Smarty Pants

According to his school principal, Liam earned the highest grades in the entire sixth grade and will be enrolled in all honors courses next year.

Woot!

The principal actually called Monica to tell her the news. He added that he doesn't think Liam is being challenged enough and asked for permission to step it up a few notches for the seventh-grade year. That Liam, he's a smart boy!

Although he was pretty nonchalant when Steve told him the news last night, you could tell he was pleased. He's a tiny bit apprehensive that he won't have classes with any of his friends, but the kid enjoys challenge and being the "best" so much that I'm positive these feelings will be short-lived.

It's hard to not be proud of him. I know you shouldn't put labels on children or compare them to their siblings, but Liam is definitely our "Smart One." Aiden is "The Worker," while Joey is the "Tough One." Three distinct personalities, shaped by the unique circumstances life dealt them.

You know, I'm lucky. I complain a lot, and in doing so often forget that I've been blessed with the opportunity to have these boys in my life.

I have told the boys that although it sucks that their parents are divorced, we aren't the only people in this situation and at some point we all have to suck it up and just deal. I stand by that, and I won't apologize for not coddling them. But you know what? We're making it work. Their mothers, their dad, and even me -- we're doing what has to be done to make sure they are safe and loved. And because of that -- because they have so many people who care about them, they are lucky too.

It ain't all peaches and cream, folks. But it could be a whole lot worse. I'd do well to remind myself of that more often.