When Your Kid’s Passion Looks Different (and That’s Okay)

I'm not sure if you heard the big news.  I'm a grandmother. 

Boeden adopted a fire hydrant this week, so I assume I get to be the hydrant's grandmother, right?  (Yes, you read that correctly- he adopted a fire hydrant, even has a certificate to prove it!)

I have had to learn a lot to try to be a good mom to Boe. He is a very sweet boy, but his interests are so unique. His anxiety and learning challenges make everything a little more challenging.  Whereas my other kids would have gladly baked with me and done crafts, Boeden’s only interest in baking is getting to eat the finished product. And his version of “crafts” involves power tools and taking down full walls. 

For Christmas this year Boeden asked for a new snowblower. We have a hand-me-down from Lance’s family. It is about 20 years old and only worked intermittently.  Boeden actually watched some youtube videos and decided it needed a new carburetor. Lance helped him order one and sure enough, it was back up and running!  But Boeden the budding entrepreneur said that if we have multiple snowblowers, we can all help him clear neighbor’s driveways! Lucky us!

So for Christmas he got an electric snowblower, a new snow shovel and the craziest but warmest clothing for his snow blowing adventures. The only problem was we could not produce snow, so he has been waiting. And waiting. And watching the weather apps.  When this storm was first predicted, I thought the kid was going to explode. I'm not sure I have ever seen him so excited.

He immediately started telling me everything we need to do to get ready for the storm. For a kid who supposedly struggles with executive function, he knew we needed gas for the old snow blower. He asked me to order more ice melt. He asked if he could set an alarm for the middle of the night so he could start clearing before there was too much accumulation. 

Anyway, when I saw the “adopt a fire hydrant” program - which simply asks that you clear snow and weeds from around a fire hydrant located near your house to ensure first responders can access the hydrant….I knew Boeden would be all over it!  

So while I won't be knitting any booties, I do love how excited Boeden is to display the adoption certificate in his room.  And for those of you thinking his Christmas gifts sound so lame, don’t worry, he also got the extension ladder he asked for. And the new Timberland steel toe boots. New eye protection. A few custom ‘Boe’s Mows and Snowblows’ hoodies and t-shirts. Lots of Home Depot and McLean Hardware gift cards. And a tool set that I put in the stocking stuffer pile. Lance looked at me like I was crazy….apparently said tools were several hundred dollars!?!?! They are also probably not child safe. Clearly I am still learning!

So while Boeden will always keep me on my toes, he is very excited to one day mow and snow blow our entire neighborhood! I admire the fact that Boeden has never wavered in his desire to be a “mower man”. From the time he was 2 years old, he always watched our lawn crew mow our lawn. When he got a bit older, he would take them water and follow them around the yard. They became his buddies- and started bringing him birthday and Christmas gifts! (I know, that really tugged at this mom’s heart strings!)

So as we all view the upcoming storm with various degrees of excitement or trepidation, just know that Boeden is out of his mind excited. Wishing you all a warm and safe week ahead. I am planning to bake on Friday. I just heard a forecaster say they think schools will be closed all week….but you can be sure that Schone’s Scones driveway will be crystal clear!! ;)

xo,

Heather

Mom the worrier making sure he can be seen while out in the snow!