 8 year old rocks:

• He looks out for his older brother, yet isn't afraid to tackle or fight with him at any given moment.
• He's whip smart and soaks up knowledge like a sponge.
• He loves to read non-fiction books, especially about animals or weather.
• When he does read his non-fiction books, he shouts out random facts.  "Mom, did you know that lightening is 5 times hotter than the sun?"
• He's sassy.
• He's a drama king.
• He will yell, "I hate you, mom!" in one breath when he is punished for misbehavior, then want his back rubbed 5 minutes later.
• He understands more than it's possible to give him credit for.
• He loves to play outside and ride his bike.  Current favorite sport is basketball.
• He credits me with teaching how to throw a spiral with the football.
• He still sleeps with his blankie.
• He talks in his sleep.
• He still lets me tickle his feet.
• He is sweet on occasion, so it is special when he is.
• He loves to sing, loudly, and in his husky, gravelly voice.  I can totally see him as a front-man for a hard rock band.
• He loves building with Legos and K'Nex, and will design his own creations.
• He gives random hugs.
• He loves to help out in the kitchen from grating to slicing, he wants to learn how to do everything.

My boys are unique in their own way, yet still have many things in common.  They fight on occasion  they get along on occasion, they tattle, they work it out.  They gang up on mom sometimes, they stick up for me sometimes.  They fart, have stinky feet, talk about poop and burp loudly.  They are little men who are going to be kind, considerate, helpful and hard working big men someday, (I hope!), who also fart, have stinky feet, talk about poop and burp loudly.  Yep, I'm blessed.

I wouldn't trade them for anything.