Road Kill and Other Thoughts

Catchy title, huh?  I hit a raccoon Sunday night.  Actually, it ran in front of my back tire right before my back tire ran over it.  I saw the raccoon come across the street. I was taught in driver's ed to keep steady and calm if a small animal runs out in front of you, no swerving.  Cows, buffalo, and deer are a different story.  But this raccoon had no hope.  I did hit the brakes a bit, but everything happened so fast.  Yet, I can picture his round, plump body illuminated by my headlights.  His striped tail was strikingly so that I instantly knew what mammal he was. He didn't stop, so he is dead.  My first road kill.  The boys were with me and experienced the bump.  Little Joe responded that there are plenty more raccoons around and most of them are pest anyway!  Just keeping the population at bay.
Little Joe is a breathing wikipedia.  He has lots of info stored in his little head based on what he has read and shares freely to those that will listen.  He still loves his LEGOS and continues to come up with new creations, lately of ninjas.  Most days he dresses up in one of his "warrior" outfits.   I love that he still does this and is not concerned with what he looks like or others' opinions.  That will come soon enough.  These sunny fall days draw him outside after school for an afternoon of imagination.
Baby Joe is a babbling boy all day.  Although, most people that see him outside our home think he is quiet and laid back.  That would be his opposite.  He is passionate about getting what he wants when he wants it, loves what anyone else is eating, goes crazy over balls (including the big red ones outside of Target), has recently started giving multiple hugs without being asked, enjoys attention from anyone be it person or dog, and easily makes his family laugh.  He is almost 16 months and does not walk.  He likes to walk on his knees, though.  Slowly working his way up.

These boys are a sweet, delight to my life.  I am exhausted at the end of each day and thankful for the gift of them.  Joe continues to be a loving encourager in my ministry to our boys. The Lord knows I need him!

                        Sir Lancelot and a fire breathing dragon