Boys Will Be Boys

I'm reading a book about raising boys. It's a great book and is rather enlightening in many ways. As I have been reading, I have realized that girls are different... I mean beyond the obvious physical differences and the notorious emotions, little girls do not behave like little boys. It never hit me, until the author pointed out in his book, that little girls are generally more tranquil and calm. How would I know? I grew up with 3 brothers and no sisters. I grew up in a house where wrestling was frequent, bones got broken and Mom often said, "I told you so" and in that order.

I thought my boys behaved like children. Instead I've learned, that they behave like boys.

Let me tell you about them.

My boys are always loud.
My boys are always moving.
My boys always find a way to eek the words "poop" and "pee" into the conversation.
My boys can turn anything in to a weapon.
My boys like to stand and or jump on all furniture.
My boys constantly quote movies, tv shows, and past conversations.
My boys are forever making noises, of all kinds.
My boys think burping and farting should be permissible at the dinner table.
My boys eat, and eat, and eat.
My boys love to wrestle.
My boys hate wearing shirts with collars... it's t-shirts all the way.
My boys like to do everything fast (except chores and homework).
My boys like to watch tv really loud!
My boys like to make fun of each other.
My boys plug their ears when a Barbie commercial comes on tv.
My boys never use napkins.
My boys like to see things blow up (thankfully this is just a spectator sport at current).
My boys get stinky, really fast
And on, and on.

Let me remind you of their ages. 9. 6. 4. 1.

Fast forward. 17. 14. 12. 9.

HOLY SHNIKEES!! What am I going to do?? If I think that my home has much in common with the zoo now, imagine what it will be like in a few short years! They will big. They will be smelly. And they will be hungry... all the time!

Do you feel sorry for me? "Yes", you say?

Well, don't.

Let me tell you a little more about my boys.

My boys tell me they love me multiple times a day.
My boys adore babies.
My boys like to help.
My boys, though they get stinky often, polish up beautifully and smell like soap after a warm bath.
My boys are compassionate.
My boys love family.
My boys play together.
My boys love scripture stories (especially the ones that involve weapons and battles).
My boys love to listen to primary songs to fall asleep.
My boys tell me I'm pretty even when I feel ugly.
My boys give me hugs and kisses all through out the day.
My boys tell me they like my hair when I come home from a haircut.
My boys love to talk to me and tell me about their day.
My boys often ask me about my day.
My boys are great about sharing with each other.
My boys only require 2 pairs of shoes. Play and church.
My boys very often say 'please' and 'thank you'.
There is of course more but best of all, my boys show me love, patience and forgiveness daily.

So, don't ever feel sorry for this mom of all sons. For me, there is no competition. I am the only woman in their lives. And while, at times, I may feel a little out numbered and exhausted, I usually just feel loved and extremely blessed to be the only woman vying for their attention (at least for now).