I try to be a strong role model for the boys but…I’m just a girl. Not meant as a sexist remark, woman can do anything but… there are a lot of things I don’t know how to do or just plain don’t want to do. I can teach them how to do things I enjoy like cook, I can teach them how to enjoy reading..(working on that still) But, some stuff….is just best learned by hanging out with the guys. Biggest brother does like to hang with the little bros but doesn’t live here (grown and moved out…boo) So, we get male role models where we can.  Hayden(reading over my shoulder) is reminding me that male role models are around but they seem to be the bad ones. ahem…Well, I have been trying in vain to get someone to help me finish painting the trim in my living room/dining room . I had two people start…and stop, several times as a matter of fact. I don’t like painting, I’m bad at it. I’m sloppy and well, I just  hate it in general. A cousin was telling me her 17 year old son Mike was looking for work. Whoo Hooo…I have a sucker. I mean a volunteer to help me finish up. We worked out the details and I kept him for a whole Saturday. He was great. He not only did a great job but he let the boys help him with the patience of a saint. When he was done he even let the boys take him outside to burn ants with a magnifying glass (I know…ewww… But it’s a thing a boys got to do right?) When the day was through Ian asked Mike if he would like to be adopted. I explained that he already had loving parents who would miss him and he was already pretty much grown at 17. Ian then made sure Mike understood  that I wouldn’t be adopting him, Ian would adopt him and be his dad. Oh so cute.  Family, patient and handy! Wow!  I already have new home improvement projects in mind for the next time I’m lucky enough for him to have a free day!