Boys. They are a handful. They are loud and noisy at the table. They never make their beds without being asked. They can't be bothered to pick up their socks and clothes. They cough and splutter all over everything. And just when you have had enough, they smile at you, give you a hug, and say, "I love you Mom!"
Boys. They are a handful. They can be caring towards each other. It isn't often, but it does happen.
Let's start with the youngest. Jordan.
Our next big boy is Aidan...
And now we come to Justin. One of a kind Justin...
Justin. This is the kid whose one requirement for his friends growing up was to play hard. He was intense in his ability to play and have fun. He still is. He has a funny sense of humor. He identifies with being a black female!
He is intelligent, but is not as able as Aidan to articulate his viewpoints. Still, a diamond in the making is happening with this kid!
So, how do you love a boy? Well. I would say very carefully with a lot of humor and a lot of fun.
Let us count the ways:
1) When they are little, the bedtime routine of a story and a hug and a kiss good night is a great place to let them know they are loved.
2) As they get older, the hug and the kiss are still appreciated. (Apparently, it was me who loved the stories!)
3) Feed them bacon at least once every two weeks. Very, very important!
4) Feed them well. Cook their favorites along with the healthy stuff! (They will complain about the tofu, but they are going to love the chili around Christmas time!)
5) Ask them what they did at school even if they tend to grunt at you and give blank stares.
6) Tolerate the grabbing of each other’s butt cheeks and the nipples until you hear someone cry. (Then the fun is over!)
7) Give up on trying to wake them up early. Eventually they will get up.
8) Tell your husband that you have been tolerating the look of his office for years and that you need to clean it up (yes, it bothers me that much and, yes, I consider him to be a boy!!). Remind him that this is love.
9) Tell Jesus that you love them and think of them often.
10) Tell them that picking up the laundry is a pleasure for you!!
(I would actually switch #9 and #10, but I will leave that up to you!)
How do you love the boys in your family? I would love to see your list here or in Facebook...